|
|
|
|
| TODAY'S NEWS | SEARCH THE NEWSROOM | NEWS BY MINISTRY |
<<
McGuinty Government Fosters Innovative Uses Of Forest Resources
TORONTO, Aug. 13 /CNW/ -
NEWS
>>
Ontario has a new policy to guide the allocation and use of previously
unused trees and tree parts that could spur innovation and help to diversify
the economy.
Known as biofibre, a guiding policy for its use could support the
development and use of clean technologies, help reduce dependence on fossil
fuels, reduce energy costs through cogeneration and other bio-energy projects,
and provide a source of renewable material to produce bioproducts.
Forest biofibre comes from tree tops and limbs, trees which currently
aren't marketable as traditional forest products and trees salvaged after
being damaged by fire, wind or other types of damage. The forest biofibre
policy
(http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/Forests/2ColumnSubPage/245067.html)
provides the general direction for the allocation and use of previously
unutilized forest biofibre in Ontario's forests.
The policy will guide the use of forest biofibre to create and support
new opportunities to develop and use new clean technologies and products that
could help the province tackle climate change and supply the global demand for
more sustainable biofuels and biomaterials. This policy supports Ontario's
Innovation Agenda, a plan to make innovation a driving force of the provincial
economy.
QUOTES
"This policy will help in the development of non-conventional forest
products, encourage new investment in emerging markets, and improve the
competitiveness of Ontario's forest sector," said Minister of Natural
Resources Donna Cansfield
(http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/About/2ColumnSubPage/226953.html). "This policy
will directly benefit the forest sector and the northern and rural communities
which depend on forestry as a way of life."
<<
QUICK FACTS
- Forests cover almost 60 per cent of Ontario, and 90 per cent of
forested lands are provincially owned and known as Crown lands.
- Harvesting of biofibre will occur in an environmentally sensitive and
sustainable manner. Tree stumps and other downed woody material will
not be harvested.
- Since 2003, Ontario has invested more than $600 million in research
projects and companies working on green technologies and initiatives
to strengthen Ontario's bioeconomy, including $25 million to make
Thunder Bay the home for a new Centre for Research and Innovation in
the Bioeconomy
(http://www.mri.gov.on.ca/english/news/CRIBE052108.asp).
- Ontario is a global leader in biofuel research and home to companies
that are leading the way - such as Iogen Corporation
(http://www.iogen.ca/) and Agri-THERM (http://www.agri-therm.com/)
Limited.
LEARN MORE
- Learn more about Ontario's forest biofibre policy
(http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/STEL02_168317.html)
(ontario.ca/forests).
- Learn more about Ontario's Innovation Agenda and the Bioeconomy.
(http://www.mri.gov.on.ca/english/news/Biofuel070308_bd2.asp)
- Discover more about forest biomass.
(http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/Renewable/2ColumnSubPage/STEL02_167269.h
tml)
- See the decision notice on the Environmental Registry
(http://www.ebr.gov.on.ca/ERS-WEB-External/) - Registry Number
010-0167 (ontario.ca/environmentalregistry).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
ontario.ca/natural-resources-news
Disponible en français
BACKGROUNDER
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE FOREST INDUSTRY
>>
Ontario's forest biofibre policy will help in the development of
non-conventional forest products, encourage new investment in emerging
markets, and improve the competitiveness of Ontario's forest sector.
Forest biofibre comes from tree tops and limbs, trees which currently are
not marketable as traditional forest products and trees salvaged after being
damaged by fire, wind or other types of damage. Forests cover almost 60 per
cent of Ontario, and 90 per cent of forested lands are provincially owned and
known as Crown lands.
The right to use biofibre will be conveyed through a licence issued under
the Crown Forest Sustainability Act. Biofibre harvesting will only take place
on areas selected for harvest in approved forest management plans. It will
also take place in previously harvested areas only where it will not
compromise forest renewal requirements.
Harvesting of biofibre will occur in an environmentally sensitive and
sustainable manner. Tree stumps and other downed woody material will not be
harvested.
<<
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jason Koivisto, Forest Business ontario.ca/natural-resources-news
& Economics Section, Disponible en français
705-945-6758
>>
-30-
For further information: Stefanie Millon, Minister's Office, (416) 314-2198; Barry Radford, Communications Services Branch, (416) 314-0652
Other news releases disseminated by this ministry
