Nominations Sought for Woodlot Owner of the Year

Nominations are being accepted for another two weeks for Nova Scotia's 2006 Woodlot Owner of the Year Award.

Each year, the Department of Natural Resources recognizes private woodlot owners for their outstanding stewardship and management.

Any resident of Nova Scotia who owns between 20 and 800 hectares (50 to 2000 acres) of woodland and agrees to host a public education and information field day on their woodlot is eligible for the award. Natural Resources employees, regional winners from the last three years and provincial winners from the last 10 years are not eligible.

"The woodlot owner's award is an excellent way to recognize and promote outstanding stewardship," said Natural Resources Minister Brooke Taylor. "Each year this award recognizes one woodlot owner who has put extra thought and care into managing his or her woodlot in a sustainable manner."

Nominations are evaluated based on a variety of criteria, including the quality of harvesting practices, environmental standards, and the owner's efforts to improve the condition and health of the woodlot.

Individuals and organizations are invited to submit nominations for the woodlot owner of the year to any office of the Department of Natural Resources. Nominations can also be sent directly to Sarah Munro at the Department of Natural Resources, PO Box 698, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 2T9, by fax to 902-424-7735, by e-mail to woodlot@gov.ns.ca or online at www.gov.ns.ca/natr/extension/woya/applic.htm