FROM THE EDITOR

As you have undoubtedly noticed, there is something different about this issue of the newsletter - it’s all about trees! For the first time ever, we have decided to try out the concept of a theme issue. And what could be a more appropriate topic than trees to fecus our readers’ attention on at this time.

It was just one hundred years ago, in May of 1884, that a number of prominent Islanders organized the province’s first Arbor Day. In the early days of settlement, trees had largely been considered ememies of progress, and much energy had been expended on getting rid of them. These efferts had been so successful in some parts of the province that by the middle of the nineteenth century some communities were bleak and windswept places. By 1860 the citizens of Charlottetown realized the need for the shade, protection and beauty provided by trees, and enacted a bylaw to encourage the planting and protection of trees within its boundaries.

Interest in public tree planting continued into the early part of the twentieth century and then declined. Meanwhile the haphazard management of woodlots across the province led to a drop in tree quality. woodlands were simply taken fer granted, with little effert given to understanding how best to manage these ecosystems.

It is only within the past two decades that the public has acquired a renewed interest in our ferests. Across canada, people have become aware that our seemingly inexhaustible ferest resources are declining in both quality and quantity. National Forest week and Arbor Day activities are important educational undertakings to improve our knowledge of the contribution made by canada's trees and forests to the economy, wildlife and beauty of our country.

CANADIAN NATURE FEDERATION REPORT

by Dan MeAskill, Director

The announcement of the resignations of Arnet Sheppard, editor of Nature Canada, effective February 17, 1984 and Peggy Heppes, Managing Director, effective after a replacement is feund, were the major topics of discussion at the February Board Meeting. Both individuals have played a significant role_in the success of the CNF and their talents and strengths will be missed. Job competitions and interviews of potential candidates were started in February to effect a smooth transition for the organization.

The replies to both the Draft Policy on National Marine Parks and the Discussion paper on the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Habitat Policy were completed by Gregg Sheehy. They will be available for viewing at the NHS May meeting.

Nature Canada’s April/June 1984 issue carries the infermation on the CNF’s annual meeting and their famous field trips. The dates run from June 30 to July 12 and events will be centered out of the University of British Cblumbia. This issue also carries the Spring Selection specials of the Bookshop which include sales on Bausch “Lomb binoculars and the Peterson Field Guides (15% discounts). The articles include features on ferestry, predatory starfish of British Columbia, sturgeon in Manitoba, grebes, cottonwoods, Ontario 'atlassing", and owl rehabilitation.