Press release

From: <sarah@fallsbrookcentre.ca>
To: <info@acic-caci.org>
Date: Tue, 12 Mar 2002 18:44:27 -0400
Importance: High
Precedence: bulk
Return-Path: <sust-mar-mml-owner@chebucto.ns.ca>

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For Immediate Release:

Forestry Unions, First Nation and Environmental Groups demand that New
Brunswicker’s have a say in the management of Crown Lands

“It is becoming increasingly clear that [Natural Resources Minister] Volpe
would rather grow the profit of massive forest companies than serve the
public interest,” says Tegan Wong of Falls Brook Centre. “He has clearly
stated that he’d rather get information from industry-paid consultants than
his own electorate.”

Volpe has denied requests for a Legislative Committee to examine New
Brunswickers needs for the future of their forests (please contact Falls
Brook Centre for a copy of Volpe’s letter).  Volpe has stated that he
expects foreign consultants to provide all information that he needs to
decide the future of crown lands.

The request for the legislative committee came from 31 different forest
stakeholders, including unions, woodlot owners, First Nation and
environmental groups who have formed a coalition to review crown land
management practices.

“[DNRE] should be answering the public concerns. The licensees have no
direct accountability to the public; they are contractors only accountable
to the Minister” says retired DNRE forester Yvon Moreault, a coalition
supporter.

The coalition will be soliciting public input during the course of March.
“While it’s sad that the DNRE is ignoring us, that doesn’t mean the people
of New Brunswick have to be silent” says Wong.

Local public discussions will be held the Glassville Rec Centre on March
14th, the UNB Forestry Building room 203 in Fredericton on March 20th and
the Florenceville Village Office on March 21st.  All discussions begin at
7:00 PM.

 The Department of Natural Resources and Energy plans to extend the
exclusive 25-year lease agreement with the six forestry giants on April 1st.

Falls Brook Centre recently published a booklet on the history and
administration of crown lands entitled “Seven Generations of Crown Land
Mismanagement” available at www.fallsbrookcentre.ca

About Falls Brook Centre:  Falls Brook Centre (FBC) is a charitable
environmentally focused community development demonstration and training
center based in Carleton County.  Located on 400 acres of farm and
forestland, FBC demonstrates the practical application and implementation of
sustainable development.


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