Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Department of Renewable Resources is planning to do a comprehensive inventory of timber in the Western Arctic. We have started in some areas; I believe, for instance, in the Hay River area we have completed the inventory. It takes two years minimum to do a proper inventory. In the case of the Fort Smith area, we hope to begin this summer, starting with aerial photos to identify the location, size and density of the timber resources. Hopefully, the inventory will be done over a two or three-year time period.

In the meantime," we are prepared to give support where there is community support to do so and where the consultation process provides support for the applicants to give approval for operators to do some minimal timber cutting while this inventory is being completed. Thank you.