Project Background
In August 2018, William Lahey released his "Independent Review of Forest Practices in Nova Scotia." Commissioned by the government of the day, and subsequently endorsed by all political parties, the report concludes that diverse, older, and natural forests are the foundation for all the benefits – economic, ecological, and social - that Nova Scotians receive from our woodlands.
We wholeheartedly agree. In fact, the founders of the Family Forest Network (FFN) were the first - and remain the largest – group of forest service providers to publicly endorse and practice the recommendations of the Independent Review. These organizations have a firm commitment and a demonstrated capacity to help woodland stewards adopt the techniques of ecological forestry.
Through the implementation of Bill Lahey’s recommendations, the Family Forest Network will support:
healthy and productive woodlands that are managed in accordance with ecological principles;
robust and sustainable contributions by the forest sector to the economy of Nova Scotia; and
equitable compensation for products and services, including for the stewardship of healthy and productive woodlands.
Eleven organizations that serve small‐woodland owners and contractors are working together to promote – and significantly increase its capacity to support – the adoption of ecological forestry on non‐industrial woodlands through outreach, demonstration, and research. Building on programs and services currently offered by these organizations, the FFN will be the starting point for woodland stewards who want to learn more about forest practices that mimic natural processes, promote biodiversity, and restore ecosystem health.
To begin the process of transforming forest management in Nova Scotia, the FFN will conduct a large‐scale pilot of ecologically sensitive forest treatments in a wide range of woodland conditions across the province. Special emphasis will be placed on restoring degraded stands to their natural diversity and productivity.
The FFN harvesting pilot will not only study the short‐term economics, but also the long‐term impacts on forest value, carbon storage, soil fertility, biodiversity, and other non‐timber values. Detailed pre‐ and post‐harvest assessments of site conditions, annual monitoring, and modelling of expected future growth will yield critically important information for the sector. Forest stewards will be able to make better decisions about management options. Forest professionals will gain experience in ecologically sensitive management, and an assurance that such practices have value in the long term. Contractors and woods workers will learn how to efficiently perform such work. The sites will also become living laboratories that showcase the potential of ecological management to restore Nova Scotia’s woodlands.
For a complete and detailed review of this project, its values, goals, and governance. View our application for funding by clicking the link below.