a unique perspective a vision for canada's forests - Canadian ...

a result of generous donations secured from sponsors including Timberline and theOntario Ministry of Natural Resources, there was no cost to the participants. Over 60people, including many CIF/IFC members were able to attend. The workshop helped toraise the Institute’s profile locally and was well-received.The Section also hosted a Species at Risk workshop at Lakehead University, facilitatedby Matt Meade from CIF/IFC National. The annual Lakehead University student socialwas once again a huge success with Dr.Chander Shahi providing an excellentpresentation entitled “Meeting People’s Needs Through Joint Forest Management inIndia.”The Section supported the 2009 Envirothon Competition which was held at theKingfisher Lake Outdoor Education Centre. Two teams from Thunder Bay and one fromDryden participated, both staying overnight at the Centre.The Section also actively supported forestry students at Lakehead University andConfederation College through direct sponsorships, CIF/IFC Silver Ring subsidies, and abursary. With the support of the Ottawa Valley Section, and in exchange for some labouron the Section’s tree cleaning project, the Section was able to provide LakeheadUniversity Student Members with the financial support they needed to attend the CIF/IFCAGM in Fredericton. The Section also attended and actively participated in the annualforestry career fair at Lakehead University in January 2009.Dr. Matthew Leitch provided a story for the University College News Section of theChronicle describing the educational opportunities presented by the wildfires thataffected some of the Hogarth Plantations and recent developments in Wood Science atLakehead University. The article appeared in the September/October 2008 issue. TheInstitute was represented by Section Chair Craig Robinson and Director Dr. NancyLuckai, who spoke and presented CIF/IFC Silver Rings to graduating students at both theLakehead University and Confederation College Ceremonies. The Section continued towork on a carbon offset program initiated last year. This included manual tending toremove grass competition around planted seedlings at the Kamview Nordic Ski Centre.Section members planned for and applied herbicide, with the work completed in June. Intotal, 9000 seedlings were planted in a field at the Kamview Nordic Centre in the city ofThunder Bay.The Section secured the funding for the project through Trees Ontario in cooperationwith the Forest Renewal Cooperative and a donation from the OPFA 2008 AGM. Inaddition to creating carbon offsets, this project provided opportunities for students forstudy, for interaction with the Nordic skiing community, and to enhance the profile of theCIF/IFC and forestry within the skiing community. Section members also continued towork on the Pennock Creek Trail project throughout the year, including deliveringsummer tours. The project highlights good forest management in Ontario. Manyinternational visitors participated in these tours, as well as local community members andthe environmentally conscious public.- 59 -