The results from Chatham-Kent's woodlot survey are now public with the contentious issue of clear-cutting set to return to municipal council next week.
At the end of April, Chatham-Kent council approved a motion that introduced a temporary woodlot removal bylaw for 120 days.
Municipal staff were also directed to launch a full public engagement process to seek the public’s input, which resulted in a discussion with strong advocacy in favour of both maintaining land-owner rights and improving environmental regulation.
According to the report, approximately 1,500 residents took part in the online survey in which the community voted almost unanimously in support of the preservation of woodlots.
However, 62 per cent of participants did not own property featuring a woodlot and 38 per cent of them did.
The survey also showed that the majority of the community voted in favour of educational programs, incentives and regulations in supporting healthy forests.
Chatham-Kent General Manager of Community Development Bruce McAllister said he believes further research is needed on the topic.
"We've heard from people on both sides across the political spectrum that suggested we take the time to do further research," said McAllister. "The next step is working with the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) to update the mapping of natural heritage in Chatham-Kent."
The LTVCA will complete a municipal-wide geographic information system and measure how the region's tree canopy and natural cover have evolved over the last decade. This will determine the impact of the municipality's existing approach to enhancing trees and natural cover.
The report recommends that a Natural Heritage Advisory Committee of Council (NHAC) be established.
"The purpose would be to further facilitate the exchange of ideas between Council and the public with respect to protecting natural heritage features and maintaining, restoring, and improving Chatham-Kent’s natural heritage system," the report read.
Municipal staff are also recommending the temporary clear-cutting by-law be extended for another 120 days until December 14.
"Council can re-evaluate the status in December as there is a significant amount of work that needs to be undertaken," the report read.
The full report can be reviewed on the Chatham-Kent website.
