News release

Online Woodlot Network Supports Strategy

Natural Resources (to July 2018)

The province's natural resources strategy is moving forward with a new online tool that promotes sustainable woodlot management by helping woodland owners network with each other.

The Network of Stewardship Woodlots is a database reflecting the species, products, and practices in place at many woodlots.

"We are acting to engage our woodlot owners by helping them to share information, learn from each other, and improve woodlot management practices across the province," said Charlie Parker, Minister of Natural Resources. "This networking tool supports the goals of the natural resources strategy we announced this summer."

The strategy, The Path We Share, released Aug. 16, includes a goal to involve as many as possible in the shared stewardship of Nova Scotia's forests. Actions are to provide support to owners of small private woodlots and focus education and outreach programs on shared stewardship.

The Network of Stewardship Woodlots is a natural progression from the Woodlot Owner of the Year program, an annual award from the Department of Natural Resources which recognizes and rewards woodlot owners with less than 800 hectares (2,000 acres) and includes field days co-ordinated by the department.

Participating woodlot owners voluntarily provide information about their woodlots which is posted on the network. An interactive, searchable map helps locate woodlots and contains information about each one on topics such as tree species, treatments, equipment, and affiliation to landowner organizations.

Anyone may search on the network for the woodlots that have the kind of trees they want. Searches may be done by county or by entering specific questions, about a given tree species, for example. Contact information for participating woodlot owners is also provided, for business inquiries or to arrange a woodlot tour.

To search the Network of Stewardship Woodlots database, visit www.gov.ns.ca/natr/woodlot .

There are about 30,000 woodlot owners in the province.

Natural Resources has also created a Facebook page to promote woodlot education and communications among woodland owners. Go to Facebook and look for DNR Woodlot Education.

Nova Scotia's natural resources strategy is in place to improve resource management and sustainable practices in the province, while creating good jobs.