Ontario takes a bold step towards modern forest management

On Friday the Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry Michael Gravelle unveiled proposed changes for a fresh approach to how Ontario's forests are managed.

In North Bay Gravelle's colleague Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and MPP for Nipissing Monique Smith gathered with area stakeholders to release the framework, that is open for consultation, which will help move the industry to balanced sustainable practices that include all stakeholders when managing the forest and forest products.



Gravelle and Smith both says the cornerstone of the framework is the introduction of the Local Forest Management Corporations (LFMCs) component and Northwatch spokesperson Brennain Lloyd says the move is a good first step.



Sessions for the public and stakeholders will be held across the province to discuss the framework:

May 18 – Thunder Bay June 1 – Hearst
May 20 – Dryden June 3 – Timmins
May 26 – Marathon June 8 – Pembroke
May 28 – Toronto June 10 – North Bay

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A parallel series of sessions is planned with First Nations and Aboriginal organizations. The framework contains a proposal for five to 15 new LFMCs that would assume responsibility for management, marketing and sale of wood from Crown forests within their defined area.
This is the most comprehensive overhaul of the Ontario’s wood allocation system in decades. It is designed to position Ontario’s forestry sector as an innovative, global player for the 21st century.