I support the extensi…

I support the extensi. However, a 2 year extension period is too short. A period of 5 years is more reasonable for a panel to do its work effectively and work through the very complex issues associated with forestry operating under the Crown Forest Sustainability Act and protecting species under the ESA. The extension must be implemented as soon as possible after the 45 day review period in order to ensure it is in place well in advance of the July expiry of the current Section 55 Regulation. The result of an inadequate solution to the ESA will be catastrophic wood supply reductions, mill closures, contractors out of business, stranded First Nation investments in the forestry economy, and severe socio-economic and community impacts due to the loss of sustainable employment.

This industry has allowed me many successes - in my brief time out of college, I have become debt free and the proud sole owner of my house. This ESA threatens not only my way of life but the life of my parents - who I am able to financially support. It would destroy families who rely on their set hours and employment -- this ESA will not only take out complete mills, it will destroy complete towns. As a forester, I am as much an environmentalist as the next, maybe even more so - but through my education I bore witness and assisted in several endangered species protection tests/checks/etc. and I can honestly say here today that this will destroy a lot of people and the industry.

[Original Comment ID: 212952]