Haida Enterprise Corporation and Taan Forest conclude Negotiations to Acquire Tree Farm Licence 60

VANCOUVER, Oct. 11, 2011 /CNW/ - Haida Enterprise Corporation (HaiCo) has successfully concluded negotiations with Western Forest Products Inc. (WFP) for the purchase of TFL 60 covering 136,000 hectares on Graham, Moresby and Louise Islands in HaidaGwaii.   TFL 60 will be managed by Taan Forest, a subsidiary of HaiCo.

"TFL 60 is an impressive forestry asset" said Thomas Olsen -HaiCo Managing Director.  "We have been working with WFP for several years to conclude these negotiations and are excited to finally complete them.  Forestry has been an important part of the island economy for a century. With local ownership and control of TFL 60 comes the opportunity to work towards HaiCo's core objectives of bringing far more jobs and benefits to the island economy and a better life for people on HaidaGwaii."

"This investment by the Haida people is a big step forward for Taan Forest, adding significantly to an existing tenure negotiated with British Columbia through the new land use agreement" said Taan's President Bob Brash. "With a long term annual harvest of over 500,000 cubic metres, we can now leverage some of the world's best tree growing lands and renowned wood products into more local businesses and value-added forest products. Completing this purchase allows us to target better business efficiencies for our operations, provide consistent supply to our customers, and increase our efforts in local and international markets."

"Taan Forest has been on the leading edge of sustainable harvesting and forestry practices with its new approaches that meet the stringent objectives of the HaidaGwaii Strategic Land Use Agreement," said Brash. "The Haida Nation's special relationship with their forests and environment is well known. In recognition, work and independent audits are already well underway to certify our operations under the the strictest of certification standards and hope to provide updates on this initiative in the next few weeks."

"Our people will balance the natural and cultural imperatives with an Island economy" said Guujaaw - President of the Haida Nation " More than half of the islands are now in formal protection and new standards on the economic lands will ensure sustainable practices.  With our purchase of TFL 60, we have taken a major step to be involved in every economic sector affecting HaidaGwaii. The new management regime will be responsive to balancing ecological, cultural, and social matters while ensuring long term success."

For further information:

Bob Brash- President, Taan Forest 778-386-7759