Excellent use for forest products: forests!

The Province of Ontario moved to protect at least 225,000 square kilometres of Boreal Forest in the Far North this week.
According to a media release from the Province, “The trees, soil and peat of the vast Far North landscape act as a globally significant carbon sink by absorbing approximately 12.5 million tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere each year.” The areas to be protected will be determined in conjunction with area First Nations groups.

Read what supporters of the bill have to say here. For some interesting facts on the Boreal, have a look at the Markets Initiative site.

The Boreal region stretches across Canada, spanning over 10,000 kilometres from the Yukon to Newfoundland, making up 35 per cent of our land area. It is home to about 60 per cent of Canada’s bird populations, woodland caribou and many other species.

Canada is often noted for our “wealth of resources.” Perhaps, in our strategies to lessen climate change effects, we can do more to keep what we have for its natural value and contributions to our future, rather than changing ecosystems far into the future to suit the needs of today.

What is the value of a forest to you?