2000 Woodlot Owner of the Year

A father and son from Kings County have been chosen as the 2000 Woodlot Owner of the Year. Bill and Tom Skinner from South Berwick were selected from among six regional winners by a three-member judging committee from the Department of Natural Resources.

The award will be presented to the Skinners during a field day at their woodlot on Saturday, Sept. 16. Other woodlot owners and the public are invited to meet the Skinners and see the woodlot.

The judging committee said the Skinners do an outstanding job of managing their woodland.

"Their knowledge and interest in their woodlot shows in the quality of work done," said Tim Whynot, a member of the judging committee. "They treat every acre according to what's best for that acre. They pay particular attention to aesthetics when they harvest. Trails provide opportunities for walking and really add to the woodlot's appeal."

Dave Taylor, another member of the committee, was impressed with Bill Skinner. "He saw an opportunity to move forward with new ideas by working together with his son, Tom."

This award, in its 11th year, recognizes outstanding achievements in woodlot management. Woodlot owners are evaluated on their effort and commitment to setting and meeting sustainable goals for their land; improving their knowledge or understanding of the forest land or the forest in general; improving the condition, access, and health of their woodland; integrated resource management with an emphasis on wood production while considering values such as wildlife habitat; and woodlot management.

Nova Scotia residents who own between 20 and 400 hectares (50 to 1,000 acres) of woodland in the province are eligible. Nominations are accepted at Department of Natural Resources offices until Jan. 31 of each year.