Fredericton – David Coon, MLA for Fredericton South and Leader of the Green Party of New Brunswick is calling on the Minister of Energy and Resource Development to plan forest activities on Crown land on a watershed basis to maintain adequate forest cover.

“During the public hearings of the select committee on climate change our committee heard repeatedly about the damaging consequences of widespread clear cutting to the health of our lakes and rivers,” said Coon. “Our committee recognized the important role of forests in minimizing flooding associated with damaging runoff and the resulting flooding. That is why our committee made a strong recommendation that the minister of Energy and Resource Development plan forest activities on a watershed basis from here on in.”

“World Water Day and the International Day of Forests both occur this week,” said Coon. “It’s the perfect time for the Minister to protect our watersheds by protecting our forests.”