file photo. Northwatch News Release and Lake Nipissing Stewardship Council
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North Bay - A new forest management plan is being developed for the Nipissing Forest, and the Lake Nipissing Stewardship Council has teamed up with Northwatch’s Forest Project to present a series of workshops to introduce the public to the forest management planning process.
When completed in 2009, the ten year forest management plan for the Nipissing Forest will include harvesting operations, road access, and follow-up activities such as tree-planting.
An extensive program to involve the public in the development of the forest management plan was launched on February 8th when an invitation was issued to the public to contribute background information to be used in the planning process and to communicate to the planning group - led by the Ministry of Natural Resources - what they envision for the forests of the Nipissing area in years to come.
“People are very interested in our local forests, but it’s sometimes difficult for members of the public to know when and how to express their interests and concerns in the context of the forest management planning process”, explained Brennain Lloyd, with Northwatch’s Forest Project.
“Our interest is in supporting public participation in the planning process and in helping people to become involved, especially during these early stages when important decisions are made about the forest management plan’s overall direction.”
The two hour workshops will introduce the public to the basics of how plans are made for our public forest and how the public can get involved.
The Lake Nipissing Stewardship Council is hosting a series of three workshops, to be held in North Bay on May 22, Mattawa on May 23 and Sturgeon Falls on May 29th.
The Lake Nipissing Stewardship Council. is a registered, non-profit, charitable corporation that works closely with other partners to implement environmental programs, provide information related to conservation and natural resource sustainability, and increase awareness of the Lake Nipissing and surrounding region ecosystems.
The Lake Nipissing Stewardship Council has broadened its mandate since joining the Ontario Stewardship Council this past year, and the forests throughout the Nipissing area are certainly one of the areas we have an interest in”, commented Bill Hagborn, an executive member of the Lake Nipissing Stewardship Council.
“This workshop series, is one of the many ways we look forward to working with people throughout Nipissing District.”
The workshops will each begin at 7 p.m. and will be held on
Tuesday, May 22nd at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 23, 150 First Street West, North Bay
Wednesday, May 23rd at the Lions Den, 175 Brook Street, Mattawa, and on
Tuesday, May 29th - West Nipissing Public Library - Main Branch, 225 Holdtich Street, Sturgeon Falls.
