The Sustainable Forestry and Land Retention Project announced today that it has received a $3,000 donation from the Domtar paper company to help the program assist woodland owners in northeastern North Carolina. 

Sponsored in part by Roanoke Electric Cooperative, the SFLRP helps families in seven counties served by the cooperative increase the income and asset value of family-owned forestland. 

It also encourages forest health, land retention and the opportunity for participating families to create intergenerational wealth.

Since its creation in 2013, more than 250 families have enrolled in the program. 

Participants have accessed approximately $560,000 in financial assistance for forestry and legal services.

Nearly 150 woodland owners have established forest management plans, and sustainable forestry practices have been implemented on about 3,000 acres of land.

“Domtar is extremely pleased to support the mission of the Sustainable Forestry and Land Retention Project with this donation,” said Charles Daniels, procurement forester at Domtar’s Plymouth pulp and paper manufacturing facility. “We take pride in producing useful products that people rely on every day, and healthy, sustainable forests are integral to our business.”

Daniels said, “The Sustainable Forestry and Land Retention Project is helping woodland owners maintain healthier forests and wildlife habitats, but most importantly it is having a positive, durable impact on the lives of the families it assists.”

SFLRP Director Alton Perry said the project greatly appreciates Domtar’s support.

“The majority of communities where we provide services are small, rural and economically distressed,” Perry said. “Landowners need someone to meet them where they are, increase their knowledge of services and programs available, and help them convert property they often view as a burden into the significant assets they can become. Domtar’s donation helps fill that void.”