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The PEI Model Forest Network Partnership (MFNP) is a Model Forest Network project operating as an extension to the Nova Forest Alliance. The MFNP encompasses the whole of Prince Edward Island and was officially launched in July 2003 as the Model Forest Network’s first Special Project Area. The vision of the Partnership is a “diverse group working co-operatively to develop forest communities based on sound ecological, social and economic principles”. At the time of colonization, forests covered most of Prince Edward Island (PEI). Over time the Island’s forested areas were substantially reduced due to land clearing for agriculture, logging for building materials, fuelwood collection and to support the wooden ship industry. Over the last 100 years, forest cover has increased slightly and now comprises approximately 45% of PEI. Most of this land is privately owned and is divided into thousands of small parcels – in fact, the average size of forest parcels on PEI is only 20 hectares. The high proportion of private ownership and the fragmented nature of this ownership presents challenges for sustainable forest management on the Island. Restoring the structure and composition of PEI’s Acadian forests is a formidable task, and one made all the more challenging by an unregulated forest landbase, a strong demand for softwood lumber, and the ongoing pressure exerted by land conversion for agriculture, recreational developments and urbanization. By offering programs and services that help to enhance awareness of the ecological and economic potential of sustainable forest management in PEI, the MFNP is building a broad-based partnership that considers the views of all those interested in PEI’s forest future. The MFNP supports education, demonstration and research projects, and is currently working to address critical needs in such areas as riparian zone tree planting, wildlife enhancement, technical training for forest workers, certification and developing educational tools geared to woodlot owners. The MFNP currently comprises 24 organizations representing the Island’s natural resource sector. The elected partners who form the MFNP’s Management Committee are drawn from these organizations, while day-to-day activities are administered by one half-time coordinator and an active volunteer chairperson. For more information, please contact:
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© Canadian Model Forest Network
2008
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