[ Canada ] The P.E.I. government wants to expand its forestry industry beyond softwood lumber. Strategies in a new government policy include increasing the focus on finished products such as flooring and furniture, as well as non-timber products such as food and pharmaceuticals. The Island government owns about 15 per cent of the province ‘ s forests, and says it will better manage and promote Crown land and protect ecologically sensitive areas. “While timber will continue to be an important forest product, concentrating more effort on higher-end wood products and non-timber forest products will provide more opportunities for landowners and create jobs and wealth for our Island economy,” said Forestry Minister Jamie Ballem.

News notes are courtesy of Southern Forests Network News Notes
www.southernsustainableforests.org