The PEI Model Forest Network Partnership Ltd. has issued a new request for proposals calling for projects which support sustainable forest management on Prince Edward Island. Since its inception in 2002, the Partnership has supported a wide range of projects from bird-banding stations to safe wood-burning workshops. Each project was designed to balance today’s forestry demands with those of future generations.
The PEI Model Forest Network Partnership acts as a forum where a diverse collection of forest interest groups work cooperatively to encourage and support research and education initiatives which promote forest stewardship across Canada’s smallest province. It operates with financial support from the Canadian Forest Service, the PEI Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry, and several other partners and receives operational support from the Nova Forest Alliance. By continuing to support stewardship initiatives and keeping the channels of communication open, the PEI Model Forest Network Partnership is helping the Island to become a leader in sound and sustainable forestry practices.
Groups or individuals interested in sustainable forest management on Prince Edward Island are being offered an opportunity to apply for project funding for the current fiscal year. The PEI Model Forest Network Partnership has issued a call for proposals which will help to meet its mandate of working co-operatively to develop forest communities based on sound ecological, social and economic principles.
Partnership members are interested in receiving proposals for projects addressing sustainable forestry for the remainder of 2005-06. To date, the PEI Network has supported research, educational and operational project themes such as low impact forestry, ecosystem management, non-timber forest resources, and landscape level planning, but other forest related proposals will also be considered. Proposals must be received by November 10, 2005. Applications are available from the PEI Model Forest Network Partnership Coordinator, Steve DeWolfe, at (902) 368-4800 or on-line at www.peiforests.ca.
The Canadian Model Forest Network was established by Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service in 1992 to address the challenge of balancing the extensive range of demands that we place on our forests today, and the needs of tomorrow's generations. While PEI’s program is not a fully-funded Model Forest, the principle behind the Island’s outreach program is the same – each model forest is made up of partners representing a diverse range of forest values, working together to achieve sustainable forest management.