Healthy Forests Focus of National Forest Week

The province is marking National Forest Week, Sept. 23-30, with a continuing commitment to projects that support healthy forests and lead to healthy communities.

"National Forest Week emphasizes the importance of a sustainable, healthy forest and community which is also the driving focus of the province's recent natural resources strategy," said Charlie Parker, Minister of Natural Resources.

"Government has been working hard all year with key partners and interested groups to help meet the strategy's goals so our forests are healthy today, and for future generations."

The province has worked with woodlot owners and their associations to improve silviculture techniques, helped upgrade woodland workers' training in forest ecosystem classification to make woodlands more sustainable, and has helped small private woodlot owners improve their lots and better connect with each other to share information.

The province has promoted healthy forests by defining partial cuts to give new forests a head start after harvest. It also brought in a standard definition of clearcutting so that reduction goals can be met. Clearcutting will be reduced to 50 per cent of the total harvest by 2016.

During National Forest Week, the province will be involved in various public education activities on forest protection.

Natural Resources staff will be on hand with information for visitors at the Nova Scotia Fall Ideal Home Show, to teach people about forest fire prevention.

Natural Resources staff will also talk with elementary school students about the importance of forests and have seedlings for the students to plant.

Treevia contests, with prizes, will be held in the media to help promote important forest facts.

On Sept. 28, a Kids in the Forest school event will be held at Carroll's Corner on Pat and Janet O'Toole's woodlot. These events will help elementary children learn about forests in an outdoor setting.

On Sept. 29, the O'Tooles will host a public field day at their woodlot where they will be presented with the Nova Scotia Woodlot Owner of the Year Award. National Forest Week is co-ordinated nationally by the Canadian Forestry Association.

Healthy forests lead to healthy communities by providing economic value and ecosystem services, such as cleaner air, wildlife habitat, biodiversity, and outdoor recreation.

More information about National Forest Week and activities in Nova Scotia is available at www.gov.ns.ca/natr/education/nfw/ .