The Department of Natural Resources maintains a portfolio of land parcels which the department would like to buy to complement the values of the programs administered by Natural Resources, Nova Scotia Environment and the Office of Aboriginal Affairs. For example, the department is interested in buying land that supports natural resource management goals or furthers biodiversity and conservation values. Old growth forests, wetlands, coastal property, beaches, and wildlife or plant habitat for endangered or rare species are all high priorities. Only those parcels that support departmental values are added to the portfolio of potential purchases. They are prioritized for purchase based on these values.

Anyone interested in selling land to the Department of Natural Resources must complete an application form for activities on Crown land. All land being offered to the province for purchase is reviewed by the department to ensure that the land will support and enhance departmental programs and values. This assessment is called an integrated resource management review.

Even if a parcel is considered valuable and is added to the land acquisition portfolio, it does not guarantee that the province will buy the land. Only the best land is purchased, and only if funding is available. Property owners interested in selling their land to the Department of Natural Resources must be prepared to wait until funding is available - this may take years, or may happen quickly, depending on funding circumstances.

Sometimes the Department receives short notice of available funding and must be able to buy land quickly. In order to be in a position to sell land to the Province on short notice, property owners should ensure that their lands have been migrated into the land registration system.

All applications to sell land to the Province are subject to approval by the Minister or Cabinet.