We are writing to you today…

We are writing to you today to express strong support for this proposal and encourage MECP to move forward with the two-year temporary suspension in listing black ash as endangered. We believe this pause is necessary to provide MECP time to work with the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry (MNDMNRF) and the forest sector to examine and address issues affecting the forest sector broadly and GFI specifically, should Black Ash be listed as a Species at Risk (SAR).
At this time we believe the following items need to be addressed:
1. The inability to sell Black Ash harvested in accordance with the Crown Forest Sustainability Act (CFSA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA).
2. Development of a clear definition of Black Ash habitat, as the species occurs widely across Ontario in association with other lowland hardwoods and mixedwoods.
3. Development of Area of Concern prescriptions to protect regulated Black Ash habitat.
4. Continued research into methods to control the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer, the source of the decline of the species.