Category Archives: Economics

Small private woodlots are big contributors to forest economy in Finland, could be in NS

Reporter Michael Gorman talked to Harold Alexander about his trip to Finland in the fall to learn how small private woodlots are thriving in Finland. “We have a forest policy right now that I think, for the most part, doesn’t … Continue reading

Posted in Economics, Private Woodlots, Social Values | Leave a comment

Subsidizing industrial forestry in Nova Scotia, continued?

Word on the Street has it that the Liberal government is about to announce big forestry changes and that the troops are being asked to prepare for public backlash. I would like to think the changes finally put an end … Continue reading

Posted in Acadian Forest, clearcuts, Economics, NSDNR, Pulp & Paper, Show Us the Science, WestFor | Leave a comment

Hefler sale complicated, biomass power plant separated out

Is, or could the biomass plant become, a net emitter of GHGs compared to coal? Details of the sale of Helfler Forest Products operation in Lower Sackville NS are just emerging. The profitable biomass power plant will apparently be run … Continue reading

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A sweet spot in Nova Scotia’s hardwoods

An article in the business section of the CH for Feb 2, 2017 provides some upbeat news about NS forests and forest industry for a change. Chris and Anna Hutchinson “wanted to return to Nova Scotia from Ontario and maple … Continue reading

Posted in Economics, Ecosystem Services, Private Woodlots | Leave a comment

Highway tolls could destroy western Nova Scotia’s sawmill industry

…says Barrett Lumber Company’s David Barrett, reported in the CH Jan 31, 2017. He ” penned an open letter to provincial and federal politicians, warning that highway tolls would cause the “complete destruction,” of western Nova Scotia’s sawmill industry.” Read … Continue reading

Posted in Economics, Lumber | Leave a comment

Forest NS releases industry economic impact analysis

Good PR but the report lacks critical analysis “Over the past year, Forest Nova Scotia worked with Gardner Pinfold Consultants to conduct an analysis of the economic impact of the Nova Scotia Forest Industry. The results, finalized in December of … Continue reading

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Nova Scotia’s Biofuel Bonanza

Using our forests to produce liquid fuels could well liquidate the forests themselves A NSDNR Press Release yesterday announced “A new study shows Nova Scotia has strong potential to develop an innovative biorefinery that produces an alternative fuel from renewable … Continue reading

Posted in Acadian Forest, Biomass, clearcuts, Climate Change, Conservation, Economics, NSDNR, Social Values | Leave a comment

Has clearcutting on Crown land in Nova Scotia increased or decreased?

The answer may depend on what and who you ask. With the release of the Five-year Progress Report for the Natural Resources Strategy for Nova Scotia 2011-2020 in August, the government announced that the goal of reducing clearcutting on Crown … Continue reading

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Nova Scotia hopeful our limited crown land remains an asset in trade talks

“[Nova Scotia Trade Minister Michel] Samson, Natural Resources Minister Lloyd Hines, as well as representatives from the provincial lumber industry travelled to the U.S. capitol to meet with David MacNaughton, Canada’s ambassador to the United States, and Zoltan van Heyningen, … Continue reading

Posted in Economics, Lumber | Leave a comment

Hard times for wood pellet industry in Nova Scotia

“It’s déjà vu all over again in Middle Musquodoboit as former wood pellet plant operator Scotia Atlantic Biomass Company’s assets go up for grabs…The wood pellet industry as a whole is hurting because a long-anticipated European growth in demand for … Continue reading

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