March 5th, 2018…

March 5th, 2018

Public Input Coordinator

Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

Policy Divisi which requires, by law, forestry operations to follow an approved forest management plan. Guides delivered under the CFSA include operational prescriptions and conditions, which may include reserves, modified operations, or specific conditions on road construction in the area near a species at risk and their habitat. We believe there is a need to look beyond the immediate and re-evaluate the government’s approach to managing species at risk as well as work jointly with practitioners, stakeholders, and rights holders in developing a long-term solution. OFIA does not believe that this can be accomplished within the 2-years currently being proposed and ask for a 5-year time period in order to deliver on the Ministry’s commitment to a better understanding of the impacts of climate change, the cumulative effects of all activity on a broad, dynamic landscape and a much better appreciation for the socio-economic implications. We are very supportive of an independent panel and believe that a panel comprised of respected and independent scientists, licensed professionals, stakeholders, and Indigenous communities will be critical in developing successful and workable outcomes. We also ask the government to make a final decision on this proposal by March 30th, 2018. OFIA urges government to finalize EBR Registry Number 013-1669, extend the regulation for 5-years, and establish an independent panel to develop a long-term approach addressing species at risk and their habitat requirements in Crown forest management.

We look forward to ongoing conversation on this important topic.

Sincerely,

Ian Dunn

Director of Forest Policy

Ontario Forest Industries Association

[Original Comment ID: 213321]