2016 Woodland Owners of the Year

Some of Nova Scotia's best woodland owners have been recognized for their outstanding woodlot management.

The Nova Scotia families receiving Woodland Owner of the Year awards for their outstanding achievements are:

• Matthew Harrison and family, central region and provincial winners
• Larry and Greta Goodwin, western region winners
• Frank and Lelia Machnik, eastern region winners

"This award is a way to say thank you for the passion, commitment and innovation they bring to woodland management in Nova Scotia," said Natural Resources Minister Lloyd Hines. "These three families demonstrate firsthand the wonderful opportunities that lie in Nova Scotia’s natural resources."

Matthew, Bonnie, Catherine, and Donald Harrison of Lynn Mountain, Cumberland Co., manage a 1,000-acre woodland near Springhill. The lot has been in the family since the 1950s. They focus on improving the woodland through careful harvesting, selection management and by developing the land for recreation. The Harrison's operation also includes blueberry production, and a sugar maple business called Hidden Mountain Maple Farm.

"Managing this woodlot has provided myself and my family a wonderful place to live, work, and create a variety of businesses," said Matthew Harrison. "We are very grateful to be recognized for this hard work in receiving woodlot owner of the year. We are proud of the impact our woodlot has on our family, friends and our community."

Larry and Greta Goodwin manage a 230-acre woodland in Hillgrove, Digby Co. The Goodwin family has planted thousands of seedlings over the years on land purchased by Larry's grandfather in 1912. Their devoted stewardship has resulted in a healthy and diversified forest. The Goodwin family also runs a small maple sugar business and makes their woodland available to people for hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Frank and Lelia Machnik manage two woodlands, a 150-acre lot in Bay Field, Antigonish Co., where the two live, and a large 400-acre lot in nearby Polson Brook. They also run a tourism business called Sea'scape Cottages. Mr. Machnik is passionate about caring for his woodlands and educating people about Nova Scotia’s natural resources.

Every year woodland owners are nominated to recognize innovative steps to manage their woodlands sustainably in ways that support communities through conservation and economic activity.

To be eligible for nomination, you must own 20 to 2,000 hectares of woodland. Nominations are evaluated by a committee of foresters, wildlife specialists, industry representatives, previous winners and environmental or forestry students.