I am a 25 year worker in the…

I am a 25 year worker in the pulp and paper industry, and am concerned what the concequences of the Endangered Species Act would be to the people of Northwestern Ontario. An inadequate solution to the Endangered Species Act will result in catastrophic wood supply reductions, mill closures, contractor business closures, stranded First Nation investments in the forestry economy, and severe socio-economic and community impacts due to the loss of sustainable employment

For this reason I support the extension of the section 55 ESA regulation, to maintain sound sustainable forest management practices in a way that seeks to balance environmental, social and economic objectives. I also support the establishment of a multi-stakeholder panel to provide critical oversight and input on a workable solution for the Endangered Species Act

It also makes sense that the extension should be five years instead of two, so that the panel can do its work effectively and work through the very complex issues associated with sustainable forest management and the goal of protecting species-at-risk in balance with other important socio-economic priorities. The extension should be implemented as soon as possible after the 45 day review period.

I really hope that this commenting process does not focus too much on all the so called "activists" such as Greenpeace and their allies. It has been shown on a number of occasions that they tend to stretch the truth, and in fact outright lie to the public. Fake publicity is no way to operate.

This issue is very important to us here in NW Ontario, as many people make their living in the forestry/pulp and paper business. It is our way of life. Let us continue to manage the forests as we have been doing for hundreds of years. We live here. Policymakers and environmental activists don't.

[Original Comment ID: 212987]