In addition to our existing Macphail Woods Ecological Forestry Project, the Environmental Coalition of Prince Edward Island has an agreement with the province to manage 2,000 acres of public forest land. The lands will be used to demonstrate sustainable forest management and restoration of our native Acadian woodlands. Under the lease agreement, the Environmental Coalition assumes management responsibility for 26 forested properties in southeastern Kings and Queens Counties. In recognition of the long-term nature of forest restoration and management, it is open to renewal after the initial 10-year term if conditions have been met.

We are committed to improving the health of these forests while at the same time showing the true value of the resource. Thinking of the forest as a bank account, we will be removing less than the "interest" that grows each year. We are presently developing ecological management plans and are looking at getting our woodland operations certified under the Forest Stewardship Council. These plans, and more information on the project, are being posted on our web site as they are developed.

Part of the public forest land project will be continuing to encourage Islanders to see all the other services that make woodland invaluable-storing carbon, cleaning air and water, providing excellent wildlife habitat and offering places for recreation. Another key component is to create a niche market for certified wood products and high-end crafts directly related to our forests. We recently purchased a bandsaw mill and our long-term vision includes having a woodworking shop where talented Island craftspeople can create high-quality wooden products from sustainably-harvested wood. In effect, these craftspeople would become part of our team of forest educators.

In these times of economic uncertainty, it is even more important that we become true stewards of the land. It is not an easy task to turn around hundreds of years of poor forestry practices, but with patience and determination, it can be done. The goal of ecological sustainability should frame all our forestry practices.

Our native tree and shrub catalogue and calendar of events for 2009 should be up on our web site soon. For more information, email garyschneider@pei.sympatico.ca or call 902-651-2575.