About us

Our Story

Forest Protection Limited is the largest 702 aerial operator in Eastern Canada.

Established in 1952, FPL’s mandate is to preserve and protect the forests that sustain our ecosystems, our communities, and our economies. We are a global leader in full-spectrum forest health management. Forest Protection Limited helps forest practitioners preserve and promote forest health through aerial firefighting, collaborative research & development, training, and aerial work. Our unique set of specializations allows us to better champion forest stewardship.

Protecting natural resources by:

  • Preserving and promoting forest sustainability through science, technology and forestry practices.
  • Setting the example for safety, professionalism, reliability, and innovation since 1952.
  • Continued commitment to working collaboratively with the forestry industry and forest practitioners.

FOREST PROTECTION LIMITED PRIORITIZES INNOVATION, PROFESSIONALISM, AND SAFETY IN FOREST MANAGEMENT WITH A LONG-STANDING COMMITMENT TO HEALTH AND SAFETY.

Forest Protection's Milestones

FPL over the years

From the construction of airstrip infrastructure in 1952 to the revitalization of our fleet in 2023, these milestones represent significant moments in New Brunswick’s history. These achievements reflect the dedication and hard work of the people who have contributed to the development and progress of aerial fire suppression and forest conservation efforts over the years.

Forest Protection's Milestones

1950-60

  • Construction of 15 airstrips within New Brunswick providing critical infrastructure. 
  • First Quebec contract for aerial protection of Lower St. Lawrence – Gaspe forest from Spruce Budworm (1954-1975).
  • First hired by the State of Maine to aerial protect Caribou area from Spruce Budworm. Six Stearman used (1954).

Forest Protection's Milestones

1960-70

  • Forest Protection develops the “aerial flagging” method of guiding its TBM-3E spray aircraft over spray blocks. The first “aerial flagging” system to be employed for the guidance of spray aircraft.
  • Forest Protection hired by Quebec, Ontario, and Newfoundland to aerially protect their forests against pests such as spruce budworm and Hemlock Looper.
  • The state of Maine adopts Forest Protection’s “aerial flagging” system.
  • Construction of 3 more airstrips in NB.
Forest Protected Limited’s Milestones: Aircraft spraying

Forest Protection's Milestones

1970-80

  • Tracking spruce budworm moth flights with radar.  
  • Large-scale spruce budworm moth spraying trial by TBM-3E and DC-6.  Forest Protection purchases its first eleven TBM-3E aircraft.
  • Began sponsoring R&D work with the University of New Brunswick Chemical Engineering Department.
  • Forest Protection set up its first Transport Canada licensed radio shop.

Forest Protection's Milestones

1980-90

  • Forest Protection’s first logo created by long-time employee Mr. Don Henry.
  • Forest Protection funds research by the Chemical Engineering Department at the University of New Brunswick to develop a constant speed atomizer.
  • The New Brunswick Spray Efficacy Research Group (NBSERG) was formed and included the Canadian Forest Service.

Forest Protection Limited's Milestones

1990-2000

  • First office PC purchased.
  • GPS guidance is the first major change to aerial navigation since the “aerial flagging” system developed by Forest protection in 1961.
  • The name NBSERG was changed to SERG after other provinces joined the group.

Forest Protection's Milestones

2000-2010

  • First AT802F (#620) arrives at Forest Protection HQ in Fredericton, NB
  • Construction of a new spray technology wind tunnel begins.
  • First flight of an AIMMS-20 meteorological system on an AT-802F.
  • Forest Protection works in ON, NB, NL, NS, BC, Idaho, Washington, Montana, Florida and visited Uruguay.
  • First installation of the FireNav tracking and guidance system by AG-NAV.
  • Former US President, George Bush, met with Forest Protection staff and signed TBM Avenger #23.
  • ISO14001:2004 Certified.
  • USDA Forest Service joined, SERG International was accepted as the new name for the organization.
  • FPL achieved registered Aircraft Maintenance Organization (AMO) status in 2006.

Forest Protection's Milestones

2010-2020

  • Last of Forest Protection’s TBM-3E sold (C-FIMR).
  • First operational use of Aerial Management System in NB.
  • Forest Protection creates a unified fleet of tankers (Air Tractor 802F) and support aircraft (Piper Aerostar).
  • New Management Systems & New Management Team in place.
  • Introduction of Forest Protection’s latest logo