Island Studies Researcher to Present History of PEI Forests, September 8

Dr. Doug Sobey, a retired professor of ecology at the University of Ulster, will present the findings of his newly-published research into the historical records of PEI forests that have survived from the British period at a public lecture on September 8. He will discuss the nature and state of the original forest, including the forest as a natural habitat; the changes that occurred as a result of its exploitation during the British period; and the various attitudes of the British colonizers and the new Island residents to different aspects of the forest.

Sobey, a native of Summerside, has been a Research Associate of the Institute of Island Studies at the University of Prince Edward Island since 1992. In 2002 he presented the first part of his history of PEI forests, which dealt with the period of French occupation. Since his retirement from the University of Ulster, he has continued to pursue his research interests in the forests of PEI in collaboration with the provincial forestry department.

"It's a great pleasure to welcome Dr. Sobey back to UPEI for the public presentation of his important research into the history of forests," says Dr. Irene Novaczek, Director of the Institute of Island Studies. "This is a timely addition to the ongoing efforts to improve forest policy. In planning for the future, it always pays to consider what was done in the past, and the consequences of those development choices."

"Early Descriptions of the Forests of Prince Edward Island: The British and Post-Confederation Periods (1758 and#150; c. 1900)" will be presented by Dr. Sobey at 3:30 pm on Friday, September 8 in the K.C. Irving Chemistry Centre Lecture Theatre, UPEI. The public is welcome to attend. There will be an opportunity to order a copy of the full study.

For more information contact: Dr. Irene Novaczek at 902 566 0386 or inovaczek@upei.ca