RECENT NEWS:
Ontario politicians outline their forestry platforms - From "The Working Forest" October 1 2007
The Working Forest
Global report cites progress in slowing forest losses...Progress in forest management welcome
13 March 2007, Rome – A number of regions of the world are reversing centuries of deforestation and are now showing an increase in forest area, according to FAO's State of the World’s Forests report, released today.
The report, which was launched at the opening of the 18th Session of FAO's Committee on Forestry, underlines the positive effects of economic prosperity and careful forest management in saving forests, noting that over 100 countries have established national forest programmes.
“Many countries have shown the political will to improve forest management by revising policies and legislation and strengthening forestry institutions. Increasing attention is being paid to the conservation of soil, water, biological diversity and other environmental values,” said David Harcharik, FAO Deputy Director-General. “However, countries that are facing the most serious challenges in achieving sustainable forest management are those with the highest rates of poverty and civil conflict.”
Global forest cover amounts to just under four billion hectares, covering about 30 percent of the world’s land area. From 1990 to 2005, the world lost three percent of its total forest area, an average decrease of some 0.2 percent per year, according to FAO data.
From 2000 to 2005, 57 countries reported an increase in forest area, and 83 reported a decrease. However, the net forest loss remains at 7.3 million hectares per year or 20 000 hectares per day, equivalent to an area twice the size of Paris.
Ten countries account for 80 percent of the world’s primary forests, of which Indonesia, Mexico, Papua New Guinea and Brazil saw the highest losses in primary forest in the five years running from 2000 to 2005.
url; http://www.fao.org/newsroom/en/news/2007/1000506/index.html
March 12, 2007 - From the Ontario Government Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration
MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT NOMINATES JEAN AUGUSTINE AS FIRST-EVER FAIRNESS COMMISSIONER
Commissioner Will Ensure Newcomers’ Credentials Are Assessed Fairly And Openly
TORONTO – Jean Augustine has been nominated as Ontario’s first-ever Fairness Commissioner to work with regulatory bodies to ensure that the credentials of internationally trained professionals are evaluated fairly and transparently, Ontario Citizenship and Immigration Minister Mike Colle announced today.
"The Fairness Commissioner will play a vital role in ensuring that Ontario’s regulatory bodies build fair and open registration processes so that internationally trained professionals have the opportunity to put their skills to work,” said Colle. ”Jean Augustine brings a depth of knowledge from the perspective of government, regulatory bodies and the immigrant experience that makes her the right person to take on this vitally important job.”
The Office of the Fairness Commissioner is a key component of the landmark Fair Access to Regulated Professions Act, 2006, which became law on March 1, 2007. The Commissioner will be responsible for overseeing regular audits to ensure that the registration practices of regulated professions are transparent, objective, impartial and fair. The Commissioner will also submit an annual report to the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration >on the implementation and effectiveness of the Act.
"We applaud the Ontario government for establishing the position of the Fairness Commissioner and supportive legislation to help internationally trained professionals integrate into the workforce," said Mario Calla, Executive Director of COSTI Immigrant Services. “Jean Augustine has the experience and personal integrity to provide the leadership required in this first-ever role. We support her nomination."
"The appointment of a Fairness Commissioner, together with the reporting, certification and audit requirements set out in Bill 124, will play a vital role in establishing consistent standards for the processing of applications across all regulated professions. We welcome this nomination as another step in building confidence in the fairness of licensing practices." said David Hipgrave, President and CEO of Certified Management Accountants Ontario.
The appointment of Augustine is subject to review by the Standing Committee on Government Agencies.
The Fair Access To Regulated Professions Act, 2006, the first legislation of its kind in Canada, also established Global Experience Ontario, a one-stop information and resource centre helping people navigate complex systems when seeking to enter regulated professions, and promote internships and mentorships.
Breaking Down Barriers: Ontario’s Comprehensive Plan for Newcomers
The Fair Access to Regulated Professions Act, 2006, is the cornerstone of the McGuinty government’s comprehensive plan, Breaking Down Barriers, to help newcomers to integrate successfully into Ontario’s economy and society. Other initiatives include:
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Negotiated the first-ever Canada-Ontario Immigration Agreement, which increases federal spending on language training and settlement services by an additional $920 million for newcomer services over five years;
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Invested over $53 million in more than 90 Bridge Training Programs, helping thousands of newcomers work in over 100 trades and professions;
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Launched the immigration web portal www.OntarioImmigration.ca, designed to support newcomers in Ontario and abroad, prior to arrival;
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Established the first Provincial Internship for the Internationally Trained. Administered by Career Bridge, newcomers with a minimum of three years international work experience are placed for six-month paid assignments within the Ontario Public Service;
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Created a Foreign Trained Professionals Loans program of up to $5,000 per person to cover assessment, training and exam costs, in partnership with the Maytree Foundation; and,
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Funded ‘All About Ontario,’ a new citizenship curriculum resource being added to language and citizenship classes, to help newcomers learn about Ontario’s history, geography, their roles and responsibilities, and to promote civic participation – from voting to volunteering;
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Leading the way in Canada with respect to the assessment and training of international medical graduates (IMGs). In 2006/07, Ontario invested $53 million in IMG – up from $16 million in 2003. In 2006, Ontario offered 200 IMG assessment and training positions, compared to just over 80 positions offered in the same year by the rest of the provinces combined.
December 10th, 2004 - The Ontario Forestry
Association is pleased with an announcement from Natural Resources
Minister David Ramsay and Finance Minister Greg Sorbara
Ontario Forestry Association applauds the McGuinty government for
the December 10th announcement of long overdue progress on Managed
Forest Tax Incentive Program (MFTIP) fixes and the expansion of
the Conservation Land Tax Incentive Program (CLTIP).
The OFA is pleased that the current provincial government
is addressing property assessment issues facing the Managed Forest
Tax Incentive Program, which was not a priority for the previous
government. The OFA's supports a return to an assessment system
similar to that used for farmlands as it will encourage forest landowners
to continue to invest in long-term retention and sustainable management
of their forests. This will result in more rural employment in Central
and Northern Ontario, increased environmental value of the forests
and more green space both in the rural and near urban areas such
as the Oak Ridges Moraine and Ontario's proposed Greenbelt area.
From the government's press release (MNR)...
"The Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program is a program that
encourages private landowners, through a reduction in property tax,
to conserve and manage their forestland in a sustainable way. The
province is working with a committee that includes stakeholder representatives
to carry out the recommendations from an Environmental Bill of Rights
review. The province will work with the committee to develop an
assessment method that is similar to the approach used for farmlands."
more .. (www.mnr.gov.on.ca/mnr/csb/news/2004/dec10nr_04.html)
December 10, 2004 Ministry of Natural Resources
Release
PROVINCE PROMOTES CONSERVATION THROUGH PROPERTY TAX RELIEF
Strengthened Tax Incentive Programs Will Support Proposed Greenbelt
TORONTO - The Ontario government is promoting
the protection of Ontario's natural heritage through stronger property
tax relief for landowners and conservation groups, Natural Resources
Minister David Ramsay and Finance Minister Greg Sorbara announced
today.
"It's essential that we do everything we can to preserve both
our forests and other important natural areas, such as habitats
for species at risk," said Ramsay. "To ensure that Ontario's
greenspaces thrive, we need the help of many partners, including
landowners and conservation groups."
The government is encouraging conservation by enhancing two programs:
-
The Conservation Land Tax Incentive Program currently
provides tax relief to individual private landowners who agree
to protect the significant natural heritage values of their
properties. The province is expanding this program to also exempt
charitable conservation organizations, like the Nature Conservancy
of Canada, and conservation authorities from property taxes
on eligible lands, such as those that provide habitat for species
of special concern.
-
The Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program is a
program that encourages private landowners, through a reduction
in property tax, to conserve and manage their forestland in
a sustainable way. The province is working with a committee
that includes stakeholder representatives to carry out the recommendations
from an Environmental Bill of Rights review. The province will
work with the committee to develop an assessment method that
is similar to the approach used for farmlands.
-
The enhancements to these programs will help promote
conservation," said Sorbara. "We are helping Ontario's
land trusts, private landowners and conservation authorities
preserve lands with natural and environmental significance."
-
"The changes we're making will also support
Ontario's proposed Greenbelt Plan to protect greenspace and
contain urban sprawl in the Golden Horseshoe area of southern
Ontario," said Ramsay. "We are encouraging conservation
organizations, conservation authorities and private landowners
to conserve Ontario's natural heritage for future generations."
Backgrounders: THE MANAGED FOREST TAX INCENTIVE
PROGRAM - www.mnr.gov.on.ca/mnr/csb/news/2004/dec10fs_04.html
December 10, 2004
THE MANAGED FOREST TAX INCENTIVE PROGRAM
Backgrounder
-
Ontario's Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program
(MFTIP) encourages private land stewardship by providing lower
property taxes for participating landowners who agree to conserve
and manage their forests. Management can include planting, harvesting
and thinning trees, building trails, inspecting for insects
or disease, or enhancing wildlife habitat.
-
The voluntary program was established in 1998
to recognize the social and ecological benefits of forest lands.
Under the program, privately owned forest land is assessed according
to its current use. Participating landowners receive a 75 per
cent reduction in property taxes.
-
To be eligible for the program, the property must
have at least four hectares of forest, be owned by a Canadian
citizen and have a Managed Forest Plan approved by a consultant
designated by the Ministry of Natural Resources. Eligible land
is classified in the Managed Forest property class, as set out
under the province's Assessment Act.
-
The MFTIP currently includes more than 10,000
properties totalling over 700,000 hectares (1.75 million acres).
Participants range from Essex County landowners looking after
the fragmented natural landscape, to owners of shoreland in
Muskoka, to large forest companies in northern Ontario contributing
to the northern economy.
-
The following organizations are responsible for
the terms, criteria and administration of the program:
- The Ministry of Natural
Resources (MNR) determines eligibility requirements and provides
support for the approval of managed forest plans.
- The Ministry of Finance (MOF) establishes
the assessment policies, municipal tax policies and education
tax policies that govern the property tax system in Ontario.
- The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation
(MPAC) administers the assessment process and carries out
the assessment policies that are established in accordance
with provincial laws and regulations.
- Municipalities administer the property tax
system, including billing.
- In partnership with MNR, the Ontario Woodlot
Association and the Ontario Forestry Association deliver aspects
of the program that focus on providing customer service for
landowners.
History
-
When the program was established in 1998, managed
forest land was assessed for tax purposes at the same rate as
farm lands. This was done in the absence of better available
data at the time.
-
In 2003, the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation
changed the criteria under which the managed forest lands were
assessed for property taxes. Under the new policy, managed forest
properties are assessed at a rate based on current use rather
than at the farm land rate. The change ensured consistency with
Ontario's property tax system, which requires that tax rates
be based on the actual use of a property.
-
The change is resulting in higher assessments
in some parts of Ontario - particularly more densely developed
areas in southern Ontario and shoreline areas such as Muskoka.
-
In response to this change, two residents of Ontario
made a request to the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario
for an Environmental Bill of Rights (EBR) review of the policy
change. They stated that the higher property taxes are reducing
the incentive for managed forest owners to keep their properties
as forests and this would lead to significant environmental
harm.
EBR Review Report
-
The EBR review of the policy found that it is
premature to conclude that the new procedures would reduce participation
or have the potential to harm the environment in the long term.
Monitoring is required.
-
The EBR review report says that the change in
valuation procedures is consistent with the Assessment Act,
and that continued application of the farmland rate to managed
forest lands would not be appropriate.
-
The EBR review report contains eight recommendations,
summarized below, to improve administration of MFTIP and make
the process of assessing properties more open and transparent:
- The Ministry of Natural Resources and Ministry
of Finance will continue to monitor landowner participation
in the program.
- The Ministry of Finance, with participation
from the Ministry of Natural Resources, will proceed with
efforts to increase efficient administration of the program
through revisions to O. Reg 282/98 of the Assessment Act.
- The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation's
"current-use" valuation procedures for managed forests
should continue as the methodology for managed forest properties.
- The Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Natural
Resources should work together to update and clarify MFTIP
program materials to more clearly communicate the property
assessment and property tax system as it applies to MFTIP
properties.
- The Ministry of Finance will work with the
Municipal Property Assessment Corporation to reinforce the
need for more clarity and transparency for property owners
on the valuation procedures for managed forests properties
and to ensure that property owners receive more timely notification
of any future revisions to property valuation procedures.
- The Ministry of Finance will work with the
Municipal Property Assessment Corporation to undertake a review
and validation by an impartial third party of the existing
assessment methodology used for managed forest properties.
- The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of
Natural Resources will establish a committee to implement
the report's recommendations and respond to issues related
to assessment procedures in the coming year. The committee
will include stakeholder representatives and the Municipal
Property Assessment Corporation.
- The Ministry of Natural Resources will work
with the Ministry of Finance to address how any potential
changes to the MFTIP can support the government's initiatives
for the "greening" of southern Ontario.
MFTIP Implementation Committee
-
The committee recommended by the EBR review report
is known as the MFTIP Implementation Committee. It includes
representatives from the Ontario Forestry Association, the Ontario
Woodlot Association, Conservation Ontario, and the Association
of Municipalities of Ontario.
- In addition to providing advice on implementation
of the EBR review report recommendations, the committee has been
directed by the ministers of Finance and Natural Resources to
provide advice on recommendations on a new assessment approach
for managed forests by March 31, 2005.
For more information on MFTIP, see ontariosforests.mnr.gov.on.ca/mftip.cfm
Canadian
Trees – The First National Magazine about Canadian Trees and
Forests
For Immediate Release – December 2004
The Tree Canada Foundation and Pegasus Publications
are proud to announce the arrival of Canadian Trees magazine, a
vital and truly one-of-a-kind publication. This beautifully designed,
full-colour magazine is the first and only national publication
wholly dedicated to celebrating an integral part of Canada’s
prosperity and heritage - our trees and forests.
Canada is blessed with 10% of the world’s forests,
180 distinct tree species and over $43 billion generated from forest-related
eco-tourism and wood products. But with 80% of Canadians living
in cities and towns, the remarkable health and financial benefits
of such an abundance of trees are not fully appreciated. Canadian
Trees provides informative, engaging content that reminds citizens
of our status as a leading "forest nation" by highlighting
the places, people and issues that affect our greatest natural asset.
Launched in October of 2004, the inaugural issue generated
immediate interest amongst industry professionals and everyday tree-lovers
alike. From useful growing tips to articles on urban beautification,
forest fires and profiles of industry leaders, it is the definitive
magazine for people who are passionate about trees. "A symbiotic,
passionate relationship exists between people and trees," says
Dorothy Dobbie, President of Pegasus Publications Inc. and President
of the advocacy group the Coalition to save the Elms. "This
magazine gives expression to our fascination with trees, a topic
whose time has come".
As the Editorial Advisor to the magazine, Canadian
Trees directly compliments the Tree Canada Foundation's public awareness
and educational goals. "Forests provide millions of dollars
worth of environmental services", says Jeff Monty, President
of the Tree Canada Foundation. "They are the ultimate clean
air factory, performing the combined functions of air filter, sponge,
humidifier, heat shield, wind block and carbon sink. We are proud
to partner with Pegasus Publications and bring these amazing stories
to Canadians everywhere".
The Tree Canada Foundation is a charitable organization
that partners with local volunteers in communities across the country
to improve quality of life by planting and caring for trees. Planting
over 75 million trees in Canadian neighbourhoods, schoolyards, parks
and countryside, the Foundation leaves a living, breathing legacy
for generations to come.
Pegasus Publications is the Winnipeg-based publisher
of a number of high quality magazines and periodicals. Their very
popular regional publications Ontario Gardener, Manitoba Gardener
and Alberta Gardener are loyally read by hundreds of thousands of
gardening enthusiasts.
Canadian Trees is available at select newsstands across
Canada or by subscription. To subscribe, call 1-888-680-2008 or
email to subscribe@localgardener.net
For media inquiries, contact:
Chris LeFrancois, Pegasus Publications: 416-963-8951, chris.lefrancois@pegasuspublications.net
Michael Rosen, Tree Canada Foundation): 613-567-5545, mrosen@treecanada.ca,
www.tcf-fca.ca
New
Awards Program Announced by ForestLeadership
Montreal, December 1, 2004 -- ForestLeadership is
pleased to announce a new Awards Program to recognize individuals
and organizations demonstrating exceptional leadership, communication
and collaboration skills.
The ForestLeadership Awards will honor individuals
and organizations that inspire and encourage people committed to
furthering sustainable forestry at the local, national or international
level. The awards will be presented on March 1, 2005, on the occasion
of the Forest
Leadership Conference in Toronto.
Awards will be presented for exceptional leadership,
exceptional communication, and exceptional partnership:
- The Leadership Award will recognize an individual
for his/her superlative efforts and actions demonstrating leadership,
innovation and initiative that further sustainable forestry.
- The Communication Award will recognize an individual
who displays exceptional abilities in articulating and communicating,
in writing or verbally, ideas and concepts relating to sustainable
forestry.
- The Partnership Award will recognize laudable
collaboration between two or more organizations such as conservation
groups and forestry corporations. These organizations will exemplify
the critical importance of effective partnerships for broadening
the practice of sustainable forestry.
Nominations can be made by any individual or organization
and the nomination forms can be found and downloaded from the ForestLeadership.com
website. For the 2005 awards, only individuals and organizations
active in North America are eligible for the awards. The deadline
for nominations is December 31, 2004.
A jury composed of four respected experts in sustainable
forestry will decide on the awards. The jury members are: William
Rockwell, Partner, The Plum Line; Chair of the Working Group on
Sustainability and Forest Certification of the Society of American
Foresters; Yvon Poitras, President and CEO - New Brunswick Forest
Products Association; former Member of the New Brunswick Legislative
Assembly and former government minister; Robin Clark, Principal
of Robin Clark Inc.; Founding Director of Sustainable Forestry &
Certification Watch; and John Hagan, Senior Scientist at the Manomet
Center for Conservation Sciences in Maine.
For details, visit www.ForestLeadership.com
FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE November 19, 2004
Canada’s Forestry Profession is Doing
Its Part to Help Canada Meet the Kyoto Protocols
OTTAWA – Canada has ambitious goals to
meet the Kyoto Protocol targets by February 16, 2005, but the forestry
profession is doing its part to help Canada reduce its greenhouse
gas emissions by up to 44 megatonnes.
“As young seedlings mature into trees, they absorb
more carbon dioxide than they release,” explains Michael McLaughlan,
president of the Canadian Institute of Forestry – Institut
forestier du Canada. “In this way they become a carbon sink
and not a carbon source. By reducing the carbon in the atmosphere,
especially on formerly barren lands, trees can offset the carbon
put into the air from other sources.”
Many of Canada’s industries that are unable to
significantly reduce their emissions are looking to afforestation
as a means to absorb the carbon dioxide that they emit. Emission
reductions through planting trees and other forestry techniques
are being sold in emissions trading markets.
In Saskatchewan, where substantial amounts of the
province’s electricity are created from coal-fired generating
stations, steps have already been taken to find offsets for this
carbon release.
Forestry professionals within Saskatchewan have been
involved in a greenhouse gas emission reduction pilot since 2002.
Under this leading edge project, SaskPower (the province’s
electrical utility) has entered into an agreement with Saskatchewan
Environment to sequester 22,000,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
McLaughlan also notes that Canada’s forestry
practitioners are also leading the way to help reduce atmospheric
carbon through their current and continually improving forest management
practices.
- 30 -
Media Release from Tree
Canada Foundation
Green Streets Canada to Advance Innovative
Urban Forestry Practices
Ottawa, November 24, 2004 – The President
of the Tree Canada Foundation Jeff Monty, today announced the launch
of the newly redesigned Green Streets Canada Program, the largest
nation-wide urban forestry program.
"Urban forests are crucial to the wellbeing of
80% of Canadians who live in urban areas", he said. "With
greater pressures on these forests, Green Streets Canada will encourage
innovative practices and policies in municipal forest management.
Urban forests are ‘Green Infrastructure’ - a crucial asset
in ensuring the quality of our future air and water quality",
he said.
The Program contributes a minimum 50/50 funding through
a competitive bid process. Municipalities and First Nations communities
are asked to put forward proposals for: innovative urban forest
planning, single tree and stand demonstration projects, policy and
best management practices workshops, outreach and education, innovative
tools, or projects which feature urban forests as part of "green
infrastructure".
There have been 321 Canadian communities who have
participated in the Program since 1994 with almost $2 million in
funding being committed to trees and their care. This year’s
newly designed program will award municipalities and First Nations
communities with funding to demonstrate innovative urban forestry
practices and tools that can be shared across Canada.
Municipalities and First Nations have until January
21, 2005 to apply. Applications and information are available on
the Foundation’s website: www.tcf-fca.ca
The Canadian Forest Service, Natural Resources Canada,
is a major sponsor of the Tree Canada Foundation and the new Green
Streets Canada Program.
Through programs such as this, and with the support
of the CFS and its other sponsors, Tree Canada helps focus attention
on the increasing importance of urban forestry in Canada.
The Tree Canada Foundation is a not-for-profit charitable
organization established to encourage Canadians to plant and care
for trees in urban and rural environments. To date the Foundation
has engaged Canada’s top companies, public agencies, individuals
and volunteers to support the planting and maintenance of over 75
million trees, the regreening of over 300 schoolyards, six national
urban forest conferences, 14 carbon neutral conferences and other
efforts to sensitize Canadians to the benefits of planting and maintaining
trees.
- 30 –
For further information contact: Michael Rosen, Tree
Canada Foundation: (613) 567-5545
Looking for
information on Black Ash (Nov. 2/04)
The South Nation Conservation Authority is wanting to expand knowladge
on Black Ash
As part of our black ash project I am trying to contact as many
experienced foresters in this area as possible. The information
I am looking for is:
-
In your experiences have you ever encountered
anyone that has harvested black ash commercially?
-
Have you noticed any decline over time in the
quality and quantity of black ash?
-
What uses of black ash are you aware of?
Any little tid-bits of information in regard to these
questions or anything else about black ash would be great. If you
would reply we could contact you and possibly meet for discussions.
Any information that you give us will be credited to you and added
to our final report.
Hoping to hear from you.
Robert Craftchick H.B.Sc.F., Project Forester
South Nation Conservation Authority
15 Union Street, Berwick ON K0C 1G0
1-877-984-2948 ex 252
Email: rcraftchick@nation.on.ca
Communications Working Group -
Leader, Jim Parker
The Working Group was established to recommend ways
to ensure that the Association is undertaking a strategic approach
to communications. It has responsibility for determining:
-
the types of information to be communicated;
-
the method of communication; and
-
responsibility for the preparation/acquisition
of material and for communicating it to Association members
Additional Members: Matthew Benson, R.P.F.;
Caroline Mach, R.P.F.; Rick Monzon, R.P.F.; and John Sellers, R.P.F.
 Read
the Working Group Report "Towards a Strategic Communications
Plan for the Ontario Professional Foresters Association", presented
to and approved by Council, June 2004 - a Power Point Presentation
EBR Review R2003005
Ministry of Natural Resources
Ministry of Finance
Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program (MFTIP)
The results of the Ministry of Natural Resources'
Review of the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program under the Environmental
Bill of Rights can be view at the link provided below. The Ontario
Forestry Association and the Ontario Woodlot Association will review
the report and provide a summary to our members in the days to come.
The review has resulted in eight recommendations
1 - MNR and MOF (Ministry of Finance) should continue
to monitor participation of landowners in MFTIP to track net participation
rates and review program success parameters.
2 - MOF, with MNR's participation, will proceed with
promising revisions to Ontario Reg. 282/98 of the Assessment Act
in order to realize MFTIP administrative efficiencies and program
clarification. (i.e. adoption of stakeholder recommendation for
10 year renewal period for plans).
***Important****
3 - MPAC's existing current use valuation procedures for managed
forests, the intention of which is to determine assessment based
on a sales comparison of other managed forest properties in the
area, should continue to be used as the assessment methodology for
managed forest properties.
***Important****
The Provincial Government has endorsed MPAC's new assessment procedures
for managed forests which no longer determine assessment based on
local farmland values. Managed forest properties are assessed on
the sales comparison of other vacant lands (described by MPAC as
forester to forester sales comparison).
4 - MOF and MNR should work together to update and
clarify MFTIP program materials to more clearly communicate the
property assessment and property tax system as it applies to MFTIP
Properties.
5 - MOF will work with MPAC to reinforce the need
for more clarity and transparency for property owners on the valuation
procedures for managed forest properties and to ensure that property
owners receive more timely notification of any future revisions
to property valuation procedures.
6 - MOF will work with MPAC to undertake a review
and validation of the existing assessment methodology used for managed
forest properties by an impartial third party.
7 - MOF and MNR will establish a committee, including
stakeholder representatives and MPAC, to be involved in efforts
to respond to issues with implementation of assessment procedures
in the coming year. This committee will also oversee the implementation
of recommendations in this report.
8 - MNR will work with MOF to address how any potential
changes to the MFTIP can support the government's initiatives for
the 'greening' of southern Ontario.
To view or download the entire report, use the following
link: ontariosforests.mnr.gov.on.ca/#recentadditions or the specific page www.mnr.gov.on.ca/MNR/affmb/MFTIP.pdf
The Trees
Ontario Foundation (TOF) is in the process of revitalizing Ontario's
tree planting efforts on private land through
the development of an unprecedented partnership between all organizations
with an interest in replenishing Ontario's private land forests.
The focus of the Foundation is to increase tree planting demand by reducing landowner costs. For more information contact TOF at info@treesontario.on.ca or call toll free 1-800-387-0790
Caring for Your Land Series of Workshop
- news release March 10, 2004
Workshops In A Box Ready for Public
For a detailed catalogue listing all programs, please view the Ontario
Stewardship website at www.ontariostewardship.org
Invasive
Species – Emerald Ash Borer & Asian Longhorned Beetle
Invasive species affecting Canada’s urban forest and potential
impacts on the forest at large.
What can you do to assist?? Read about the two
critters and their location
For current information on ALHB surveys, host trees, news releases,
etc. and EAB please visit the CFIA
website.
Be on the lookout and report sightings of the insect
or its damage to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency at 1-800-442-2342
 Emerald
Ash Borer (EAB)
A highly destructive insect pest of ash trees. Native
to eastern Asia, this pest was first discovered in Canada and the
U.S. in 2002. EAB has killed large numbers of ash trees in the Windsor,
Ontario/Detroit, Michigan area and poses a major economic and environmental
threat to urban and forested areas in both countries. EAB attacks
and kills all species of ash (except Mountain ash which is not a
true ash).
UpComing
Meetings:
2005 see also Coming
Events Page
February 11, 2005
Ontario Forestry Association Conference &
AGM
Kempenfelt Centre, Barrie, ON
Field Tour on Sat Feb 12th
Details: www.oforest.on.ca
February 15, 2005
Eastern Ontario Certified Forest Owners (EOCFO)
Annual General Meeting
will be held at 12 noon in conjunction with the Kemptville Woodlot
Conference 2005
at Kemptville College University of Guelph W.B. George Centre
The EOCFO AGM will be held in a separate room - location
to be announced
Those registering should ask for a box lunch!
February 15 2005
Kemptville Woodlot Conference 2005
"Eastern White Cedar: Caring for a Valuable Resource”
at Kemptville College University of Guelph W.B. George Centre
Technical Exhibits • Displays
For more information please contact:
Dave Chapeskie, R.P.F., Conference Coordinator, Ontario Ministry
of Agriculture and Food
Tel: (613) 258-8302 Fax: (613) 258-8392
Email: dave.chapeskie@omaf.gov.on.ca
Dave MacNaughtan, Eastern Ontario Model Forest
Tel: (613) 258-8365 Fax: (613) 258-8363
Email: dmacnaughtan@eomf.on.ca
February 26, 2005
Ontario
Woodlot Association's (www.ont-woodlot-assoc.org)
Annual
General Meeting and Woodlot Conference
“Our Forests – Our Pride and Responsibility”
A Conference for Ontario Woodlot Owners
to be held at the Royal Canadian Legion, 15 Wright Street, Acton
ON
This year's conference will feature topics that are
relevant to woodlot owners and managers from all walks of life.
Presentations will include discussions on old growth forests, conservation
easements, exploring an economic case for sustainable management
of private woodlots, forest health issues of southern Ontario, and
learn about the Southern Ontario Greenway Strategy – a cooperative
approach to protect natural cores and corridors.
The conference is open to all interested woodlot owners
and managers. It is a great opportunity for landowners to learn
about the issues and ongoing initiatives relating to the ownership
and management of woodlots in Ontario. The event also provides an
excellent venue socialize with other woodlot owners who share the
same interests. For more additional conference details visit the
OWA Web site at ( www.ont-woodlot-assoc.org)
You don't want to miss this conference! As always,
guests are welcome… so bring a friend!
Pre-registration is requested. To register (OWA members
$15.00 and non-members $20.00 – includes lunch) call Rhonda
at the Ontario Woodlot Association at 1-888-791-1103 ext. #221 or
e-mail us at info@ont.woodlot.assoc.org
before February 14, 2005.
March 1-3, 2005
2005
Forest Leadership Conference (www.ForestLeadership.com)
North American Forest Leaders to Meet in Toronto
at the Four Diamond rated Wyndham Bristol Place Hotel, just minutes
away from Toronto's international airport.
Montreal, November 10, 2004 -- ForestLeadership is
pleased to announce the program for its 2005 annual conference,
featuring an exciting combination of keynote addresses, plenary
and breakout sessions, CEO and customers' panels, focus panels,
a strategic certification dialogue, receptions, a gala dinner and
awards ceremony, as well as excellent networking opportunities.
Slated to be one of North America’s leading sustainable
forestry conferences in 2005, conference discussions will explore
various aspects of one of the most fascinating trends in North American
forestry: the development of Partnerships Towards Sustainability.
Featuring some 40 prominent speakers from corporations,
governmental agencies, conservation, indigenous, research and other
organizations involved in sustainable forestry and responsible products
trade, the conference presents three exceptional keynote addresses
by the Ontario Minister of Natural Resources, David Ramsay; US Forest
Service Chief Dale Bosworth;* and the Director of the United Nations
Forum on Forests, Pekka Patosaari.
Key lessons from partnerships will be highlighted
through presentations and discussions of the work of such corporations
as MeadWestvaco, StoraEnso, Hancock Timber Resource Management,
Al-Pac and Office Depot, as well as of conservation organizations
such as the Nature Conservancy, WWF, Wildlife Habitat Canada and
the Conservation Fund.
Through focused panels, the conference will present
in-depth discussions of prominent and important partnerships --
the Forest and Biodiversity Conservation Alliance, the Ontario Forest
Accord, the Boreal Leadership Council and the BC Central Coast Land
and Resource Management Plan (the successor to the Joint Solutions
Project).
A CEO Panel will provide delegates with the unique
opportunity to hear the perspectives of two corporate leaders. Sandy
McDade, President of Weyerhaeuser Company Ltd and Thomas Stephens,
CEO of Boise,** will explain their corporate sustainable forestry
and social responsibility strategies and the multi-stakeholder partnerships
their corporations are pursuing. Prior to that panel, a customers'
panel will feature senior executives from Proctor & Gamble and
Lowe's.
Forest certification will be one of the key topics
at the conference. There will be a panel focusing on the role of
multi-stakeholder partnerships in certification, as well as a strategic
dialogue on the most current certification issues, gathering the
leaders of three prominent North American forest certification programs
– William Banzhaf from the Sustainable Forestry Board; Heiko
Liedeker of the Forest Stewardship Council and Peter Johnson from
CSA-International.
Short break-out sessions will also be held dealing
with topics such as the Canadian National Forest Strategy, the CSA
/ Ontario certification agreement, the new SFI standard and membership
opportunities in the Forest & Biodiversity Conservation Alliance.
Details on the conference can be found at www.ForestLeadership.com
Contact:
The ForestLeadership Conference Team
Tel (514) 274-4344 or toll free (888) 274-4344 Fax (514) 277-6663
Email conference@forestleadership.com
* invited speaker; ** appointment to be confirmed
April 19 to 21, 2005
"Under
the Canopy - Exploring Non-timber Forest Products" (www.westwindforest.ca)
Pre-conference workshop at Wahta Mohawks Community, Bala (April
19)
Main Conference and Field Tours at Deerhurst Resort, Huntsville,
Ontario (April 20, 21)
The twelfth conference in the "Your Forest Your
Choice" conference series, "Under the Canopy" examines
non-timber forest products, including: traditional First Nations
knowledge and uses; economic opportunities; sustainability, forest
management and regulation issues; management for timber and non-timber
values; and other topics. For updates on rates and program, please
visit www.westwindforest.ca, or contact Maxine Davidson at 705-746-6832
ext 29 (bmdavidson@zeuter.com) or Susan Purves at 705-646-1364
(suspurves@sympatico.ca). "Early bird" rate available
before January 30. This event will be registered for Continuing
Education Credits.
April 27, 28 & 29, 2005
48th OPFA AGM & Speaker Presentations
in Timmins, ON
Theme "Communications"
August 19-25, 2005
CIF/IFC AGM and Conference - www.cif-ifc.org
Prince Albert, Saskatchewan
Comments on
New Ontario Forest Management Planning Manual
The digital version of the document is located on MNR's website
and can be accessed through the following web link: ontariosforests.mnr.gov.on.ca/publications.cfm#ebrproposals
Feasibility
Assessment of Afforestation for Carbon Sequestration Initiative
(FAACS)
Climate
Change Plan for Canada
www.climatechange.gc.ca/plan_for_canada/index.html
Natural
Resources Canada- The State of Canada's Forests
www.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca/cfs-scf/national/what-quoi/sof/sof03/brief_e.html
New
Guidelines in Forest Management Practices
These replace the Environmental Assessment Guidelines that were
put in place in 1994.
See the: Declaration
Order regarding MNR's Class Environmental Assessment Approval for
Forest Management on Crown Lands in Ontario www.ene.gov.on.ca/envision/env_reg/ea/english/EAs/mnr_timber_class2.htm
The Declaration Order Request was granted June 25, 2003
Municipal
Tree Cutting By-Law - A Draft Template for Forest Conservation
By-Laws (pdf file)
Questions and Answers - “The
Professional Foresters Act”
& Forest Conservation By-Laws in Southern Ontario (pdf file)
Member's Required Reading List
At the June, 2003 meeting, Council reviewed and agreed with the
proposal to establish a "Required Reading List" for members on the
website to identify the specific material that members must be familiar
with. The initial subjects were:
1. The Professional Foresters Act 2000 (includes the
Regulation on Code of Ethics and Professional Misconduct)
2. OPFA By-laws & Regulations
3. Continuing Education Policy and Program
. Membership Maintenance Policy
. CE Guidelines
. Record Keeping/Reporting Form
4. Grey Areas Bulletins (published every 2 months by "Steinecke
Maciura Leblanc
5. Use of Seal
6. Scope of Practice Interpretation
7. Complaints Process
8. Discipline Process
9. Practice Bulletin # 1 - Good Forestry Practice
10. Code of Ethics
11. Definition of Professional Misconduct
12. Liability Guide To Risk Management
13. Use of Seal Policy
14. OPFA's Privacy Code and Implications for Every Forester
Remsoft Notes
A forest management newsletter is available online at: www.remsoft.com/forest/remsoftnotes/jan03contents.html
Remsoft Notes is published monthly. It is an email newsletter for
Woodstock, Spatial Woodstock and Stanley software users and others
interested in news and issues surrounding forest planning and land
management.
Landowner Forestry Services Directory of the Ontario Woodlot Association (www.OntarioWoodlot.com) an electronic yellow page of Forestry Sevices available in Ontario for some information go to www.ont-woodlot-assoc.org and look for Directory of Forestry Services
CIF: Policy
Papers; Position
Statements
Obtain
Electronic Access to The Forestry Chronicle (To gain electronic
access to The Forestry Chronicle, you must be a Canadian Institute
of Forestry/Institut forestier du Canada member)
Submit a Nomination for the various OPFA
Awards
Submit a Nomination for the various
CIF Awards to your Section Director
Link to: Ontario's
Ministry of Environment
Ontario Forestry Association
- Forest Products Marketing Bulletin
Post your timber notices and woodlot related events announcements
- A FREE SERVICE)
For information: Ellen McRae E-mail: ellenm@oforest.on.ca
Fax: (416) 493-4565
Web: www.oforest.on.ca
The Four Major Certification
Standards Used in Canada
The following brings some clarity to the different certification
systems used in Canada today. There is also extensive information
on the following web site www.sfms.com
Scott Davis, Forest Certification Coordinator, Eastern Ontario Model
Forest (613) 258-8422 sdavis@eomf.on.ca
Group Certification Guide Available
(July 29, 2001)
A group certification guide, aimed at helping small scale producers
come together to reduce costs of achieving certification has received
endorsement from the Forest Stewardship Council. Guide available
at www.proforest.net
click on 'Publications' (from OPFA Newsletter, June, 2001)
Forest
Information Update E-mail Newsletter (July 29, 2001)
"Forest Information Update (FIU) is a free weekly email newsletter
sent to people interested in the inventorying and monitoring of
natural resources. FIU is produced by Forest Information Services
(home.att.net/~gklund)
and is supported by organizations, agencies and individuals working
in the natural resources field."
ForestInformation.com
An interesting web page on the forest industry in North America
http://www.forestinformation.com/index.asp
List
Your Firm on Canadian Forests Site - Consultants Page
www.canadian-forests.com/consul.html
Is your firm listed on the CFS site as a source of one of many Forestry
Consultants?
If not check out this page and get listed. Simply forward the information
on your business to the Canadian Forest site and request your firm
be listed. E-mail: roper@canadian-forests.com
New Business Opportunities Feature on Canadian
Forests Website
Canadian Forests Website E-mail: roper@canadian-forests.com
www.canadian-forests.com/page.html
The Business Opportunities webpage is an Internet
meeting place for forestry and forest product companies. It provides
space for commercial announcements, classified ads, announcements
for the purchase or sale of industrial equipment, and for notices
like a call for tenders or proposals.
Resources
to Learn About Aboriginal Issues in Forest Management in Canada,
With Emphasis on Ontario
By Peggy Smith, R.P.F.
See the Links
page for websites
DEFINITIONS
There are two major groups of "Aboriginal people" (as
defined by Sec. 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982) involved in lands
and resources issues in Canada: "Indians" (those who are
registered as Status Indians under the Indian Act) and Metis. If
you're confused about terminology, you're not alone! The Dept. of
Indian Affairs and Northern Development has a useful website to
add to the confusion. See "Words First: An Evolving Terminology
Relating to Aboriginal Peoples in Canada" (2002) at www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/pr/pub/wf/index_e.html.
ABORIGINAL POLITICAL ORGANIZATIONS
Both status Indians and the Metis have their own political organizations
and some of these organizations have the capacity to deal with natural
resource issues, or environmental issues more broadly. There are
also non-governmental, non-political organizations addressing forestry.
Nationally, the most active is the National Aboriginal Forestry
Association at www.nafaforestry.org. NAFA has been involved
in international, national and provincial policy arenas since 1991,
with numerous position papers and programs addressing increased
Aboriginal participation in forest management.
At the national level, the Assembly of First Nations
represents status Indian communities (or "First Nations"-there
are approximately 640) in Canada. About 80% of these communities
lie within the commercial forest zone in Canada. The AFN works with
NAFA at times on forestry issues, and also addresses environmental
issues at different levels within their organization. See the Environment,
International and Treaties and Lands section of the AFN website
at www.afn.ca/Assembly_of_First_Nations.htm. The AFN Executive
Committee is made up of Regional Vice-Chiefs from the provinces
and territories. The Ontario Regional Vice-Chief addresses interests
of common concern to Ontario First Nations through the Chiefs of
Ontario. Their website at www.chiefs-of-ontario.org/ has
a useful interactive map of Ontario First Nations and community
profiles. Provincially, First Nations are organized into what are
called Provincial Territorial Organizations (PTOs). In Ontario,
there are four and each of these PTOs addresses regional lands and
resources issues on behalf of their member First Nations. These
PTOs include: The Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians (AIAI
at www.aiai.on.ca/ ), Nishawbe Aski Nation (representing
49 First Nations in Treaties 5 and 9 areas at www.nan.on.ca--see
especially their Lands, Resources and the Environment section with
their Consultation Policy), Grand Council Treaty #3 (representing
30 First Nation communities in the Treaty #3 area at www.treaty3.ca/--see
especially their Natural Resources section with their Great Earth
Law under Laws and Policies) and the Union of Ontario Indians or
Anishinabek Nation (representing 43 First Nations in the Robinson-Superior
and Robinson-Huron treaty areas-see www.anishinabek.ca/,
esp. their Intergovernmental Affairs section which deals with lands
and resources). Most of these websites list their member First Nations,
a few of which may have lands and resources staff. There are also
a number of "unaffiliated" First Nations in Ontario who
do not belong to a PTO.
Another level of organization of First Nations is
Tribal Councils established to encourage groupings of First Nations
to share technical resources. Some Tribal Councils in Ontario have
forestry experience. For example, the Mamaweswen or North Shore
Tribal Council, made up of seven First Nations in Anishinabek Nation
has had a Forestry Unit for a number of years.
The Metis in Ontario are politically divided into
the Metis Nation of Ontario (MNO) at www.metisnation.org/ and the Ontario Metis and Aboriginal Association (OMAA) at www.omaa.org/.
The recent Powley court decision recognizing the Metis right to
hunt is profiled on these websites. At the national level MNO is
affiliated with the Metis National Council (www.metisnation.ca/)
and OMAA with the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (www.abo-peoples.org/background/index.html).
Aboriginal women are also politically organized at
the national and provincial levels. In Ontario the Ontario Native
Women's Association has been involved in environmental issues and
at the national level, the Native Women's Association of Canada.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PROGRAMMING AND RESOURCES
The federal government has a small program, run jointly by the Canadian
Forest Service and the Dept. of Indian Affairs and Northern Development
(DIAND) called the First Nation Forestry Program. The FNFP website
lists forestry projects funded by the program which can provide
information about how individual First Nations and Tribal Councils
are involved in the forest sector. See www.fnfp.gc.ca. The
federal government also has a website Aboriginal Canada Portal,
with a section on the Environment and Natural Resources, providing
links to Aboriginal programs and organizations at www.aboriginalcanada.gc.ca/acp/site.nsf/en-frames/index.html.
The site also has a page on Ontario First Nations providing links
to community websites, DIAND community profiles and Statistics Canada
information. There is also useful information on DIAND's website
in the Publication and Research section at www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/pr/index_e.html.
PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT PROGRAMMING
In Ontario, the provincial department responsible for Aboriginal
affairs is the Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat which develops
the provincial Aboriginal Policy and deals with land claims. See
www.nativeaffairs.jus.gov.on.ca/english/onas.htm.
The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, as a result
of the EA Board Decision (1994) on the Class Environmental Assessment
for Timber Management on Crown Lands in Ontario, has been making
efforts to implement the EA Board's Terms and Conditions to improve
Aboriginal participation in the forest sector. An overview of the
MNR's approach to Aboriginal Groups in response to the EA is provided
in their State of the Forest Report, 2001. See Section 4.1.b.j.
Results of Negotiations with Aboriginal Groups (T&C 77). In
the same SOF Report, the MNR describes how they have attempted to
meet the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers commitments to Aboriginal
peoples in Criterion 6, Accepting Ontario's Social Responsibilities
for Sustainable Forest Development. Ontario's Forest Management
Planning Manual outlines the MNR's approach to consultation with
Aboriginal communities. There are very different viewpoints from
Aboriginal communities about the success of MNR's efforts to recognize
Aboriginal and treaty rights and increase Aboriginal participation
in forest-based economic opportunities.
MISCELLANEOUS RESOURCES
MAPS showing Aboriginal communities, claims
and treaty areas in Canada:
The Atlas of Canada
atlas.gc.ca/site/english/sitemap/index.html
Global Forest Watch Canada Interactive Map
www.globalforestwatch.org/english/interactive.maps/canada.htm
Chiefs of Ontario Interactive Map www.chiefs-of-ontario.org/
The Aboriginal Mapping Network www.nativemaps.org/
ON HISTORIC TREATIES: www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/pr/trts/hti/site/maindex_e.html
ON LAND CLAIMS: www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ps/clm/index_e.html
and www.ualberta.ca/~esimpson/claims/contents.htm
ABORIGINAL NEWSPAPERS IN ONTARIO:
Anishinabek News www.anishinabek.ca/uoi/
Wawatay News www.wawatay.on.ca/
Ontario Birchbark www.ammsa.com/birchbark/
NATIONAL ABORIGINAL PRINT MEDIA:
Windspeaker www.ammsa.com/windspeaker/index.htm
aboriginaltimes www.aboriginaltimes.com/
The First Perspective www.firstperspective.ca/
ON-LINE ABORIGINAL SOURCES:
Gathering Place First Nations Canadian News http://gatheringplacefirstnationscanews.ca/
Turtle Island Native Network www.turtleisland.org/
Some miscellaneous sources to get an Aboriginal point
of view on lands, resources and self-government:
Dibaujimoh: Bringing News of the Chippewas of Nawash www.bmts.com/~dibaudjimoh/
Union of BC Indian Chiefs www.ubcic.bc.ca/welcome.htm
Taiaike Alfred, Indigenous Governance Programs, University of Victoria www.taiaiake.com/
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