Thanks to a generous $193,300 three year grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), Bancroft and Area Forest Industries Association and partners, Harvest Hastings, Bancroft Area Stewardship Council and Hastings Stewardship Council are launching the Harvest Hastings Local Wood Initiative to develop a check list for the public and rural property owners to assess their greenhouse gas emissions and energy use, and will also be hosting workshops for students and community members on how to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and save energy.
The workshops will allow local experts to share their knowledge of sustainable forestry and farming, stewardship of natural areas, energy efficiency, alternative energy and living with nature. The sustainability check list and workshops will help people, especially youth, better appreciate the landscape in which they live and give them practical suggestions on how they can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy use.
Todd Smith, MPP for Prince Edward Hastings, joined OTF representative at a launch ceremony at the Moira Community Hall attended by the Warden of Hastings County and Owen Ketcheson, Mayor of Centre Hastings and members of the collaborative.
“These guys really care about sustainability and making sure our forests are healthy as they possibly can be. … It is so important that we look after what we have in Ontario “- Todd Smith MPP
“I am very happy to represent the Bancroft Area Forest Industry Association (BAFIA) as we partner with Harvest Hastings and the Stewardship Councils of Hastings County to receive this Trillium Grant.
Forestry and agriculture workers try to harvest our products and be good stewards of the land in order that future generations will be able do the same. Every Ontarian has the ability to understand the concept of forestry and agriculture – but they may not have had the opportunity to learn how their own use of both forestry and agriculture can play a role in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and in energy conservation. I look forward to the next three years as we work with our partners to work with our neighbours.” – Larry McTaggart, President, BAFIA.
About
Incorporated in 2009, Bancroft Area Forest Industry Association’s mandate is to raise awareness and promote the importance, benefits and feasibility of sustainable forestry as well as to provide best practices and education to ensure healthy forests for the future. They promote and support the long term sustainability and vitality of the forest industry in the Bancroft area
A leading grant-maker in Canada, the Ontario Trillium Foundation strengthens the capacity of the voluntary sector through investments in community-based initiatives. An agency of the Government of Ontario, OTF builds healthy and vibrant communities.
For more information
Bancroft and Area Forest Industries Association, www.bafia.ca
For more information about the Ontario Trillium Foundation, visit www.otf.ca
Contact Louise Livingstone (613) 395-4388, infowww.harvesthastings.ca, Matt Caruana (613) 395-1166,
We’re Hiring!
May 13, 2024
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