News release

2011 Woodlot Owner of the Year Announced

Natural Resources (to July 2018)

A Digby County family has been recognized for their diversity of forestry management techniques and ingenuity by being named Nova Scotia's 2011 Woodlot Owner of the Year.

"Eldon and Lucille White are deserving winners of this annual award," said Natural Resources Minister Charlie Parker. "The White's 520-hectare property in Richfield showcases the planning, hard work and dedication applied to their lot, sometimes in difficult situations."

The Whites use a variety of treatment methods to suit each situation. An eight-hectare parcel of land, severely damaged in a hurricane, is now a demonstration plot consisting of a variety of healthy young trees.

"I try to make the most of my woodlots through diversity because I believe its important that when I am finished there will be something for my children and grandchildren," said Mr. White.

As owners and operators of Richfield Forestry since the 1980s, the White family continue to show that an active forest is a healthy forest. Ms. White recalls the 2000-01 season when staff planted more than 500-thousand trees on the property. The family also understand the value of other non-timber forest products that can include maple syrup and Christmas trees.

The Whites, who are also the western region winners, will receive their provincial award on Oct. 1 during a public field tour on their woodlot. Other regional winners who were recognized are Peter and Candace Christiano of Baddeck, Victoria Co., in eastern Nova Scotia, and Steve Keddy and family of Meadowvale, Colchester Co., in the central region. They will host field tours on their properties Sept. 10 and Sept. 24 respectively.

The Department of Natural Resources has presented the Woodlot Owner of the Year Award program since 1990. Nominations are evaluated by department staff for regional winners, while the provincial winner is selected by a committee of two foresters, a wildlife technician, and an environmental studies undergraduate student.

Nova Scotia residents who own 20 to 800 hectares of woodland in the province are eligible for woodlot owner awards. Nominations are accepted at Department of Natural Resources offices until April 15 each year. More information is available on the department's website at www.gov.ns.ca/extension/woya .