National Forest Week, May 6-12

Nova Scotia’s forests are a rich and diverse resource. They mean many things to many people. They have always played a vital role in the economic, environmental and physical well-being of all Nova Scotians.

During National Forest Week, May 6-12, Nova Scotians are asked to consider the true value of our forests. The Department of Natural Resources makes this a focus every day. Its mission is to build a better future for the people of this province through responsible management of our natural resources.

One way of ensuring a forest resource for the future is through the department’s Forest Sustainability Regulations. The regulations became law in Nova Scotia in April 2000.

“Many Nova Scotians are concerned that our forests have been over-harvested,” said Natural Resources Minister Ernest Fage. “The forestry regulations will help to address these concerns by working to ensure a sustainable amount of wood fibre over the long term through more silviculture activity.”

The new regulations require silviculture programs to be conducted on small private woodlots and industrial lands in proportion to the volumes of wood acquired from those lands.

Registered buyers can choose one of two ways to fulfil these requirements: 1) undertake a silviculture program themselves or hire a private silviculture contractor; or 2) contribute directly to the Sustainable Forestry Fund. A combination of the two methods may also be chosen. Registered buyers throughout the province must adhere to the Forest Sustainability Regulations to maintain their status and to operate legally in Nova Scotia.

More information on the regulations is available on the department’s Web site at www.gov.ns.ca/natr/forestry/strategy/default.htm .

Continuing its efforts, Natural Resources has increased its Crown-land silviculture budget for the coming year. An increase of $1.3 million for Crown-land silviculture programs, to a total of $3.5 million, will assist the department in fulfilling its mandate of ensuring the sustainability of existing harvest levels.

“Crown-land silviculture programs are an integral part of ensuring sustainability of this province’s forest resources,” said the minister. “About 85 per cent of Nova Scotia Crown land is productive forest land -- that’s more than one million hectares that we must ensure for the future.”

Natural Resources’ commitment to silviculture work on private lands will also continue. Again this year, $3 million in funding will go toward private-land silviculture. Like last year, that funding will be complemented by both forestry companies and woodlot owners.

The department also supports private woodlot owners in their efforts to practise good forestry through its education programs. These programs, provided by the extension division, are designed to help Nova Scotians make well-informed choices concerning natural-resource use. There are many special programs, such as school visits, home-study modules in woodlot management, woodlot field tours, and information sessions for Christmas-tree growers.

During National Forest Week, Natural Resources staff will visit Grade 6 classes throughout the province. Staff will be talking with students about the importance of our forest resources and will distribute seedlings the students can plant. As well, every Grade 6 class in the province will receive a National Forest Week package and poster.

One of the messages staff will be sharing with these students is a reminder to always put safety first when enjoying our forests, particularly in relation to fires. Prevention is the key message staff will be delivering and it is one that must be reinforced every year.

“Often, carelessness and inattention are the main causes of forest fires,” said Mr. Fage. “That is why Natural Resources requires burning permits throughout the fire season for anyone who wants to burn debris on their property. The fire prevention message is an important one, particularly as our provincial parks prepare to open for the summer.”

Furthermore, in association with the Nova Forest Alliance, the Department of Natural Resources will have displays in the public areas of malls in Dartmouth, Sydney, Yarmouth and New Minas during National Forest Week. These displays will provide information about many of the programs described above and staff will also be on hand to answer any questions.

For more information on activities and programs of the Department of Natural Resources visit the Web site at www.gov.ns.ca/natr .