2012 Woodlot of the Year Recipients Announced
A Musquodoboit Valley family has been chosen as this year's recipient of the Woodlot Owner of the Year Award for their contribution to sustainable forest management in the province.
Pat and Janet O'Toole, who run a 243-acre woodlot in Carrolls Corner, were chosen as the provincial winner, and central regional winner for their commitment to low impact harvesting. The family's practice of partial harvesting ensures steady growth of trees of varying ages resulting in continuous tree cover.
"This award is an opportunity to recognize the efforts of woodlot owners in promoting sustainability for the economic and environmental health of our forestry industry," said Charlie Parker Minister of Natural Resources. "This year's recipients have demonstrated best practices in woodlot management."
The O'Toole woodlot also features a maple syrup operation, and numerous hiking trails which have been used by local scouting and 4-H groups for exploring and learning opportunities.
The O'Tooles will be presented with the award at a public field day on Sept. 29.
Other regional winners include Jim and Ann Crooker of Caledonia, Queens Co. in the western region, and Mike and Mary Penny of Lochaber Lake, Antigonish Co. in the eastern region. They will each be presented with awards during separate field days on Sept. 15 and Sept. 22 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 foresters, wildlife specialists, industry representatives, previous winners, and environmental or forestry undergraduate students.
Nova Scotia residents who own 20 to 800 hectares of woodland in 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 http://www.gov.ns.ca/natr/woodlot/woya/ .