Bowater Mersey closure prompts Nova Scotia to expedite additional silviculture programs

Jun 25, 2012. /Lesprom Network/. The province of Nova Scotia is expediting additional programs for private woodlot owners that will help woods workers in southwestern Nova Scotia as the Government of Nova Scotia said in the press release received by Lesprom Network. The provincial government is providing up to $1.5 million in funding for silviculture initiatives that will help small, private woodlot owners improve operations. “This investment helps bring positive change in the forest sector, while helping the environment and the economy,” said Charlie Parker, Minister of Natural Resources. “Silviculture has many benefits, including creating healthier forests, quality wood growth, improved wildlife habitat and productive and sustainable forest stands.” Silviculture workers that would have planted and thinned for Resolute Forest Products will shift to provincially funded operations. The Nova Scotia Association for Sustainable Forestry will administer the investment. “The additional funding will be welcomed by silviculture contractors and woodlot owners alike,” said association co-ordinator David Sutherland. “It is a very appropriate investment in our rural communities and will contribute positively to the future health and productivity of Nova Scotia’s forests.” The money will support forest management practices and treatments applied to uneven-aged forests.