Expansion of Strathlorne Forest Nursery in Inverness to be Studied

Residents and organizations in Inverness County will be asked to collaborate on a project to explore the expanded use of the Strathlorne Forest Nursery and how it could best serve the economic interests of Cape Breton Island.

The nursery grows more than three million tree seedlings a year for reforestation but its facilities are still underutilized.

"This is about government and the community working together to make better use of a well-established resource," said Natural Resources Minister Lloyd Hines. "Through co-operation and communication I’m sure we'll find innovative opportunities to better use the facility in addition to its seedling production."

Before the end of August the province and Perennia Food and Agriculture Inc. of Bible Hill will oversee consultations with the community, food and agricultural specialists and interested groups and organizations to explore uses for the facility and develop a business plan.

"Perennia is very excited to be part of this project," said Perennia CEO Jo Ann Fewer. "To find ways to better utilize provincial resources for the betterment of any number of industries, government and the surrounding community makes this project a win-win for everyone."

The Strathlorne Forest Nursery was established in 1978 to produce conifer seedlings for use in reforestation programs across the province. The seedlings consist primarily of red spruce, black spruce, white spruce, white pine, red pine and balsam fir. Most are sold for planting on Crown and private lands in Nova Scotia.