NL begins forest management plan consultations

Feb. 8, 2011 – Public consultations on the
preparation of new operating plans for Forest Management Districts in
Newfoundland and Labrador will begin in February 2011, as mandated by the province's
Forestry Act. The provincial government is committed to responsible stewardship
of the forestry sector.

“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,” says 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,” says Skinner. “This is an important exercise
to ensure that our forestry resources are managed responsibly. We look forward
to an approach that will identify a coordinated, sustainable forest management
plan as a result of the planning process.”

Forest management encompasses 18 districts
in Newfoundland and 6 districts 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.