The Ontario Woodlot Association (OWA) Board and the Board of the Eastern Ontario Model Forest (EOMF) agreed to begin a process to merge, with the intent of preserving the programs of the EOMF within a new combined legacy that will also help to reduce administration costs and duplication.
The recent retirement of the EOMF’s Jim Hendry, who was in charge of the forest certification program and the imminent departure of Astrid Nielsen, General Manager of EOMF have contributed to the desire to move forward with this exciting venture.
In the interim, the EOMF will not re-staff its General Manager position as OWA's Executive Director John Pineau will take on the role with both organizations. The Certification Coordinator position will be restaffed to support that important program, and a competition is currently underway. This position will report to John moving forward.
A transition period of one-year to complete the merger has been agreed to by both parties. Martin Streit, Vice President of the EOMF will become part of the OWA Board of Directors, to represent the interests of the EOMF.
Initially the EOMF will continue with its present Board, and over the next year OWA and EOMF will develop an appropriate model of governance that meets the needs of both organizations, and that recognizes the diversity of all of its partners collectively, including the Mohawks of Akwesasne, a founding partner of the EOMF.
