Public Input on Forestry Regulations

The Department of Natural Resources has released draft regulations supporting amendments to the Forests Act. The regulations are now available for review and comment by the public.

"The new draft regulations take major steps toward ensuring the forests of Nova Scotia are sustainably managed," said Natural Resources Minister Kennie MacAskill.

This is the second major step in implementing the province's forest strategy. The first step occurred in January 1998 with the establishment of the Registry of Buyers, a tool used to collect annual information on forest harvest and production of secondary forest products.

The proposed wood sustainability regulations would require registered buyers who acquire more than 10,000 cubic metres solid (4,540 cords) of primary forest products in a year to submit an annual wood acquisition plan. The plan will describe the actions they intend to take to ensure a sustainable wood supply.

"The wood sustainability regulations and other elements of the forest strategy will ensure responsible management of the forests by the industry," said Mr. MacAskill. "They will also ensure we meet our long-term wood supply needs."

Wildlife habitat management regulations are also being circulated for public reaction. These draft regulations would affect how forests are harvested to ensure protection of watersheds, including wetlands. They would also ensure protection of habitat for wildlife that use cavity trees or dead and fallen trees. These regulations are based on the current Forest/Wildlife Guidelines and Standards, and will apply to both private and Crown land.

Both sets of draft regulations, along with explanatory documents, are available for review at Department of Natural Resources offices, regional public libraries and Access Nova Scotia centres. They can also be downloaded from the Internet at the department's website: www.gov.ns.ca/natr/forestry/. The public will have 30 days to review the documents. Comments can be sent to:

Department of Natural Resources Registrar, Registry of Buyers P.O. Box 68 Truro, N.S. B2N 5B8

Fax: 902-893-5662
E-mail: regbuyer@gov.ns.ca

Open houses will be held at three locations June 24 when staff will be available to answer questions about the regulations. The sessions will run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at:

• Best Western Glengarry, Salon D, 150 Willow St., Truro
• Nautical Institute, main foyer, 226 Reeves St., Port Hawkesbury
• Lions Club Hall, 87 Parade St., Yarmouth