The government of Nova Scotia is taking steps to ban whole-tree and full-tree harvesting “to ensure that the forestry sector remains sustainable for the future,” according to a press release. Whole-tree harvesting removes the entire…
The government of Nova Scotia is taking steps to ban whole-tree and full-tree harvesting “to ensure that the forestry sector remains sustainable for the future,” according to a press release.
Whole-tree harvesting removes the entire tree, including stem, branches, stump and roots, out of a forest site to a landing or roadside. In full-tree harvesting, the stump and roots remain at the forest site, but the stem and branches are removed.
“Nova Scotians clearly told us they were opposed to both of these practices and we are honouring our commitment to ban them,” said Natural Resources Minister Charlie Parker. “These practices were allowed to go on for too long, and we are making the right decision for the health of the forests and the sustainability of the forest industry.”
“Our next step is to give the public time to review and comment on these proposed regulations, as required under the Forests Act,” said Parker.
The public may submit comments until Aug. 20 on the Natural Resources website at www.novascotia.ca/natr .
Whole-tree operations in Nova Scotia harvest less than 100,000 green metric tonnes. That represents less than four per cent of the total annual provincial tree harvest.
In December 2010, the province said it would stop the removal of whole trees from the forests so that woody debris would remain to nurture new growth.
The province reviewed full tree harvesting practices across Canada and related scientific literature.
The province has worked closely with woodlot owners, harvesters and other forestry stakeholders for the past three years to improve harvesting methods, and invested in the sector by providing funding for training; all while dealing with significant changes in the mills sector.
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