Copyright 2001 EarthVision Environmental News
September 24, 2001

TORONTO, September 24, 2001 - The recent meeting of the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers (CCFM) resulted in measures that aim to advance the idea of sustainable forest management in Canada and position the country as the world leader in the movement.

One of the outcomes of the meeting was an agreement to put more effort into managing forest fires, namely upgrading equipment and aircraft and increasing research, Aboriginal involvement and information management.

In addition, Ontario Natural Resources Minister John Snobelen outlined the new Canadian Forestry program, called Forest 2020. One of the points of focus of this initiative is establishing plantations of fast-growing trees as a new tree crop alternative to old growth. "This initiative is consistent with Ontario's Living Legacy initiative and the Ontario Forest Accord," said the Minister.

"There is growing pressure on the use of forests across Canada," said federal Minister of Natural Resources Ralph Goodale from Ottawa. "Forest 2020 will help address these pressures and help Canada maintain its position as a global leader in sustainable forest management. It also provides the basis for a strong agroforestry program, providing a new crop alternative."

In addition to Forest 2020 and fire policies, the National Forest Information System was a topic of discussion. This program will utilize information technology to track forest issues and assist in demonstrating the progress of sustainable forest management in Canada. In addition, it will provide a way to disseminate information about forest practices to the general public and those working on forestry issues. The plan is, over the next two years, to further developed the system and coordinate this information with other environmental databases.

The CCFM, with the exception of Quebec, also agreed to lead development of a new, progressive National Forest Strategy to replace the current one, which ends in 2003. Other topics discussed included climate change, forest certification and the International Forestry Partnerships Program. Error: Unable to read footer file.