Image from report to county council, April 3rd 2024
The County of Huron owns over 1600 acres of forested conservation areas, which produced over $40,000 in timber sales last year – that’s according to a report from Forest Conservation Officer Dave Pullen to County Council at the beginning of April.
Pullen emphasized the significant public interest in forested conservation sites – a sentiment which rose throughout COVID, and has remained higher than pre-COVID years.
Highlighting key forestry statistics, Pullen discussed ongoing commercial timber harvest operations on private property throughout the county – monitoring the level of engagement with professional foresters, and adherence to professional tree marking standards. Pullen said that the lack of understanding of good forestry management leaves something to be desired in common populations.
Pullen said that many landowners could benefit from forestry advice and assistance. He underscored the importance of informed decision-making when engaging in timber sales, advocating for proactive consultation to ensure compliance with forestry regulations and optimal forest management practices – however, he emphasized that it was important to intervene early.
Pullen also pointed to a decline in public education due to changes at the Ministry of Forestry and Natural Resources, which previously worked to make people more aware of good forestry practices.
Ultimately, the declining availability of active foresters and the need to promote good forestry practices were of concern to council.
The council members engaged in discussions regarding strategies to improve forestry practices, including the possibility of distributing educational packages to property owners prior to the commencement of logging activities.
A motion was made that staff return to council with a report on options for improving good forestry practices.
Written by: B. Shakyaver
