Letters to the Editor

Tuesday 7 February 2012

Report on timber objectives for private woodlots now online

FREDERICTON (CNB) – A task force report on timber objectives for private woodlots is now available online, Natural Resources Minister Bruce Northrup announced today.

Northrup said he would welcome comments from the public on the recommendations and suggestions made by the Private Forest Task Force.

“I thank chair Don Floyd and committee members Robert Ritchie and Tony Rotherham for carrying out this important work,” said Northrup. “Their report will greatly assist us as we work to establish timber objectives that will provide a stable wood supply from private woodlots.”

Another task force, the Crown Land Task Force, submitted its report in November 2011.

“Establishing timber objectives for Crown and private land will focus the efforts of private woodlot owners, industry and government on putting in place the right policies and practices to improve the competitiveness of our forest sector,” said Northrup. “This will allow us to grow this sector.”

He said the recommendations and suggestions made by the Private Forest Task Force will be considered by the provincial government as it works to set timber objectives for private and Crown lands and to establish the next management plan for Crown forests.

“I encourage all those who are interested in our forests and the role they play in our economy, our environment and our way of life to read this report and submit their comments by Feb. 24,” said Northrup.

Comments can be submitted to dnrweb@gnb.ca.

LINK:

●    Department of Natural Resources: www.gnb.ca/naturalresources