Economic, Social, and Ecological Influences of the Boreal Forest on the North Topic of OPFA Conference

(Thunder Bay - April 26, 2004) This week, Lakehead University will be hosting over 150 foresters as they discuss the economic, social, and ecological influences that the Boreal forest has on Northern communities. The 47th Annual General Meeting and Conference for the Ontario Professional Foresters Association (OPFA) will run from April 28 to 30.

"This is an opportunity for professional foresters to come together and discuss the importance of Ontario's Boreal forest to the North," says Dr. Reino Pulkki, Dean, Faculty of Forestry and the Forest Environment, and Acting Vice-President (Academic), Lakehead University. "The University is pleased to be the location for this conference as we are dedicated to research and education involving the Boreal forest and the significance it holds economically and socially to the region."

Six speakers will address various perspectives - social, economical, and ecological - of the Boreal forest at the event. The Keynote speaker, the Hon. David Ramsey, Ontario Minister of Natural Resources, will address future perspectives on Friday morning.

There will also be a poster session highlighting forestry research and other activities at Lakehead University.

Members of the Media: For information about the conference, please call conference organizer Paul McAlister at 475-4639 or Dr. Pulkki at 343-8564. The media is also invited to attend all or part of the conference, which is being held in the Advanced Technology & Academic Centre (ATAC), Room 1003. Parking Passes are available. More information can be found at www.opfa.ca .

-30-

Contact: Marla Tomlinson, Office of Communications, 807-343-8177
Communications@lakeheadu.cawww.lakeheadu.ca