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P.E.I. forms new forestry commission to help set course for future of forests

Prince Edward Island has formed a new forestry commission to help review the province’s forest policy and legislation.

“As we work to implement all the recommendations of the emergency forestry task force in the wake of Hurricane Fiona, our new forestry commission will help us with long term planning to increase the resiliency of our forests. Healthy forests are important for a healthy Island and our government is committed to managing our forests using the best available science and with the advice of local experts,” said Environment, Energy and Climate Action Minister Steven Myers.

The forestry commission will have 12 members plus a chair.  Membership will include woodlot owners, forest management practitioners who use both traditional and eco-based approaches, a public policy expert, a research scientist, a climate change researcher, an Indigenous representative, members of the watershed community, and members of the forestry profession.

The commission will look at the real-world outcomes of extreme weather and identify ways to increase the resiliency of our forests to climate change. It will recommend changes that may be required to the Forest Enhancement Program and Forest Management Act. It will also identify key indicators to measure progress and assist with development of a new forest policy. This work will help address the findings of the Auditor General’s latest report to the Legislative Assembly as well.

“My interest in forestry and land issues goes back a long way and I’m pleased that government has chosen to involve this group of people and the general public in setting the course for the forestry sector,” said the commission’s chair Jean-Paul Arsenault. “I will be surrounded by a very strong slate of commission members with a broad range of backgrounds and knowledge. I also know that we can count on the Forests, Fish and Wildlife division to provide us with the support we will need.”