News release

National Forest Week, May 7-13

Natural Resources (to July 2018)

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

Nova Scotia forests are a rich and diverse natural resource. They play a vital role in the economic, environmental and recreational life of Nova Scotians.

Forestry is our largest resource-based industry in the province. I expect 2000 will be another good year for forestry in Nova Scotia.

We are moving forward with our new direction for forestry in the province. Amendments to the Forests Act were recently proclaimed and new Forest Sustainability Regulations came into effect at that time.

These changes will ensure that our forests are managed in a sustainable manner. The new regulations directly tie the amount of harvest to the level of silviculture activity.

In 1999, the total value of sales in Nova Scotia was $966 million, which is an increase of 21 per cent from last year. In addition to its sales value, forestry provides direct and indirect employment for approximately 20,000 people.

Our forests also support a natural habitat for more than 250 wildlife species and provide an idyllic setting for a host of activities, ranging from birdwatching and backpacking to fishing, hunting, and camping. These recreational activities also contribute to our economy each year.

Our forests are vitally important to Nova Scotia. We must manage them wisely if they are to sustain the quality of life and economic and recreational benefits that we all enjoy.

During National Forest Week I encourage you to consider the true value of our forests and the positive impact they have on our environment, lifestyle and economy.

Ernest Fage Minister of Natural Resources