Time To Consider Our Forests--Op-Ed Piece

by Tim Olive, Minister of Natural Resources

On behalf of the Province of Nova Scotia, I am proud to endorse National Forest Week, May 4 to 10.

Our forests are a rich and diverse resource that help ensure health and prosperity. They help keep the air we breathe clean. In Nova Scotia alone, forestry provides jobs for about 20,000 people and contributes $1.4 billion to the provincial economy each year. The forests are the lifeblood of many rural communities throughout the province. About 85 per cent of Nova Scotia's Crown land is productive forest land -- that's more than one million hectares.

Recreational use of our woodlands is also a major contributor to our economy. With so much at stake, it is vital that our forests be protected from fires, diseases and insects. Forestry companies are helping through silviculture programs that ensure there will be forests for tomorrow.

We continue to move forward with the province's forest strategy. The Wildlife Habitat and Watercourse Protection regulations have been in effect for more than a year. These regulations will help ensure the sustainability of woodland diversity, water quality and wildlife habitat on all lands in forest production.

I recently announced the availability of the first component of the Code of Forest Practices for public review and comment. The code is a key component of our forest strategy and will help to see that Nova Scotia's forests are managed wisely.

During National Forest Week, I encourage Nova Scotians to remember that everyone benefits when we protect our forests and keep them healthy and productive.