Minister's Message for National Forest Week

The following is the text of Natural Resources Minister Ken MacAskill's message marking National Forest Week, May 3-9:

As Minister of Natural Resources, I am proud to endorse National Forest Week.

Our forests are a rich and diverse resource which plays a vital role in the economic, environmental and recreational life of Nova Scotia and its people.

Forestry provides jobs for about 20,000 people and contributes approximately $1 billion to the economy each year. Recreational use of our woodlands is also a major contributor, generating an estimated $250 million each year.

With so much at stake, it is vital that our forests be protected from fires, disease and insects. Currently, some 150,000 acres in northern and central Nova Scotia are threatened by an infestation of tussock moth. A full year's supply of wood, with a standing value of at least $30 million, could be lost if action is not taken. Accordingly, we will proceed this summer with a biological insecticide spray program.

If the tussock moth is left unchecked, thousands of acres of private and public woodland would be laid waste and become a major fire hazard. We cannot allow this to happen.

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

Sincerely, Ken MacAskill