I reject this proposal as it…

I reject this proposal as it does not address climate change.
We cannot predict what effect the increased rate of climactic change will have on future forest health. A tree has less value once it has been cut down, but increases in value as it grows. Priority must be placed on creating resilience.
The MNR is charged with protecting our natural resources, for future generations - against fires, disease, invasive species, pests and the axes of politicians and economists.
Southern Ontario is our failing first line of defence. Incentives to reforest agricultural lands, protection of existing woodlots, active removal of invasive species, rehabilitation of wildlife habitat, penalties and enforcement, benefits for good stewardship are all required to maintain a strong buffer between migrating catastrophe and our invaluable northern forests. Increased collaboration between ministries, conservation authorities, private landowners, environmental NGOs, municipalities, provinces, federal government and even international cooperation will be required.
We should not increase the amount of allowable harvest but instead invest in training more fire fighters, managing forests for better fire prevention, and increase monitoring and research for pests and disease - to protect and grow our investment for future generations.
As a former resident of Thunder Bay, I am familiar with forestry practices, the quality and size of Ontario’s forests and the hard work the MNR has put into creating a vast wealth of healthy ecosystems for all Ontarians. I am not unsympathetic to a loss of jobs due to closing pulp mills and the economic dependence of northern communities on the Forest industry. I believe assistance should be given for innovation, new technology and product developments, to diversify, enlarge and strengthen economic development in the Forest industry, using the current harvest quota.
I am a member of the Ontario woodlot owners association and we appreciate the support of the MNR.
As a steward of 7.95 acres in Elora ON, my property is too small to qualify for the Managed Forests Tax Incentive Program. Im certain that I put in a lot more time and effort into stewardship than most large property landowners who qualify for the benefit without the effort and a review of the qualifications to include smaller woodlots like mine would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your time and consideration.