Ecological Forestry

Crown land resources belong to all Nova Scotians. We want interested individuals and groups to participate in the change and understand how and why decisions are being made.

A review of forestry practices in Nova Scotia (PDF 429 KB) has provided a series of recommendations and work is now underway (PDF 78 KB) to change how we think about our forests, while maintaining a sustainable forestry industry.

These efforts are focused in three key areas:

• Conserving Biodiversity
• Nurturing Healthy Forests
• Supporting Sustainable Industry

Initiatives have begun to support the independent forestry review and recommendations government received under these three themes.

	Conserving Biodiversity	Nurturing Healthy Forests	Supporting Sustainable Industry
Forest Management Guide	Conserving Biodiversity	Nurturing Healthy Forests	Supporting Sustainable Industry
High Production Forestry	Conserving Biodiversity	Nurturing Healthy Forests	Supporting Sustainable Industry
Natural Disturbance Regimes	Conserving Biodiversity	Nurturing Healthy Forests	Supporting Sustainable Industry
Old Forest Policy	Conserving Biodiversity	Nurturing Healthy Forests	Supporting Sustainable Industry
Outcomes-Based Forest Management	Conserving Biodiversity	Nurturing Healthy Forests	Supporting Sustainable Industry
Reporting on the State of the Forest	Conserving Biodiversity	Nurturing Healthy Forests	Supporting Sustainable Industry
Small Scale Wood Energy Initiative	Conserving Biodiversity	Nurturing Healthy Forests	Supporting Sustainable Industry
Species at Risk Program Renewal	Conserving Biodiversity	Nurturing Healthy Forests	Supporting Sustainable Industry

An evaluation of the department's progress implementing the model will be completed by spring 2020.

Forest Management Guide

This guide, which is being revised, outlines the types of forest practices that can be used on Crown lands.

• Current Status: Stakeholder consultations currently underway fall/winter 2019.
• Timeline: New draft guide by the end of 2019.
• Forest Management Guide – Overview (PDF 504 KB)

High Production Forestry

Working to define how and where sites are selected for high yield timber production.

• Current Status: Consultations beginning fall 2019.
• Timeline: Finalize definition and determine criteria in early 2020.
• High-Production Forestry - Overview (PDF 504 KB)

Natural Disturbance Regimes

Studying how to better align forestry practices with naturally occurring elements that affect forests such as fire, wind, and insects.

• Current Status: Draft Paper in development.
• Timeline: Natural Disturbance agents paper submitted to journal for publication by winter 2019-20.
• Natural Disturbance Regimes - Overview (PDF 503 KB)

Old Forest Policy

Reviewing how old growth and old forests are identified.

• Current Status: Research phase to begin in fall 2019.
• Timeline: Stakeholder engagement in 2020; Revisions to Old Forest Policy to be finalized by the end of 2020.
• Old Forest – Overview (PDF 503 KB)

Outcomes-Based Forest Management

Designing an approach to manage forests according to expected outcomes that prioritize biodiversity and recognize ecological, social, and economic values.

• Current Status: Research best practices in Summer 2019.
• Timeline: Stakeholder engagement on values and indicators in spring/summer 2020.
• Outcomes-Based Forest Management – Overview (PDF 504 KB)

Reporting on the State of the Forest

Improving how we report on the state of the province’s forests.

• Current Status: Preliminary research phase in summer 2019.
• Timeline: Revised State of the Forest report to be finalized by the end of 2020.
• Reporting on the State of the Forest – Overview (PDF 503 KB)

Small Scale Wood Energy Initiative

Launching a new initiative that will see more public buildings replace their fossil fuel heating system to locally sourced wood chip heating systems.

• Current Status: A request for supplier qualifications was issued in fall 2019.
• Timeline: First site to be in place by 2020/21 heating season.
• Small Scale Wood Energy Initiative – Overview (PDF 505 KB)

Species at Risk Program Renewal

Updating the management system with our partners to create a framework to ensure the protection of species at risk.

• Current Status: Appointment of Recovery teams and work on outstanding Recovery Plans underway;
• Timeline: Work on revising policies began in fall 2019; Recovery Action Forums will take place in Winter 2020.
• Species at Risk Program Renewal – Overview (PDF 623 KB)

In addition to this work, more teams are being formed and are developing work plans, which will include identifying necessary expertise and stakeholder engagement options.

We Want to Hear From You

If you would like to join our email update list, ask a specific question or provide feedback, please email ecologicalforestry@novascotia.ca.