Agriculture and Forestry Minister Eric Hammill announced today the appointment of members to the new Forest Improvement Advisory Council. The Council, made up of representatives of the forest industry, woodlot owners and environmental groups, will advise the minister on forestry policy and management issues. The new Council is part of the 11-point Forest Action Plan which was announced in August.
"The first priority of the new Advisory Council will be to examine and make recommendations on the proposed amendments to the Forest Management Act introduced during the fall session of the Legislature," said Mr. Hammill. "I want to make it clear that the government is open to constructive recommendations, and I am confident the members of the new Council will take an objective look at the many issues that affect the sustainability of our forestry resources and the forest industry. Island forests are being harvested at unprecedented levels and Island citizens expect government and industry to establish standards to ensure their sustainability."
The new members of the Council are John Ramsay, Ellerslie, as Chair; Pat MacInnis, Frenchfort; Austin Tattrie, Heatherdale; Ralph Freeze, Appin Road; Clayton Shea, Christopher Cross; Kelly Wood, O'Leary; Gary Schneider, Cardigan; Greg Ryan, Montague; and Arnold Croken, Summerside. The terms of office will be established in accordance with the provisions of pending regulations under the Forest Management Act.
"I am very pleased with the wide range of knowledge, common sense and experience that each of the new members brings to the new Advisory Committee," said Mr. Hammill. "The forest industry and the future of our forests will benefit because of their contributions and broad range of interests they represent."