News release

Forest Strategy Continues to Move Forward

Natural Resources (to July 2018)

The end of February is an important deadline for individuals and businesses that acquire primary forest products in Nova Scotia. Feb. 28 is the date for submitting information to the Department of Natural Resources' Registry of Buyers.

The registry is one of several changes in forestry that are furthering the implementation of Nova Scotia's forest strategy.

"The various elements of the forest strategy complement each other and help ensure that Nova Scotia's forests are managed wisely," said Natural Resources Minister Ernest Fage.

The registry was established in 1998 to provide reliable data regarding wood demands and to estimate sustainable harvest levels. This information is used to determine long-term resource management needs and to identify value-added opportunities for our forest products.

Registered buyers who acquire more than 5,000 cubic metres of forest products from private or industrial lands must carry out silviculture work or pay into a forestry fund.

This past year saw a significant amount of silviculture activity carried out by registered buyers. The work is required under the Forest Sustainability Regulations, which came into effect in April 2000. These regulations are another component of the strategy. Their role is to ensure consistent and dependable funding for silviculture programs on harvested lands.

The most recent component of the strategy, the Wildlife Habitat and Watercourse Regulations, came into effect on Jan. 14. These regulations are mandatory for forestry operations on all forest lands to help better protect our woodlands and wildlife.

"These new regulations reflect the minimum standards necessary during forest harvest operations to help maintain the diversity of wildlife and water quality in Nova Scotia," said Mr. Fage.

Implementation of the forest strategy will continue to take time to complete. The Department of Natural Resources is working closely with the forest sector, landowners and the public to ensure that the strategy and each of its elements are known and understood as they are developed and enacted.

Nova Scotia's forest strategy was introduced in 1997.