I live in Kincardine. Ash…

I live in Kincardine. Ash trees are (or were) a dominant tree species here in Bruce county. It is shocking to drive around the county and see entire forests of denuded tress during mid mid summer. The ash is clearly on the road to being completely wiped out. I applaud the effort to save the species.

Every remaining live ash tree is precious. That said, I do understand that there are situations where live trees may have to be taken down, but I worry that the creation of an exemption period creates a perverse incentive by developers to take out as many ash trees as they can, while they still can. Has the government considered this and is it prepared to address it? I hope so. Your government does not have a good track record when it comes to environmental protections, so I am skeptical, but ready and dearly hope to be proven wrong.

In conclusion, I can accept the two year delay for protections so long as the the exemption is NOT extended. I expect that during these two years the Ontario government will use the time wisely. It will come up with a serious plan and the necessary follow through to save the species.