Standing Tall News and Updates: Fall, 2008

Buying paper, lumber or other wood products? Check out our new brochure of FSC-certified woodlots, and support responsible forestry!

Forest Stewardship Council-Certified Printers & Wood Suppliers in the Maritimes (November 4, 2008)

 

Is Biomass Energy Green?

Click here to check out our biomass background paper.

Standing Tall News and Updates: Spring, 2008

Important New Report on Nova Scotia's forest and forest industry: GPI Atlantic Forest Update

Public Consultations on Nova Scotia's Forests

Concerned about clearcutting? Worried about the forest industry? Want to shape the future of Nova Scotia’s forests?

Public consultations on our forests are starting soon. Voluntary Planning, an arms-length agency of the Nova Scotia government, will be traveling the province to document Nova Scotians’ concerns and values on the future of FORESTS, MINING, PARKS and BIODIVERSITY. 

This is the time to speak up about our forests and forest industry. These consultations will help shape the government’s new Natural Resources Strategy. See www.gov.ns.ca/vp and follow the link to Natural Resources to learn about the process. Consultations will take place from May 12th to June 12th throughout Nova Scotia. 

 

What’s at Stake?  Our Forest and Forest Economy

Because of heavy cutting and land clearing over many decades, Nova Scotia’s native, unique Acadian Forest is threatened. Our forest is degraded and the forestry industry is struggling. Mills are closing, forestry jobs are declining, the tourism industry is negatively affected and our forest is increasingly vulnerable to climate change.

With progressive forest policy, however, we can promote a naturally diverse forest that provides wildlife habitat, clean water, a place to appreciate nature, and high-quality timber. With sensible management, we can promote a forest industry based on value-added manufacturing, providing diverse and stable employment. With intelligent fore-sight, we can best meet the challenges climate change will bring to our forest.

 

What to Do?  Have your say and help spread the word!

  • Participate in the Voluntary Planning consultations and encourage your friends and family to do the same: attend the consultations or submit your thoughts in writing
  • Volunteer your time – contact us to find out how: (902) 429-1335 or forests@ecologyaction.ca.
  • Find the Facts! View our Factsheets and stay informed.

Ecology Action Centre's Values and Priorities for Forest Management

~ a series of background information sheets in preparation for the

Voluntary Planning public consultations on forests in Nova Scotia: May 12 to June 12, 2008 ~

 

1. Commitment to reform

We value forest stewardship that earns the confidence of the Nova Scotia public. This occurs in a new environment where government embraces a broad commitment to forest diversity and restoration. There is a new culture that welcomes reform, meets public aspirations, and demonstrates leadership and innovation in tackling forest issues.  Government earns the trust of public stakeholders, who work collaboratively and constructively with them to advance a better forest environment and economy.

 

2. Ecosystem-based management and valuable working forests

We value science-based forest management that restores the character of our native Acadian Forest over the majority of the working forest land base. This is forestry that focuses on economic value rather than fibre growth. We value a working forest that produces high-value timber products, maintains or improves natural soil fertility, maximizes carbon storage, adapts to the effects of climate change, and provides habitat for forest wildlife. This is a working forest of which to be proud.

 

3. Completed protected areas network

We value a network of protected areas as a key plank of sound forest management. Protected areas provide a benchmark against which to judge our actions on the rest of the landscape, while providing a storehouse of natural biodiversity. They serve the spirit of Nova Scotians by providing opportunities to discover and appreciate the natural world.

 

4. Diverse, value-added forest industry

We value a diverse forest industry that capitalizes on Nova Scotia’s naturally diverse forest resource, a resource with potential to increase in value with proper management. This is an industry dominated by small and medium sized secondary and tertiary manufacturing that increases the value and employment per unit of wood harvested. This is a stable industry that supports a diverse forest economy and stable employment.

 

Other Standing Tall News:

Spring, 2005

Summer, 2005

Fall, 2005

Winter, 2006

Spring, 2006

Summer, 2006 

Fall, 2006 

2007 

Spring 2008 

 

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