Forest Fragmentation Comprising the Health of Canadians & Driving the Need for a National Forest Restoration Program
Canada NewsWire
TORONTO, June 8, 2012
Launch of Forest Recovery Canada Ensures a Healthier Future for all
Canadians
TORONTO, June 8, 2012 /CNW/ - Forest Recovery Canada (FRC), a national tree planting program dedicated to enhancing Canada's
environmental health and climate change adaptation through innovative
and leading-edge forest restoration practices, was launched today by Trees Ontario.
Forest fragmentation has become increasingly common across the Canadian
landscape by way of agricultural land uses, residential and commercial
development, road construction, forest fires and invasive species. Loss
of forest cover in the settled landscapes of Canada is contributing to
an unstable ecosystem resulting in habitat loss, environmental
degradation and an inability to adapt to the effects of climate change.
With our forests in jeopardy, there is urgency in the need to expand
and intensify tree planting and forest restoration initiatives
nation-wide.
"Forest Recovery Canada works with partners across the country to
identify tree planting opportunities that will establish contiguous and
diverse forests that extend beyond the geopolitical boundaries of our
cities and provinces," says Rob Keen, CEO of Trees Ontario, during the
launch of the ENGO's new national program. "Trees Ontario has
experienced incredible success in re-greening Ontario but the need for
increased forest cover within settled landscapes is a national matter.
Through the development of an extensive network of environmentally
conscious individuals, corporations and tree planting agencies, FRC
will enhance the resilience of our ecosystems, enabling them to adapt
to the effects of environmental change while sustaining a healthier
human population."
Healthy forests play an important role in the foundation of resilient
ecosystems. Trees replenish our oxygen, absorb carcinogenic pollutants
in our air and purify our lakes and rivers. Healthy and sustainable
forests have also proven essential for economic development and diverse
employment opportunities. As well, forests and green spaces have been
linked to a significant decline in asthma, heart disease, diabetes and
stress, decreases in the severity of attention deficit disorders in
children, improved rehabilitation, faster hospital recovery rates and
longer life spans.
"A growing body of evidence suggests that human mental and physical
health is closely associated with the health of our forest ecosystems,"
says Steve Hounsell, President and Chair of Trees Ontario. "An
investment in our natural environment is an investment in our own
health and well-being. Poor environmental conditions will not only lead
to an unstable ecosystem, but may also increase the incidence of a wide
array of illnesses."
Forest Recovery Canada recognizes the relationship between the health of forest ecosystems and human health and the need to expand and intensify tree planting efforts nation-wide.
This program aims to build consensus, leverage resources, raise
awareness and stimulate action to plant trees and enhance urban and
rural ecosystems. Increased forest cover will result in healthy and
resilient watersheds that offer valuable natural goods and services
essential for sustaining a healthy society and a prosperous economy.
Rob Keen, a Registered Professional Forester, urges all Canadians to
join the recovery efforts. "Canada's forests need us now more than
ever. Whether you are a local tree planting agency, a socially
responsible corporation or an eco-conscious citizen, you can support
Forest Recovery Canada's efforts to restore the health of our
environment."
About Forest RecoveryCanada
Administered by Trees Ontario, Forest Recovery Canada (FRC) is a
national tree-planting program dedicated to innovative and leading-edge
forestry practices. FRC works with an extensive network of tree
planting organizations and environmentally conscious individuals and
corporations to enhance the health of Canada's ecosystems through
scientifically based tree planting and forest management practices. www.frc-rfc.ca
About Trees Ontario
Trees Ontario, working with its partners, is the largest, not-for-profit
tree planting partnership in North America. It is committed to the
re-greening of Ontario through a range of tree planting activities.
The goal of Trees Ontario is to restore Canada's tree planting capacity
by providing funding and planning support for its tree planting
partners. These include local Conservation Authorities, Ontario
Stewardship Councils, First Nation communities, municipal governments
and community volunteer groups. www.treesontario.ca.
