Andrew Kekacs of NSWOOA forwarded info about three forestry field days planned in Central Nova onver the periond Oct 6-20, 2018:
The collaboration includes Alhol Forestry Coop Limited of Amherst, Conform Limited of Middle Musquodoboit, North Nova Forest Owners Co-op limited of Wentworth, and Nova Scotia Woodlot Owners & Operators Association of Truro. All of the organizations have decades of experience working with family forest owners.
The first step in the collaboration is to learn more about the goals and needs of woodland owners in Central Nova Scotia. They have invited forest landowners to help by taking a short survey. It can be found online at https://us.opinio.net/s?s=4779.
The names of all who complete the survey will be entered into a drawing for a Husqvarna Forestry Axe worth $89.99. Donated by Athol Forestry Cooperative, this is a high-quality, all-purpose axe with a forged steel head.
The organizations are also presenting three forestry field days in October. The events will be held on wooded parcels that are exceptional examples of good stewardship. Both new and veteran owners are welcome to see what can happen with careful, long-term management of forestland.
Keep in mind that what happens on nearby woodland is almost as important as what happens on your own. Consider inviting your friends, neighbours, family members or co-workers to one of these events. A short description of each field day is offered below, along with a link for more information or to register.
Please note: Space is limited and pre-registration is required. If you are interested in attending, please let us know soon! The price is just $10 per person or $20 per family, which includes a light lunch. If you have questions, contact Andy Kekacs, executive director of the Nova Scotia Woodlot Owners & Operators Association, toll-free at 1-855-NS-WOODS (1-855-679-6637) or andy.nswooa@gmail.com.
Harvesting the Old-Fashioned Way: Smaller Machines and Bigger Trees, Saturday, October 6
Big trees and careful logging are not a thing of the past in Nova Scotia. Woodland owners can learn more about managing and harvesting a mature forested parcel at a field day in Cooks Brook (Halifax Regional Municipality). The woodlot, which is well stocked with mature red spruce and hemlock, is owned by Carol Casselman. We will talk about how her personal goals for the woodland and a timber inventory of the property were used to develop a long-term management plan.
Then, you’ll walk with the forester and logger who worked on the harvest and learn more about their decision-making process at each step, starting with earning the landowner’s trust. You’ll also explore why Carol and Conform settled on a selection cut using a traditional chainsaw crew, how they laid out the harvest, and what they achieved.
The field day is planned for the Thanksgiving weekend, so the agenda includes a discussion about planning for the transfer of a woodlot to the next generation. If your children and grandchildren are home for the holiday, this is a great way to start talking about your family woodland.
You must register by Wednesday, Oct. 3, to attend. To learn more about the event or to register, go to https://www.nswoods.ca/harvesting-the-old-fashioned-way.html. The Casselman woodlot is located on the Wilson Road in Cooks Brook, which is about 14 km from the Exhibition Grounds in Middle Musquodoboit. To see a map, go to https://goo.gl/maps/CJLddq1CnSS2
An Introduction to Woodland Ownership and Management, Sunday, October 14
This special event is designed for people who have never been to a forestry field day. Participants will learn more about how forests grow, and how good stewards can manage woodlands in ways that are ecologically, socially and economically sustainable.
Children are welcome, too. Several activities will be offered to teach children more about the woods around them. The event will be held at the Faye Porter woodlot in Fenwick (Cumberland County). It’s a fine time of year to be out in the woods with your family.
Registration is required by Wednesday, Oct. 10. To learn more about the event or to register, go to https://www.nswoods.ca/an-introduction-to-woodland-ownership-and-management.html. The Porter woodlot is at 18071 Highway 2, Fenwick, about 11 km south of Amherst. To see a map, go to https://goo.gl/maps/rg4b4rRFx3G2
Working on Your Own Land: Creating a Forest Legacy for Your Family, Saturday, October 20
The number of forest owners who still work their own land is declining, but you can see an outstanding example of work by an owner-operator during a field day in Lower Greenville (Colchester County). This is a great place to see how one family has approached the challenge of woodland ownership over many years.
The woodlot is owned by Justin Rushton, who represents the third generation of Rushtons to work the land. He is one of a dwindling number of forest owners who still do their own work on the land. There are many forest practices to see, from plantations to areas of selection management. The woodlot is also used for a variety of recreational activities from hunting and walking to ATVs. He also has cultivated wild blueberries, operates a firewood processor, and has a small excavator that is used for both harvesting and earth work.
You must register by Wednesday, Oct. 17, to attend. To learn more about the event or to register, go to https://www.nswoods.ca/working-on-your-own-land.html. The Rushton Woodlot is at 5608 Wentworth Collingwood Road in Lower Greenville, which is about 5 km from the old Wentworth school on Highway 4 in Wentworth. To see a map, go to https://goo.gl/maps/trFvBY7prfB2.