Monthly Archives: April 2017

2015 stats for Nova Scotia on National Forestry Database illustrate continuing pressure on Crown lands

Posted on April 14, 2017 by admin

In January, I made use of stats on the National Forestry Database to address three questions: – Has clearcutting on Crown land in Nova Scotia increased or decreased? (Posted Jan 22, 2017) – What’s a clearcut and what’s not a … Continue reading →

Posted in clearcuts, Economics, Private Woodlots, Selection Harvest | Leave a comment

Spring has sprung in the ravines of Nova Scotia

Posted on April 12, 2017 by admin

Yesterday was the first very warm day of 2017, reaching a temperature of 23 degrees C while there was still snow on the ground. I went to a favourite ravine to witness the spring flow and wasn’t disappointed. A torrent … Continue reading →

Posted in Biophilia, clearcuts, Climate Change, Conservation | Leave a comment

The forest tragedy continued: Margaree, Cape Breton

Posted on April 11, 2017 by admin

Sam Aimsworth of the Save the Margaree Watershed (Facebook group) has posted a moving, sorrowful video on youtube: Breath of Life-Margaree, Cape Breton. The video highlights the plight of endangered Canada lynx and pine martin after NSDNR approved logging of … Continue reading →

Posted in Biophilia, clearcuts, NSDNR | Leave a comment

Loons are back

Posted on April 11, 2017 by admin

In this fragile new world, I am always encouraged when elements of the seasons that I grew up with are repeated. Amongst them, the call of the common loon is certainly foremost. People love loons. Their haunting voice and striking … Continue reading →

Posted in Biophilia, Natural History, NSDNR | Leave a comment

Softwood jitters focus on April 24, 2017

Posted on April 7, 2017 by admin

Understandably, there are a lot of jitters around the Trump administration’s intentions to renegotiate NAFTA and to include softwood lumber trade with Canada. Now the focus is on April 24, 2017. That’s the “Latest date for DOC [U.S. Department of … Continue reading →

Posted in Economics, softwood lumber | Leave a comment

WestFor makes its case to Queens County

Posted on April 6, 2017 by admin

An article by Michael Lee, WestFor manager defends clearcutting practices, in the Apr 5, 2017 print version of LighthouseNow describes a presentation to Council for the Region of Queens Municipality by WestFor Manager Marcus Zwicker. (The article is not available … Continue reading →

Posted in clearcuts, Letters&Editorials, Private Woodlots, WestFor | Leave a comment

Nova Scotia protects significant older forest stands and an important corridor

Posted on April 4, 2017 by admin

With these latest additions, the total area protected is 12.4% of Nova Scotia’s land area. In March of 2017, Nova Scotia Parks and Protected Areas (a section of Nova Scotia Environment) designated two new Wilderness Areas and expansion of another … Continue reading →

Posted in Conservation, Ecosystem Services, Natural History, Old Growth, Parks & Protected Areas, Recreation, Watersheds, Wildlife | Leave a comment

Celebrating spring in the Acadian Forest in Nova Scotia

Posted on April 2, 2017 by admin

Three short videos celebrate spring in our forests and offer some interesting insights. Treasures Of The Old Forest Produced in 2005 by Avalon & Meguma Natural History Films. “Precious as jewels, fleeting as snow-flakes, yet ancient as the forest itself, … Continue reading →

Posted in Biophilia, Natural History | Leave a comment