Tashi Farmilo

The Ministère des Ressources naturelles et des Forêts (MRNF) is inviting residents of the Outaouais to participate in a public consultation regarding special management plans aimed at recovering forests affected by the spruce budworm. The consultation, running from now until March 17, also includes proposed modifications to an existing integrated operational forest management plan (PAFIO) that governs activity on public lands.

The plans under review outline potential intervention zones where tree harvesting operations are scheduled to mitigate the effects of the spruce budworm outbreak. Additionally, they detail proposed construction and improvements to roads and other forestry infrastructure across several development units: 071-51, 071-52, 073-51, 073-52, and 074-51. The PAFIO plan under discussion further specifies areas where harvesting and roadwork, including construction and maintenance of multi-use roads, are expected to occur in unit 071-52.

The public is encouraged to review these plans and submit feedback through the province's consultation website, Québec.ca/consultations-foret-outaouais, before the March 17 deadline at 11:59 pm. The process is intended to gather public input, though it does not extend to re-evaluating land allocations or altering previously granted rights on public land.

To facilitate participation, the MRNF will hold a virtual information session in collaboration with the Pontiac Regional County Municipality (MRC). Scheduled for February 27, 2025, from 12:30 - 1:30 pm, the session will provide an overview of the intervention plans and outline how residents can submit comments. A question-and-answer period will conclude the event. Interested participants must register by noon on February 26 at www.trgirto.ca/en/. Registered attendees will receive instructions and an access link via email.

For additional information or to schedule an appointment, members of the public can contact the Outaouais Forest Management Directorate during business hours, Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to noon and from 1 - 4:30 pm, by calling 819-246-4827, extension 701449, or by emailing consultationpafi-outaouais@mrnf.gouv.qc.ca.

The consultation period provides an opportunity for the community to weigh in on forestry management strategies in the region, as authorities work to mitigate the impact of the spruce budworm while maintaining sustainable use of public forest resources.