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Progress report: NS natural resources strategy moving along

Two years after the Nova Scotia government launched its natural resources strategy, Natural Resources Minister Charlie Parker says the government is on schedule with almost all of the 32 actions detailed in the strategy document, “From…

Two years after the Nova Scotia government launched its natural resources strategy, Natural Resources Minister Charlie Parker says the government is on schedule with almost all of the 32 actions detailed in the strategy document, “From Strategy to Action.”

“This strategy is a comprehensive and progressive plan that has helped put Nova Scotia on the map as a leader in the management of our natural resources,” Parker said. “Nova Scotians truly value the incredible resources they have, right here at home. We want to make sure those resources are around for generations to come, not just for personal enjoyment, but to support the forest industry of the future.”

The Path We Share is a 10-year strategy aimed at improving Nova Scotians’ stewardship of natural resources, including biodiversity, forests, parks, Crown land and geological resources. The province launched the strategy in August 2011 with a companion document, From Strategy to Action, which lists 32 priority actions.

According to the government statement, the timelines have been extended on four actions. Reporting on the state of forests and biodiversity and improved harvest tracking and silviculture programs will be completed in the next six months. Redesigning the integrated resources management process, and evaluating the effects of implementing an annual allowable cut will take an additional 12 months.

Over the past 12 months, government has introduced new efforts to support the natural resources strategy, including:

— a community forests program;

— annual funding of $1 million for provincial parks;

— $6.3 million to purchase land to increase coastal access, protect Mi’kmaq values, enhance wildlife conservation, and help the province meet its 12% land protection goal;

— $500,000 to help woodlot owners in western Nova Scotia build and upgrade access roads, support silviculture treatment and increase forest fire protection;

-more than $600,000 invested in the province’s mineral incentive program.

The province says it will continue to measure and report regularly on the progress of the natural resources strategy. Details of the strategy’s 32 actions and progress to date are available at novascotia.ca/natr/strategy/.