A new code of practice for forest harvest contractors to help ensure the sustainability of the industry comes into effect on April 1. The code of practice was developed by the Forest Partnership Council and announced today in the Legislature by Agriculture and Forestry minister Eric Hammill.
The code sets out guidelines and standards that will help ensure the long term health of the forest by protecting environmentally sensitive areas, immature stands, plantations and thinnings. It also establishes guidelines for buffer strips along streams and watercourses. The industry developed the code in response to public concerns about harvesting practices and the level of forest harvest.
The code will be voluntary but forest harvesting operations will be monitored for compliance and adherence to guidelines and standards.
"This is an important first step towards ensuring the sustainability of our forest resources and the industry is to be congratulated for taking on this worthy initiative," said Mr. Hammill. "Harvesters must show Islanders they are willing to abide by their own code of practice."
Mr. Hammill said staff from the Forestry Division will be monitoring harvest practices over the coming year and will report their findings to the Forest Partnership Council. The Council will make the report public.
"If the industry does not or cannot abide by the code, government will look at other options, including legislation," said the minister.
Ian Dennison, Chair of the Forest Partnership Council, said the new code is not a cure all for the challenges facing the industry.
"The code of practice is one of the building blocks in the foundation of sustainable development and utilization of the Island's forest resources," said Mr. Dennison. "If this initiative proves successful, the industry will look at developing a more all-encompassing code to strengthen areas such as reforestation, appropriate harvest methods and other factors that affect the economic, environmental and social values people place on the Island's forest resources."
Mr. Dennison also said the new code provides contractors with a unique business opportunity because consumers are looking for products that are produced in an environmentally responsible manner. He said the Canadian forest industry is currently involved in efforts to certify the sustainability of its products and practices and those who do not comply may be unable to sell their products.
Contractors must submit a letter of commitment indicating they will abide by the code before they receive certification. Those who are not certified will not be eligible for work under the province's Forest Renewal Program or receive contracts for Crown land. They also will not be recommended to land owners or wood buyers by the Forestry Division or the Forest Partnership Council.
For more information, contact: Wayne MacKinnon, Department of Agriculture and Forestry, (902) 368-4888; or Ian Dennison, Forest Partnership Council, (902) 658-2620.