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The department is partnering with the PEI Model Forest Network and the watershed groups from Wheatley River and the Hunter-Clyde Rivers to host a winter woodlot tour on Saturday, January 29, 2011 with a storm date of February 5, 2011.

“Government is pleased to partner with community groups to raise awareness among land owners about the potential economic opportunities that exist in our forests,” said Minister Brown. “Winter is also a great time to encourage more Islanders to explore the recreational opportunities in our forests.”

The workshop will be held on a private property on the Buffalo Road, located midway between New Glasgow and Wheatley River on Rte. # 243. Organizers are focusing on how sustainable management can create healthy forests along streams and water courses, emphasizing the economic opportunities that exist for land owners.

The event will run from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Field demonstrations will be held on mechanized plantation thinning, chainsaw safety and maintenance, and snowshoeing. Wildlife biologists will be available to discuss coyote safety and animal life on small woodlots.

The workshop will also feature a demonstration on horse logging. Many land owners are using small teams of horses to extract wood products from forested land. Used properly, horses can remove fallen trees and other debris in an environmentally friendly manner, particularly in winter when the snow and frozen ground protect the soil from damage.

Even though maple tapping season is a few months away, organizers are planning a Maple Tree tapping session. Emphasis will be placed on identifying quality trees, tap line and bucket layout for people interested in learning about maple syrup production. The Public Forest Council will host a more intensive maple syrup workshop during the annual sap run at the Mill River Sugar Bush in April.

For more information, please contact Robert Chandler at 902-393-7389 or by email at robertmfn@gmail.com.