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September 24, 2004
Conservation Based Forest Management Receives Provincial Attention

Corner Brook, NL – The Sierra Club of Canada Forest Campaign hosted a 2 day strategizing meeting focusing on conservation-based forest management at Killdevil Camp and Conference Centre this past weekend, September 18-20. Conservationists from around the province as well as representatives from national organizations gathered to discuss current challenges, past successes and future goals for improving the management and preservation of Newfoundland and Labrador’s forests. The result was a strategy for conservation goals over the next year.

There was representation provincially and nationally with 15 participants attending on behalf of several organizations. The Métis Nation, Innu Nation, the Third Signatory, the Protected Areas Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, Concerned Scientists of Memorial University, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, the Newfoundland and Labrador Environment Network and some committed local citizens provided a broad scope of provincial representation. There were also national representatives from the Sierra Club of Canada, the Canadian Boreal Initiative, and the Canadian Nature Federation.

The main priorities discussed surrounded issues of better forest operations, integrated land use planning including a strategy that would encourage the release and implementation of a Natural Areas System Plan, and better policies and governance. The group specifically discussed and developed strategies on how to ensure full public participation within the five year planning processes, how to encourage better utilization and value added opportunities and ultimately how to encourage ecosystem based management of the forest landscape.

“I believe that the success of this gathering is an indication of the growing interest and commitment to forest conservation in this province,” stated Sierra Club of Canada’s NL forest campaigner Catherine Boyd. “The participants have been hearing the voices of local people and have incorporated that feedback into a strategy that is achievable and grounded on local concern,” she continued.

The group will continue to work together with local support over the next year to take advantage of opportunities and to implement aspects of the strategy.

For further information:

Catherine Boyd
Sierra Club of Canada
tel: (709) 639-8109
email: catherineb@sierraclub.ca

It is horrifying that we have to fight our own government to save the environment.
~Ansel Adams