David Coon, MLA/Député

During the public hearings at the Select Committee on Climate Change last summer, our committee repeatedly heard from New Brunswickers who were concerned about the impact of widespread clearcutting on the health of our fresh water system, our lakes, our rivers and our streams.

Our committee recognized the important role of maintaining an adequate forest cover to minimize damaging runoff and potential for flooding. That’s why our committee made a strong recommendation that the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Development plan forest activities on a watershed basis from here on in.

Given that today is International Forest Day, it’s the perfect opportunity for the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Development to direct his forest liscencees to maintain sufficient forest cover in each watershed to safeguard our rivers and lakes.