Chatham-Kent council members will once again consider extending the temporary clear-cutting bylaw as the contentious issue returns Monday night.
With the temporary clear-cutting bylaw set to expire on December 14, 2021, members of Chatham-Kent's Natural Heritage Committee of the Whole are recommending council extend the bylaw until April 30, 2022, at 11:59 p.m.
According to the report, the extension will allow for further deliberation on the matter.
"Given the recent formation of the Natural Heritage Committee of the Whole and the approval of the meeting framework that currently extends to the spring of 2022, it is consistent with previous Council decisions that the temporary Clear Cutting By-law be extended until the Committee has been able to make substantive progress on its mandate," the report read.
The temporary by-law was initially introduced in April for a period of 120 days so municipal staff could receive community input on options to manage woodlots through a community engagement process.
Tree clearing across Chatham-Kent was halted for another 120 days in August so the municipality could look further into improving local tree coverage.
"Alternatively, the Natural Heritage Committee of the Whole may continue to fulfill its mandate without extending the temporary clear-cutting by-law beyond December 14, 2021," the report read.
