COMMUNITY FORESTRY IN ONTARIO

Policy-makers and resource managers are attempting to define more-effective mechanisms for involving the local community in forest land management for many years. In the past five years, renewed attention has been given to the opportunity for empowering local communities with decision-making and program delivery responsibilities. The community forestry project in Ontario is one example of policy-makers, resource managers and local communities trying to bridge the gap between community development and resource management. With the assistance of four pilot projects, a research project and public discussion, a community forestry strategy is under development in Ontario. While it may take years to produce indisputable results through trials at the local level, three years of work have already enriched our understanding of the interface between human settlements and natural resources and of alternative means for successful stewardship.