Forestry and Heritage Review Group Public Consultation


Forestry and Heritage Review Public Consultation Written submissions (Note: this phase is now closed. Please review the draft recommendations and send feedback prior to 17/12/07. You may of course include general comments in your feedback.) *What is your vision for forestry in Ireland in the future?*


On behalf of the Heritage Council, Woodlands of Ireland is co-ordinating a wide-ranging review of current Heritage Council forest policy. This review is being implemented to reflect the changing context of forestry and to provide a vision for the future development of forestry in Ireland, with a particular emphasis on the national heritage. The review has been contracted to a collaborative team, and we, the team members, are asking for your input. We are looking for information, ideas and suggestions of a general nature (not site-specific) about forests and forestry in Ireland which will contribute to discussions amongst the team. The review being carried out is of the existing Heritage Council policy (see the 1999 policy online at http://www.heritagecouncil.ie/publications/index.html , as well as a 2002 follow-up document). The context for this review is the Heritage Council's Strategic Plan 2007-2011. Now is an excellent time for this review, as there are many new issues, challenges, and opportunities in Irish forest management today, including biodiversity, climate change, future markets, water quality, landscape and recreation. We are very interested in hearing what you have to say about forestry in Ireland. We are especially interested in your vision for the future of Irish forestry. We are seeking submissions from all interested parties to contribute to this review: forest users (including all members of the public), land managers and forest owners, contractors, scientists whose research is relevant, people interested in heritage, landscape, and tourism issues, people who rely on water quality, recreational users, environmentally concerned people, people in the forest industry chain, and any other interested parties. This review is being conducted by a team of six people with various expertises (Sasha Bosbeer, coordinator, Huw Denman, Jerry Hawe, David Hickie, Paddy Purser and Paddy Walsh). Click here for professional profiles of the team members. We welcome comments on any aspects of forests and forestry, but particularly on the following topics: • Forest policy, legislation, certification and incentives • Species and site suitability • Forest products • Biodiversity • Recreation, accessibility and enjoyment • Silvicultural systems • Protection of water and soil • Climate change • International trends and markets • National trends and future forestry potential • Forestry and the landscape • Public perception and attitudes toward forestry • Training and research needs We are considering the national context, rather than any specific case.

*Our main question is, what is your vision for forestry in Ireland in the future?*
Please be concise with your comments to help us understand your main points. Bullet points or short paragraphs are welcome, and submissions under 3 pages in length would be appreciated. If your recommendations can be supported by reference to factual or scientific documentation, so much the better, and especially if you are recommending targets. This is the first part of consultation for members of the public. We plan a second phase of public consultation, which will be a meeting during which we will present the main findings of the report. You will have the opportunity to give us feedback during this meeting. Please check back at this website later in the year for the finalised date. What will be done with your submission and input Your input will add to the process of developing the review. We will list all contributors to this call for input, so please indicate if you wish your contribution to remain anonymous in the final report to the Heritage Council (in any case, please include your name and return address and e-mail, so we can contact you with confirmation of receipt of your submission). Please send your contribution regarding the future direction for forestry in Ireland by e-mail to sasha.bosbeer@gmit.ie and by post to Sasha Bosbeer, Forest Management Group, GMIT, Dublin Road, Galway. Send your contribution in written (paper and electronic) format so we can keep track of the public input, and do include a return postal or electronic address so we can send confirmation of receipt (this may take a few weeks – please be patient but also keep a copy of what you contribute). Please send your contributions and suggestions to arrive by 21 August 2007. Thanks to those who have already made submissions.
Links The Heritage Council website Woodlands of Ireland website Team members' professional profiles Back to information about giving feedback on the draft recommendations Photos © Sasha Bosbeer.
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