UNB Alumni
Telling our #ProudlyUNB stories

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 have 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 in part 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 14 producing mills that manufacture diverse products including pulp, paper, solid wood, pellets, composite panels, specialty products, and more, and 29 member companies across New Brunswick engaged in the forest sector value chain, 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 actually admired nationally and globally for our sustainable forest management practices,” says Kim. “We're a small province, but for example, New Brunswick actually produces more lumber than Ontario does. Because they are carefully and sustainably managed, we have very productive forests.”

Day to day, Kim is engaged in federal and provincial dialogues that impact the forest sector, like the biodiversity strategy, and engaged on regulatory issues at national and global levels. She collaborates closely with other provincial associations and the Forest Products Association of Canada. But 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 at all levels.

“Many people believe forestry is unsustainable, but when you explain that we only harvest a small percentage of forests, it changes the conversation. 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 1 per cent of managed forests in New Brunswick each year.”

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

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

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 was implemented in 12 high schools, reaching over 380 students in 2023-24, with plans to implement it more widely in the future.

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 in most high school curricula. By educating the next generation about forestry, she hopes to foster a deeper appreciation for the sector and its continued contributions to our province.

There are many challenges facing 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 protection of critical habitats, species at risk, wintering areas, and watercourses. Kim explains that the competitive nature of the global forest products markets means that New Brunswick must navigate complex regulatory landscapes and adhere to sustainable practices while other countries don’t necessarily face the same rigour.

Kim says she’s optimistic about the potential of forestry in the future, noting that the sector is embracing digitalization to improve efficiencies in forest management and manufacturing, and adapting practices to meet the challenges of climate change. 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.