The Forestry Futures Trust Committee was established in 1995 under Ontario’s Crown Forest Sustainability Act.
Guiding Principle:
“To operate with an open door policy while independent of any outside influences and making decisions based on what's good for the forest.”
Chair:
Maureen Kershaw, R.P.F.:
Member since inception in 1995, and Chair since July 2006. Maureen has an extensive career in plant ecology and forestry. She established her own consulting firm in 1989 following a 10-year career as a District Planner and regional Forest Ecologist with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. She has taught resource management and ecology at both Nipissing and Laurentian Universities. An active outdoor enthusiast, she also volunteers her time with and Cross County (Ski) Canada, championing women in sport.
Mike Barker: Member since 1999
Mike had a 32-year career with the Ontario government holding positions such as District Manager, Ministry of Natural Resources, and Assistant Deputy Minister, Northern Development and Mines. He now manages his own consulting firm.
Bob Elliot R.P.F.: Member since 2006
Bob has had an extensive professional forestry background, including senior management positions with Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources, MacMillan Bloedel Limited and Weyerhauser. He now manages his own consulting business.
Ric Monzon. R.P.F.: Member since 2006
Ric has held several positions in the Ontario government including that of Assistant Deputy Minister, Ministry Natural Resources. He also served as Executive Director and Registrar for the Ontario Professional Foresters Association (OPFA).
Erik Wang, R.P.F. (retired BC) - Member 2011.
Erik holds Bachelor and Masters degrees from Lakehead University and the University of New Brunswick.His 30 year career in forestry has included positions with industry, university and consulting sectors, primarily in New Brunswick and British Columbia.Technical expertise lies primarily in the areas of resource planning and timber supply forecasting.Since 2009, Erik has resided in Brockville, Ontario.
Past Members:
Dr. David Balsillie, R.P.F. (Hon), completed his term December 2009.
Dr. John Naysmith, R.P.F., Thunder Bay, was the founding Chair. Dr. Naysmith completed his term on June 30, 2006.
Rod Carrow, R.P.F., one of the founding members completed his term on June 30, 2006.
Margaret Wanlin, one of the founding members completed her term on June 30, 2005.
Jack Stokes of Schreiber, Ontario, was a former Speaker of the House and one of the founding members of the FFT Committee. He passed away in 1999.
Acknowledgement:
The Forestry Futures Trust Committee wishes to thank Dr. David Balsillie for his valuable contributions to the Committee during the period in which he served (February 2006-December 2009). He was actively involved in all areas under the Forestry Futures Trust umbrella but brought special knowledge to both the Enhanced Forest Productivity Program and the enhanced Forest Resource Inventory Program.His expertise and sound judgment will be missed.
