Crown forests near Marathon under new management

NEWS RELEASE

GOVERNMENT OF ONTARIO

**************************** McGuinty government making forest industry more competitive

Ontario is working with local communities, First Nations and forest industry partners to establish the first local forest management corporation to re-energize the forest sector.

Together, the community has proposed that the new body be called "Nawiinginokiima Forest Management Corporation," which means "working together."

This new local body would manage the Crown forests sustainably in the Big Pic, Nagagami and White River forests in the Marathon area.

It would also sell and market timber and negotiate the price of wood.

This new model will help align Ontario's timber supply and prices with market demand, and make it easier for entrepreneurs, Aboriginal and local communities to participate in the forest economy.

It will also help create new jobs and attract further investment in the forest sector for the betterment of the communities and Aboriginal people.

Helping build a stronger forest industry is a key component of the plan laid out in Ontario's 2011 budget - Turning the Corner, to create and support 10,000 new and existing jobs for Ontario families and to strengthen local economies.

Quick facts

- The proposed corporation would cover forests in the Marathon, Manitouwadge, White River and Hornepayne areas.

- It is expected that the first LFMC would be operational by April 2013.

- Ontario is introducing two new forest management models: Local Forest Management Corporations and Enhanced Shareholder Sustainable Forest Licences.

- Ontario's forest sector supports almost 200,000 jobs in over 260 communities.

- Since 2005, the Ontario government has made available more than $1 billion to support the forestry sector.

- The Province oversees the management of 80 per cent of the 71 million hectares of forested land in Ontario.

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