Natural Resources Strategy Guided by Common Sense, Op-ed

NOTE: The following is an op-ed piece by Natural Resources Minister John MacDonell.

Many private woodlot owners in our province are upset and concerned because of the recommendations in a recent report. I know this because they've written me, called me, or I've met with them directly. I want to allay their concerns. I believe the future of our forest industry depends on the health of our forests and the well-being of the small woodlot owner.

Small woodlot owners are responsible for nearly 50 per cent of Nova Scotia's productive forests. They are concerned about what they've read – or what they've heard from others – about a report submitted to me called A Natural Balance: Working Toward Nova Scotia's Natural Resources Strategy. The report gives government a direction to write a new strategy to manage our natural resources.

By the end of 2010, Nova Scotia will have that new strategy. It will focus on four areas: forests, biodiversity, parks and minerals. We are working on this strategy now.

The recommendations in A Natural Balance are the basis for the strategy and the department is carefully analyzing it and considering ways to address them. However, that is a long way off from putting forward long-term solutions. And, should new regulations be needed, and there's no certainty that they will be, we would check with those who would be affected. That's a promise, and good practice by government.

Given what we've heard from consultations in the first two phases of the strategy, the vast majority of Nova Scotians want to change the way our forests are managed. To be more specific, they want to see a reduction in clearcutting in Nova Scotia. Those who know me are aware that I have a strong interest in reaching that goal. Very soon, the department will propose a policy direction that will set realistic targets on the use of clearcutting in Nova Scotia. The targets will give the forest industry, including small woodlot owners, a good sense of the direction we're taking on this critical issue before the actual policy is in place.

I want all Nova Scotians to know that I am listening to their concerns and ideas. I want them to know that I understand their concerns and can assure them that common sense will be applied to ensure the economic viability of small woodlot and the forest industry as a whole. No new rules will be applied until our strategy is completed.

Generally, everyone I've met with has agreed on two things: that there is an overuse of clearcutting, and together we can do better. They've also indicated that they don't want to be over-regulated.

Many woodlot owners are concerned that this process represents an effort by government to take control of the management of private land. Nothing could be further from the truth. Anyone with this concern can feel reassured, knowing that this administration is not intent on placing an undue financial burden on the backs of responsible woodlot owners. Management plans for woodlots will not be required on all lands.

Some are concerned that the strategy process is moving too quickly. I find that difficult to understand because the previous government started this process back in 2008. In Phase 1 of the natural resources strategy, more than 2,000 Nova Scotians participated in public meetings. More than 600 submissions were received, making it one of government's most successful public engagement efforts. In the second phase of the strategy, four panels of expertise consulted with a wide spectrum of technical experts from across the province resulting in more than 200 meetings with stakeholders representing the spectrum of natural resource interests, as well as 114 written submissions. Clearly, we've had great participation and we've taken the time to do consultation the right way.

Reaching the goal of reducing clearcutting signals a new beginning for our forests and our forest industry. In their recommendations for the final phase of the natural resources strategy, the authors of A Natural Balance calls on all of us to be bold and courageous, because the status quo is not an option. Indeed, we can repair and reverse damage to our forests, and yet still allow for an industry that employs thousands and supports the economy of Nova Scotia. Wherever possible, we will reach our goals through incentives, outreach and education.