Province Seeks Community Forests Proposals

The province is supporting small communities in Nova Scotia and opportunities in the forest sector by accepting proposals to set up community forests on Crown land.

The request for proposals will be posted later this week.

"A community forest can allow groups to pursue their own goals, including forestry-related businesses, ecotourism opportunities and education programs," said Natural Resources Minister Charlie Parker. "We encourage applicants to think about a wide variety of opportunities that can create jobs and opportunities close to home."

The request will be open to the seven groups that submitted applications in January and other applicants that meet the eligibility requirements. Submissions can be from municipalities, forestry businesses, wood co-operatives, not-for-profit organizations and other community-based groups that can manage forests on Crown land.

Applicants have 12 weeks to submit their proposal, and are invited to meet with the department about guidelines.

The province will also work collaboratively with the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs on a Mi'kmaq forestry initiative.

Today, April 15, in Halifax, a team of Dalhousie students spoke about their case study to create community forests in Nova Scotia.

The province is working with the Nova Forest Alliance to hold the second annual Forum on Community Forests, June 20, in the Annapolis Valley.

Community forests are places for commercial forestry, tourism, recreation, habitat protection, environmental education and research. Municipalities, forestry businesses, wood co-operatives, non-profit organizations and other community-based groups can all manage the forests on Crown land.

To learn more about community forests and how to submit a proposal, visit: http://novascotia.ca/natr/forestry/community-forest.