26 North Street PO. Box 189 Lockeport, NS BOT 1L0 Phone: (902) 65 6-2216 Fax: (902) 656-2935 Email: mnf?ns sy mpalico. ca December 10, 2019 Honourable Iain Rankin Minister of Lands and Forestry 3rd Floor, Founders Square 1701 Hollis Street PO. Box 689 Halifax, NS 2T9 Re: Clearcutting in Shelburne County Dear Minister Rankin: As you likely know, many citizens in Shelburne County are very concerned about the approval by Lands and Forestry for the clearcutting contracts in the County. The Council of the Town of Lockeport voted unanimously at our Council meeting yesterday to convey to you our concerns. Council feels that a moratorium should be placed on this clearcutting. Once the Lahey Report is implemented and regulations developed by your Government, citizens will have more confidence in forestry decisions and harvesting practices in Shelburne County. Forestry decisions should take into consideration the condition of our course and infertile soils, the subsequent challenge of reforestation, and the impact of clearcutting on climate change. It is our belief that the present clearcutting and extensive harvesting in Shelburne County would not be approved by Government if decisions were based on William Lahey?s report and sustainable forestry practice regulations. Governments of all levels, as well as citizens and industry, must put considerable emphasis on sustainability of our forests and the overriding impact on the health of the ecology. There are environmental, economical, and social consequences of poor forestry practices. Our forests are used for recreation and have economic value to the Tourist Industry. We must be mindful of maintaining a sustainable ecology for plant, insect and animal habitat. It is our hope that the Department of Lands and Forestry?s harvesting decisions would strike a balance focusing on all these factors. Sincerely, .LM Qua-4. George R. Harding Mayor Lockeport where we partner to build a prosperous future with services that provide value and a quality of life in which we take pride.