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News Release from: Forestry Commission
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 01 April 2008
Have your say about Scotland national
forests
Forestry sector and members of the public to help finalise the first national blueprint on how best to manage Scotland's national forest estate.
Forestry Commission Scotland manages 666,000 hectares of national forest land, which is equal to eight per cent of Scotland's land mass The Commission manages a range of important large landscape scale sites such as Glen Affric, Loch Katrine and the Galloway Forest Park, to small or urban woods such as Aberdeen's Kirkhill Woods and Callendar Wood in Falkirk
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 15 Jul 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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The Commission's draft country-wide management plan, which will contribute to the delivery of the Scottish Forestry Strategy, details how the national forest estate will tackle issues such as climate change and business development while continuing to promote sustainable forest management.
The plan also aims to make the most of the opportunities forestry has to deliver greater benefits for people, communities and biodiversity in Scotland.
The consultation will run until Monday 9 June and comments are welcome on all aspects of the plan.
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Environment Minister, Michael Russell, said: "The national forest estate is delivering for Scotland on a wide range of issues".
"It is making a major contribution to the protection of the quality of our environment, raising awareness of the importance of biodiversity and playing a major part in helping us to tackle climate change.
"By engaging with communities and by making access to woodlands easier for all sectors of society, it is having a hugely positive effect on the physical and mental health and well-being of people across the country".
"It also offers a wealth of recreational, educational and tourism opportunities".
"It is helping to strengthen rural economies, maximise the economic potential of Scotland's timber resource and encourage investment.
It is a major and significant contributor to many areas of our lives".
"But I think it can do more".
"With careful planning and some strategic re-positioning, the national forest estate could build on these substantial successes and explore new opportunities.
"I know that people across the country are very passionate about their local forests and woodlands and that they all have their own ideas about what they want from the national forest estate".
"We want to hear as many of those views as possible and I would urge anyone with an interest in Scotland's forests to take part in this important consultation." A series of local consultation meetings will take place around the country on the following dates.
23 April 2008 - Dumfries.
25 April 2008 - Perth.
28 April 2008 - Edinburgh.
29 April 2008 - Glasgow.
30 April 2008 - Lochgilphead.
6 May 2008 - Inverness.
9 May 2008 - Aberdeen.
The Forest Enterprise Scotland Framework Strategic Plan - together with information about the consultation meetings and how to submit your response - is available online.
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