New Guidebook Educates About Forest Conservation

A new hands-on guidebook is available that describes how Nova Scotians can help keep the province's woodlands healthy.

A Field Guide to Forest Biodiversity Stewardship provides best forest management techniques for anyone interested in the province's forest ecosystems.

"Three-quarters of our province is forest and preserving that rich biodiversity is a responsibility that we all share," said Minister of Natural Resources Lloyd Hines. "By teaching people to be good stewards of our environment this guide will help ensure our forests stay healthy for future generations."

The guide was compiled from first-hand experiences of people working in forest conservation. It features notes on the variety of wildlife and habitats found in Nova Scotia's forests and includes both regulations and recommended practices for responsible forest stewardship.

“The guidebook is an exciting release which will provide a dynamic introduction to forest biodiversity for woodland owners, forestry contractors and nature enthusiasts,” said David Sutherland, co-ordinator with the Association for Sustainable Forestry. “It complements several other department publications and will assist in promoting a progressive direction for forest-stewardship activities in our province.”

Biodiversity includes all the plants, animals, and other organisms in an ecosystem and the processes that connect them. It is closely connected to a forest's overall health. Any change in the environment can affect every species in the forest.

A Field Guide to Forest Biodiversity Stewardship is available for download at novascotia.ca/natr/library/publications/forestry.asp. For a free hard copy contact the Department of Natural Resources library by email at dnr.library@novascotia.ca or by calling 902-424-8633.