Some recent news reports are referring to the MNR loosing responsibility for Forestry. The changes deserve clarification. The Ministry of Natural Resources' original responsibilities regarding Forestry were two-fold under their Forests Division .. the Forest Management Branch and the Industry Relations Branch.
The "Industry Relations Branch" is going over to the newly-name-expanded Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry. It will now leading the business and economic aspects of forestry, which include industrial strategy, forest sector competitiveness programs, softwood lumber and wood allocation, pricing and licensing.
The MNR is still responsible for sustainable forest management and stewardship, which include forest management planning, forest health and science and the provision of habitat, including the requirements under the Endangered Species Act.
News:
http://www.rainyriverrecord.com/node/7585 Barry Bridgeford
Executive Committee
Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists
http://www.ABRweb.ca
