SD&G exploring controls to halt depleting forest

The United Counties is looking at a broad set of tools, including land control laws, in a bid to stop the dwindling forest cover.

SD&G Planner Alison McDonald presented the plan to a committee of the whole session of county council this morning (Thursday).

“The balance is shifting…perhaps shifting too far,” McDonald said, noting the cover had dropped below 29 per cent in 2014 and below the widely-held benchmark of 30 per cent.

Part of the problem, McDonald explained, is land owners are secretly clear-cutting forest or filling in wetlands ahead of applying for a permit to build a subdivision or proceed with other developments. “Landowners are getting savvy,” knowing there are few people on the ground to catch them.

Read SD&G exploring controls to halt depleting forest at Cornwall Newswatch.