PEI Report

Forest Policy Implementation Update

Since releasing its new Forest Policy in late 2006, the Forests, Fish and Wildlife Division of the Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry has been working to implement the various recommendations and commitments.

Forest management programs for private and public lands are now guided by the standards contained in the Ecosystem-based Forest Management Manual. The manual is designed to address typical forest management issues and concerns in areas such as infrastructure, tree establishment, stand improvement, and special enhancement techniques. It builds on the principles and concepts of earlier forest management programs, but whereas earlier efforts tended to focus on forests as economic development tools, the new manual places priority on ecological principles and values.

"The Division is exploring the potential effects of climate change."

Efforts are underway to simplify the tendering process for public land products and to develop more partnerships with groups and communities that share an interest in, and commitment to, public forests. The Public Forest Council is working on recommendations for the demonstration of forest certification systems on public lands, and is striving to increase awareness of the many roles these forests play in our environment, society, and economy.

In terms of private forest lands, the Forest Renewal Program has been folded into the Forest Enhancement Program in order to provide landowners with a wider range of forest management services. Beginning in 2009, all private land clients are required to have forest management plans prepared before they can access public funding to help them manage their woodlands.

The Seedling Production Program has put more emphasis on hardwood production. The nursery has also increased the number of large seedlings it produces in order to meet the requirements of a variety of specialty planting needs, such as watershed management. Larger seedlings are better suited to the difficult growing conditions found along streams and waterways.

Work is underway for several other core commitments such as value-added forest products as well as education and training. The Division is also exploring the potential effects of climate change on Island forests and is determining which species may be better suited to future conditions. In order to fully address issues such as climate change, updated information from a new land use inventory will be required. The Forest Management Act requires an update in 2010, and work is underway to prepare for the inventory. This information will help the province to implement additional forest policy commitments as well as address the growing needs of forest managers, farmers, urban planners, and others who require accurate and up-to-date land use information.

For more information on PEI's Forest Policy, visit www.gov.pe.ca/go/ forestpolicy. You can also get information on the Forest Enhancement Program at www.gov.pe.ca/go/fep, or access the online version of the Public Land Atlas at www.gov.pe.ca/gis.