Next Step for Sustainable Forestry Strategy

A forestry technical advisory committee will be established within the next couple of weeks to advise the Department of Natural Resources on implementing its sustainable forestry strategy, including proposed new forest management regulations.

Natural Resources Minister Kennie MacAskill said the committee, which will include woodlot owner representation, is the next step in a process that began in October 1997 when the government presented a position paper on a sustainable forestry strategy for Nova Scotia.

The committee will review input received over the past month on two sets of draft forest management regulations that were developed under the strategy. Submissions came from more than 60 organizations and individuals representing large and small woodlot owners and other components of the forestry sector.

"In addition to reviewing the draft regulations to ensure that they reflect forestry sector input and respect traditional rights of ownership, the committee will also provide technical advice on implementation of other aspects of the sustainable forestry strategy," said Mr. MacAskill.

The draft regulations will be submitted to cabinet after the advisory committee reviews them. The minister will appoint committee members by early next month.