NEW FORESTRY DIRECTOR NAMED

Well-known biologist Kate MacQuarrie has been hired to head up the Forestry Division of the Department of Agriculture and Forestry. Agriculture and Forestry Minister Mitch Murphy made the announcement today.

"We are indeed fortunate to have a person of Kate's calibre and dedication to help lead the process in developing a new vision for the forest resource in Prince Edward Island," said Mr. Murphy. "I believe all Islanders will look forward to working with her as we move forward in establishing new directions for the resource."

For the past eight years, MacQuarrie has been executive director of the Island Nature Trust. In that position, she worked closely on forest conservation initiatives and with landowners developing and implementing forest management plans. She has a B.Sc. and a M.Sc. in biology from the University of Prince Edward Island. The topic of her master's thesis was Prince Edward Island's forest ecology. She has also published an extensive range of articles in both scientific and popular journals. A native Islander, she resides in Hazelgrove.

MacQuarrie will begin her new duties in mid-July. She replaces Jerry Gavin who has accepted a position with the Department of Health and Social Services.