To whom it may concern,…

To whom it may concern,

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on ERO number 013-4143. We would like to improve the effectiveness of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and ensure a balanced approach between a healthy environment and a healthy economy.

We are in full support of the Ontario Forest Industries Association’s (OFIA’s) recommendation of permanent recognition of the Crown Forest Sustainability Act (CFSA) as an equivalent process to the Endangered Species Act (ESA), through a perpetual Section 55 Regulation.

We see our harvest operating window continue to shrink and this has a direct impact on our work force and log deliveries. It is our understanding that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) is responsible for species at risk prescriptions currently being delivered under the CFSA. It is our hope that we can work with the MNRF to improve restrictive prescriptions regardless of any future changes made to the ESA.