Nova Scotia Government Signs Partnership Agreement
on Working Demonstration Forest
The Otter Ponds Demonstration Forest.
Nova Scotians will have an opportunity to enhance their understanding of sustainable forest management thanks to a new project.
The forest, in the Mooseland area at Otter Ponds, HRM, will promote the philosophy, science, and practiceof uneven-aged forest management in the Acadian Forest. It was established by the province, Northern Pulp, and the Nova Scotia Woodlot Owners and Operators Association, with help from community and environmental groups.
The memorandum of understanding for the project was signed today, June 22, at Province House, Halifax by the principal partners. A new division under the woodlot owners and operators association, the Otter Ponds Demonstration Forest Division, will manage the initiative. The division will include members from the Ecology Action Centre, the Eastern Shore Forest Watch Association, and the Mooseland and Area Community Association.
"This is an excellent example of collaboration between the forest industry,environmental and community groups," said John MacDonell,Minister of Natural Resources. "A healthy and sustainably managed forest is vital to the economic growth and wealth of this province, and to the quality of life of all Nova Scotians."
The forest demonstration site will be managed and operated as a working woodlot, producing timber for processing, ensuring management for forests values, and maintaining a sustainable ecosystem.
"Northern Pulp is very proud to be part of the Otter Ponds Demonstration Forest project",said Mike McLarty, Timberlands Manager for Northern Pulp. "We have been managing our forests sustainably for over 40 years and believe education and research are an integral part of growing healthy forests in Nova Scotia. This collaborative effort is an opportunity for industry, government, and NGOs to work toward this common goal."
This project will allow for various resource management options to be tested, and it will build upon the existing knowledge base and best practice forest management currently employed.
"The four diverse non-government organizations of the Otter Ponds Demonstration Forest Division areready to get this project underway," said Wade Prest, director of the Nova Scotia Woodlot Owners and Operators Association, and secretary of the new division. "The Otter Ponds block is ideally suited for uneven-aged forestry and holds important water, wildlife,biodiversity, and social values that will be enhanced by our management approach. This challenging project offers a wide range ofpotential benefits for all Nova Scotian's."
The working forest will also allow for field testing silviculture techniques and restoration practices.
"The Ecology Action Centre applauds the government for allowing this demonstration of progressive forestry on Crown land," said Jamie Simpson, forestry program co-ordinator with the Ecology Action Centre. "With time, the Otter Ponds forest will become an 'open air' classroom for anyone interested in learning and sharing ideas about forestry and ecology, on-the-ground and in the woods."
For more information, contact the Otter Ponds Demonstration Forest Division at902-772-2211.
Photographs Copyright of Stuart C. Reddish & Lynda Mallett
The
Eastern Shore Forest Watch Association is a registered non-profit
organization founded in 1998, dedicated to the long term care of our
forests.
Objectives
are: action, education, and alternatives that promote the health of
our forests.
Members
include established Eastern Shore families and new residents, woodlot
owners, foresters, tourism operators, business owners and youth,
individuals and groups deeply concerned about the health and future
of our forests.
What They Do •
Lobby for legislation which ensures that forest harvesting practices
on private and public land do not have a negative impact on the
environment. • Advocate for more protected wild lands in Nova
Scotia, Canada and around the world. • Create resources and
educational opportunities on forest related issues. • Encourage
building supply stores to provide ‘green’ value added and
certified wood products.
Their Goals
• To
obtain a moratorium on resource extraction and related development in
the proposed Ship Harbour Long Lake wilderness area. –
ACHIEVED – 2007 •
To promote ecologically-sustainable forest practices, with a focus on
alternatives to clear-cutting. • To pursue incentives and
recognition for landowners who practice low impact, eco-forestry
methods.
The Association has recently produced a DVD on the sustainable management of Nova Scotia Woodlots and copies can be obtained from the address below.
The picture on the right is off the back cover of the DVD and gives information on the content and price.
Click on
this link - www.forestwatch.ca
to find out all about this association, how you can help, how you
can become a member, and what the latest news is from the Forest.
email:
forestwatches@yahoo.ca
Call: 902-889-2629
Mail: Comp.10 Site 2 RR#1 Head
Jeddore Nova Scotia, Canada B0J 1P0
Autumn scene in a mixed woodlot with standing dead wood for maximum biodiversity.
Nova Scotians will have an opportunity to enhance their understanding of sustainable forest management thanks to a new project.
The memorandum of understanding for the project was signed today, June 22, at Province House, Halifax by the principal partners.
"Northern Pulp is very proud to be part of the Otter Ponds Demonstration Forest project",said Mike McLarty, Timberlands Manager for Northern Pulp. "We have been managing our forests sustainably for over 40 years and believe education and research are an integral part of growing healthy forests in Nova Scotia. This collaborative effort is an opportunity for industry, government, and NGOs to work toward this common goal."
The
Eastern Shore Forest Watch Association is a registered non-profit
organization founded in 1998, dedicated to the long term care of our
forests.
What They Do
