Marathon mayor eagerly awaits ministry approval for pilot project

Marathon Mayor Rick Dumas says his community is eagerly awaiting a decision on its application to become a Local Forest Management Corporation pilot project. 

Earlier in the week Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry Michael Gravelle announced that some offers to successful applicants had been sent out regarding the provincial wood supply competition. 

The forest management corporations are another part of the government's plans to transform the forestry sector. Under the new system, forest management responsibilities would be taken away from current licence holders who are no longer using the wood. 

Marathon is partnering with Pic River First Nations and Manitouwadge for the wood rights in that area.

Dumas said they expect to hear from the ministry in the near future. The mayor added that if successful the venture is ready to go.

The proposal from Marathon, Pic River and Manitouwadge is considered by forest industry insiders to be one of the favourites for government approval.