Province Continues to Invest In Ecological Forestry, Skilled Forestry Workers

The province is investing $5.4 million to help keep skilled Nova Scotians working in the woods while supporting the shift to ecological forestry.

The funding, announced today, July 5, is for silviculture work that aligns with ecological forestry goals and for the improvement of forestry roads.

“We are committed to supporting a sustainable forestry industry in Nova Scotia as we transition to ecological forestry,” said Premier Iain Rankin. “This additional funding will help keep Nova Scotians working while improving our forests across the province.”

The investment supports both private and Crown lands, with $2 million for silviculture and $1 million for roads on private land, and $1 million for silviculture and $400,000 for roads on Crown land.

The funding also includes $1 million to train workers to support the implementation of new ecological forestry practices outlined in Prof. William Lahey’s independent review of forestry practices.

The Association for Sustainable Forestry will receive $330,000 to develop and deliver training to certify qualified practitioners in pre-treatment assessment. The remaining $670,000 will go to the Canadian Woodlands Forum to train harvesting contractors in new methods and prescriptions associated with ecological forestry.

This announcement builds on plans for a new $6.1 million Centre of Forest Innovation in Truro, to be operated by Nova Scotia Community College and funded by the Forestry Innovation Transition Trust. The centre will train forestry professionals in ecological forestry practices through core certificate programs and shorter courses for continuing education and skill development, starting in September 2022.

Quotes:

"The enhanced silviculture funding announced today is welcomed by Nova Scotia woodland owners, and comes at a critical and opportune time as Prof. Bill Lahey’s recommendations are being implemented in our forests. In addition to providing financial and technical assistance, this funding will promote sustainable forest stewardship on private lands.”

– Dave Sutherland, coordinator, Association for Sustainable Forestry

“An investment in woodlot owners is both an investment in their communities and the long-term success of the sector. Healthy, managed forests provide us with clean air, clean water, outdoor recreation places and the wood products we all use every day. Woodlot owners in this province own 65 per cent of our forested lands, and improved roadways help them manage their lands for today and tomorrow.”

– Jeff Bishop, executive director, Forest Nova Scotia

Quick Facts:

• this funding is in addition to the annual silviculture and roads programs offered by the province and can be accessed through the same application processes

Additional Resources:

Details on the application processes for private woodland roads is available on the Forest Nova Scotia website: http://forestns.ca/

Details on the application processes for private land silviculture is available on the Association for Sustainable Forestry website: http://www.asforestry.com/