The P.E.I. Woodlot Owners Association is asking the P.E.I. government to take stronger action regarding tree damage assessments and management plans following post-tropical storm Fiona.
| Posted: 13 hours ago | Updated: 13 hours ago | 8 Min Read
“PEIWOA is concerned about the long-term impacts of Fiona on timber supply for the province’s forestry sector,” said Stuart. But Stuart said rushing to plant trees in damaged areas is not a necessary or wise use of public dollars, as many of these areas will recover naturally. With winter fast approaching, the PEIWOA is urging the government to look into chainsaw courses for woodlot owners who may not want to deal with the clean-up themselves but don’t currently have the proper training. - Contributed
“The FEP program is critical to moving forward the sustainable management of P.E.I. dollars and it needs more funding available to promote sustainable forestry over the long term," said Stuart.As of 2022, P.E.I. does not have a dedicated forestry department. Any issues regarding the forestry sector fall under the Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action.
Enhanced mental health programs should be made available for woodlot owners with heavy tree loss, and tree planting fees should also be waived, he said.