Superior-Woods Tree Improvement Association
The Superior-Woods Tree Improvement Association (SWTIA) is a member-driven cooperative organization with a mission to carry out tree improvement activities in northwestern Ontario. SWTIA coordinates industry efforts to establish and maintain seed orchards to deliver improved seed for reforestation, and works with industry partners to carry out first and second generation tree breeding programs in jack pine and white spruce.
SWTIA's members
- Abitibi-Consolidated, Fort Frances Division, Fort William Division, and Kenora Division
- Bowater Canadian Forest Products
- Domtar
- Dryden Forest Management Company
- Greenmantle Forest
- Kimberly-Clark
- Marathon Pulp
- McKenzie Forest Products
- Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
- Red Lake Forest Management
- Weyerhaeuser Company
Other SWTIA activities include assisting with research projects carried out by Lakehead University faculty and students, hosting workshops relating to tree improvement issues, and presenting an annual thesis award to Lakehead University students.
FGO collaborators looking over jack pine for the Lake Nipigon West Jack Pine Second Generation program,
managed by Bowater, funded by Living Legacy Trust Fund, MNR/FGO and Bowater. Left to right, Kathleen Brosemer, FGO Provincial Coordinator; Paul Charrette, Tree Improvement Specialist, Superior-Woods Tree Improvement Association; Dave Wassanaar, overseeing the grafting program for Hills Greenhouses; and Kevin Van Duyn, owner of Hills Greenhouses.
photo: Megan Thompson