With a background in environmental management and agriculture, Kim Allen’s (BSc’07, MEM’09) journey into the forestry sector was certainly not linear, but her passion for forests and farming has driven her to become a leader in the field.

Prior to her current role as executive director of Forest NB, Kim served over 11 years in government and private sectors and worked as a licensed seed crop inspector. Her deep understanding of resource management, gained through years of environmental impact project management, has allowed her to approach the forestry sector with a unique perspective.

Kim now leads a non-profit organization that represents a critical industry in the province. Encompassing 16 producing mills and over 400 members across New Brunswick that manufacture diverse products, including pulp, paper, solid wood, pellets, composite panels, specialty products, and more, Forest NB represents the forest products sector in dealings with government and the public.

Committed to advocacy, regulatory engagement, training and education, Kim says her work has been equally busy and rewarding.

“I don’t think the general population recognizes how well we do forestry here in the province and that we’re admired nationally and globally for our sustainable forest management practices. We’re a small province, but New Brunswick produces more lumber than Ontario. Because they are carefully and sustainably managed, we have very productive forests.”

Day to day, Kim is engaged in federal and provincial strategies that impact the forest sector, like the biodiversity strategy, along with regulatory issues at national and global levels. She collaborates closely with other provincial associations and the Forest Products Association of Canada. However, one of the areas she finds most rewarding is helping to inform the public about forestry in New Brunswick and providing educational opportunities for students.  

“Many people believe forestry is unsustainable, but it changes the conversation when you explain that we only harvest a small percentage of forests. Companies utilizing forest resources are required, through regulation, to replant or regenerate forests at the same rate they are harvested. We only harvest slightly more than one per cent of managed forests in New Brunswick each year.”

Many challenges face the forestry industry in New Brunswick, particularly the need to balance conservation efforts with economic sustainability. The forest sector contributes to conservation through sustainable management, including protecting critical habitats, species at risk, wintering areas, and watercourses. Kim explains that the competitive nature of the global forest products markets means New Brunswick must navigate complex regulatory landscapes and adhere to sustainable practices, while other countries don’t necessarily face the same rigour.

Along with her team of two, Kim is working hard to shift this narrative, engaging the public in discussions about forestry’s vital role in combating climate change.

“While we can’t manage all of Canada’s forests, we can manage those near communities, making a real difference in wildfire resilience efforts. Sustainable forest management is one of the tools we can use to mitigate the risks of wildfires and other environmental challenges.”

Since joining Forest NB, Kim has also carried through the implementation of a new forestry curriculum in New Brunswick high schools. Initially planned as a small pilot, the curriculum reached 12 schools and over 380 students in 2023-24, with plans to implement it more widely.

Developed in collaboration with industry stakeholders and the department of education, the curriculum provides students with an elective science credit focused on forestry, a subject that had not previously been included. Kim hopes to foster a deeper appreciation for the sector and its continued contributions to the province.

She says she’s optimistic about the potential for sustainable forest management in the future, noting that they’re embracing digitalization and new technologies to improve efficiency in the industry. Through advocacy, education, and a commitment to sustainable practices, she is certainly helping to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the natural resources that shape the province’s future.