Natural Resources
February 7, 2011

Consultations to Begin to Develop New Forest Management Plans

Responsible stewardship of the forestry sector is a commitment of the Provincial Government, and as mandated by the Forestry Act, public consultations on the preparation of new operating plans for Forest Management Districts will begin this month.

“The planning process will include discussion on existing forestry issues, a vision to support conservation and production, and an approach to sustainable forest management for the next five-year period,” said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Natural Resources, and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency. “I would encourage interested residents, stakeholders or groups to participate in the planning process to help identify issues, and provide input which will assist with the preparation of the new five-year operating plans.

The initial meeting for District 1 will be held on Thursday, February 10 at 7:00 p.m. at the Burry Heights Hills Camp, located on the Salmonier Line. District 1 is located on the Avalon Peninsula, and encompasses all Crown land east of Come by Chance. The meeting is open to all individuals and organizations interested in, or affected by, forest management activities in the district and will identify the planning process and accept nominees for the planning team.

Public notification for meetings for Districts 2-6, 8, 9, 16, 21 and 22 will occur later in February. The planning process is expected to take approximately seven months to complete. The plans will then be submitted to the Minister of Environment and Conservation for environmental assessment.

“The new operating plans will support sustainable forest resources in the province, and an organized approach to managing our natural resources,” said Minister Skinner. “This in an important exercise to ensure that our forestry resources are managed responsibility. We look forward to an approach which will identify a coordinated, sustainable forest management plan as a result of the planning process.”

Forest management encompasses 18 districts in Newfoundland, and six in Labrador. Five-year operating plans are required for the majority of these districts and detailed forestry activities within domestic and commercial operating areas. They are consistent with the department’s Sustainable Forest Management Strategy.

Additional information on the planning process can be found at: www.nr.gov.nl.ca/nr/forestry/manage/manage.html.

Information on the initial meeting for District 1 can be obtained by calling 709-256-1416.

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2011 02 07                                                    12:25 p.m.