Premier Pat Binns today announced that proposed amendments to the Forest Management Act, introduced in the Legislature during the fall session, will be withdrawn and new legislation will be forthcoming in the spring session after further consultations.
"I am convinced we can find ways of achieving our objectives regarding the economic and environmental value of our forests and further reduce any negative implications to the rights of landowners," said the Premier. Those objectives include maintaining the viability of the Island's forest community; increasing reforestation on harvested sites; raising awareness of the benefits of forest management through education and demonstration; fostering respect for the forest environment and landscape; ensuring the sustainable use of forest resources for a range of values; and minimizing impacts on landowner rights.
Premier Binns told a group of landowners during a public meeting at Poole's Corner last weekend that government is open to changes in the proposed legislation. The United Landowners of Prince Edward Island has said the legislation would infringe on property rights. "I am asking the United Landowners to work with others in developing strategies which will help contribute to the sustainability of the province's forestry resources while protecting the rights of private landowners," said Premier Binns. "Approximately 90 percent of Prince Edward Island's forests are privately owned, so obviously we need to have the support and cooperation of landowners in developing solutions which will assure the future of our forests and the forest industry."
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Eric Hammill said he is confident there is common ground on which to build a consensus. "Over the past number of years, we have been attempting to reconcile the need for some kind of harvest standards with the interests of woodlot owners," he said. "We have consulted widely with all sectors of the industry and with woodlot owner groups, and I am confident that we can introduce new legislation during the spring session of the Legislature which will address everyone's concerns."
He said the newly-appointed Forest Improvement Advisory Council, which includes representatives from United Landowners, will make recommendations to the government before new legislation is introduced.
Premier Binns said the provincial government remains committed to establishing harvest standards and encouraging higher levels of reforestation. "Island citizens expect government, industry and landowners to work together with mutual respect to find solutions," he said. "Let's get the job done."