The Department of Agriculture and Forestry is developing a new woodlot owner education program to help woodlot owners make more informed management decisions. The new program is part of the Forest Action Plan which is aimed at ensuring the sustainability of the province's forest resources.
"Under the Forest Action Plan, financial and staff resources have been committed to the development and implementation of an education program for woodlot owners," said Minister Eric Hammill. "I believe that in order for this program to be successful we must have the support and interest of woodlot owners, so we will be consulting with them in developing the kind of program which best meets their needs."
A discussion paper outlining potential topics, concepts and approaches is now available from Forest District Offices. Among the possible topics are negotiating harvesting contracts, managing natural stands and plantations for maximum economic return and identifying both timber and non-timber values and opportunities.
"Woodlots are a valuable resource but many land owners are not aware of their potential for a wide range of short and long-term benefits," said Mr. Hammill. "Through the woodlot education program, we hope to make land owners more aware of the economic and environmental value of this resource."
Brian Brown, manager of private land programs for the department, is developing the education program. He said the program will use workshops, tours and demonstrations, in combination with home study courses and new technology such as the Internet to deliver the program. Field trips for woodlot owners are planned across the province this fall. "This will provide an opportunity for woodlot owners to provide feedback on the direction and concepts of the education program while learning more about forest management in their area," he said.
Woodlot owners, and interested landowners and groups may obtain a copy of the discussion paper and provide suggestions on the new education program by contacting the Forest District Offices or by calling the Forestry Division at (902) 368-4700.