The Prince Edward Island Forest Partnership Council today released a discussion paper on regulations to control forest harvesting in the province. Over the last few months, the Council developed the discussion paper to address industry and public concerns about the harvest of immature stands and the need for adequate reforestation. The paper was released following amendments to the Forest Management Act which provide for regulations to control private woodlot forest harvests.
"The Forest Partnership Council believes this is a fair and workable strategy that meets the needs of the forest sector and the forest resource, while addressing the concerns of Islanders," said Ian Dennison, Council Chair. "We are recommending that government establish standards to ensure that only appropriate stands, such as those that are mature, overmature, or diseased are harvested, that contractors respect the forest environment and landscape, and that industrial activity contributes to both the short and long-term productivity of private forests."
The discussion paper proposes that minimum age standards be set for softwood harvests. Contractors who harvest more than two hectares of forest per year will be required to submit an "intent to harvest" form, certifying the harvest is appropriate, and include a harvest and reforestation plan. The form must be completed and signed by a certified representative, and the harvest is subject to monitoring for compliance with the Act and regulations. Penalties for non-compliance range from $500 per offense to $2000 per hectare.
Dennison said that while 90 percent of the Island's forests are owned by individuals, at least 95 percent of the harvest is carried out by contractors. The Council recognized that the best way to address forest harvest issues was to place most of the responsibility on the harvest contractors by establishing acceptable standards for the industry to follow.
Copies of the discussion paper are available from Forestry Division offices, Regional Services Centres or Island Information Service. The Council is inviting industry and public input on the regulations by June 29.