Dufferin County has reminded residents about the next step in the process to develop a new operating plan for Dufferin County Forest, the County-owned and managed forest properties.

The County Forest is made up of 12 tracts located throughout Dufferin County, the largest of which is the 1,492-acre Main Tract located north of Mansfield.

"The operating plan will guide the use and management of the Dufferin County Forest over the next five years, from 2010 to 2015," said Warden Gordon Montgomery. "The planning process will give the public the opportunity to provide input into what will happen in the Dufferin County Forest during that time."

The new operating plan will fall within the broad guidelines outlined in a 20-year forest management plan approved by Dufferin County Council in June, 1995. The County held two open houses in late May to receive comments from the public. Following the open houses, there is a 90- day review period for the draft plan. This review period will be ending soon.

Any submissions regarding the draft plan should be made in writing to the County Forest Manager's office prior to August 31. Results of the public review will be addressed in the development of the final operating plan that will be released in the fall of 2009.

"It is important that residents take advantage of this opportunity to have their say in the management of this important community resource," said County Forest Manager Caroline Mach. Information on the process and the draft plan is available at the County Forest Manager's office (Dufferin County Museum and Archives) and at www. dufferinmuseum.com

Residents with questions regarding either the planning process or the County Forest should contact Ms. Mach at 705-435- 1881 or by e-mail forestmanager @dufferinmuseum. com