This page lists news items related to forests and forestry in NS beginning Jan 1, 2021.
View these pages for more recent items:
- In the News (current)
- In the News Jan-May 2022
View these subpages for older items:
Links to items in the Chronicle Herald published before mid-Sept. 2018 will bring up an “Oh no! Page not found” message or take you to the current Saltwire pages. Many or most of those older articles can be accessed by going to this NSFN page on the Internet Archive.
View All Posts for a list of all posts on
NSFN since its inception (June 21, 2016).
News Items
(most recent at the top)
Sometime during the past year, I started putting all news items on this page – instead of putting some items on other pages (e.g. on GHGs in the News) – so there are many posts.
Dec 31, 2021:
– “We need accountability”: Nova Scotia has set ambitious climate change goals, but concrete action is elusive
Jennifer Henderson in the Halifax Examiner. ” It’s the last day of 2021 – an excellent time to consider how well Nova Scotia applied the brakes on the pace of climate change.” Useful review of goals and where we are
Dec 30, 2021:
Climate clues from the past spark a new look at history
By Jacques Leslie in the National Observer
Dec 28, 2021:
– Back to the Land: How a prescription for nature could make us healthier
On CBC The Current, today. (First broadcast Sep 6, 2021) Related article:Prescribing nature: Research suggests the outdoors are good for your mental health
Dec 27, 2021:
– E.O. Wilson, Renowned Ant Researcher, Dies at 92
Chloe Tenn in the Scientist”The naturalist was recognized for his work on social behavior and pheromones in ants and as a champion of wildlife conservation…In the 1980s, Wilson pivoted his efforts to conservation biology, continuing to travel around the world and arguing that only by preserving half the Earth as wild will biodiversity be saved and mass extinction avoided…” More detail about his life and contributions in NY Times article.
Dec 24, 2021:
– Lying Liars & The Lies They Tell About Electric Cars
BySteve Hanley in cleantechnica.com ” Researchers at Yale refute claims that supply chain emissions cancel out the environmental benefits of driving electric cars.”
– We must protect our forests and wetlands
By Shawn McCarthy, for politic.ca “To confront climate change and the alarming loss of species, we need to fundamentally re-assess our relationship with our natural ecosystem, argues Leslie, who’s also a former New Democratic MP…“The tide is turning on (our understanding of) nature and how it can help fight climate change,” Leslie said. At the Glasgow conference, WWF Canada released a first-of-its-kind map of Canada’s natural carbon sinks and reservoirs. Scientists from McMaster University’s remote-sensing laboratory found a total of 405 billion tonnes of carbon stored in ecosystems across Canada. That’s the equivalent of about 30 years of human-caused global GHG emissions at 2019 emission levels. By knowing where the carbon is stored, we can focus on protecting those lands, Leslie said. Instead of conserving nature mainly for its recreational and aesthetic value, governments must start doing so to protect critical habitats and carbon sinks.”
Dec 23, 2021:
– Conservationists work to save dwindling population of bur oak trees
CBC News “Once plentiful, it now only grows in about one per cent of its original range in New Brunswick”
– Jesse Zeman: A ‘balanced debate’ about conservation is welcome, preferably before more species face extinction
Jesse Zeman in www.vancouversun.com/ “Opinion: We could use a balanced approach all right, but not the one the forest industry is peddling.”
– Canadian Association of Retired Persons concerned about forestry impact on Nova Scotia’s Crown lands
Ron Swan, Canadian Association of Retirees, on saltwire.com
– Climate change could stunt the Christmas tree industry. Here’s how N.S. growers are preparing
Frances Willick · CBC News “A conservation group that has spent the past two decades working to restore salmon habitat on the Eastern Shore is one of dozens of groups and individuals speaking out against a proposed gold mine.”
Dec 22, 2021:
– Fate of salmon restoration project among concerns with proposed gold mine
Frances Willick · CBC News
– Jamie Lewis, the president of WestFor, has spoken. Where I failed, the CBC has succeeded.
BY ETHAN LYCAN-LANG in Morning File (Halifax Examiner)
– What will save the mainland moose?
By Cloe Logan for the National Observer ““Most need a mature forest, which is very rare now. And they need patches of younger forest. And what they’re creating is the exact opposite. It’s a sea of clear-cuts,” said Bancroft.”
– Concerns for future of public forests
By Steve Goodwin in The Pictou Advocate “Miller is concerned about the future of public forests with recommendations from the Lahey Report yet to be implemented.“They talk ecology and mow down on production. I’m for the moratorium, but that hasn’t happened. Something’s wrong.””
Dec 21, 2021:
– Province releases draft terms for Northern Pulp’s environmental assessment report
Taryn Grant · CBC News “The public can comment on the draft document until the end of January”
– Canada challenging U.S. softwood tariffs under the new NAFTA agreement
Darren Major · CBC News
Dec 20, 2021:
– Hunting guides turn to ecotourism as U.S. hunters stay home
By Marie Woolf in the National Observer. “COVID-19 benefits, including wage subsidies, have helped hard-pressed hunting guides. But many have branched out into ecotourism to survive, catering to the rising number of Canadians enjoying outdoor pursuits such as snowmobiling during the pandemic.”It’s a trend to diversify right now because of COVID. Many outfitters have opened up their cabins for people. There are more and more outfitters offering (guided) wildlife viewing. Hunters have changed too. We have seen more and more women and families taking up hunting and fishing,” Dugre said.”
– The Pictou mill: fleecing Nova Scotia for 53 years — and counting
Joan Baxter in the Halifax Examiner
– Westfor rejects calls to halt logging on public land (audio)
CBC info AM “Westfor president Jamie Lewis talks about calls to halt logging on public land… he says environmentalists are making false claims.”
Dec 17, 2021:
– ELISABETH KOSTERS: Nova Scotia mining lobby propaganda undermines broader environmental debate
On Saltwire network. Subscription required. More detailed version on Kosters blog, Dec 2 (“Mining Association of Nova Scotia (MANS): Bullying, Propaganda, and a complete disregard for threatened natural habitats.”)
– Northern Pulp mill plans “best in class” or best in BS?
By Joan Baxter in The Halifax Examiner
– Northern Pulp sues Nova Scotia for $450 million
By Aaron Beswickin The Saltwire Network Subscription required
Dec 16, 2021:
– Guest View: Forests on public lands should be carbon reservoirs
George Wuerthner on The Register-Guard. “I recently got a message from Sen. Jeff Merkley announcing that he supported more thinning and logging of our forests to reduce large wildfires. The irony is that logging/thinning is a primary source of greenhouse gas emissions, which is contributing to climate warming ultimately driving large fires.” George Wuerthner has published two books on wildfire ecology including Wildfire: A Century of Failed Forest Policy.
– Special Report: Is Wood a Good Green Fuel? Maybe Not
On www.ai-cio.com/ (Chief Investment Officer)
– Majority of B.C. residents want government to do more to protect old-growth forest, suggests poll
By Tiffany Crawford in the Vancouver Sun. Subscription required. Summary from Treefrog Forestry News “A majority of B.C. residents want the government to do more to conserve nature such as better protection of old-growth forest, suggests a new poll released Thursday. The survey, conducted by Nanos Research for the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative, found 74 per cent of B.C. adults polled said creating jobs and conserving nature should be done in balance, while 15 per cent said conserving nature should be the main focus and 10 per cent said economic development should be the main focus. The same number (74 per cent) say they would be more likely to support the government in the next election if it did more to work with First Nations to protect old-growth forest in B.C. … That’s compared with 17 per cent who said they don’t support new restrictions of forestry development and nine per cent who were unsure.”
Dec 15, 2021:
– New tool available to woodlot owners hoping to get into the carbon market
CC Info AM “How much carbon is in a tree? And how much is it worth on the carbon market? Hear about an American carbon measurement system that just became available to Canadians.”
– Views: To cut or not to cut: What to do with Nova Scotia’s forests
Ethan Lycan-Lang in the Morning File/Halifax Examiner on responses to Laheys Progress Report of Nov 30, 2021.
– Oregon scientists call for more forest protection to fight climate change, save species
By Cassandra Profita in opb,org, Cites paper published in Nature.
Dec 14, 2021:
– Logging blockade in Mi’kma’ki for climate justice and conservation
Crystal Greene on IncaNews
– State of Nature 2021 Report
Nature NS
– How Nova Scotians can make money growing trees for the carbon market
CBC Info AM “A group of people in southwest Nova Scotia are forming a land trust to conserve forests for generations to come. They’re looking for anyone who love forests to sign up. Information Morning’s Phlis McGregor looks into this.”
– Finite Carbon launches carbon offset program for Canadian forestland
By Finite Carbon on wood business.ca
– LETTERS — Nova Scotians at loggerheads with province over clearcutting
Chronicle Herald. Items: news Jusdgment by Wendy Scott, Forestry Failings by David Macdonald, Act int eh Public Interest by George Burianyi, Find the Mother Tree by Sylvia Mangalam Image on FB
Dec 13, 2021:
– A primer on carbon: what is it, exactly? (audio)
CBC Info AM “The word carbon is everywhere. But changes are, unless you are a scientist, you might not really know what carbon actually is and how it moves around the planet: in air, land and water. Information Morning’s Phlis McGregor brings us a primer on carbon.” With Dal’s Alana Westwood
– Forest Nova Scotia responds to Lahey Progress Report
News Release
– Western N.S. among North American areas with highest Lyme disease rates: dashboard
Chris Stoodley in halifax.citynews.ca/
Dec 12, 2021:
The giant on the hill: a look at Fredericton’s big tree
Shane Fowler · CBC
Dec 11, 2021:
– STEPHEN COLE: Nova Scotia forestry landscape has changed dramatically, despite what Lahey says
Contributed on saltwire.com
– VAL TRAVERSY: Stop parroting, start challenging Lahey’s narrative
Contributed on saltwire.com
Dec 10, 2021:
– Is it time to make ‘natural capital’ an asset class?
KATHRYN BLAZE BAUM, Cover Story in the Globe and Mail Saturday (Dec 11) print edition. Subscription required for online access. “There’s no business case for leaving wetlands, rivers and other ecosystems alone, but momentum is growing to address the gap.”
– An Update on the Mainland Moose: Progress for Species At Risk in NS
NatureNS “Last month, the province released the 9 years-overdue updated Recovery Plan for the Mainland Moose in Nova Scotia. We’ve reviewed the plan and outlined some actions you can take now to keep the momentum going.”
Dec 9, 2021:
– Loopholes for the Forestry Industry Could Threaten Canada’s Climate Action
Graeme Smith on Ontario Nature. Well explained.
Dec 8, 2021
– The Millions of Tons of Carbon Emissions That Don’t Officially Exist
How a blind spot in the Kyoto Protocol helped create the biomass industry.
By Sarah Miller in The New Yorker
– Government of Canada announces funding for protection of species at risk and their habitats
On /www.newswire.ca BY Environment and Climate Change Canada
– Environmental, community groups demand province stop clearcutting on Crown land until recommendations in Lahey report are implemented
BY ETHAN LYCAN-LANG in the Halifax Examiner. “At a news conference on Wednesday, Ecology Action Centre, Sierra Club Foundation, Healthy Forest Coalition, Friends of Nature, Extinction Rebellion NS, Nature NS, Hike NS, and Council of Canadians say situation in forests in the province has reached a breaking point.” Plourde cites history.
– Groups demand immediate moratorium on all forest harvesting on public lands until Lahey Report recommendations implemented on the ground
EAC Press Release
– Forestry Innovation Transition Trust Approves Project in Weymouth
NS Government news release The board of the Forestry Innovation Transition Trust announced today, December 8, a $2.5 million investment in a project at Lewis Mouldings and Wood Specialties Ltd. in Weymouth. The equipment will be used to make high-value moulding products from low-value wood supply, such as tree tops.”
– Report on Forestry Research in Nova Scotia issued
View Research Agenda: Bringing Focus to Forestry Research, and Appendices. Posted on website of Research Nova Scotia
– Environmentalists call for an end to cutting on Crown land until Lahey guidelines in place
Michael Gorman · CBC News “a group of people representing eight provincial environmental and community organizations that came together to demand an immediate moratorium on all harvesting on Crown land until the Lahey Report recommendations are fully implemented.”
– Nova Scotians camp out to save small but mighty patch of forest
By Cloe Logan in the National Observer “The 80-year-old parcel is relatively small, explained Newington — 60 acres, or around 45 football fields. However, it’s some of the last standing forest in the area, which has seen ample clear-cuts. The trees are important habitat for species in the area, such as the wood turtle and the pine marten. The endangered mainland moose has been spotted in the area by resident Randy Neily. He notes the same cutblock was actually spared around 20 years ago by Bowater Mersey Paper Company Limited, which owned a pulp mill in Liverpool, a couple of hours away from the site. “Twenty-two years ago, I talked Bowater Mersey into leaving this patch of forest alone when they were cutting everything around. They left it because of its value to wildlife. Now WestFor wants to take it,” he said.
– Protestors camped out at planned harvest site in Annapolis County say cutting “can’t just go on”
ETHAN LYCAN-LANG in the Halifax Examiner “Since Friday, a small, rotating group of protestors have been camped out on a small parcel of land in Annapolis County, trying to convince the province to stop a planned cut near Beals Brook. The protestors, who call themselves Forest Protectors, say the land is a wildlife corridor where locals have seen evidence of endangered species. They believe the planned cut is a threat to the habitat of these species and the area’s biodiversity.”
Dec7, 2021:
– Environmental assessment process underway for shuttered Nova Scotia pulp mill
Canadian Press in www.bradfordtoday.ca
Dec 6, 2021:
– Protesters acquitted of charges stemming from sit-in at N.S. forestry offices
By Rebecca Lau Global News “Two protesters who were arrested during a sit-in at the Department of Lands and Forestry offices in Halifax last November have been acquitted of charges laid under the Protection of Property Act. Eleanor Kure and Kevin Smith were physically removed by Halifax Regional Police officers on Nov. 24, 2020 and ticketed. The tickets carried a fine of $227.41 each…“I find that the Defendant Kure believed they were legally justified in protesting their common dissatisfaction, as previous requests had failed in their opinion.”
– What does the COP26 agreement to stop or reduce deforestation mean for Canada?
By Madhur Anand, Guelph Institute for Environmental Research in The Hill Times. More than 100 world leaders attending COP26 promised to end deforestation by 2030, Canada among them. …Canada does not lose a lot of forests to deforestation nationally; only less than half of one per cent of Canada’s total forest area. However, this is complicated by the definition of the term “deforestation,” which, according to NRCan, means a permanent change in land cover. …To be clear, while Canada has signed this pledge, it does not indicate a pledge to cease or even reduce their timber harvest, even in critical old growth areas. …Canada’s commitment to end deforestation by 2030 is further complicated by the fact that deforestation is driven by a growing global population, agricultural production, and increasing per-capita food consumption. …Positive change will involve not just focussing on the forest sector here, but all sectors that involve the import of products that result in deforestation.”
Dec 3, 2021:
– Folly or the future? Citizens protest planned Crown land harvest in Annapolis County
Michael Gorman · CBC News
– Provincial subsidies fuel logging of millions of additional old-growth trees: Report
Prince George Daily News
Dec 2, 2021:
– Extinction Rebellion members not guilty of trespassing at Lands and Forestry office last year
ETHAN LYCAN-LANG in Morning File (Halifax Examiner) “In a statement, Jamie Simpson, the lawyer who represented the defendants, said he was pleased with the court’s “clarification” of the law: “People like Ms. Kure and Mr. Smith, who peacefully protest government inaction on clearcutting or other important matters, should not have to fear arrest under the Protection of Property Act when they operate within the limits it describes.”
– Paces Lake, like Owls Head, in provincial park limbo
By VICTORIA WELLAND for The Signal
Dec 1, 2021:
– Nova Scotian naturalists respond to the draft Old Growth Forest Policy
Post on NatureNS website
– William Lahey on the Province’s lack of progress on his landmark forestry report (audio)
CBC Info AM “William Lahey’s three-year evaluation into how the Province is following through on his Independent Review of Forest Practices in Nova Scotia finds only five of 45 recommendations have been completely implemented. Hear his reaction to the lack of progress.”
– Do clearcuts contribute to B.C.’s flooding?
By Melissa Renwick in The Star
– Virus that causes COVID-19 found in Quebec deer
CBC
Nov 30, 2021:
– Lahey forestry report author issues scathing update on lack of progress after 3 years
Michael Gorman · CBC News “William Lahey concludes Department of Natural Resources has yet to fully embrace ecological forestry”
– New old-growth policy won’t change much: forest ecologist
By Will McLernon for The Signal “Forest ecologist Donna Crossland said many Nova Scotians want to let nature be. But she doesn’t believe Nova Scotia’s new old-growth forests draft policy will do much to change “the dire situation with a near complete lack of [old growth].” The previous policy on old-growth forests was released in 2012, with a goal of identifying eight per cent of old-growth forests or old-growth opportunities on Crown land across the province. The 2021 draft policy states that this goal was met in early 2020. Crossland believes this statement is misleading. “What they’ve done is put a lot of forests in the eight per cent allocation that are not old growth at all.” Crossland, with the Medway Community Forest co-operative, was not involved in drafting the policy. She would like to see an interim measure whereby all the remaining forest at 80 to 100 years of age on Crown land would be inventoried.”
Nov 26, 2021
– Gavin Crawford on The Oldest Tree in the Maritimes (Audio)
CBC Because News with Gavin Crawford (comedy). Begins at approx 14:40
– More Updates on the Mainland Moose – see post
– ‘This land belongs to the Mi’kmaq people’: Historic land transfer on Nova Scotia’s south shore
Jonathan MacInnis for CTV News
– Premier Houston makes an announcement about the Halifax Regional Municipality planning task force (Video)
NS Government on Youtube. About the new provincial level taskforce that will oversee housing in NS at large (not just HRM), remove roadblocks. Described as a model of how the new government will work. Vague on details. “Trust Us” an underlying theme. Facilitating Upward Mobility described as a component of increasing affordable housing.
– Lighthouse Links Folds After Province Demands Serious Public Consultation
By Richard Bell in the Eastern Shore Cooperator
Nov 25, 2021:
– ‘My desire is to protect that land,’ premier says of property at Owls Head
Francis Campbell on saltier.com “It appears that Crown land at Owls Head on the Eastern Shore could be on its way to protected status. “My desire is to protect that land,” Premier Tim Houston said Thursday at the completion of a news conference in Halifax.”
– Judge fines woman $1500 for blocking logging road, praises ‘respectful, peaceable’ protesters
By Carla Wilson in The Victoria Times Colonist
– Amid a changing climate, a Nova Scotia fish hatchery looks to adapt
Michael Lee CTVNews
– Province issues New Mainland Moose Recovery Plan
NS Government News Release “A team including wildlife biologists, habitat specialists and veterinary experts from government and academia was appointed in 2019 to create a plan based on the best available scientific knowledge and expertise. It developed a recovery plan to address threats, protect and enhance habitat, improve connectivity and ensure regular monitoring and assessment of population health…The Department of Natural Resources and Renewables will conduct a baseline survey of the current moose population size and distribution this winter. ”
– Protestors demand logging stop at Rocky Point Lake until recovery plan for mainland moose is in place
ETHAN LYCAN-LANG in the Haifax Examiner
– Stop chopping on Crown land in mainland moose habitats, protesters say
Francis Campbell for Saltwire
– Storms and destruction bring climate change home to Atlantic Canada
– Nova Scotians defeat billionaire developers who tried to swoop in on park
By Moira Donovan in the National Observer
Nov 24, 2021:
– Nova Scotia Power increases use of biomass for generating electricity
Jennifer Henderson in the Halifax Examiner
– Old-growth forest marchers in Victoria demand logging moratorium
By Jake Romphf in The Rossland News “Headed along Humboldt Street towards the harbour, Patty Pan and several other people hold on to a log acting as a brace at the rear of a makeshift trolley as it carries a 1,300-pound slice from a felled Douglas fir tree…“Once you lose a 3,000-year-old tree, it’s gone forever,” the protester said. “I think we should make (all old-growth forest areas) a national park and I think we should compensate loggers, and I think we have to do all of that together.”
Nov 23,2021:
–
– Developer drops controversial plan for golf courses at Owls Head
CBC news Lighthouse Links blames lack of Nova Scotia government support… Jamie Simpson, the lawyer who took the case to the Nova Scotia Supreme Court on behalf of environmentalist Bob Bancroft and the Eastern Shore Forest Watch Association, said he was unaware of the company’s decision when contacted Tuesday by CBC News. Simpson’s clients had been in the process of preparing for an appeal of the judge’s decision. The lawyer said what matters now is how the provincial PC government will respond to the news and whether it will try to find a new buyer to develop the land. In a statement, Natural Resources and Renewables Minister Tory Rushton said this was a business decision. “Crown lands belong to all Nova Scotians and we as a government were prepared to consult the public on the future of the area,” Rushton said.
Nov 22, 2021:
532-year-old N.S. hemlock claims record for oldest tree in the Maritimes
Jean Laroche · CBC News. “Hemlock started growing 8 years before John Cabot’s expedition to North America”
Nov 19, 2021:
–We can’t ignore the role deforestation plays in triggering devastating floods
PETER KUITENBROUWER. CONTRIBUTED TO THE GLOBE AND MAIL
Nov 18, 2021:
– Over-exploitation of BC forests is flooding the province with physical chaos and human misery
By David Broadland in Focus on Victoria “Climate change helped transport the water from there to here, but the extent of the damage done is mainly the responsibility of BC’s out-of-control logging industry. ”
Nov 17, 2021:
– Connecting the dots between B.C.’s floods, landslides and the clearcut logging of old forests
By Judith Lavoie in The Narwhal
– Critics say a new government policy won’t do much to save old forests in N.S. (audio)
CBC Info AM “Forestry, farming and development have taken a toll on old forests in Nova Scotia. Now a new government policy is aimed at preserving what remains. But some say it’s not enough. We hear from Mike Lancaster, coordinator of Nova Scotia’s Healthy Forest Coalition.”
– A look at what’s up at Rocky Point Lake Road
Ethan Lycan Lang in Morning File (Halifax Examiner). Provides a detailed history of the Mainland Moose issue. Also item on’ New book reveals horrific record of Canadian mining companies in Guatemala’ and links to Hfx Examiner articles about gold mining issues in NS.
Nov 15, 2021:
Dani Miller dreams of a healthy future for Maritime forests
By Patricia Lane in the National Observer. “As the co-ordinator of the Common Ground project for Community Forests International, Dani Miller uses knowledge-sharing and storytelling to support the 80,000 family landowners in the Wabanaki forest — more commonly known as the Acadian forest — in climate-smart forest management to protect their land for generations to come, all the while increasing climate resilience…”Find your inspiration and spend lots of time there. For me, it is walking in old-growth forests where I remember why I love what I do…My dad was a forester and took my brother and me into old-growth forests every chance he could. Just seeing his awe and wonder left me with a lifelong interest. While we had to drive past many forest plantations and clear-cuts to get to these forests, he reminded me that it does not have to be this way. I planned to work in government following my studies so I could help change policy, but quickly realized the pace at which it moves is too slow for the climate emergency. That is why I have decided to work in non-governmental organizations for now.”
Nov 14, 2021:
Wildlife experts watching deer population for virus behind COVID-19
Natalia Goodwin · CBC News
Nov 13, 2021:
In a Stark Letter, and In Person, Researchers Urge World Leaders at COP26 to Finally Act on Science
By Bob Berwyn for Inside Climate News
Nov 12, 2021:
– Trade officials ‘taking a chainsaw’ to EU forest protection plans
By Jennifer Rankin The Guardian “European trade officials have been accused of “taking a chainsaw” to a draft EU law to protect the world’s forests, as a leaked document revealed an attempt to water down the plans. ”
– Protecting Some Old Growth Isn’t Enough. BC Needs a Forest Revolution
By Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, Arnold Bercov, Torrance Coste and Ben Parfitt in the Tree “Successive provincial governments actively encouraged the logging industry, which is dominated by a few very powerful companies, to cut down more and more forest without any coherent plan for how healthy, resilient ecosystems — which are the bedrock of healthy communities — were to be maintained.”
– Hear about a new map of Canada that shows where our carbon is stored in nature (audio)
CBC Info AM The World Wildlife Fund Canada unveiled a new map that shows where carbon is stored in nature. Protecting areas where that carbon is stored can help us fight climate change. We hear from Megan Leslie, president and CEO of the World Wildlife Fund Canada. ALSO: Canada has a quarter of world’s soil carbon. Keeping it in the ground could curb climate change, experts say By Inayat Singh and Alice Hopton CBC News November 10, 2021
Nov 11, 2021:
– Barking up the wrong tree in old-growth controversy?
By Nelson Bennett 0n big.com
Nov 10, 2021:
– Maritime Noon on Forestry, Cop 25 (audio)
Discussion with Daimen Hardy of Community Forests International and Geoff Bishop of ForestNS, phone in. Begins at 15 min
– Cutting begins in Digby forest where Mi’kmaw chiefs asked for logging pause
Emma Smith, Phlis McGregor for CBC “Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs want mainland moose assessment done”
– ‘This will allow us to have a more managed transition’: UNBC researcher on BC old growth deferrals
By Caden Fanshaw CKPG Today “Fallout continues from industry, with fears of major job losses ahead in BC due to the deferral of 2.6 million hectares of old-growth forest. Dr. Darwyn Coxson, Professor in the UNBC Ecosystem Science and Management Program says if done correctly the deferrals could not be as devastating as some suggest. “This is going to allow us, if we do it right, to have a more managed transition where we can retool the mills, where we can ensure that employment stays in local communities … If we just do nothing … when that last old-growth tree goes down, all we have is second-growth forest whether we like it or not.” … Coxson has been studying old-growth in the inland temperate rainforests across much of the eastern half of BC for many years, and a number of studies have shown without urgent action many species would become extinct.”
Nov 9, 2021:
– N.S. drafts updated old-growth forest policy, advocates say it doesn’t go far enough
Taryn Grant · CBC News. “”They made the house a little prettier and tidier. But the foundation is still cracked and significant progress, I think, is still lacking.” – Alain Belliveau”
– Crown land considered habitat for endangered moose has been clear cut (audio)
CBC Info AM “In Digby County, Crown land between the Silver River and Tobeatic Wilderness areas has been clear cut. That’s despite the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs asking the province to halt logging in the area. We hear from Nina Newington, who has been protesting the clearcutting.”
Nov 7, 2021:
New program opens carbon market to small forest owners in WV
By Mike Tony for The Charleston Gazette-Mail “The Family Forest Carbon Program, which pays family and individual small forest owners to implement practices that increase the amount of carbon sequestered and stored on the land, is opening enrollment to West Virginia landowners. The program could pay significant financial and environmental dividends in the Mountain State, given that West Virginia is the third-most forested state in the nation with more than 12 million acres of forestland…The program, a product of the American Forest Foundation and the Nature Conservancy, enables the carbon sequestered by enrolled landowners to become part of a carbon market in the form of carbon credits to be verified by a third party. The program provides expert consultation from foresters to landowners and a forest management plan customized for the landowner’s property.”
Nov 5, 2021:
– Why isn’t Northern Pulp using the wastewater treatment plant next door at Canso Chemicals? Is mercury an issue?
Jaon Baxter in the Halifax Examiner
Nov 4, 2021:
– Why a biologist says a new provincial bill to fight climate change doesn’t go far enough (audio)
CBC Info AM The provincial government is getting ready to pass Bill 57 – the Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act. Donna Crossland, a retired biologist with Parks Canada, shares her concerns about this new act. She’s now the vice-president of Nature Nova Scotia.
Experts Bemoan Biden’s Mixed Messages On Old-Growth Forests
By Chris D’Angelo in Hiffington Post “At the COP26 summit, the president stressed the importance of preserving forests to fight climate change — but critics say his policies tell another story.”
– JIM VIBERT: As Nova Scotia Tories stroll toward ‘ecological forestry approach,’ the results are clearcut
Jim Vibert in the Chronicle Herald. Image on FB
– New study says average temperatures are rising in Nova Scotia
Ryan Snoddon · CBC News. Cites Climate change in Nova Scotia: temperature increases from 1961 to 2020 by D. Garbury and N. Hill Proceedings of the Nova Scotian Institute of Science (NSIS) 51(2):411-442
Nov 3, 2021:
– Ministerial advisory panel members accuse government of dragging its feet on Lahey report
Michael Gorman · CBC News “Members of a ministerial advisory panel on forestry say delays implementing the Lahey report fall at the feet of Nova Scotia’s Natural Resources Department, but the minister responsible disagrees.”
Nov 2, 2021;
– Forest Products Association of Canada Recognizes Importance of COP26 Global Deforestation Pledge
Forest Products Association of Canada. For an alternative perspective of CPACs claims about sustainability of Canadian forestry practices view Ecojustice.ca Complaint (July 2021). Also Canada underestimating 80 megatonnes of emissions from boreal logging: report by Stephanie Wood in the Narwhal, Oct 28, 2021.
– Northern Pulp gets what it wants from B.C. Supreme Court
By Aaron Beswick for The Saltwire Network “Northern Pulp will stay under creditor protection, taxpayers may end up paying for a lawsuit against themselves and underfunded pensions don’t have to be topped up. That’s the result of a ruling on Friday by British Columbia Supreme Court Justice Shelley Fitzpatrick on Northern Pulp’s application to extend creditor protection until at least April 22, 2022. The Government of Nova Scotia’s objections, including allowing Northern Pulp to borrow $450,000 to fund its announced suit against the province for lost profits (projected at $450 million) associated with the forced shut down of the Boat Harbour Effluent Treatment Facility amounted to making taxpayers fund a suit against themselves when they are already owed $86 million by the company, were rejected. …Northern Pulp said it would file for a Class II environmental assessment of its proposed effluent treatment facility, which will kickstart a process that will take about two years for a potential regulatory approval to begin construction.”
– Northern Pulp progressing with EA registration, new technology plans
By Pulp & Paper Canada staff in www.woodbusiness.ca
– Presenter says government needs ‘courage to lead’ on environmental bill
Michael Gorman · CBC News “While the Tory environment bill was lauded by most, all agreed it must go further”
– N.S. environment minister says climate change bill will proceed as written
Michael Gorman · CBC News “Tim Halman says public feedback will factor into development of climate change plan…The climate change plan, which is required as part of the bill, is to be released next spring. The minister said the target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 53 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030 is “foundational…One of the recurring themes during presentation Monday was the contradiction of the government pursuing legislation to fight climate change without placing an end date on permitting offshore oil and gas exploration or development projects.”
Nov 1, 2021
Nov 1, 2021 – Law Amendments Committee Proceedings (YouTube)
Discussion of Bill 63 at law Amendments Committee, An Act to Establish the Executive Panel on Housing. The Act was passed and gives the NS Government sweeping powers to override municipal decision making. Discussion on YouTube starting at 7:15:38. Also discussion of Climate Change Bill.
Nov 1, 2021:
– As fossil fuel use surges, will COP26 protect forests to slow climate change?
by Justin Catanoso on news.mongabay.com “Once viewed optimistically, nature-based climate solutions enshrined in Article 5 of the Paris Agreement (calling for protections of carbon-storing forests, peat bogs, wetlands, savannas and other ecosystems) is now threatened by politics as usual, and by the unabated expansion of agribusiness and extraction industries. As world leaders gather in Scotland for the COP26 climate summit, scientists and advocates are urging negotiators to at last finalize comprehensive effective rules for Article 5, which will help assure “action to conserve and enhance, as appropriate, sinks and reservoirs of greenhouse gases … including forests.”
Oct 28, 2021:
– Hemp: The Next Disruptor in Construction After Wood?
Blaine Brownell in www.architectmagazine.com/ “Blaine Brownell posits that with faster cultivation rates, a higher carbon capture, and advances in processing, hemp could be the next big thing in structural systems after mass timber.”
| Oct 28, 2021 –Canada is underestimating carbon emissions from forestry sector, environmental groups allege CBC on Yahoo.News. Cites: MISSING THE FOREST: HOW CARBON LOOPHOLES FOR LOGGING HINDER CANADA’S CLIMATE LEADERSHIP Nature Canada Report “This report identifies four ways the Government of Canada is effectively giving the logging industry a free pass on its carbon emissions: using an unbalanced accounting approach that hides the full scale of logging emissions, under-measuring emissions associated with industrial logging, using an altered baseline for assessing forestry emission reductions over time, and excluding those logging emissions that it does count from its carbon pricing system. As a result, Canada is inflating the amount of carbon dioxide the “managed” forest removes from the atmosphere by more than 80 million tonnes per year, an amount greater than the annual carbon footprint of Canada’s building sector and more than 10 percent of Canada’s annual total reported greenhouse gas emissions.5 At the same time, in failing to put a price on logging’s forest carbon impacts, the Government of Canada is effectively subsidizing one of its largest sources of emissions… This report is accompanied by the following technical analysis: Matthew J. Bramley, Canada’s Approach to Forest Carbon Quantification and Accounting: Key Concerns (2021), https://naturecanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/CanadasApproach-to-Forest-Carbon-Quantification-and-Accounting.pdf.”Oct 27, 2021: – Nova Scotia bill sets climate change targets, aims to end coal-fired power by 2030 By Keith Doucette in Canadian Press reported in the Toronto Star “The majority of the goals are similar to those set out by a Liberal bill passed in 2019, however the targets were set in regulations and weren’t spelled out in the legislation. The Liberal bill also wasn’t proclaimed as law. Halman said the Tories are taking a different tack because “legislation is powerful. “It holds government to a far greater level of accountability and transparency,” he said. “Along with that I believe there is just that power and symbolism with legislation and that is going to create certainty.” The new legislation sets 28 goals in all and commits the government to releasing annual progress reports and a legislative review within five years.” – PC climate crisis targets exceed campaign promises, but do they go far enough? By Lyndsay Armstrong in The Coast “Environment minister Tim Halman proposes 28 goals, with clear targets, although no roadmap for getting there.” – Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act The Honourable Tim Halman Minister of Environment and Climate Change, First Reading: October 27, 2021 – The battle over burning: why Drax is being accused of “greenwashing” By Philippa Nuttall in newstatesman.com “The UK power station Drax has been lauded for ditching coal in favour of biomass, but lawyers are questioning its climate and nature protection claims.” |
Oct 26, 2021:
The Wabanaki Forest
By Rebecca Jacobs on forestsinternational.org. “You may have noticed that over the past year, we have begun to refer to the forest in the Maritimes as the Wabanaki-Acadian Forest, or simply the Wabanaki Forest. You may be wondering where this name comes from or why we’ve made this change.”
Oct 22, 2021:
– Alton Gas project cancelled after years of opposition
Haley Ryan · CBC News “After years of delays, court hearings and strong Mi’kmaw opposition, the Alton Gas project on the Shubenacadie River has been cancelled.”
– New Brunswick’s Mystery Disease: Why Did the Province Shut out Federal Experts?
by Matthew Halliday in The Walrus
– Greenwashing of B.C. forestry must stop
Devon Page in the National Observer. Subscription may be required. “Fairy Creek logging company Teal-Jones devotes a page on its website to how it meets “Canada’s leading national standard for sustainable forest management,” having been certified to the Canadian Standards Association’s (CSA) “sustainable forest management standard.” This apparent inconsistency is a picture-book example of greenwashing — particularly the creative use of the words “sustainable forestry…Located in Tree Farm Licence 46, the Fairy Creek watershed contains highly productive coastal western hemlock forests. These forests would normally be at least 80 per cent old-growth (forests more than 250 years old) and would have towering ancient trees, a rich understory, and complex habitats unique to ancient ecosystems. Just 10 per cent of old-growth was left at last count in 2009. By now, Fairy Creek forests are likely closer to the provincial average of three per cent remaining old-growth. This falls far outside the modern definition of sustainable forestry. But if your business is logging old-growth, pointing out that logging in Fairy Creek meets Canada’s definition of “certified sustainable” is good for the bottom line. And that’s the point. In the wake of the Clayoquot Sound protests, Canada’s forestry industry needed a serious rebrand. “Certification” was seen as a way to help Canada market itself as a world leader in sustainable forestry, and the CSA was a ready partner.”
Oct 20, 2021:
– Northern Pulp is demanding it be given “more than $100 million” from the province
Joan Baxter in the Halifax Examiner “Northern Pulp — a Paper Excellence company that belongs ultimately to the billionaire corporate empire of the Widjaja family of Indonesia — is giving the Nova Scotia government two months notice that it intends to start legal proceedings to get “more than $100 million” from the province, which it claims represents the losses it has incurred because of the closure of the pulp mill in Pictou County…Recall that in 2010, for example, the NDP government of Darrell Dexter loaned the company $75 million to purchase 475,000 acres of land that belonged to the former owners of the pulp mill, and as part of the same deal, the province immediately purchased 55,000 of those acres back from Northern Pulp at 1.7 times the price per acre, which amounted to a hidden gift to the company of $7 million.Northern Pulp still owes the province more than $65 million from that loan, and a total of nearly $85 million. Nevertheless, Northern Pulp continues to plead poor….”
– Volunteers aim to save centuries-old hemlock trees from invasive insect
Cassidy Chisholm · CBC News “Medway Community Forest Cooperative has been working to prevent an infestation of hemlock woolly adelgid”
Oct 19, 2021:
– Northern Pulp signals legal action against N.S. government over mill closure
Aly Thomson · CBC News “Company says losses related to the closure of mill exceed $450 million”
– Meet the hemlock heroes saving centuries-old trees from an invasive insect (audio)
CBC InfoAM “A group of volunteers has been working in the Tobeatic wilderness area, trying to save a rare strand of old growth hemlock trees from woolly adelgid infestation. Information Morning’s Phlis McGregor joined a four-hour canoe and portage trip into the site.”
Oct 18, 2021:
– The Surprising Truth Behind Planting Trees and Climate Change (video)
PBS Terra “For decades we’ve been planting trees in hopes of reducing carbon pollution. But when it comes to carbon sequestration, have we actually been getting it all backward?
As the UN Climate Conference (COP26) approaches this November, the topic of carbon capture and storage will be hotly debated. In this episode, we travel to the Pacific Northwest forests of Oregon to see what we can learn about forest carbon sinks from Beverly Law and her groundbreaking research with Oregon State University’s Department of Forestry. ”
– Forestry trust fund doles out $12.4M to 2 projects
Michael Gorman · CBC News
Oct 15, 2021:
“We cannot imagine two locations less suited for extractive projects such as gold mining”
JOAN BAXTER in the Hfx Examiner “The Nova Scotia Salmon Association comes out swinging against Atlantic Gold’s plans for open pit gold mines on crucial river systems on the Eastern Shore.”
Oct 14, 2021:
Why the Owls Head issue may be headed back to court again (audio)
CBC Info AM “Hear why one group is asking a judge to create a new law to save Owls Head from possibly being sold for a golf development, now that it has been removed from a list of potential protected areas in the province.” Lawyer Jamie Simpson and Wildlife Biologist Bob Bancroft are interviewed
Oct 8, 2021:
In ‘Historic’ Vote, UN Human Rights Council Recognizes Right to Clean Environment
Jake Johnson on www.commondreams.org/. “”Today’s historic decision is the culmination of over 40 years of efforts to recognize the right to a safe, clean, healthy, and sustainable environment,” said Sébastien Duyck, senior attorney at the Center for International Environmental Law.”
Oct 7, 2021:
– Researcher on glyphosate spraying and the fascinating world underneath the forest floor (audio)
CBC Info AM. “We speak with the author of “Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest.” Hear why Suzanne Simard questions the use of the herbicide glyphosate.”
Oct 8, 2021:
Owls Head arguments going to Nova Scotia Court of Appeal
On Saltwire “Wildlife biologist Bob Bancroft and the Eastern Shore Forest Watch Association, a local environmental group, hope to break new environmental law ground in an appeal of the decision by Nova Scotia Supreme Court justice Christa Brothers in the Owls Head saga. “We are appealing Justice Brothers’ decision that the province was not required to let people know that they were secretly delisting Owls Head from the parks and protected areas plan and that they were secretly negotiating its sale to a private developer,” lawyer Jamie Simpson, who is representing Bancroft and the association, said Friday. “We are going to keep it very narrowly focused on the province’s duty to let the public know when making important decisions about public land that has public value.” Simpson said he and his clients recognize that a successful appeal would require a shift in common law.”
Oct 6, 2021:
– A possible lawsuit, new effluent plan
In the Chronicle Herald Image on WWNS Saltwire Oct 4 “Northern Pulp’s court appointed monitor predicts a “lengthy” and “costly” lawsuit if the province doesn’t soon begin negotiating its alleged liability over the Boat Harbour effluent treatment plant’s closure.”
– Nova Scotia bets on immigration with $2.5-million marketing campaign
On immigration.ca “Plagued by labour shortages, Nova Scotia is launching a $2.5-million marketing campaign to both attract immigrants to its shores and entice workers living elsewhere in Canada to move there.”
Oct 4, 2021:
– Meet a man who is spending his days up a tree to prevent glyphosate spraying (audio)
CBC Info AM “Jacob Fillmore has been spending his waking hours perched on the branch of a maple tree near Upper Stewiacke, in hopes his presence there will deter the spraying of the herbicide glyphosate — not only on the tree he’s in, but also in the surrounding clear cut.”
| Oct 1, 2021: DeVet, the founder of the Nova Scotia Advocate, died at age 66 on Monday CBC News “”A kind of journalism that is unabashedly committed to and engaged on the side of people who have been relegated over to the side and marginalized in their experience,” said Burrill, adding that DeVet never asked him softball questions even though both men came from the progressive left…Describing him as a “‘renegade”‘ and a “rebel,” Waldron said DeVet was always determined to do his own thing in the way he wanted and “wouldn’t take nonsense from anyone.” “What I really loved about him is that he was like a journalist advocate,” she said. “He was using his journalism to advocate for communities and I really appreciated him for that. “For sticking with the topic, for sticking with communities, for going beyond.” Waldron said what set DeVet apart from other journalists was his willingness to do a story about a community and track that story over time. Something, she said, most journalists don’t have time to do.”Over about 7 years, I saw Robert at pretty well every public event I attended. I ‘got to know this man so completely devoted to community just a little – he didn’t have much time for idle chat. Robert was not an in-your-face journalist, he was just unobtrusively present. The NS Advocate was never recognized as mainstream media so I am glad that the CBC article has so appropriately described the man and his contributions; I think he would chuckle a bit to read it. I am honoured to have been interviewed or featured by Robert DeVet more than than once: 2014, 2021, 2021 |
Sep 29, 2021:
– New traditions for a new national day
ETHAN LYCAN-LANG in Morning File (Halifax Examiner) “Tomorrow is the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It will be observed across the country, and in three provinces, including this one, it will be a statutory holiday. So what is this new national day supposed to entail?”
Sep 26, 2021:
Don’t spray us: Protesters opposed to glyphosate occupy private land in Colchester County
Chelsey Gould for Saltwire “Since Sept. 13, seven or more people opposed to the spraying have been camped out in two locations in Otter Brook and Halfway Brook. One camper, Jacob Fillmore, has moved up into a tree in the clear-cut scheduled for spraying. The spraying is approved to happen at any time until Sept. 30.”
Sep 24, 2021:
– Internal email shows bureaucrats worried Owls Head talking points were misleading
Michael Gorman · CBC News “Information commission investigator criticizes N.S. government’s attempts to keep email contents secret”
– New research shows glyphosate could be harmful to freshwater ecosystems
CBC News. “Concentrations of glyphosate as low as 0.1 milligrams per litre could kill zooplankton, studies show”
| IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT/CONSULTATION JULY 13 to SEPTEMBER 27 2021
Parks and Protected Areas Consultation JULY 13 to SEPTEMBER 27 2021 Consultation: Proposed Ingram River Conservation Lands JULY 13 to SEPTEMBER 27 2021 |
| Ingram River Wilderness Area in the news Sep 23, 2021: – Response to concerns raised by Westfor over proposed 4,000 hectare wilderness area (audio) CBC Information Morning “Mike Lancaster, from the St. Margaret’s Bay Stewardship Association, responds to concerns raised by Westfor’s general manager over the Ingram River Conservation Lands. Plus, hear some of your emails.”Sep 22, 2021: – Forest company’s concerns about a proposed wilderness area near St. Margaret’s Bay (audio) “In a company newsletter, the general manager for Westfor recently expressed concerns about not being able to harvest wood in a proposed wilderness area, the Ingram River Conservation Lands. Here is our interview with Breck Stewart.”Background WestFor stokes fears over proposed protection of the Ingram River Conservation Area 10Sep2021 Post on NSFN Sep 10, 2021 |
Sep 23, 2021:
– The “Right to Know” in Nova Scotia often goes right to “no”
Joan Baxter in the Halifax Examiner. “It’s almost “Right to Know Week” in Nova Scotia, but that doesn’t mean that access to information in the province is something to celebrate, as a recent freedom of information request illustrates.”
Sep 17, 2021:
Dad and Daughter keep ancient arts alive (video)
CTV on Todd and Melissa Labrador at Lunenburg School of the Arts, making birch bark canoe
Sep 14, 2021:
– WE’RE AT A CRITICAL POINT: WILL INDUSTRY WIN AGAIN?
BY RICK DOUCETT on nbwoodlotowners.ca/ “This feels like a critical moment for New Brunswick’s forestry sector…Premier Blaine Higgs has taken a personal interest in our efforts to restore fairness in forestry and to private woodlot owners in this province…I must say, the personal involvement of the premier is a very good sign that we are being listened to and that at least some of our concerns finally may be addressed…Of course, it’s too early to say whether our voice, which represents more than 42,000 private woodlot owners, will be heard above the bleatings of industry and its constant warnings of economic catastrophe if it doesn’t get everything it wants from both the government and the province’s forests.”
– Press release: Don’t Spray Us camps pop up on glyphosate spray sites
In the Nova Scotia Advocate “In August, Nova Scotia Environment approved applications to spray 1,172 ha (2,895 acres) of private forested land in Colchester, Cumberland, Guysborough, Halifax and Hants Counties. Aerial spraying is scheduled to continue until September 30th. In 2020, the sprays planned for Annapolis, Hants and Kings counties were cancelled following the establishment of Don’t Spray Us camps on sites in those counties. The Don’t Spray Us campers are asking for a halt to spraying on all approved sites this year. They are calling on Nova Scotians to tell Tim Halman, the new Minister of Environment and Climate Change: End the aerial spraying of forests in Nova Scotia once and for all.”
Sep 10, 2021:
– N.S. premier to give opposition members more tools to hold government to account
Michael Gorman · CBC News
Sep 8, 2021:
– Wastewater from Northern Pulp’s hibernating paper mill is being discharged into the Bay of Fundy
Joan Baxter in the Halifax Examiner. Subscription required. Intro on Morning File
Sep 3, 2021:
– Natural resources minister says he needs details of Owls Head deal signed by Liberals
Francis Campbell for saltwire.com Subscription may be required. “The newly minted minister of the newly named provincial natural resources and renewables department says there is nothing new about the Progressive Conservatives’ stance on Owls Head. “We need to understand what was signed in the contract by the previous government,” Tory Rushton told reporters this week. “We don’t agree with how things rolled out with the previous government. In all fairness, we need a full briefing on that, myself and other department ministers and the premier. That’s something that we started from Day 1…”
– New Generation Owners Named Woodland Owners of the Year
News release from Natural Resources and Renewables “The winners of the 2021 provincial Woodland Owner of the Year Award are Jonathan and Abbey Veinotte of West Northfield, Lunenburg Co. The Veinottes are the youngest winners in the program’s history and will host a community event on Saturday, Sept. 18…”
Aug 31, 2021:
– Nova Scotia’s new premier, cabinet sworn in at a ceremony in Halifax
Shaina Luck, Michael Gorman · CBC News
Aug 29, 2021:
– Updated: Photos suggest that there is a tailings leak at Atlantic Gold’s Moose River gold mine
Joan Baxter in the Halifax Examiner
Aug 27, 2021:
The breezy benefits of walking across Canada in a kilt
Kenneth Armstrong On sootoday.com “Michael Yellowlees and his retired sled dog Luna are raising money and awareness for reforestation efforts in his native Scotland”
Aug 24, 2021:
– DALE SMITH: Restructure Nova Scotia government to safeguard Crown land as valued public asset
Dale Smith on Saltwire/Chronicle Herald (subscription could be required to access it) “…In commenting on the PC victory, columnist Jim Vibert characterized incoming Premier Houston as a guy who likes to make things happen and opined that the provincial bureaucracy will have to keep up. The premier-designate himself has emphasized the importance of responding to problems with real solutions. Well, “Houston, we have a problem.” The Lands and Forestry Department persistently favours forestry industry exploitation of Crown lands over public interest and environmental benefit, and deliberate departmental repurposing and restructuring is required to deliver a real and consequential solution.”
Aug 20, 2021
– Political Columnist weighs in on the surprising results of the provincial election
CBC Information Morning
Aug 19, 2021
– Burning forests to make energy: EU and world wrestle with biomass science
by Justin Catanoso for news.mongabay.com
- A major political and environmental dispute is coming to a boil in the run-up to COP26 in Scotland this November, as the EU and the forestry industry push forest biomass (turning trees into wood pellets and burning them to make electricity), claiming the science shows biomass is sustainable and produces zero emissions.
- Forest advocates and many scientists sit squarely on the other side of the argument, providing evidence that biomass burning is destructive to forests and biodiversity, is dirtier than coal, and destabilizing for the climate. Moreover, they say, the carbon neutrality claim is an accounting error that will greatly increase carbon emissions.
- These views collided in July when the European Commission called for only minor revisions to its legally binding Renewable Energy Directive (REDII) in regard to biomass policy as part of the EU Green Deal. Critics say the plan, if approved by the EU Parliament in 2022, will fail to protect global forests from the wood pellet industry.
- Here, Mongabay offers a review of the science on both sides of the biomass debate, summarizing key studies and reports, and providing links to primary sources for enhanced insight into these complex issues. The EU decision to include wood pellets as part of its clean energy mix could help shape global biomass policy at COP26.
– Union calls on new NS premier to support Northern Pulp reopening
By Kristina Urquhart for woodbusiness.ca
Aug 17, 2021:
– Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
Tom Miller in the Chronicle Herald. View image on Facebook
– Unifor calls on new Nova Scotia government to better workers’ lives
Unifor News Release on newswire.ca “Unifor Atlantic Regional DirectorThe union seeks support for key industries, especially forestry, to retain much-needed good paying jobs… “Houston repeatedly distanced himself from the federal conservatives during his campaign and I look forward to working with him, Paper Excellence Canada, the local community, and local Indigenous groups on the responsible re-opening of a clean and sustainable Northern Pulp kraft mill in his riding,” said [Unifor Atlantic Regional Director] MacNeil.”
– Progressive Conservatives surge to surprise majority win in Nova Scotia election
Michael Gorman · CBC News
Aug 16, 2021:
– Humans ‘pushing Earth close to tipping point’, say most in G20
Jonathan Watts in The Guardian “Overall, more than half (59%) of respondents believed nature was already too damaged to continue meeting human needs in the long term.”
Aug 15, 2021:
Trevor Hancock: If we lose the carbon sinks, we are sunk
By Trevor Hancock, retired professor, U of Victoria in The Times Colonist
Aug 12, 2021:
– Climate scientist John Fyfe explains why new IPCC report shows ‘there’s no going back’
By Fatima Syed Aug. 12, 2021 i the Narwhal “The best-case scenario: “If we stay below or near below 1.5 C, we’re still going to encounter about a half a metre sea level rise relative to 1900. On what’s keeping him up at night: “Somewhere around the middle of the century, there’ll be no ice left in the Arctic in the summertime, and that’s irrespective of what we do in the future.,,On what it means for Canada: “heat waves, drought, heavy rainfall, all of those things are expected to become more severe and frequent. We expect mountain glaciers to recede even more. We expect our sea ices to decline even more. On what’s keeping him up at night: “Somewhere around the middle of the century, there’ll be no ice left in the Arctic in the summertime, and that’s irrespective of what we do in the future.” On what we should all take away: “I want people to understand just how widespread, rapid, intensifying and unprecedented the changes are that we’re seeing. There’s no going back on some of the changes in the climate system. Even if we stopped emitting carbon dioxide or greenhouse gases, these changes will continue for hundreds to thousands of years.,But, as Fyfe and other scientists have made clear, all hope is not lost. There is still time to limit the damage. As we approach what looks to be the start of a federal election campaign, The Narwhal will be keeping a close eye on just exactly what our leaders have done, and plan to do, to protect us and our planet.””
– Members of N.S. forest industry form lobby group to reopen Northern Pulp mill
Paul Withers · CBC News “Group says public needs to hear proposal to open shuttered mill with ‘an open mind'”
– Military propaganda exercise that caused panic about wolves on the loose “lacked oversight” – investigation finds
David Pugliese • Ottawa Citizen “The September 2020 exercise, which was supposed to test the use of loudspeakers during propaganda training, descended into a comedy of errors.”
Aug 9, 2021:
– Old-growth protesters, Island Indigenous supporters mark year of blockades
By Kiernan Green for The North Island Gazette “Indigenous leaders and protesters of old-growth logging in the Fairy Creek watershed marked one year since the establishment of blockades with a rousing demonstration attended by roughly 300 people at the B.C. Legislature on Monday afternoon. Following an earlier delivery to the legislature of a petition calling for a halt to old-growth logging, participants gathered at the Law Courts building at 2 p.m. and marched in a procession along downtown streets, arriving in a celebratory mood at the legislature’s front lawn.”
– UN sounds alarm on ‘irreversible’ climate impacts, but offers hope
Thomson Reuters on CBC, “‘This report must sound a death knell for coal and fossil fuels’: UN Secretary General António Guterres”
– The U.N. climate report’s five futures – decoded
By Andrea Januta for Reuters
– AR6 Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
| OWL’S HEAD Aug 8, 2021: – NDP, Greens promise to scrap Owls Head sale Haley Ryan · CBC News Aug 7, 2021: – Hundreds rally for Owls Head Yvette D’entemont in the Halifax Examiner.= Save Owl’s Head Rally Aug 7, 2021 in Kjipuktik (Halifax, NS) YouTube Video- Proposed sale of Owls Head to U.S. developer becomes major N.S. election issue By Jesse Thomas Global NewsAug 6, 2021: Court examines procedural fairness, ‘public interest doctrine’ in fight over parkland’s pending sale By Terry Davidson for The Lawyer’s Daily. “A group of public interest litigants is considering appealing a Nova Scotia court’s decision not to intervene in a case where the province secretly arranged to sell what had long been…” Subscription required. |
Aug 6, 2021:
Indigenous cultural burning can boost biodiversity, help fight forest fires: Canadian study
By Kate Bueckert CBC News “There’s frustration ‘elders and our knowledge keepers weren’t listened to,’ scientist says”
Aug 5, 2021:
– Halifax signs agreement with Ottawa toward national park at Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes
Zane Woodford in the Halifax Examiner “HRM, Parks Canada to appoint a staffer to oversee the potential park and lead discussions to “explore mutual alignment on park objectives.”
Aug 4, 2021:
– Liberals roll out environmental platform
Jennifer Henderson in the Halifax Examiner. Summarizes promises of PC, NDP, Liberals, and asks “Does Rankin walk the walk?”, citing Owl’s head; responses to question of whether ” he would change the renewable electricity regulations to halt the cutting of trees and burning of wood to generate electricity,Rankin passed the buck. “There will always be people who want us to go further and I respect that,” said Rankin. “We have an achievable plan. I have set clear ambitions for more renewable energy, from mostly wind and solar. The NDP and past governments have made decisions around biomass that are challenging to remove without having an adverse impact on a critical industry like forestry.” And there you have it. Forestry trumps climate change.”
Aug 2, 2021:
– Sweden on the verge of war among forestry and activists
On www.timberbiz.com.au/ “More than two-thirds of Sweden is covered by trees, and that’s turning the country into a battleground between loggers and climate activists. The spark is the EU’s new Forest Strategy. It aims to boost biodiversity, limit burning trees for energy, protect remaining old growth forests from logging and plant 3 billion trees as part of the bloc’s effort to slash emissions on the path to its Green Deal goal of becoming climate neutral by 2050. Despite assurances from the European Commission that it isn’t trying to dictate forest policy to member countries, the strategy has set off a furious row in Sweden. On one side are environmentalists and Swedish Green Party lawmakers who say the industry must move away from intensive harvesting of forests and let trees stand to maximize the positive impact they can have on CO2 levels, flood risk and soil quality…But the farmer-friendly Swedish Centre Party and a swathe of Swedish forestry companies say the industry has the balance right, and the EU should butt out. The likes of SCA Group, Europe’s largest private forest owner, want to continue logging to supply vast quantities of building materials, fuels, and paper products.”
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– What climate change could mean to the future of Mi’kmaw artisanship
Alex Guye · CBC News “Black ash used in basket making is already threatened, while harvesters say birch bark becoming brittle”
– Nova Scotia’s Chester Grant lumber mill badly damaged in fire
By Haley Ryan CBC News
July 30, 2021
– N.S. Supreme Court dismisses application for judicial review of Owls Head delisting
Michael Gorman · CBC News “Judge says the ballot box, not the courts, is the place to address the matter…Brothers noted her decision does not mean the land will automatically be sold. Before the Gilberts can proceed with their plans, they must first satisfy provincial government requirements for public engagement and First Nations consultation, along with other government-required environmental assessments. Assuming that work is completed, at that point it would fall to the provincial cabinet to decide whether to proceed with the sale. The land would also need to be rezoned by the Halifax Regional Municipality, something the developers’ own land-appraisal documents said would be a challenge. That document identifies the “highest and best use” of the land to be for recreational or conservation purposes.”
– The professor who assigns value to nature — then persuades world leaders to save it
Story by Tik Root in the Washington Post “Gretchen Daily is a pioneer in the field known as “natural capital.” Using science and software, she shows stakeholders why it benefits everyone to prioritize conservation.”
July 29, 2021:
– Enviro groups press N.S. politicians on climate ahead of provincial election
Natasha Bulowski in the National Observer
– N.S. politicians critiqued for vague response to threat of rising seas
Canadian Press in Halifax Today “The major parties have only brief comments on climate adaptation in their platforms and no specific costing”…That’s not surprising to David Kogon, the mayor of Amherst, the community that sits beside the potential ground zero of a Canadian climate change disaster. “Climate change should be a political hot topic, but I think people today in 2021 are probably more concerned about their personal health care as a problem than rising sea levels,” he said in an interview Monday, two days after western wildfires brought haze and a reddish sun to the province.”
July 28, 2021:
– Ottawa wants to allow more pesticide residue in wild blueberries
CBC News “The limits would be higher in Canada than they are in the United States”
– MAGGY BURNS: No more climate BS; demand sweeping change in Nova Scotia election
Maggy Burns on saltwire.com “As we face down the intersecting crises of climate change, rising inequity & biodiversity loss, we don’t have time for leaders who are stuck in outdated ways of thinking about our environment & our economy…” She cites the EAC Page 2021 Nova Scotia Provincial Election with access to EAC’s Party Platform Analysis and details of an All Party Environmental Debate on Wednesday, August 4 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m
– ANNOUNCEMENT: NS LEADERS’ DEBATE WED JULY 28 6-7:30 pm
Live on CBC TV and CBC Radio One, and streamed on CBC Gem, CBC Listen, cbc.ca/ns, Facebook and YouTube. UPDATE: View archived video of the debate
– Less than meets the eye to Liberal climate change goals
Philip Cross commentary in Telegraph Journal (N.B.) July 28, 2021. View Image on WWNS
Also available online as Philip Cross: The Liberals’ slippery climate goals (Financial Post, July 23, 2021) “Liberals pulled imaginary emissions levels out of the air and then made exaggerated claims about a new policy when in fact nothing changed” (NSFN: Croo’s comments pertain to the federal Liberals, to whom the NS officials defer when I have asked related questions)
– Owls Head resident shares concerns about a developer snapping up properties in the area (audio file)
CBC Information Morning – NS with Portia Clark
– Federal order on Avon River may scuttle upcoming Ski Martock season
Owner says current river levels too low for their snowmaking machines to use…In March, federal Fisheries Minister Bernadette Jordan issued an order that gates on the Avon River were to be kept open for longer periods to allow for the passage of fish..While fishermen and Indigenous groups have applauded the move, others have complained, including the Town of Windsor, which lost its artificial lake and has experienced dust bowl conditions. Upstream, farmers have complained about the lack of water for irrigation and animals.”
July 27, 2021:
– There is Life After Demolition: Mass Timber, Circularity and Designing for Deconstruction
By Eduardo Souza in ArchDaily “The so-called Design for Deconstruction (known by the acronym DfD, or Design for Disassembly) considers how all decisions made in the design phase can increase the chances of reusing the building parts at the end of their useful life.”
July 26, 2021:
– Judicial Review Application Decision: Robert Bancroft and Eastern Shore Forest Watch Association, Applicants v.Respondents Nova Scotia Minister of Lands and Forestry-and-Attorney General of Nova Scotia -and- Lighthouse Links Development Company
From Jamie Simpson, who represented the applicants in the legal case:
On Save Owls Head “From Jamie Simpson, who represented the applicants in the legal case: “Unfortunately, we did not receive the decision for which we had hoped. Justice Brothers, although sympathetic to the concerns of Eastern Shore Forest Watch and Bob Bancroft, ultimately held that the delisting of Owls Head and negotiation for its sale to private interests is a matter to be determined at the ballot box. I respectfully disagree. The ballot box is a blunt tool, and injustices such as Owls Head are never properly resolved by a once-ever-four-years trip to the voting booth. In my view, the court is, or rather should be, the proper venue to seek justice for the unfair actions of government with respect to Owls Head.””
– Paper Excellence’s very big deal
By Joan Baxter in The Halifax Examiner “Northern Pulp’s parent company is set to acquire the North American pulp and paper giant Domtar. While the acquisition is getting very little media attention in Canada, around the world many people are worried about it — for many good reasons. …At 10am on Thursday, July 29, shareholders of Domtar will vote on whether to accept the sale of all the corporation’s issued and outstanding shares of common stock to Paper Excellence… worth about US$3 billion. Paper Excellence is part of the gargantuan and opaque corporate empire of the multi-billionaire Widjaja family of Indonesia…”
– ‘Pollution permits’: Nova Scotia environmental groups decry use of herbicides along power lines
Jessica Smith in Saltwire
July 25, 2021:
– Liberal, NDP, Tory leaders all oppose government funding for Northern Pulp
Michael Gorman · CBC News
July 23, 2021:
– Northern Pulp Avoiding the People they Hurt the Most
Northumberland Strait Sportfishing Association
– Logging plays by its own rules in Canada’s climate target
Jennifer Skene Opinion in The National Observer “The Canadian government’s new emissions targets, which were formally submitted to the United Nations this week, reinforced the country’s forest-sized blind spots in its climate policy. Despite growing calls internationally for safeguarding climate-critical forests and reining in forestry sector emissions, Canada has opted for a different rulebook for the logging industry. Not only does this rulebook grant a free pass to one of Canada’s most significant sources of emissions, but, in treating forest emissions as a form of climate change “extra credit” rather than its own imperative, Canada is opening a floodgate of fossil fuel loopholes. …Despite the forest’s climate importance and Canada’s commitment to natural climate solutions, Canada in recent years has had the world’s third-highest intact forest landscape loss, behind only Russia and Brazil, and among the highest tree loss per capita.”
Contents for July 2021 issue of Atlantic Forestry Review Available as Print ed. only, by subscription, or at these retail locations
July 21, 2021:
– On paper, Nova Scotia has lofty climate goals. But will the province take action?
Taryn Grant · CBC News
– Green coalition challenges certification claims that Canada’s forestry products are sustainable
By Rochelle Baker, National Observer “Canada’s weak environmental laws give logging companies control over the forests, and allow the industry the discretion to shape a certification process that allows it to flog destructive logging products in domestic and international markets as sustainable, said Devon Page, executive director of Ecojustice. “Of course, it makes no sense that industry sets the certification standard,” Page said.”
– Lumber rises anew as Canada wildfires snarl output, shipments
Marcy Nicholson, Bloomberg News
July 19, 2021:
– Ecological Forestry Practices in Nova Scotia (YouTube)
Nicholas MacInnis. On a farm woodlot that was pasture 70 years previously. ‘Best way to implement Ecological Forestry is to end subsidies’. ‘left all of the alders to fix nitrogen’…
– Proposal to protect a wilderness area inland from St Margaret’s Bay (Audio)
CBC Info AM “The Province is proposing to protect eight natural areas, including the Ingram River Conservation Lands. Hear why Mike Landcaster, of St. Margaret’s Bay Stewardship Association, spent years urging for the protection of that area.”
Jul 17, 2021:
– Finding the Mother Tree: ecologist Suzanne Simard offers solutions to B.C.’s forest woes
By Matt Simmons in The Narwhal “…we need [NDP Premier] Horgan to stand behind them, to make these changes. Either we do partial cutting but we spread it over a bigger landscape or we do more concentrated clearcutting, which people don’t like and isn’t good for the forest. We need to make those two things happen at the same time: reduce the cut and save the old-growth forest and reforest what we do cut right away, but leave these old trees.”
– Nova Scotia Premier Iain Rankin calls summer election with vote set for Aug. 17
Canadian Press in Halifax Today
– NS Forestry Sector hopes for revival
Adam Macinners, for Saltwire. Image on WWNS“a lot of the wood that would have gone to the mill is simply being left in the woods”
Jul 16, 2021:
– What Should a Dean of Forestry Say about Old-Growth Logging?
The Tyee “The department dean at UBC gave his views, and drew an Oregon professor’s pointed response. We publish both here.”
– Paper Excellence holds a media show and piles on the PR
Joan Baxter in the Halifax Examiner “Northern Pulp’s owner is working on a $350 million “complete transformation” for the mill in Pictou County, but doesn’t say whether any of that money will be public, or why Nova Scotians should trust them.”
– ‘Complete transformation’ of idled N.S. mill panned by critics
Canadian Press in Halifax Today
– Enough with the burning’: EU executive accused of sacrificing forests
The Guardian
Jul 15, 2021:
– Forestry workers welcome Northern Pulp’s $350 million transformation
Unifor On https://www.newswire.ca/ “Forestry workers who have been out of work welcome Paper Excellence’s announcement to spend $350 million to transform the Northern Pulp kraft pulp mill in Pictou that has been in hibernation since 2020.”
– 8 wilderness areas up for protection now open for public consultation
Alex Guye · CBC News “Consultation on proposed N.S. protected areas goes until Sept. 27…Originally, only seven sites were going to be open for consultation, but the Ingram River conservation lands, a 5000-hectare area near St. Margarets Bay, was added in early June. Although it is an important addition, Miller said it isn’t enough. The total protected area should be 15,000 hectares, he said, and his group wants the current proposed conservation area expanded to include old-growth forests.”
– Nova Scotia denies wildlife sanctuary’s proposal to rehab orphaned black bear cubs
Cassidy Chisholm · CBC News “Hope for Wildlife submitted the proposal last year but it was denied Wednesday”
Jul 14, 2021:
– News brief: Province continues to ignore AG recommendations on endangered species
By Brooklyn Connolly in NS Advocate. “I’m disappointed that we’ve strayed into persistent nagging territory,” Karen McKendry, Ecology Action Centre’s wilderness outreach coordinator, said in an interview. “The province has known for a long time that the public is on to the fact that they have not been following their own legislation and policy.”
July 13, 2021:
– Parks and Protected Areas Consultation JULY 13 to SEPTEMBER 27 2021
Province of Nova Scotia “The government of Nova Scotia is seeking public input on several sites proposed for protection as announced on June 9, 2021. This includes seven sites announced on April 22, 2021 along with conservation lands in the Ingram River area.”
– Consultation: Proposed Ingram River Conservation Lands JULY 13 to SEPTEMBER 27 2021
Province of Nova Scotia Details, maps etc provided in this document
– Lumber prices have soared, but New Brunswick’s tree sellers aren’t reaping the rewards
By Greg Mercer in The Globe and Mail (subscription required) “…The unprecedented size of the chip pile outside a sawmill in Sussex has become a talking point for people who live around it, and tangible proof of just how busy Canadian sawmills have been as they cash in on record prices for lumber in North America during the pandemic. But for private woodlot owners in New Brunswick, it’s also an aggravating sight. At a time when lumber companies across the country are shattering profit records, the people who grow and sell trees for a living in New Brunswick say they’re not seeing a penny more.”
July 12, 2021:
– Speaking for the Old Growth
Andrew Nikiforuk in TheTyee.ca “Famed tree botanist Diana Beresford-Kroeger has a tough message for BC Premier John Horgan”
July 9, 2021:
– Ecologists compare accuracy of lidar technologies for monitoring forest vegetation
By Northern Arizona University on newswise “The researchers … found mobile lidar scanning consistently provided accurate structural metrics and can produce accurate estimates of canopy cover and landscape metrics. …“These types of scanners cost a fraction of that of other platforms and are easily deployed”
– Province still eyeing future highway through Halifax wilderness area, despite objections
Pam Berman · CBC News “Municipal councillors concerned about impact of proposed bypass on Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes”
– How marginalized communities in the South are paying the price for ‘green energy’ in Europe
By Majlie de Puy Kamp for CNN “… relying on biomass for energy has a punishing impact not only on the environment, but also on marginalized communities — perpetuating decades of environmental racism in predominantly Black communities like Northampton County… the [EU] directive led to troubling consequences across the Atlantic. By failing to restrict biomass to the byproduct from manufacturing paper, furniture or lumber, Europe created a strong incentive to cut down whole trees and turn them into wood pellets.”
– Retired biologist concerned about province’s ecological forestry (Audio)
Info AM interview “Making it easier for trucks to get into the woods in Nova Scotia doesn’t sound like ecological forestry to David Patriquin. The retired biologist says Nova Scotia will have to reduce the volume of wood coming from its forests if we are going to succeed with ecological forestry in this province.”
July 8, 2021:
Nova Scotia failing species at risk
Info AM interviews. “Four years after pointing out deficiencies, Nova Scotia’s Auditor General finds the province is still failing to meet its obligations to protect species at risk. That’s no surprise to a team that successfully took the province to court last year.”
July 6, 2021:
– Comments on lack of action on Forestry issues
Mike Lancaster of the Healthy Forest Coalition on Global News. It starts at 4.46
July 5, 2021:
– Nova Scotia holds its third cap-and-trade auction
Jacob A. Sadikman et al., on osler.com/
– Accelerating building reuse would help Canada meet its climate targets
By Chris Wiebe on policyoptions.irpp.org “ost buildings are bulldozed well before they are unsound because of systemic barriers to reuse that are technical, physical and cultural.”
– Taylor Olson breaks Bone Cage out for mainstream audiences
Steve Gow on Halifax Today. “The accomplished Halifax-based filmmaker and actor will finally see his multiple award-winning debut feature film released on digital/VOD starting on July 6…Based on a 2007 Governor General’s Literary Award-winning play by Catherine Banks, Bone Cage follows Jamie (played by Olson), a forestry worker who is deeply conflicted about his dead-end job processing and clear-cutting trees and essentially destroying the very environment that his rural community and economy thrives on to survive.”
–UPEI offers field course in forestry, promoting native ecological system
Cindy Nguyen on saltwire.com
– Future forests – if the European commission decides
Per Johsson for Forestry.com “A draft of the EU commission’s upcoming forest strategy about future forests has leaked. The Swedish daily tabloid “Dagens Nyheter”, DN, made the forest community in Sweden aware of this. It´s a draft for a strategy for forests within the EU, but with a hope that it should spread globally…the EU commission think that the forest industry must adapt to the forest, not as today when the forest is adapted to the industry…Building with wood is highly recommended…Bioenergy directly from the forest is not recommendable according to the draft. It´s ok only if byproducts from the sawmilling industry is used, such as sawdust…the EU commission think that clear-cuts let out too much carbon dioxide…It´s suggested that clear-cuts should be forbidden…a total stop of forestry activities during the breeding season for birds is suggested. Also, heavy forest machinery, that could cause soil compaction, should be avoided in the future forests…the EU commission works towards that the forest owners should be paid for the carbon storage”
– Bat population in Nova Scotia showing signs of recovery
Katie Hartai · CBC News
– New online form preventing comments about crown land logging (audio)
CBC Info AM “Now you can only send your comments about crown land logging to the department of lands and forestry through an online form… but some people say their rural internet is too slow for that, so their voices are being silenced.”
– A plague of ticks, tick-borne diseases, and poli-ticks
Joan Baxter in the Halifax Examiner. Subscription required “Part 1: Tick populations in Nova Scotia are exploding largely because of climate change and the province is Canada’s “hot spot” for Lyme disease. So, how is the province monitoring and managing tick-borne diseases and health risks?”
Nova Scotia gets mixed reviews on forestry funding
Aaron Beswick for Saltwire (subscription required) ”
“Government can throw as much money as they want into all this stuff, it’s great, but if government soon doesn’t wake up and get us a market for low-quality wood, everybody is going to be in trouble,” said Millet, who along with two employees runs a processor, forwarder and log truck.”
From the Halifax Examiner, July 2, 2021: “It’s raining money in Nova Scotia” map, chronicling the $84,354,000 in new expenditures announced by the Rankin government since June 8.”
– Province Continues to Invest In Ecological Forestry, Skilled Forestry Workers
News release from Nova Scotia Premier’s Office/Lands and Forestry. “The province is investing $5.4 million to help keep skilled Nova Scotians working in the woods while supporting the shift to ecological forestry.” CBC report: Nova Scotia to spend $5.4M to encourage sustainable forestry practices
July 2, 2021:
– The Goldboro LNG plant scheme has collapsed
Tim Bousquet in Morning File (Halifax Examiner)
June 30, 2021:
– Mayor to write letter asking Nova Scotia to halt plans for highway through Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes
Zane Woodward in the Halifax Examiner. Subscription Required
– Canada lobbies against California proposal to protect boreal forests, respect Indigenous Rights
By Matt Simmons, Local Journalism Initiative ReporterThe Narwhal for the Toronto Star. “Graham Saul, executive director of Nature Canada, told The Narwhal in an interview he was embarrassed and puzzled by the [Federal Government’s] response. “I find it unfortunate that the federal government is spending its time fighting legislation that is designed to protect forests and honour and respect Indigenous Rights,” he said in an interview. “The boreal forest is a global and national treasure from the perspective of addressing the twin crises of species collapse and climate change and it’s at the heart of our ability to make meaningful progress on reconciliation and Indigenous-led conservation. It’s hard to imagine two issues that are more important right now.”
June 28, 2021:
– N.S. establishes Forestry Sector Council, appoints new board
Pulp and Paper Canada The New Board of Directors include Marcus Zwicker, “currently the chief operating officer for Freeman Lumber, after spending nearly six years as the general manager of WestFor Management… The most important ingredient to success for Nova Scotia’s forestry sector is its people. The FSC is committed to building a workforce that is like our forests – sustainable, diverse, and growing,” says Heather Boyd, executive director of the Forestry Sector Council, in a statement.”
–The connection between clearcut logging and Canada’s hottest day on record
By Emma Gilchrist in The Narwhal
– Canada Releases National Issues Report on Climate Change Adaptation
Natural Resources Canada on newswire.ca/. Link to Report
– Disc golf puts the ‘Fore!’ in sustainable forestry in the Wentworth Valley
Aaron Beswick on Saltwire (subscription may be required)
– Forest innovation centre will aim to train workers for industry’s future
Michael Gorman · CBC News. “Nova Scotia Community College is launching a forest innovation centre as the provincial government continues its efforts to help shift the sector to a more ecological way of doing business. The community college is getting $6.1 million over four years from the provincial forestry innovation transition trust. The aim is to help the sector shift to ecological forestry practices and provide a variety of research and training opportunities…The centre, scheduled to open to students in September 2022, will be based at the college’s Truro campus.”
– 
Nova Scotia Nature Trust purchases beach to save coastal area, protect at-risk birds
Cassidy Chisholm · CBC News “The 147 hectares of intact coastal beach, sand dunes and wetlands was purchased for $780K”
June 24, 2021:
– N.B. glyphosate hearings bring out difference in opinion on forestry, agricultural uses
By Silas Brown Global News “Estimates given earlier in the week suggested 90 per cent of global glyphosate use was in agriculture. But in New Brunswick, agriculture accounts for just 11 per cent of glyphosate usage.”
– The Climate Disaster Hidden in BC’s Forests
Michelle Gamage in TheTyee.ca “The province doesn’t count forest emissions in its global warming plan. That’s a big, dangerous mistake, say advocates.”
– Restart plan for Northern Pulp calls for treated effluent to go into Pictou harbour
Michael Gorman · CBC News. From an Update on Save The Northumberland Strait – Protect our Fisheries, our Tourism and our Health: It’s been a while since we made an update. Today Northern Pulp partially released some info to the public about a new proposal that will again see effluent pumped into Pictou Harbour. Any effluent pumped into Pictou Harbour from a Pulp Mill is unacceptable. “I know they’re going to talk about treatments and they’re going to talk about how good the effluent is going to be or how clear the effluent is going to be, but it’s still effluent and they’re talking about putting it into a harbour that, in 2017, they said themselves they couldn’t put it into the harbour because the harbour didn’t flush quick enough.”
June 22, 2021:
– Nova Scotia lumberjack teaches crows how to logroll
CBC Radio Image from saltwire story on WWNS View YouTube Channel
– Some N.S. government staff voice concerns over study needed for proposed wilderness area
Michael Gorman · CBC News
– Glyphosate takes centre stage as pesticide hearings get underway in New Brunswick
Marie Sutherland · CBC News
June 21, 2021:
– Mi’kmaw women object to “man camp” planned for Goldboro
Tim Bousquet in Morning File/The Examiner
– Who benefits from Atlantic Gold’s Nova Scotia operations?
Joan Baxter in the Halifax Examiner (subscription required, read intro in Morning File) “Firm with gold mines on the Eastern Shore pays no taxes and low wages to its employees while it gets large government subsidies and maximizes profits. Oh, and it will leave toxic mine tailings that will be with us forever.”
– ‘Net-Zero’ Emissions May Not Be as Green as You Think
Michelle Gamage in TheTyee.ca “‘Undefined’ term reduces political pressure to take real action on climate change and hedges bets on future solutions, says expert…Reducing emissions to zero is a clear objective, Lee says, but net zero is less clear. It suggests some carbon emissions are allowed so long as those emissions are balanced by future actions to reduce pollution. Technology and nature-based solutions to pull carbon dioxide emissions from the air do exist, but Lee says they each come with some serious shortcomings, and we can’t rely on them to balance or subtract from ongoing emissions from Canada’s fossil fuel industry…The only way to effectively reduce carbon dioxide emissions is to reduce the amounts of fossil fuels we pull out of the ground and burn, domestically and around the world, Lee says.”
June 19, 2021:
– Nova Scotia ‘poised for an election very soon,’ says one expert
By Alex Cooke Global News “The new premier must call an election by spring of 2022, but all signs point to a call much sooner than that. One of the biggest clues is the influx of new spending announcements from the provincial government…“Then at some point, the calculation would be made, I think, that now is as good a time as any (to call the election),” he said.As well, with talks of a federal election potentially happening this fall, Urbaniak said that will make it more likely for the provincial election to be called before that.”
June 18, 2021:
– A Better Way to Look at Trees
By Rebecca Giggs in The Atlantic, July/Aug 2021 issue
– Is the feds’ two billion trees program simply a path to more logging?
By Natasha Bulowski in the National Observer
June 16, 2021″
– News brief: Maine on the verge of banning aerial spraying of glyphosate
By RobertDevet in the Nova Scotia Advocate
– Atlantic Provinces Ready For Aquaculture Growth
NS Fisheries and Aquaculture
– Ten Jobs for Getting to Work on a Zero Emissions Future
Michelle Gamage in The Tyee
June 15, 2021:
– Nova Scotia bats are back (a bit) after most were lost to white-nose syndrome
Stuart Peddle for Saltwire
–ATV users driving through fragile Atlantic salmon spawning habitat, says conservation group
Emma Smith · CBC News “ATV association wants the province to step up enforcement”
– Freeing Oysters from a Parasite’s Hold
Text by Karen Pinchin Photos by Darren Calabrese in www.hakaimagazine.com/ “Armed with traditional knowledge and modern science, a small team hunts for the sweet spot that could save oysters from a parasite that has decimated populations in Cape Breton and beyond.”
June 14, 2021:
– Sales pitch: come destroy the environment of Guysborough and we’ll both make a buck
Joan Baxter in Morning File (Halifax Examiner)
June 12, 2021:
–Non-native turtles bought at pet stores and abandoned putting N.S. species at risk
Emma Smith · CBC News. ‘Please don’t release your pet turtles into the wild, and please don’t take wild turtles as pets’
June 10, 2021:
– Video: A singing season for Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia Advocate “The Migratory Birds Convention Act forbids cutting of forests where breeding birds are present, but harvesting continues at all times of the year. The birds are there though. You only have to go for a walk in Nova Scotia’s woods during breeding season, which is just around now, to hear warblers and other migratory songbirds singing their little hearts out.” Video on YouTube by Nova Scotia Healthy Forest Coalition
– Public engagement, future of the forestry, and the Harvest Plans Map Viewer
Joan Baxter in the Halifax Examiner. Subscription required
– A dying breed
story by Tom Cheney in Saltscapes Magazine “Working against the odds to assure species survival in the Bay of Fundy”
June 10 is date of access (no date on article)
June 9, 2021:
– Province considers protecting 5,000-hectare Ingram River wilderness area
HalifaxToday
June 8, 2021:
–Port Hawkesbury Paper upgrades to FSC national standard
Pulp and Paper Canada
June 7, 2021:
–Foresters, loggers grapple with loss of markets for low-grade wood
By Amanda Gokee for newhampshirebulletin.com
– N.S. bird watchers worry military’s plan for Hartlen Point jeopardizes ‘No. 1 spot’ for sightings
Chris Lambie on saltwire.com
June 4, 2021:
–Natural climate solutions for Canada
C. Ronnie Drever et al., in Science Advances. View related CBC article
June 3, 2021:
– ‘Our Planet, Our Future’ Statement Signed by 126 Nobel Laureates Delivered to World Leaders Ahead of G-7 Summit
News Release National Academies of Science, Engineering & Medicine (USA) “— Organizers of the recent Nobel Prize Summit shared a statement titled “Our Planet, Our Future: An Urgent Call for Action” — issued by the summit’s steering committee and co-signed by 126 Nobel laureates — with leaders of the G-7 countries and the U.N. secretary general, as well as other groups. In a letter, the Nobel Summit leaders asked that the statement’s conclusions and proposals about climate change and biodiversity, inequality, and technological transformation be used to inform international deliberations, particularly during the upcoming G-7 Summit to be hosted by the U.K. The first-ever Nobel Prize Summit brought together Nobel Prize laureates and other esteemed leaders in the sciences, policy, business, the youth movement, and the arts to explore actions that can be achieved this decade to put the world on a path to a more sustainable, more prosperous future for all. Inspired by the summit’s discussions, Nobel Prize laureates from around the world and other experts issued a statement that called for urgent action, stressing the need for humanity to establish a new relationship with the planet and offering seven proposals.”
– No timeline for decision on Archibald Lake wilderness area, says N.S. minister
Michael Gorman · CBC News “Designation would prevent a proposed gold mine from accessing the water source”
– California Assembly Passes Groundbreaking Deforestation Bill
Jennifer Skene for nrdc.org “California policymakers have breathed new life into the lungs of the earth, taking a major step toward protecting the world’s climate-critical forests. In a landmark vote on Wednesday, the California Assembly passed a groundbreaking bill that would ensure the state’s procurement contracts protect boreal and tropical forests and fundamental Indigenous rights…The bill embraces a global vision of forest protection, giving long overdue attention to the unsustainable loss of intact boreal forests, in addition to deforestation in the tropics…In Canada, despite the country’s vaunted environmental reputation, only 15 of 51 boreal caribou herds have sufficient habitat to survive long-term, logging companies aren’t being held accountable for their climate impacts, and Indigenous Peoples are not guaranteed the right to determine the future of their traditional territories…AB 416 marks an end to Northern countries’ impunity, holding boreal supply chains to the same standards as tropical forests. This scrutiny, however, also offers a new opportunity for Northern countries to achieve recognition for embracing fundamental climate and Indigenous rights standards in their forests.”
June 2, 2021:
– Medical-grade pulp production feasible in Nova Scotia, says study
On www.pulpandpapercanada.com
– The State of Mass Timber in Canada
by Canadian Wood Council on www.canadianarchitect.com/
June 1, 2021:
– A stubborn proposition: Ingram River Wilderness Area fights for fruition
By Zack Metcalfe in the Halifax Examiner “…Mike himself has identified over 130 forest stands in the Ingram whose trees exceed 125 years old. Many of these exceed 200 years, and a handful exceed 300. Only three trees in all 32,000 acres have broken the 400 year threshold, rarified air for any tree in the Maritimes. The oldest of these was discovered only last year, in the late afternoon of September 27th, on one of the ancient islands of Island Lake, a popular paddling destination. The uncertainties associated with tree coring prevented an accurate count, but Mike, who cored the tree himself, placed its age between 430-450 years, making it one of the oldest trees in the province. And there’s more…”
May 31, 2021:
– Public comments on proposed N.S. gold mine overwhelmingly negative
Frances Willick · CBC News
– Net Zero: Public against proposed gold mine in Nova Scotia
By iPolitics
– How Nova Scotia’s greenhouse gas problem was “solved” over several rounds of drinks
Halifax Examiner Morning File citing Is the Canadian government about to spend nearly a billion dollars on a dubious, greenhouse-gas-target-busting natural gas scheme? by Joan Baxter, May 30, 2021 (subscription required) “Alberta-based Pieridae Energy is looking for $925 million in government funding for its proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Goldboro on Nova Scotia’s Eastern shore, and the federal government continues to meet with the company and — as far as we are allowed to know — also entertain the ask”
May 29, 2021:
– Andrew Hebda on Ticks in Nova Scotia (YouTube Video)
Presentation to NatureNS. 43 minutes. On different species of ticks, their origins, infection with Lyme disease, spread, biology, and ways to reduce risk of exposure. Andrew Hebda recently retired from the NS Museum where he was Curator of Zoology
May 28, 2021:
– With much at stake, environmental groups urge public to weigh in on new climate consultation
Elizabeth McSheffrey Global News “Environmental groups and the Nova Scotia government are urging the public to weigh in on a new climate consultation process launched this week…Noreen Mabiza, energy coordinator for sustainable communities at the Ecology Action Centre, said she wants to see the province adopt strong measures that will force it to follow its own environmental rules.“What we think is important is accountability mechanisms because without those accountability mechanisms, the SDGA is just going to be full of empty promises.””
– Stopping the ‘rain of death’ on Canada’s forests
Joyce Nelson on rabble.ca. “First Nations in Ontario call it the “rain of death.” They are referring to the aerial spraying of the herbicide glyphosate — Bayer-Monsanto’s Roundup and similar products — on forest lands without their consent.”
May 27, 2021:
– “Awakening the sleeping giant”: re-Indigenization principles for transforming biodiversity conservation in Canada and beyond
Albert Marshall et al., in FACETS • 27 May 2021 “Precipitous declines in biodiversity threaten planetary boundaries, requiring transformative changes to conservation. Colonial systems have decimated species and ecosystems and dispossessed Indigenous Peoples of their rights, territories, and livelihoods…This paper introduces Indigenous principles for re-Indigenizing conservation: (i) embracing Indigenous worldviews of ecologies and M’sɨt No’kmaq, (ii) learning from Indigenous languages of the land, (iii) Natural laws and Netukulimk, (iv) correct relationships, (v) total reflection and truth, (vi) Etuaptmumk—“two-eyed seeing,” and “strong like two people”, and (vii) “story-telling/story-listening”. Although the principles derive primarily from a Mi’kmaw worldview, many are common to diverse Indigenous ways of knowing.”
– NatureNS requests comment period on L&F sites posted for harvest be extended to 40 days after Covid travel restrictions are lifted
Subject: Request for Crown land harvest comment period extension.
Date: Thu, 27 May 2021 08:58:45 -0300 From: Bob Bancroft <wild1@eastlink.ca> To: Chuck Porter <mindnr@novascotia.ca> CC: Iain Rankin <PREMIER@novascotia.ca> On Behalf of the Board, Nature Nova Scotia is officially requesting, on behalf of Nature organizations across the province, that the comment closing period on L&F sites posted for harvest be extended for at least 40 days after covid travel restrictions within the province are lifted. Lands & Forestry continues to post new target blocks on public land for harvest. Those of us who have been getting out to each before the deadlines now are unable to. Bob Bancroft President, Nature Nova Scotia Member organizations: representing more than 20,000 citizens Annapolis Royal and Area Environment and Ecology Group: Blomidon Naturalists Society : Cape Breton Naturalists Society : Eastern Shore Forest Watch Association : Friends of Nature: Friends of the Pugwash Estuary: Halifax Field Naturalists : Margaree Environmental Association : Nova Scotia Bird Society : Nova Scotia Wild Flora Society : Save Caribou : Stop Clearcutting Unama’ki : Stop Spraying and Clear-cutting NS : Tusket River Environmental Protection Association : Young Naturalists Club of Nova Scotia
May 26, 2021:
– Arsenic legacy in lake-bottom sediments from historic N.S. mine worries researcher
Michael Tutton · The Canadian Press
– RAYMOND PLOURDE: Time for industrial forestry to vacate Crown lands
On Saltwire
– Some N.S. community members concerned with increase in bear sightings
Jonathan MacInnis on CTV News
May 25, 2021:
– How Nova Scotia plans to make the province a sportfishing destination
Brittany Wentzell · CBC
– Annapolis Valley environmentalists buy forest parcel to protect it
Paul Pickrem for saltwire.com “Kris Humphreys of the Arlington Forest Protection Society…on a 46.7-acre section of forest purchased in January to protect it from clear-cutting…Humphreys said Nova Scotia has the second-highest asthma rates in the country and the most important change to forestry that we can hope for is a shift from harvest to protection. “Leave the forests standing. We don’t have 100 years to wait for regeneration. We have a small window of opportunity to make positive impacts within the next five or 10 years to reduce our emissions and to protect trees and grow trees as our life depends on it,” Humphreys said.”
May 24, 2021:
The New Brunswick Forestry Apocalypse: Live Flight
Cliff Seruntine on the Naturalist (YouTube channel) “Today, we are going to take a 100 kilometer flight using footage captured by a local New Brunswick pilot this spring, going from Moncton to Hillsdale and then to the Bay of Fundy. The evidence of the true state of New Brunswick’s forests cannot be concealed from the air, and it is painful to see. ”
May 21, 2021:
U.S. moves to double tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber imports
Dan Healing – The Canadian Press on CNC News
May 20,2021:
In the forest, a B.C. scientist discovers trees take care of their own
By Bill Metcalfe North Island Gazette. As summarized in TreeFrog for May 21, 2021: Suzanne Simard [does] groundbreaking scientific research into mycorrhizal fungi and networks, finding that forests behave as a single organism. …“The industry really shouldn’t be clearcutting if we’re trying to save carbon and save biodiversity and foster regeneration,” she told the Nelson Star, “We should be doing partial cutting.” …Simard says … the tendency of foresters to use herbicides to eliminate deciduous trees in favour of more commercially valuable conifers is a direct threat to healthy forest biodiversity, and is an example of how far behind the times forest policy is. “The plan is to take every last stick, basically. The government needs to shape up. And the problem that they have is that they’ve sold us out. The big corporate industry giants have consolidated, they’ve got their hands on most of the tenure, we’ve made commitments to them for volume harvested, and the government doesn’t want to reduce the timber volume.”
May 15, 2021:
– Mi’kmaw student creates lab at Acadia to share traditional knowledge with future scientists
Emma Smith · CBC News
May 14, 2021
– The rape of our lands
Elisabeth Kosters on the Nova Scotia Advocate
– New Mi’kmaw-led land trust aims to protect culturally significant lands
Brittany Wentzell · CBC “The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs recently announced a new land trust to protect lands for ecological and cultural reasons. The Mi’kmaw-led initiative is called Sespite’tmnej Kmitkinu Conservancy.” Also view Media Release
– The Climate Crisis New Yorker Newsletter
Bill McKibbon in the NY Times. Bad news on methane. “Despite the pandemic lockdown, 2020 saw the largest single increase in methane in the atmosphere since we started taking measurements, in the nineteen-eighties.” Fortunately, it’s not the beginning on run-away methane release but mostly from our use of natural gas. On Canada’s boreal forest: “Last week, I mentioned the frightening news that the Amazon forest has flipped from a carbon sink to a carbon source. New data indicate that the same thing has happened to Canada’s vast boreal forest. Barry Saxifrage outlines the numbers in a revealing report for the National Observer, adding, “It’s bad news for Canada’s plans to use forest ‘offsets’ to green-light extra fossil fuel burning.”
| May 12, 2021: News Release: Robotic Research and FPInnovations partner to develop resource road truck platooning technology FP Innivations “The multi-year project aims at accelerating the adoption of off-road automated-vehicle (AV) technology to improve safety and address an acute labour shortage, thereby improving the quality and viability of rural jobs where natural resources are located. Looking to the future, a successful project would not only benefit Canada’s forest industry, but other Canadian sectors such as mining resources and natural resources in Northern Canada.”  (FPInnovations is a not-for-profit research institute serving the forestry industry in Canada)Call for Proposals for Innovative Forest Sector Technologies Natural resources Canada on newswire.ca “The Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources, today launched a call for proposals under the Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) program. Investments in successful projects will help advance Canada’s forest sector bioeconomy and low-emission energy future while creating and maintaining jobs in communities across the country. Applications will be accepted until Thursday, July 22, 2021. All eligible organizations are encouraged to apply. The program supports the adoption of transformative technologies and product diversification, increases forest sector competitiveness and supports economic prosperity as the sector recovers from COVID-19. Budget 2021 announced up to $54.8 million over two years, starting in 2021–22, to Natural Resources Canada to increase the capacity of the IFIT program, following increased uptake and successes in previous years…”Here come those high paying rural jobs (for Robotics Engineers) and the Biorefineries… no mention of rigorous, transparent and objective GHG accounting to back up good-for-the-planet claims. |
May 11, 2021:
Brussels rebuked over ‘confusing’ draft EU bioenergy rules
By Frédéric Simon | EURACTIV.com “The European Commission was sent back to the drawing board on the EU’s renewable energy directive overhaul after an internal assessment of its draft proposal concluded that it failed to analyse the potential environmental risks of increased bioenergy use.”
May 10, 2021:
P&G and its Suppliers’ Words Undercut FSC
Courtenay Lewis Shelley Vinyard om nrdc.org “The collaboratively-established Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is widely considered by to be the strongest forest certification program in Canada. While FSC is not perfect, it is far superior to its key competitor, the industry-created Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), which has been roundly critiqued as permitting harmful logging practices that fail to protect forest ecosystems and Indigenous rights. But over many years, a troubling dynamic has persisted, wherein actors in the Canadian logging industry, the companies that purchase wood products from these actors, and even the Canadian government, broadly claim logging in Canada is sustainable simply because so much of it is third-party certified.”
May 9, 2021:
Nova Scotia Parks Past and Future | The Outdoor Report
Christopher Trider on halifaxtrails.ca. About Owl’s Head in particular. From the intro to the article: “Christopher Trider worked as a park planner for 21 years. He designed well-loved coastal parks including MacCormacks Beach, Rainbow Haven, Lawrenctown, Pomquet Beach and many more.”
May 8, 2021:
Finding the Mother Tree by Suzanne Simard review – a journey of passion and introspection
Tiffany Francis-Baker in The Guardian. Book Review
May 7, 2021:
Assembly announces the incorporation of a Mi’kmaw-led land trust
Press Release from Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs (Assembly)
– One of Canada’s biggest carbon sinks is circling the drain
Barry Saxifrage in the National Observer. “Canada’s continent-spanning forest used to remove massive amounts of CO2 from the air each year. It was a hugely valuable “carbon sink”, slowing the pace of climate change and benefiting our logging industry. But that carbon sink has steadily collapsed to the point where the forest now emits CO2. That adds fuel to our accelerating climate crisis, and spells trouble for Canadian logging.”
– HELGA GUDERLEY: Crucial next steps for implementing Lahey N.S. forestry report
In Chronicle Herald (subscription required) An extract: Full implementation of Lahey’s recommendations requires: improving reporting on the state of the forest (4), engaging with the public concerning landscape level planning (13, 36), following the Endangered Species Act (18, 29), improving old forest conservation (17), protecting birds, sensitive soils, tourism and outdoor recreation from the impact of forestry operations (16), implementing Class II environmental assessments as part of forestry management on Crown lands (20), showcasing the principles of ecological forestry to private land owners (30-35) and setting up carbon credits for woodlot owners (32-33).
Further, Lahey states that “DNR must take immediate and sustained action to be responsive to concerns about potential adverse impact of forestry on Crown lands on sensitive soils, bird populations, tourism operations and plans, outdoor recreation and protected areas.”
Clock is ticking
All of this is important. But how long will it take? Our forests cannot survive current practices much longer. Lahey spent 12 months making his analysis. The Department of Lands and Forestry (LAF) has spent 32 months (and counting) studying how to implement his report. LAF made small adjustments, increasing retention levels in clear cuts from 10 to 20 per cent and changing harvest terminology. Meanwhile, in 2019 and 2020, over 29,000 hectares were designated for harvests, in which 70-90 per cent of the trees are cut. This is equivalent to almost 55,000 football fields! Talk and log is the name of the game.
Finally, in late 2020, half of the members of the ministerial advisory committee for Lands and Forestry said “enough is enough” and called for a moratorium on use of the old forest management guides and retroactive application of the third Silvicultural Guide for the Ecological Matrix to pending harvests. Simply stated, they called for a moratorium on clear cutting. This moratorium is essential if Nova Scotia is to have habitat that preserves our terrestrial biodiversity and forests worthy of ecological forestry. Tens of thousands of signatures, emails, postcards, opinion pieces, protests, law suits, civil disobedience and even a prolonged hunger strike show deep public support for such a moratorium. Continuing status quo logging procedures while slowly considering the implementation of Lahey’s recommendations is wrong…Stewardship of our public lands is more important than ever, as they provide a host of ecosystem services that range far beyond forestry interests. The apparent broad support for implementing Lahey should allow this crucial reform to be done before the next election.”
May 6, 2021:
ANNOUNCEMENT: Can Geo Talks: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest
Event by Canadian Geographic. Online Event. Thursday, May 6, 2021 at 9:30 PM UTC-03 – 12 AM UTC-0. Price: Free · Duration: 2 hr 30 min. Public · Anyone on or off Facebook “It’s not about how we can save the trees, but about how trees could actually save us. Tune in on May 6 at 8:30 p.m. EST for a conversation with Dr. Suzanne Simard, a professor of Forest Ecology at UBC and world-leading expert and pioneer on tree connectivity and communication.”
May 5, 2021:
– Northern Pulps withdraws EA, Plans being developed to overhaul mill operations including an advanced ETF
Paper Excellence Press Release
– Environment minister concerned P.E.I. forests ‘drastically reduced’
Kevin Yarr · CBC News
– Archibald Lake delay angers river group
By Alec Bruce in guysboroughjournal.com
– The St. Mary’s River Association (SMRA) is “frustrated” that the province is delaying the protection of 684 hectares of woodlands, wetlands and lakes near Sherbrooke from environmental harm, says the group’s president, Scott Beaver.” View image on WWNS
From p 9 in Summary Report:
What we heard during
Nova Scotia Wilderness
Areas Consultations
January 9th through March 9th, 2020.
Prepared by Nova Scotia Environment
Also view Archibald Lake Wilderness Area (New) on novascotia.ca /parksandprotectedareas. “About 10 ha around Archibald Brook is subject to mineral exploration rights. These rights can be honoured under the Wilderness Areas Protection Act, provided activities do not degrade the wilderness area. Archibald Lake is also identified in Atlantic Gold’s description for the proposed Cochrane Hill Gold Project: https://ceaa-acee.gc.ca/050/evaluations/proj/80159?culture=en-CA. The company’s proposed
use of Archibald Lake cannot be permitted within a wilderness area.”
May 4, 2021:
– The birds of Owls Head need a wingman
Lindsay Lee in The Coast. “The government puts the piping plover on license plates, but will it help the plovers on our beaches?”
– W-SPF 2×4’s at $2,000?
Russ Taylor, President on russtaylorglobal.com/ “Ongoing Surge in Lumber Demand Is Creating Unbelievable Prices!”
May 3, 2021:
– Only intact forests can stave off climate change
Tim Radford on Climate News Network
– Old-Growth Forest Logging Approvals Are Soaring in BC
By Amanda Follett Hosgoofor The Tyee “New mapping released today by the Wilderness Committee indicates the province approved significantly more old-growth logging over the past 12 months than it did the previous year. According to the report released today, the province approved logging in 84,669 hectares of old-growth forest over the past year compared with 59,228 hectares the year prior. Advocates speculate that the 43-per-cent increase could signal the forest industry’s push to secure harvestable timber as the province promises tighter restrictions on old-growth logging.”
– The Woman Who Looked at a Forest and Saw a Community
By Jonathan C. Slaght in the NY Times, Book review: FINDING THE MOTHER TREE Discovering Wisdom in the Forest By Suzanne Simard Illustrated. 368 pp. Alfred A. Knopf. $28.95. “In her new book, Suzanne Simard contends that at the center of a healthy forest stands a Mother Tree: an old-growth matriarch that acts as a hub of nutrients shared by trees of different ages and species linked together via a vast underground fungal network.”
Apr 30, 2021:
California’s Carbon Offset Program Is a Complete Disaster
Molly Taft in Gizmodo “On Thursday, ProPublica and MIT Technology Review published an investigation into forest offset programs in California, based on an analysis created by CarbonPlan, a nonprofit that specializes in looking into carbon removal programs. The story shows the issue of relying on offsets, a tactic increasingly favored by all sorts of businesses, rather than cutting emissions in the first place.”
Apr 29, 2021
Sawmills are selling boards faster than they can cut them
By Marcy Nicholson, Bloomberg News in the Financial Post
Apr 27, 2021:
– Lack of answers on proposed wilderness area raises concerns for environmental group
Michael Gorman · CBC News “Proposed gold mine project would not be permitted in Archibald Lake wilderness area”
Apr 26, 2021:
– Paris climate agreement overlooks wood pellet loophole
Cameron Oglesby for Environmental health News
– JIM VIBERT: Is Nova Scotia Premier Iain Rankin’s environmentalism real or rhetoric?
Chronicle Herald.(Subscription required). Also view by JV: JIM VIBERT: The ‘Rankin government’ is all about good news (Apr 2, 2021)
– Owls Head: Economic driver or ecological disaster?
Francis Campbell in the Chronicle Herald. Image on WWNS
– Researchers ask public for herp atlas help
Stuart Peddle in the Chronicle Herald (subscription required) Image on WWNS
Apr 25, 2021:
– All hail the woods: How and when forests store carbon
Zack Metcalfe in the Nova Scotia Advocate
– Concrete capture, Part 2: The murky world of air emissions testing and why monitoring pollution is not the same as mitigating it
Linda Pannozzo in the Halifax Examiner. “…as was laid out in Part 1 of this series, while the province originally decided that using tire-derived-fuel (TDF) wasn’t in the cards, at least not in the “foreseeable future,” it did an about-face in 2017 when then Environment Minister (now Premier) Iain Rankin approved Lafarge’s one-year pilot to burn roughly 350,000 tires in its kiln, despite concerns raised by government scientists in the internal review of the company’s EA registration document.”
Apr 22, 2021 (EarthDay):
– N.S. announces a slew of new properties to receive legal protection
Michael Gorman · CBC News
– How to plant two billion trees: Finding utility in a feel-good story
Zack Metcalfe in the Nova Scotia Advocate
Apr 21, 2021:
– Is burning biomass the answer?
Janet Whitman in Halifax Magazine
Apr 20. 2021:
– How the Biodiversity Act was killed
Joan Baxter in the Hlifax Examiner. Subscription required. Intro. given in Morning File. “Forest Nova Scotia, which represents the biggest forestry players, gets an awful lot of public money — including millions of dollars to administer a forest roads program panned by the auditor general. It also has a paid lobbyist swaying the policies of the very government that funds it, and who started working on its behalf just as the Biodiversity Act was gutted.”
Apr 19, 2021:
– Northern Exposure: The Unseen Loss of Northern Forests
Jennifer Skene on nrdc.org “In Canada, even a barren stretch of stumps counts as a perfectly healthy forest”
Apr 17, 2021:
– Depleted Soil
Letter by Tom Miller in the Chronicle Herald (view image on WWNS) responding to – Cassie Turple’s Apr 10 Opinion piece of Apr 10 (view image on WWNS)
Apr 16, 2021:
– Breck Stuart will be the new General Manager at WestFor Management Inc
WestFor Facebook Page
– How the Biodiversity Act was killed
Halifax Examiner Morning File Rankin “happy where we landed” on the Biodiversity Act
Apr 15, 2021:
– We know the science of forestry – we should do better
Norris Margeson Wiston in the Truro News. Viewed on PressReader
– DALE SMITH: Nova Scotia’s Rankin must end bait-and-switch routine on forestry reform
In the Chronicle Herald. View image on WWNS”The switch occurs when responsibility for implementation is turned over to an entrenched and reluctant bureaucracy…”
– Alan Shaw on The Natural Resources Strategy 11 years later & The Biodiversity Act
Maritime Noon interview 2.48 to approx. 10 mins (part of a larger interview). Also the whole noontime segment on ‘development vs land protection’ is available as an audio file.
– Communications specialist: “hundreds of thousands of dollars” were spent to produce “blatant lies” for the campaign against the Biodiversity Act
Joan Baxter in the Halifax Examiner
Apr 14, 2021
– Healthy Forest Coalition Briefing Notes
Prepared for MLAs as the legislature reconvened
– Progress report on N.S.’s effort to shift to ecological forestry expected in June
Michael Gorman · CBC News “Lands and Forestry Minister Chuck Porter said during budget debate on Tuesday at the legislature that University of King’s College president Bill Lahey will provide an update to his department this month and have a finalized review complete for public release about two months later.”
– Biodiversity Act passes at Province House, regulations still to come
Michael Gorman · CBC News “…The changes Rankin announced to the bill came in the face of a highly co-ordinated lobby effort bankrolled by industry lobbyists that attempted to pit landowners and environmentalists against each other. NDP forestry critic Lisa Roberts noted it was left to landowners, environmentalists and others who supported the bill in its original form to find a way to push back against the lobby effort…NDP Leader Gary Burrill said the changes the Liberals made to the bill, reducing it from 19 pages to seven, robbed it of its promise..uBrrill accused the Tories of buying into the lobby effort talking points, posturing for the sake of politics and being outdated and out of touch with the realities of climate change and the requirements to respond. Houston, meanwhile, shot back that his party was the only one willing to stand up for rural landowners and questioned the relevance of the NDP.”
– Northern Pulp poised to submit revised plan for effluent treatment facility
Paul Withers · CBC News. Also view CH article.
Update Apr 14, 2021
‘Resuming In the News, but I will not attempt to catch every item (as I did previously).
| UPDATE Apr 5, 2021. This page provided a list of links to news items related to forests and forestry in Nova Scotia beginning Jan 1, 2021, as I was able to catch them (other pages, cited below carried news items back to June 21, 2016). I stopped this effort on March 25, 2021, overwhelmed by the frequency of news items related to forestry in NS, many of them redundant; most of them ‘bad news’, at least from my perspective.
I am providing some ‘In the News’ Updates in these two posts:
These two posts illustrate the pretty dismal state of discussions about forestry in NS. It was all brought to a head by our new, young, ‘environmentalist Premier’, Iain Rankin, who promised big, pro-environment changes in his run-up to the Liberal Leadership vote on Feb 6, 2021. However, within weeks of being elected as the new leader and Premier of NS, he backed down in the face of a Trump style disinformation campaign by the Big Forestry lobby against his Biodiversity Act, which he gutted. The Biodiversity Act had been a major plank in his campaign for the leadership and one reason many environmentally-oriented NS liberals voted for him. I am still figuring out what to do with this website; it will remain but with a new focus. |
For older items see
– In the News 2020
– Older News
The dates cited below are the dates of publication of the news items (not the dates on which I accessed them).
View Also:
– Social Media Posts
– All NSFN Posts
– GHGs in the News
Reminder, February 3 to April 13, 2021
Protected Areas Consultation
March 2021: News related to Biodiversity Act is given under Updates to Mar 16 Post
-
- Mar 24, 2021:
– Clear cutting protester feels duped after N.S. forestry minister skips meetup
Michael Gorman · CBC News
– Federal order for Windsor causeway fish passage could extend 12 weeks
Paul Palmeter · CBC News
– Day 16 of hunger strike: Minister agrees to meet with Jacob Fillmore as people rally at Province House
Robert Devet in The Nova Scotia Advocate. - Mar 22, 2021:
– N.S. to spend $19M to dredge Boat Harbour after Northern Pulp fails to submit cleanup plan
Cassidy Chisholm · CBC News
– Eggertson: Canadians need a reality check on getting to ‘Net Zero’
Bill Eggertson in the Ottawa Citizen. “Canadians must ‘own’ the thousands of pounds of annual carbon for which each is personally responsible, then agree on an action plan with a good chance of saving our planet.” - Mar 21, 2021:
– Letter: A hungry Nova Scotian
By Kathrin Winkler i the Nova Scotia Advocate - Mar 20, 2021:
– Don’t expect soaring lumber prices to drop anytime soon, builders association says
CBC News
– Will N.S. forestry giveaways stop being a laughingstock?
Ralph Surette in the Chronicle Herald. Image on WWNS - – We all want healthy forests, accurate picture of industry
Marcus Zwicker in the Chronicle Herald. Image on WWNS
- Mar 24, 2021:
“This stand, art of the community-proposed IRWA, contains a 400-year plus eastern hemlock. Photo by Mike Lancaster” -from the Halifax Examiner
Mar 19, 2021:
Undo the theft. Give us back Owl’s Head
Elizabeth Kosters on Earth Science Society
– One year after Northern Pulp’s closure, contractors ‘really suffered’
By Ellen Cools in www.woodbusiness.ca/
-“Biodiversity hotspot” primed for logging
Linda Pannozzo in the Halifax Examiner.
– Activist on hunger strike calls on Canadian government to halt logging
The Guardian “Jacob Fillmore has only had broth and water for 12 days to raise awareness over destruction of eastern forests”
- Mar 18, 2021:
– Nova Scotia Woodlot Owners & Operators Association on Biodiversity Act (Audio)
CBC Info AM “Not all private woodlot owners oppose the province’s new biodiversity legislation.” - Mar 17, 2021:
– Nova Scotia man fined $6,000 for destroying nests of threatened species of bird
Canadian Press on Global news
– Forest NS on why they oppose the new Biodiversity Act (Audio)
“There’s a heated debate raging online and in the forests of Nova Scotia. It’s about the new Biodiversity Act. When it comes to Bill 4, Jeff Bishop from Forest Nova Scotia would rather it go the way of the dodo.” View Related Post on NSFN - Mar 16, 2021:
– Protesters block downtown Halifax street to protect Nova Scotia forests, moose
Elizabeth McSheffrey Global News
– Calls for clearcutting moratorium grow in urgency as hunger strike enters day 9
By RobertDevet in the Nova Scotia Advocate - Mar 13, 2021
– Letters to the Ed re: Owls Head
Chronicle Herald, Mar 13, 2021. Image on WWNS
– WestFor world a far cry from forest reality
Bob Bancroft in the Chronicle Herald. Image on WWNS
Letter in the Chronicle Herald today (Mar 12, 2021)
-
- Mar 12, 2021:
– Legislature launches into hybrid business
Francis Campbell in the Chronicle Herald. Image on WWNS Comments on Biodiverity Act, & Crown Lands Act by Minister Chuck Porter. - Mar 11, 2021:
– Crown Lands Act Amendment introduced
On nslegislature.ca. First Reading: March 11, 2021
– Nova Scotia government brings back Biodiversity Act
By Michael Gorman CBC.ca
– Protestors, forestry consortium both claim victory after judge’s ruling
By Paul Palmeter CBC News
– Lumber lucrative for sawmills but Cape Breton’s private landowners struggling
Jessica Smith in the Chronicle Herald (subscription required)
– Plight of Mainland Moose questioned
Francis Campbell in the Chronicle Herald (subscription required) Image on WWNS - Mar 10, 2021:
– Looming change to Nova Scotia’s forestry practices not coming soon enough for some
Michael Gorman · CBC News Related: March 10, 2021 – Public Accounts Committee Proceedings (On YouTube)
– News brief: Forest defenders score victory in mainland moose legal battle
By RobertDevet in the Nova Scotia Advocate
– What’s environmentally wrong with clearcutting?
Bob Bancroft in the Halifax Examiner
– Nature’s allies trampled
Bev Wigney in Voice of the People/the Chronicle Herald (subscription required). View on FB - Mar 9, 2021:
– Rankin Government Says Nova Scotia Will Be First Carbon-Neutral Province
On huddle.today
– Biden Moves To Make It Illegal (Again) To Accidentally Kill Migratory Birds
Nathan Rott on npr.org
– Speech from the Throne
on liberal.ns.ca. “Nova Scotia will be the first province in Canada to achieve carbon neutrality…In the forestry sector, my government will accelerate the implementation of the recommendations of the report of Professor William Lahey to adopt ecological forestry principles, placing protection of the ecosystem and biodiversity in the forefront of forest management practices. My government is committed to higher value production with lower ecological impacts as we innovate away from industrial forestry to ecological forestry.” - Mar 8, 2021:
– Economic benefits of protecting nature now outweigh those of exploiting it, global data reveal
by University of Cambridge on phys.org “The findings, published in the journal Nature Sustainability, come just weeks after a landmark report by Cambridge Professor Partha Dasgupta called for the value of biodiversity to be placed at the heart of global economics.”
– Media release: Hunger strike adds urgency to action needed for critically endangered NS moose
The Nova Scotia Advocate
– Protester escalates his clearcutting dissent to a hunger strike at Province House
Francis Campbell in the Chronicle Herald. Subscription required
– Tree planter to expand volunteer efforts to 6 other provinces this year
Isabelle Leger · CBC News”A New Brunswick tree planter is branching his volunteer-based planting efforts to more provinces this year, COVID-19 permitting…Clark said another part of Replant’s volunteer work involves buying privately-owned woodlots that have been harvested for firewood and other purposes. Once they’re fully cleared, the owners no longer has a use for the land and typically look to sell the lots cheap. He said he uses this opportunity to buy and refill these harvested plots. “Our expectation is we don’t want to let those trees be harvested in the future. We want to have a lot more forest that just becomes an old-grown forest eventually,” he said.” - Mar 6, 2021:
– Owl’s head deal could haunt Rankin
Jim Vibert in the Chronicle Herald. View mage on wwns. In the same issue, a paid for ad about Owl’s Head by the Save Little Harbour/Owl’s Head from Becoing Golf Courses (public Facebook Group)
– Port Hawkesbury Paper’s big wind plans
Aaron Beswick in the Chronicle Herald. Image on wwns - Mar 5, 2021:
– Ottawa unveils details of carbon-offset-credit system
By Jolson Lim on ipolitics.ca
– Meet a tree planter who’s taken it into his own hands to replant New Brunswick
CBC Info-AM-Moncton. “Jonathan Clark is the owner of Replant, a non-profit tree planting company based in Sackville.”
– HFN’s Colin Stewart Conservation Award for 2020: Wolfgang Maass
Halifax Field Naturalists “The award is made posthumously to Wolfgang Maass (1929-2016) who pioneered lichen research and conservation in Nova Scotia”. 
Mar 4, 2021:
– Maps show how the Acadian forest in N.S. has significantly changed over 35 years (audio)
CBC Info AM interview with Mike Lancaster of Healthy Forest Coalition. Map at right is cited.- Mar 4, 2021:
– Sacrificing wild Atlantic salmon for gold
Joan Baxter in the halifax Examiner - Mar 2, 2021:
– Bill seeks to ban the use of aerial herbicides in Maine forests
Scott Thistle in pressherald.com “The Maine Legislature is considering a bill to ban aerial application of an herbicide used by large forest management companies for decades that has been linked to cancer and environmental damage. L.D. 125, sponsored by Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, seeks to prohibit aerial application of the plant killer glyphosate and other synthetic herbicides often used in combination with clear-cutting to manage the tree species that grow on industrial forestland.”
–
Announcement: Nature Talks: A Natural History of the Mainland Moose
Event by Nature Nova Scotia, Today at 7 PM Online: youtu.be “Tune into our next Nature Talk, when we’ll be joined by our President and retired biologist Bob Bancroft for an overview of the mainland moose: past, present, and… future?” The Talk is archived on YouTube, can be viewed anytime (30 min presentation, 30 min discussion). - Mar 1, 2021:
– SPOTLIGHT: Cape Breton environmentalist Adam Malcolm
Jessica Smith for Cape Breton Post Saltwire subscription may be required to access this article “I really am trying to be a voice that’s not adding to the polarization of the conversation. I sympathize with people who are worried about their jobs. I sympathize with wildlife and I sympathize with people’s need for food, water and shelter. I’m raising my voice but not in anger at anyone. Individually, I think, most of the people I meet are good people and have very valid concerns. My upset, I guess, stems more from our collective contribution — and that includes me, that includes everyone — … our collective contribution to species [being] at risk, moving further towards the brink.” - Feb 27, 2021:
– Clearcutting on wane despite critics’ constant barrage
Todd Burgess, forestry outreach coordinator, Forest Nova Scotia in Chronicle Herald (subscription required) Some extracts - Feb 26, 2021:
– Changes in Atlantic currents may have dire climate implications for the next century
Andrew Meijers in The Guardian “Without modifying human behaviour we run the risk of violent weather swings and a drastic effect on crops and ocean life”
– Report outlines steps Northern Pulp should take to build community trust
Michael Gorman · CBC News - Feb 25, 2021:
– Government of Canada delivers on commitment to appoint an independent net-zero advisory body
Environment and Climate Change Canada News Release on newswire.ca
– JAMIE LEWIS: Anti-forestry buzz in Nova Scotia off-base
In Chronicle Herald. Image on WWNS - Feb 24, 2021:
– Canadian river wins legal rights in global push to protect nature
Jack Graham | Thomson Reuters Foundation “Canada joins at least 14 other countries – from Bolivia to New Zealand – where rivers and ecosystems have won protection with ‘nature rights’, just like those used to safeguard humans.”We now understand the river as a person, not an object,” said Yenny Vega Cardenas, president of the Montreal-based International Observatory on the Rights of Nature.”
– Our first interview with Iain Rankin as Nova Scotia’s new premier (audio)
CBC Info AM. 3:16 to 6:38 min, comments on Forestry followed by Owl’s Head. Will the Lahey Report be implemented before the next election? “I gave it a timeline of a year…” Related to Owl’s Head, “Golf courses have coexisted in other Protected Areas in other provinces and countries…” - Feb 23,2021:
– Giant tree ‘twins’ flourish for centuries in remote northern valley
Jennifer Sweet · CBC News “Largest known yellow birch and black ash in the province identified near Portage Lakes [N.B.]
– Iain Rankin sworn in as Nova Scotia premier, along with 16 cabinet ministers
Michael Gorman · CBC News “Chuck Porter is the new lands and forestry minister and also becomes responsible for the Department of Energy and Mines. Porter’s role also becomes prominent, as Rankin has pledged to implement the recommendations of the Lahey Review on forestry practices this year.” - Feb 22, 2021:
– Nature Nova Scotia calls out province’s logging plan
Jennifer Henderson in the Halifax Examiner
– Healthy Forest Coalition determines that Forest Management Guide does not meet Government’s own commitment
Healthy Forest Coalition - Feb 20, 2021:
– RALPH SURETTE: The last (tree) stand against clearcuts, government betrayal, in Nova Scotia
Chronicle Herald. View image on WWNS.
– Money grows beneath the trees in Nova Scotia
Carla Allen in the Tri Country Vanguard. Examples of benefits including financial that are gained from intact forests in NS. “Do you have ideas for income that are dependant on a healthy, living forest? Barrie MacGregor would like to receive your email.” - Feb 19, 2021:
– BOB ROSBOROUGH: Eastern Shore sick of critics taking swings at Owls Head golf development
Chronicle Herald (subscription required) “Unfounded and false claims, from poisoning the ocean to extinction and desecration of wildlife and habitat threaten the most substantial and advantageous development to ever grace the community. Critics have gone so far as to insult a considerate and environmentally conscious philanthropist developer intent on helping the Eastern Shore people thrive and survive the economic devastation that has befallen the area over the past half century, due to neglect by the successive governments and industries of our time…So, for a bunch of ranting social media followers – speared on by several whose questionable, unsuccessful past employment within government agencies and/or parasitic commercial endeavours on government support agencies with axes to grind against Nova Scotia – to zero in on the Eastern Shore and this substantial and critically important project is deceptive and morally corrupt.”
– Clearcuts
Joan Baxter in the Halifax Examiner Morning File, scroll down to item #5. She comments on the Wood Product Manufacturers Association touting its support of Rankin and the Lahey recommendations - Feb 18, 2021:
– Barney’s River Nature Reserve now protected by the province</a>
Olivia Malley for Chronicle Herald. Subscription required
– Delay in Lahey review implementation shaken public’s confidence in Nova Scotia Department of Lands and Forestry: Burrill
Jessica Smith for the Cape Breton Post. Saltwire subscription required
– Rankin: Northern Pulp must meet environmental approval to re-open
Pictou Advocate. “Ecological Forestry …is dependent on being able to find markets for those low value forestry by-products.” - Feb 17, 2021:
– St. Mary’s forestry facing collapse
Alec Bruce for Toronto Star “The industry is going downhill,” said Peter Archibald who, until recently, ran a harvesting business in Glenelg. “It’s not worth it”…Archibald blames government for, he said, abandoning traditional harvesters like him: “They are not doing anything to promote the industry. You can’t get funding to do silviculture. Their regulations don’t allow you to do forestry work … They want retirees and vacationers. They don’t want us.”
– Port Hawkesbury Paper proposing to build Nova Scotia’s largest wind farm
Brent Kelloway · CBC News
– Climate change and suppression tactics are critical factors increasing fires
Washington State University ““We found that the effects of climate change and fuels varied at fine scales within watersheds, and the relative influence of these drivers is changing as the climate continues to warm, so solutions to the growing wildfire problem must be adaptive and location-based,” Hanan said. “That’s why it’s important to consider local environmental conditions and climate change trends in policy and management planning for the future.””
– Forestry industry vows to help carry out Lahey report as N.S. awaits new premier
Michael Gorman · CBC News - Feb 16, 2021:
– WestFor’s claims about clearcuts in mainland moose habitat are disingenuous
Nina Newington in the Nova Scotia Advocate - Feb 13, 2021:
– ADAM MALCOLM: Why I cannot stay silent about tree-felling in the forest
Chronicle Herald. Published Feb 08, Updated Feb 13. View image on Facebook. A response to Jan 28 Counterpoint published in CH “Constant forestry-industry bashing displays urban bias” View image on WWNS - Feb 12, 2021:
– Can carbon offsets preserve Canadian woodlands?
By Anna Kusmer for The World pri.org) Article and Audio. “When Patricia Amero walks around the Acadian forests of eastern Canada where she lives, she sees more than the potential for timber sales.”
– Members of Minister’s Forestry Advisory Committee request clearcut moratorium
By RobertDevet in the Nova Scotia Advocate. The article includes a link to the letter written by Members of Minister’s Forestry Advisory Committee.
– Advisory panel members called for moratorium on clear-cutting in November
Michael Gorman · CBC News “”I think that Mr. Rankin has an important opportunity to follow a new direction on this and to change from the foot-dragging and delay that has characterized the government’s response to the Lahey recommendations to really dealing seriously with clear-cutting,” [Gary Burrill] said in an interview.
“If he were to follow this advice and bring in the moratorium on Crown [land] until those key, central, pivotal recommendations were implemented, I think this would go a long way towards demonstrating that in fact he means business on the subject.” - Feb 11, 2021
– 500+ scientists tell EU to end tree burning for energy
On wwf.eu “”Regrowth takes time the world does not have to solve climate change”, they write.” View letter.
– Woodland Conference 1: Session 1: Forest Sector & Forestry Transition Team Update
View Woodland Conferences for details of these sessions. “The password for the recording is WoodlandConference1, note that audio does not start until about the 1:40 minute mark.” (Posted with approval of Provincial Coordinator)
– Why WestFor says forestry can work in harmony with endangered mainland moose (audio)
CBC Info AM - Feb 8, 2021:
– Open letter to Premier Iain Rankin: Please stop the sale and formally protect Owls Head Provincial Park
By Nova Scotia Advocate/Save Little Harbour/Owls Head Nova Scotia From Becoming Golf Courses - Feb 6, 2021:
– Nova Scotia Liberals choose Iain Rankin for next leader and premier of province
The Canadian Press, on CTV News - Feb 5, 2021:
– The great wood burning stove debate
PIPPA NEILL on airqualitynews.com/ - Feb 4, 2021:
– B.C. will consider recommendations of report linking climate change to logging practices
By Binny Paul, Victoria News
– Sackville River wilderness area finally in line for protected park status
By Francis Campbell in the Chronicle Herald “The Sackville River Wilderness Area will soon be designated a protected area. “We are thrilled to know that these ecologically significant lands will forever be protected for the community to enjoy,” Walter Regan, president of the Sackville River Association, said … “These lands are critically important for maintaining the health of the Sackville River … This new park will protect around 1,700 acres of forest, and habitat for the wild Atlantic salmon in one of the fastest growing areas of Nova Scotia.” … The ecosystems can provide water purification, groundwater recharge and runoff control to improve habitat for species living in the river. The wilderness area was announced as one of 20 new protected areas in Nova Scotia. It contains important natural ecosystems, including intact forests, wetlands, rivers, and habitat for Atlantic salmon and wood turtles.”
– Forestry Innovation Transition Trust Approves Additional Projects
The Government of Nova Scotia. “Working with our partners, we are committed to building a bioeconomy in Nova Scotia that is responsible, sustainable, and clean.- Rod Badcock, executive director, Nova Scotia Innovation Hub” - Feb 3, 2021:
– From extractive to regenerative: experts highlight benefits of nature-based climate solutions
Eva Voinigescu in The Narwhal - Feb 2, 20210:
– Province To Achieve Land Protection Goal
NS Gov News Release. View Public Consultation
– 20 new sites to be protected, reaching Nova Scotia’s land protection goal
Shaina Luck · CBC News. “Advocates applaud the move, say the government should strive to protect even more than 13% of its land” - Jan 31, 2021:
– Save our forests? Not now. We’re too busy destroying them
Stephen Kimber in the Halifax Examiner (subscription required, $10/mo) About the people and the issues in the WestFor court case against protestors. 
Jan 29, 2021
– Most Forest Biomass Worse For Climate Than Fossil Fuels- EU Commission Report
WWF Central And Eastern Europe Press Release, on scoop.co.nz “A European Commission report concludes that the burning of most forest biomass produces more greenhouse gas emissions than coal, oil and gas. In 23 out of the 24 scenarios the Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) examined, biomass had a negative impact on climate, biodiversity, or both.”
– The cure for pandemic angst: nature
Francis campbell in the Chronicle Herald, subsription required. Image on WWNS- Jan 27, 2021:
– Large clearcut near Lake Ainslie angers Cape Breton’s Margaree Environmental Association
Jessica Smith in Chronicle Herald. Subscription Required
– News brief: Heavy handed Westfor legal tactics aim to intimidate mainland moose protectors
By Robert Devet in the Nova Scotia Advocate “Someday, Lands and Forestry will be the ones in court for issuing clear cutting orders and not us for protecting it,” said Joyce.”
– Atlantic Gold paid $0 in taxes in 2019
Joan Baxter in the Halifax Examiner.
– Atlantic Gold faces environmental charges
Steve Bruce on saltwire.com. Image on WWNS - Jan 26, 2021:
– Court arguments in forestry blockade injunction case focus on irreparable harm
Francis Campbell in the Chronicle Herald (subscription required) Image on WWNS
– Logging company tells protesters to take their concerns up with the province
Taryn Grant · CBC News
– Westfor, logging protestor go to court
Francis Campbell in the Chronicle Herald (subscription required). Today (Tues Jan 26). View image on WWNS 
Jan 24, 2021:
– Fighting for forests in Cape Breton
Jessica Smith for Chronicle hearld. Subscription required. “Teacher concerned about how clearcutting affects wildlife”
– Clearcutting in Cape Breton: Where it’s happening and what’s being impacted
Jessica Smith for Chronicle Hearld. Subscription required- Jan 25, 2021:
– Mainland moose protectors in court to defend right to safeguard species habitat
Ecojustice Press release - Jan 22, 2021:
– Innovative plant would bake softwood chips into biochar, a carbon-rich soil ameliorant
By Francis Campbell The Chronicle Herald Subscription required ““This is a partial industry solution,” Robin Wilber said of his plan to build a biochar plant on his Elmsdale Lumber property.”
– Province unveils draft forest management guide for Crown land
Francis Campbell for Chronicle Herald. Subscription required. View WWNS post. - Jan 21, 2020:
– Liaison committee created to advise on transforming Northern Pulp
Adam MacInnis in the Chronicle Herald (subscription required).”An independent environmental liaison committee (ELC), comprised of individuals from the local community, forestry, fishery, labour, environmental science and business backgrounds, is working on recommendations to transform Northern Pulp’s operations and strengthen relationships within the communities the company operates. …The release said the volunteer committee members have met weekly since October to identify and discuss issues and concerns with Northern Pulp’s operations, propose alternatives to existing practices or previously proposed solutions and identify and recommend solutions for a modernized world-class mill with progressive forestry practices. …key concerns include water consumption, effluent and receiving water quality, odour, stakeholder engagement and forestry practices.”
– New FOIPOP Portal Launches
Service Nova Scotia and Internal Services - Jan 20, 2021:
– Premier Candidates Should Save Owls Head Provincial Park
On www. easternshorecooperator.ca
– Draft Forest Management Guide Open for Public Consultation
L&F News Release
– Nova Scotia seeks input from woodland owners
Ministry of Lands and Forestry - Jan 19, 2021
– Nova Scotia, Northern Pulp in talks over dropping court cases
By Aaron Beswick on The Chronicle Herald (subscription required) - Jan 18, 2021
– TYNETTE DEVEAUX: Nova Scotia Power complacently sits in climate-change caboose
Chronicle Herald (subscription required) - Jan 17, 2021:
More Of Everything – A film about Swedish forestry
“In times of climate change, the forest industry claims to hold the magic wand: Wood. Wood is to be used for everything from energy, disposable articles in cardboard and paper, packaging and makeup, to fuel, for an ever expanding transport sector. The forest industry spends millions on advertising, public relations and lobbying in order to present their products and raw materials as the solution for a sustainable future. In this film a number of prominent and independent scientists and experts take a closer look at the Swedish forestry model and the claims made by the industry.” Read more: www.moreofeverything-film.com - Jan 16, 2021:
– The fight for an ecological forestry and mainland moose in Nova Scotia
By Hailie Tattrie for Spring Magazine - Jan 13, 2021:
– “Log the best and leave the rest” – A conversation with David Patriquin about the state of our forests
By Robert Devet on Nova Scotia Advocate - Jan 12, 2021:
– Union hopes Northern Pulp ‘will do the right thing’ and make pension payment
Paul Withers · CBC News “The mill has said special pension payments are not part of its revised forecast for late 2020-2022” - Jan 11, 2021:
– Retired family doctor donates 24-hectare wilderness property to province
Francis Campbell in the Chronicle Herald. image on WWNS
– Responsible logging no threat to moose
Tim Amero in the Chronicle Herald. View image on WWNS - Jan 7, 2021:
– Paper Excellence in France: different country, same game plan
Joan Baxter in the Halifax Examiner “A Canadian-owned paper pulp company went on trial on Wednesday for flouting emissions rules at its mill in southern France, the country’s biggest,” reports Agence France Presse (AFP).”
– Northern Pulp stakeholder committee met with skepticism
Taryn Grant · CBC News “Northern Pulp — what was Nova Scotia’s largest pulp and paper mill until it was forced by the provincial government to close last year — says it’s engaging with the community in its quest to reopen, but some say they’ve been left out of the process. Others are refusing to work with the mill.”
– Fear of looming economic blow remains 1 year after Northern Pulp closure
Emma Smith · CBC News
– Protester camped out at Grand Parade in downtown Halifax told to move on
Francis Campbell in the Chronicle Herald (subscription required) “The lone protester who for three weeks has occupie…To continue reading, subscribe to The Chronicle Herald.”
– “Our voices really can make a difference” – Cape Breton’s threatened marten population gets a break
By Robert Devet in the Nova Scotia Advocate - Jan 6, 2021:
– After three weeks of camping out, lone protester told to leave Grand Parade
By Robert Devet in the Nova Scotia Advocate “Jacob started camping out here three weeks ago, after spending time with the forest protectors deep in the woods of Digby County. When he returned to Halifax he felt that continuing the protest in downtown Halifax would be the best way to keep the threatened mainland moose in the public eye. And it’s not just the moose, he is equally upset about what’s happening with Owls Head, and the state of Nova Scotia’s threatened species altogether, he says. On his Facebook page he talks about his support for the water protectors fighting Alton Gas. That said, he’s happy about what he has accomplished so far. And he should be. I know that many environmentalists have felt inspired and heartened by his stubborn one-person protest action.” - Jan 4, 2021:
– The biomass dodge is costing us $7 million
Tim Bousquet in the Halifax Examiner
– “This fight isn’t over, not by a long shot” – Forest protectors face criminal charges
By RobertDevet in the Nova Scotia Advocate - Jan 3, 2021:
–How Emera is profiting off Nova Scotia Power customers in a questionable scheme for green power
Jennifer Henderson in the Halifax Examiner. Subscription required ($10/mo) for access to full article “Delays in the Muskrat Falls hydro project meant Nova Scotia wouldn’t meet its renewable energy targets. And then the Northern Pulp mill closed, and woodlots lost a buyer for their chips. Just then, in the name of filling the gap in renewable power, Nova Scotia Power was allowed to start buying more biomass power from its parent company Emera, at an additional cost to ratepayers of $7 million — and never mind that scientists and environmentalists say biomass doesn’t eliminate greenhouse gas emissions.” - Jan 2, 2021:
– Our own Central Park: Robin Wilber, Bill Fenton, and the Blue Mountain Wilderness Connector
On NS Nature Trust Landlines
- Mar 12, 2021:
