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Canada Yew (Taxus
canadensis)
 Borealis started in 2004 to develop a local workforce in the Wawa, Ontario area to harvest Canada Yew (Taxus canadensis), in association with Chatham Biotec Limited (www.chathambiotec.com). During 2004, over 20,000 lbs. of yew biomass was collected, purchased, and shipped to CBL's facilities in New Brunswick. Efforts to identify additional harvest locations and collect additional yew biomass were undertaken in 2005.  One of the most significant
challenges
in carrying out the operation is locating sufficient sources of the
plant
itself. Canada Yew appears to have exacting requirements for optimum
growth
and is sensitive to disturbances such as logging and fire. In the
Wawa
area, it appears to favour moderately deep to deep silty loam soils
with
a "fresh" moisture regime. It also
seems to favour cool moist micro-climates on north-facing slopes and is
usually
found on the lower parts of such slopes. Locations near larger
bodies
of water also appear to be a preference. If you are aware of
substantial
quantities of Canada yew (ground hemlock), or wish to help collect this
plant, please contact our office.Borealis contracts individuals during the frost-free season to prune and collect Canada yew. Pruners are paid by weight of yew product delivered, which must meet the standards adopted by the Canada Yew Association. These standards will be strictly enforced to ensure that this resource is managed sustainably. Contracted pruners can work at their own hours, full-time or part-time. Plans for the 2006 season are very tentative at this time. Please contact our office in June 2006 to determine if there are opportunities for harvesting yew.  First shipment of Canada yew being loaded in Wawa during 2004
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