Seeking Input from Woodland Owners
Government, in partnership with the Forestry Transition Team, is inviting private woodland owners to complete an online survey, launched today, Jan. 20.
This research will help government and its partners better understand the needs, values, interests and motivations for private land use, as well as management practices.
“Nova Scotians have a strong connection to our forests and creating a forest culture that balances forest stewardship and rural economic development must involve private woodland owners across the province,” said Derek Mombourquette, Minister of Lands and Forestry. “As landowners make decisions about how they use and manage their woodlands, we want to hear from them and ensure they have access to information, programs and other resources that can help them meet their goals.”
Online focus groups with private woodland owners will also be held this winter.
The results will inform the development and delivery of government programs and services, improve information sharing and education, and support woodland-owner-led solutions in advancing environmental, social and economic goals.
The survey is available at www.novascotia.ca/woodland-owner-survey and will remain open for at least three weeks. The survey is only available in English. However French-speaking woodland owners are encouraged to participate and a French-only focus group will be held in the winter.
Any landowner who wishes to complete the survey but does not have access to the internet or may need assistance can call their local Department of Lands and Forestry office.
The answers will be treated confidentially and will not be tied to an individual’s name or location.
Quick Facts:
- the survey is intended for individuals and companies that own at least 10 acres (four hectares) of woodland, which may be managed for economic interests or other values like recreation, conservation, etc.
- there are more than 30,000 private woodland owners in Nova Scotia who own most of the province’s forested land
- nearly 80 per cent of Nova Scotia, or 4.2 million hectares, is covered in forest
- to date, the province’s efforts to implement new forestry practices, with an ecological forestry model, have focused on Crown land forestry policies
- the Forestry Transition Team has identified woodlot owner leadership as one of its four transition priorities
- a key observation from recent virtual trade missions with leading forestry jurisdictions was that effective engagement of woodlot owners is central in promoting better stewardship and wood supply
Additional Resources:
A map and list of Department of Lands and Forestry Offices is available at:
https://novascotia.ca/natr/staffdir/offices.asp
Government’s forestry transition website is at: https://novascotia.ca/forestry-sector-support/