Provincial Sustainable Forestry Management Strategy document
released for 60-day public consultation process

Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods Rick Woodford today released the department�s new Provincial Sustainable Forestry Management Strategy document for a 60-day public consultation process.

Minister Woodford said the 20-year provincial strategy sets out a new vision and direction for managing our forest resources into the future and will allow the department to build on the significant progress made in sustainable forest management in the province since the previous 20-year forestry management plan was developed in 1996.

The Provincial Sustainable Forestry Management Strategy identifies four strategic directions that will form the basis of achieving sustainable forest management in Newfoundland and Labrador. The four directions are: ecologically-based forest management, economic considerations, social considerations and Labrador.

Minister Woodford said the ecological, economic and social strategic directions have been structured for consistency with the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers� Six Criteria of Sustainable Forest Management. These criteria define sustainable forest management values that have been accepted by other jurisdictions across Canada. For each criteria, the new provincial strategy establishes values, goals, actions to achieve the goals, and indicators to help measure progress towards sustainable forest management.

The fourth strategic direction, Labrador, will address forestry development issues specific to the region, including building upon the relationships developed to date with the Innu Nation and Labrador Metis Nation.

Minister Woodford said the new Provincial Sustainable Forestry Management Strategy is still a draft document and he is looking forward to receiving input from the public during the 60-day consultation process. "We are seeking reaction from Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and any input from the public will be considered before the strategy is finalized."

The minister pointed out that one of the biggest challenges in managing the province�s forest ecosystems is finding a balance between environmental, social and economical values. He added that implementation of the new strategy and its four strategic directions will ensure both the integrity of our forests and the future of our forest industries.

"The environment will be protected through such things as a new biodiversity program and an ecological approach toward forestry management, as well as ensuring all non-timber values are respected and incorporated into all forest management planning," said Minister Woodford. "The strategy also supports our forest industry by determining a sustainable fibre supply, searching for additional fibre sources, advancing the value-added industry, and further development of the non-timber forest products industry."

Other highlights in the new strategy include a provincial sustainable forest management forum, which will take place annually on the island and in Labrador, conservation plans for red pine and black ash, further development of a hardwoods strategy, a public awareness campaign on sustainable forest management, and a commitment to meeting the International Standards Organizations (ISO)14001 standard on Crown land.

The minister noted that government is proud of its accomplishments in progressive forestry management practices over the past five years. "We want to continue to move forward in our efforts to achieve sustainable forest management and build on the strides we have made to date."

Minister Woodford said achievements over the past five years include the introduction of a public planning process for the development of district forestry management plans, incorporating non-timber values in forestry planning, expansion of the provincial forest inventory program, intensive silviculture initiatives with the planting of 18,763 hectares of forest and the pre-commercial thinning of 32,114 hectares, construction of 799 kilometres of resource roads and the decommissioning of eight kilometres of access roads, aboriginal partnerships and research and development initiatives in such areas as insect control, natural disturbance regimes, water quality and wildlife habitat.

The minister encourages the general public to review the new Provincial Sustainable Forestry Management Strategy and its summary document, which are available on the Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods� website at //www.gov.nl.ca/forestry/strategy/ A copy of the strategy can also be obtained by calling (709) 637-2297.

"Public participation in forestry management has become a pre-requisite in all forest management plans," added Minister Woodford. "We remain committed to the public consultation process and working with all stakeholders in our sustainable forest management efforts."

Media contact: Sonia B. Glover, Communications, (709) 729-6183.

BACKGROUNDER

• The Provincial Sustainable Forestry Management Strategy sets out a new vision and direction for sustainable forest management in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• The new Provincial Strategy has four strategic directions: ecologically-based forestry management, economic considerations, social considerations and Labrador.
• Highlights of the four strategic directions include:

Ecologically-based forest management:

• establish a new ecological planning framework and ecosystem-based guidelines;
• develop a new program to protect biodiversity;
• conservation plans for red pine and black ash;
• develop wildlife habitat assessment capability;
• support completion of the Natural Areas Systems Plan.

Economic considerations:

• determine a sustainable fibre supply;
• further development of value-added industry;
• development of a non-timber forest industry;
• achieving ISO Certification;
• support private enterprise.

Social considerations:

• continued meaningful public participation in forestry management.
• conduct a Provincial Sustainable Management Forum to be held annually;
• public awareness program.

Labrador:

• continued aboriginal participation in forestry development in Labrador;
• continued commitment to work with all stakeholders in the region to ensure the forestry industry is developed first and foremost for the benefit of Labradorians;
• enhance forestry management tools for Labrador;
• update forest inventory for Labrador.

• The Provincial Sustainable Forestry Management Strategy has undergone two audits. The first audit reviewed the technical wood supply analysis, while the second review focused on the strategy�s compatibility with national sustainable forest management commitments and approaches being used in other jurisdictions across the country. This review was by an independent panel with representation from the University of British Columbia, University of Laval and the University of New Brunswick.
• The Forestry Act requires the province to update its 20-year forestry management plan every five years. This is the fourth provincial forest management strategy to be prepared - the first was developed in 1985.

2003 06 02                                      2:00 p.m.