Formal opportunities for public consultation are outlined in the infographic below. In the spring of 2019, following all stages of public consultation, the 2019-2029 Forest Management Plan for the French-Severn Forest was approved.
In addition to these opportunities, there is a local citizens committee which acts as an advisory committee for the district manager. Members are local citizens who represent a range and balance of interests from communities in and adjacent to the management unit (e.g. cottaging, hunting, trapping, snowmobiling, industry, labor, naturalists, municipalities, industry). They play an important role in preparing and implementing the forest management plan by representing local interests, increasing the effectiveness of public consultation, and identifying management objectives, strategies, issues, and values. The chair of this committee also sits on the planning team.
In concert with the Public Consultation process, there is an issue resolution process through which individuals or parties may express concerns. If not satisfied, there is an incremental process of individuals who become involved. There is also an opportunity for an individual to file a request to the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change to have a component of the FMP come under the scrutiny of an Environmental Assessment. The request must be made on solid grounds and not a frivolous attempt at disrupting operations. Westwind would rather take a proactive approach in resolving issues before such a request is made.
© 2017 · westwindforest.ca