A series of public consultations were held from Dryden to North Bay in January and February to allow forest industry stakeholders to have their say in the harvesting of timber on Crown lands. Ontario's Timber Class Environmental Assessment Act runs out in May 2003, which establishes the rules for timber harvesting. A proposal is on the table to amend and extend the act. Through public meetings a discussion paper is being drawn up by the Ministry of Natural Resources to pass on to the Ministry of Environment for review. The MNR has until this May to submit an update to the environment minister for final approval in November. Among the issues raised by woodland industry managers are more clearly defined directions from Queen's Park on the allocation and forestry planning processes concerning harvesting, habitat protection, tourism and parks.
