I have owned a home/cottage…

I have owned a home/cottage near Elgin ON for about 25 years. Our cottage association collectively owns about 25 acres of land on which we actively manage the forest. The act of doing this management (I am the Forest Warden) has caused us to become much more educated about the first in which we live. It has also caused us to be much more thoughtful about our relationship to the land and its' forests.

Primary among our "advice-givers" has been the Ontario Woodlot Association. They have provided seminars, advice, and training as we learned how to analyze the forest and maintains its positive growth. I understand that they have applied for a grant to help with their work of promoting sustainable forest development. I would like to add my voice to what I hope will be a large group of supporters behind their application. They do excellent work and inspire serious discussion and thought to actions that are already having a direct impact in our area around Elgin. Y our grant would enable a more certain footing as they try to expand this work.

I fully support their application. I certainly can speak for the Sand Lake Estates group in noting our desire to have this group actively supported by the Province in its work.

Warm Regards. MSM