Agriculture and Forestry minister Eric Hammill said today he looks forward to reviewing in greater detail a report on private woodlots in the Maritimes. The report was released today in Frederiction by the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy. The report identifies problems facing the region's private forest resources and recommends ways to address the needs of forest owners and the forest resource.
Mr. Hammill said that the issues and recommendations arising from the national report were very similar to those identified in the final report of the Round Table on Resource Land Use and Stewardship. "Both reports have recognized the value and contribution of the Forest Partnership Council in its efforts to ensure the sustainability of the Island's private woodlots," he said. "The Council has already taken a proactive approach through several initiatives such as implementation of a checkoff for private land forest renewal and the implementation of a Code of Practice for harvest contractors."
Mr. Hammill said that over the next year, the Council will also explore initiatives such as private land taxation, softwood quotas and harvest permits. "I look forward to discussing the recommendations by the National Round Table on these and other issues with all sectors of the forest industry," he said.
The Round Table held a series of public forums over the past two years to obtain input from forest interest groups and the public across the region. The report recommends that more emphasis be placed on up-to-date inventory information, improving education and awareness for land owners and users and changing current forest land taxation policies.
"I believe Prince Edward Island has much to share with the other Maritime provinces and that we can also learn from their experience," said Mr. Hammill. "The problems facing private woodlot owners cross provincial borders and we should work together for solutions that benefit woodlot owners, users, the forests and the people of the region."
The National Round Table will be presenting its report in Prince Edward Island on Thursday, October 9 at the Prince Edward Hotel in Charlottetown at 11:00 a.m.