PEMBROKE — The County of Renfrew recently completed the Draft 2017-2026 Forest Management Plan for the Renfrew County Forests. The Forest Management Plan (FMP) outlines the objectives and strategies for the sustainable management of County-owned forests, as well as operational details on County Forest lands for the time period of January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2026.
The Renfrew County Forest (RCF) land base is 6,527 hectares scattered over 53 different parcels, representing about 0.8 percent of the total land within the administrative area of the County of Renfrew. The first forest, the Beachburg Tract, was purchased in 1951 under the Agreement Forest Program with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. The County assumed full responsibility of managing these lands on April 1, 2000. These areas are actively managed for economic, social and ecological values: today, and for generations to come.
County Council approved circulation of the Draft FMP on November 30. The Draft FMP is available online for public viewing at http://www.countyofrenfrew.on.ca/_documents/development-property/forestry/managementplan.pdf.
The County invites the public to view the plan, identify any values they may know in County forests that should be protected during operations, and provide feedback on the draft. Comments received before January 6, 2017 will be considered during the development of the final version of the FMP.
“The Renfrew County Forest supplies wood to local mills, provides diverse wildlife habitat, and offers recreational opportunities for residents and visitors,” said Lacey Rose,County of Renfrew forester. “The goal of all sustainable forest management, including the Draft 2017-26 Renfrew County Forest Management Plan, is to ensure that these values continue to be provided for all future generations.”
Comments can be provided to Lacey Rose, RPF, County Forester and Plan Author, by email [email protected] or in writing to 9 International Drive, Pembroke, ON, K8A 6W5.
