Despite some controversy in the forest industry over the issue of landowner rights, staff of the Forestry Division of the Department of Agriculture and Forestry have received high marks again this year. A recent survey carried out by the department found that over 90 percent of forestry clients are satisfied with the performance of staff. Approximately 200 randomly-selected clients of the Forestry Division, including woodlot owners, sawmillers and contractors were surveyed, and all three groups had high praise for the work of forestry staff.
The department has been surveying clients for the past five years, and forestry staff have consistently received a high rating.
"These results are a recognition of the high degree of commitment, dedication and professionalism of the staff of the Forestry Division," said Agriculture and Forestry Minister Eric Hammill. "They are providing a great deal of practical advice to people in all sectors of the forest industry and have a great deal of knowledge and experience in those management practices which benefit land owners, contractors, sawmillers and other forest-related enterprises."
Clients also gave the Division a high rating for the quality of seedlings used for reforestation, forest inventory information and fire protection. Areas seen as needing improvement were satisfaction with the Forest Management Act and assisting in changes for a sustainable forest industry in the future.
Mr. Hammill said the results of the annual client survey helps the department measure progress towards its goals and make needed changes. He said the new Forest Improvement Advisory Council, established as part of the 11-point Forest Action Plan, also provides valuable advice in helping the department determine goals and strategies. Improving the quality of advice, assistance and information to clients in areas such as sustainable resource management, product quality improvement and production managment is a major goal of the department.