Forest biomass action plan draft released by Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources

A draft Forest Biomass Action Plan has been released by the Ontario government for public review and comment. The action plan is to promote economic development and sustainable forest management.

The action plan explores innovative uses of forest biomass, including mill byproducts with heat and power generation applications and sustainable, low-carbon consumer products.

John Yakabuski, minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, said the provincial government is committed to helping Ontario’s forest industry reach its full potential.

“By working with Indigenous partners and the forest sector, we have advanced that commitment with a proposal to unlock the potential of Ontario’s forest biomass,” he said.

A working group has been convened, made up of members from the forest biomass supply chain, to develop a draft action plan for public consultation.

There are five objectives of the action plan, including identifying pathways to markets for forest biomass, supporting demand for forest bioenergy and bioproducts, improving the business and regulatory environments for the use of forest biomass, supporting the holistic and culturally relevant pathways for Indigenous community involvement in forest biomass value chains, and communicating, collaborating and informing on forest biomass opportunities.

“This action plan sets out a path to new markets and local jobs, and it does so while improving our environmental stewardship,” Yakabuski said.

Consultation closes June 21 on the draft Forest Biomass Action Plan through the Environmental Registry.