Forest industry will work to save caribou

Re Will anyone act to save the caribou? Ontario is not, Opinion, Oct. 25

Will anyone act to save the caribou? Yes. Many in the forest sector read with interest this column by Rachel Plotkin of the David Suzuki Foundation and Tim Gray of Environmental Defence.

Like all Canadians, those of us in the forest sector want to ensure that all reasonable measures are taken to help caribou recovery and, like many environmental organizations, believe decisions must be based on sound science and the most recent research.

Caribou are an iconic species and it is important to understand that our forests are complex ecosystems with multiple species. In the boreal forest alone, we are working to support about 500 species of fish, birds and mammals every day.

Numerous factors are contributing to declining caribou populations, including changing forest conditions due to climate change, predation and disease.

Recent science tells us that, even in several areas where there is little or no human activity, caribou populations are still in decline.

The forest sector has and continues to be prepared to sit at the table with government, other industries in the natural-resources sector, environmental organizations, Indigenous leaders, municipalities, labour organizations, recreational and tourism groups and other impacted parties to continue scientific discussions and get this right.

These are complex problems that require, science-based solutions that also consider the potential impacts on other species in the forest, as well as the thousands of workers and their families in Ontario and across Canada who could be impacted.

By working together and by using science, we have the ability through sustainable forest management to adaptively manage, as well as create, suitable habitats for caribou and other species into the future. Derek Nighbor, CEO, Forest Products Association of Canada