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October 25, 2010
Ontario Natural Resources Minister Linda Jeffrey was on hand at South Nation Conservation in Finch Oct. 22 for announcement of a new bilingual Woodlot Advisory Service program with funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
The minister welcomed the program as a means of improving the overall health, diversity and productivity of the forest cover in the Counties of Stormont Dundas and Glengarry , Prescott and Russell and City of Ottawa, helping to ensure the forest-based economy remains strong.
“Ontario forests are one of our most precious assets providing wildlife habitat, food for animals and people, recreational and job opportunities, and erosion control,” Jeffrey noted. “This program will enhance our drive towards forest sustainability.” Echoing her message were Jean-Marc Lalonde, MPP for Glengarry, Prescott & Russell; Jim Brownell, MPP for Stormont, Dundas & South Glengarry; and Denis Pommainville, Vice-Chair of the SNC board of Directors.
While in Finch, the minister took a brief tour of the SNC administrative complex located in a recycled elementary school which includes a small conference centre available for public functions.
Over the next two years, the Ontario Trillium Foundation will provide $100,000 towards developing the new woodlot program intended to promote sustainable management of existing forests and establishment of additional forest cover in the counties of Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry (SDG), Prescott, Russell (PR) and parts of rural Ottawa.
Along with SNC, three key partners are involved: SDG Certified Forest Owners, Boises Est, and Raisin Region Conservation Authority. A Woodlot Advisory Service Technician will act as point of contact for woodlot owners in the area being served.
Contact will be fostered between woodlot owners and First Nations concerning the possibility of information and resource sharing. With an eye towards increasing forest certification in Eastern Ontario, the program will offer workshops and referrals to local consultants and contractors.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Rose-Marie Chretien, SNC, 877-984-2948, ext. 285.
rchretien@nation.on.ca
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