Avonmore ON – A public forum to discuss concerns about the loss of forests in the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry (SD&G) is being held in Avonmore on February 24, 2011. The event is sponsored by the Resource Stewardship SD&G Council and the SD&G Certified Forest Owners.
Surveys conducted by local Conservation Authorities and others show that the current amount of forest cover in SD&G is about 28 % and is declining at the rate of at least 1% per decade. Environment Canada recommends a minimum 30% of the landscape be maintained in forest cover to provide for a multitude of environmental benefits – from wildlife habitat to water.
The forum will address the following questions:
- Why should a rural landowner keep a forest?
- What can we do to preserve forests?
- What support systems do government agencies at the federal, provincial and municipal levels offer to private woodlot owners?
Agencies including Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food, SD&G Counties, Municipal Property Assessment Corporation, Eastern Ontario Model Forest, and Canada Revenue Agency have been invited to attend.
There will be a Listening Panel to hear the ideas and suggestions put forward by individuals and stakeholders. The event is open to everyone and is scheduled to run from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at North Stormont Place, the community hall in Avonmore, Ontario. Refreshments will be provide but please bring your own lunch.
For more information please contact Jim Hendry, Stewardship Coordinator at (613) 933-7671 or jim.hendry@ontario.ca
