Frontispiece for People for Ecological Forestry in Southwest Nova Scotia June 12, 2019. View full image. View: “McGill Point near Wagner Lake, Shelburne County near approved clear-cut”
‘This page ‘not intended to be comprehensive.
Just some items I happen to catch that are worth noting.
Begins on Jan 16, 2019, most recent ones at top.
Most are on Public Facebook Group pages,
&’may require Facebook sign-in to access them
Dear Mr Houston, we have a problem
Composition posted on Youtube by The Strange Valentines Jan 4, 2022
On Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology Jun 17, 2021
Nov 15, 2021
A short documentary on the hazards of open-pit gold mining in Nova Scotia
Council Of Canadians – Halifax Chapter (Facebook)
Sep 7, 2021
Mining makes green technology possible
Discussion of article in the Chronicle Herald on WWNS
June 14, 2021
All in the name of ecological forestry
On People for Ecological Forestry in Southwest Nova Scotia. Also viewable on this website
May 27, 2021
Alana Westwood is at Caycuse, BC
Apr 22, 2021
The Dark History of Forest Nova Scotia
The Naturalist on YouTube. “”Conspiracy” is not a word I use lightly, but Forest Nova Scotia’s recent attempt to kill a biodiversity act in Nova Scotia is not the first time it’s acted in ways far beneath ethical (and, quite probably, legal) standards to manipulate government policy. In 2010, our provincial government had created a plan for experts to heal Nova Scotia forests while helping small woodlot owners regain control of their industry. Big Forestry, a.k.a. the pulp cartel, could not let this happen. Forest Nova Scotia, then known as FPANS, was unleashed and acted as their mad dog. A conspiracy was woven between several key players, big money was exchanged, and the character of the scientists working on these improvements was wrongfully assassinated while fear mongering letters to woodlot owners were circulated, all in an effort to keep big forestry companies in the province operating business as usual: the clearcuts happening, glyphosate being sprayed over the woodlands. It happened in 2010, and it is happening again now in 2021.”
Mar 13, 2021
Dont let them sabotage The Act this time
Bev Wigney “**ATTENTION TO ALL::: Apparently, there is quite a backlash being organized toward yesterday’s announcement that the Biodiversity Act is back on the table. ** Hopefully THIS TIME it will be passed and not torpedoed by groups that are intent on sabotaging its passage.” [Apparently there was a full page ad in the Chronicle herald Today] And view some discussion on a post on Nova Scotia Rejuvenation
Mar 12, 2021
Nina Newington is saving Nova Scotia forests for mainland moose
Interview on rabble.ca “On reflection about her current situation and her life to date: “The forest protector camped on a logging road in southwest Nova Scotia feels remarkably close to the tomboy playing truant in the woods of my native Britain 50 years ago: disobedience has been a theme.”
Feb 27, 2021
A Picture May Not Be Worth a 1000 Words, But Facts Are Priceless: A Response to Forest New Brunswick
YouTube Video by Cliff Serutine
Feb 25, 2021
Open Letter on Protected Areas Consultation
Media release from David Barrett of Barrett Lumber Co
Feb 18, 2021
Discussion about tree-planting
On HFC facebook page, copied onto NSFN
Feb 16, 2021:
Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs comment on moose and forestry
Letter dated Oct 29, 2020, circulating on social media. Post on WWNS
Feb 11, 2021
– Announcement: Mi’kmaw-led Conservation Webinar Series
On Mi’kmawey Forestry Feb 25 and Mar 11, 2021: Introduction to ICPAS & ICPAS in Nova Scotia
Jan 13, 2021
Update from Jacob & Heather (campers/protestors)
on WWNS “We made it three nights before they asked us to take down the tents…”
Jan 13, 2021
Who Shall Protect The Moose?
Bev Wigney on Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology (or view here). “I submitted this to the Chronicle-Herald about a week ago, but it looks like it won’t make the cut – the “opinion” section has been filled with rants about Trump and U.S. politics – so local issues seem to be drowned out for now. Anyhow, rather than let the piece go to waste, I will post it here….In a 1981, biologist P.T., was tasked with studying and evaluating the impact of a proposed access road for mining exploration – a road that might threaten a remnant moose population in a remote
area of southwest Nova Scotia. A thorough study was completed and a report written for the Department of Lands & Forests. It was
published as “An Evaluation of Moose Habitat In South Western Nova Scotia (1981)”. This report was passed along to me by someone who kept it safely filed in their cabinet for forty years. They wished to share it after learning of the recent “Moose Blockade” attempts to protect Mainland Moose in the remote area of Digby County between the Tobeatic and the Silver River…
Jan 11, 2021:
We are doing well without having a pulp mill that drives down raw wood prices
DW on Clean up the Pictou County Pulp Mill “No one has posted about where Private forest lot owners and managers are now selling raw wood produced by them . Logs are going to many sawmills – big mills and small mills. Lumber is in short supply and at a very much improved price . Pulpwood is now being trucked to the Paper Mill at Port Hawkesbury. So too is raw wood too small or dead wood going to fuel the NSP power plant there . Both of these products were being imported from N.B. and Quebec while N P was operating and polluting air and water . Popular logs are being trucked from N.S. to the OSB sheet mill in N.B. Wood waste – sawdust, shavings , dry slabs are being sold to wood pellet plants within N.S. – Shaw resources were so short ofsupply they increased production at an N.B. plant . Two exporters of wood chips are doing well and buying local and from Westfor ( Crown wood ). During 2020 there were many Bandsaw log mills purchased by N.S. owners – adding to the considerable number already in the Province. Fuelwood / firewood sales are brisk within N.S. and some has been trucked to N.B. We are doing well without having a pulp mill that drives down raw wood prices.”
Jan 5, 2021:
Owl’s Head, jobs versus environment discussion
On Save Little Harbour/Owls Head Nova Scotia From Becoming Golf Courses. Stimulated by Editorial Cartoon in CH and related letter from K.S. of Musquodoboit Harbour.
Jan 3. 2021:
Please don’t let this bad thing happen to the forest I love
Joseph Dowd, Age 9, letter to his MLA. Dated Jan 1, 2020. Posted on Stop Spraying & Clear-Cutting Mi’kma’ki (Nova Scotia) Jan 3, 2021
Jan 1, 2021:
Intentional Extirpation: The Fight to Save the Nova Scotia Mainland Moose
Cliff Seruntine on The Naturalist (YouTube Channel)
Jan 1, 2021:
Letter to Biodiversity and Species at Risk Wildlife Division, Re: Mainland Moose
Sydney Lynn on Stop Spraying & Clear-Cutting Mi’kma’ki (Nova Scotia)
Dec 22, 2020:
Ticks, Moose, Climate Change, Clearcutting etc. 22Dec2020
Discussion on Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology
Dec 15, 2020
NSWFS appeals planned logging on Crown land in Cumberland Co. 15Dec2020
Mary Macaulay/Nova Scotia Wild Flora Society
Dec 11, 2020:
On Mills and Silviculture
Discussion on Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology
Dec 15, 2020
Trout fishers on impacts of Touquoy Moose River gold mining operation
Post with photos by Mitchell Glawson on trout fishing nova scotia (Public Facebook group). “Please see the attached photos, this is an example of what is occurring near the Touquoy Moose River gold mining operation…Atlantic Gold has said ‘The rain stirred up a lot of natural turbidity’ however I would like to make it clear that what we are seeing is not natural sediments which would occur in the brook during heavy rain events, the photos attached show this. Any salmon or trout eggs which would have been laid over the last months or yet to be laid will be killed.”
Dec 14, 2020:
Bev Wigney: Blast from the Past
On Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology
“This afternoon, a friend sent a document to me that was sent to her by a friend who had saved this in his filing cabinet for almost 40 years… It is a petition from 1981, AGAINST the building of a road in the VERY SAME AREA that Bob Bancroft and others have identified at core moose habitat. Available here
Forest harvest and mainland moose in Digby County, NS
WestFor. “Contrary to recent media reports, the preservation of an iconic species like the mainland moose is very important to us.” I sent this message via their contact page “I read your moose news statement. Given the importance you attach to moose, I assume you have an organized systems for recording and reporting occurrence of moose on all lands accessed by westFor members. Can you make that system public, and the results? That would lend some credibility to your assertions. Thx”
Doreen Bernard: Visit to Moose Country Blockades and Water ceremony, prayers for the water and land defenders protecting these beautiful forests and rivers, mainland moose, species at risk, prayers for our unceded Mi’kmak’i. This place has been calling and it was a short visit but will be going back again soon. Post on HFC Facebook page Dec 9, 2020
Dec 5, 2020:
Raising forests, a poem by shalan joudry
Shalan Joudry in the Nova Scotia Advocate”
we are not the first generation to lose forests
as trees were slain for ships and forts
l’nu hunters were refused entry to their territory
fracturing livelihoods and continuity
in this landscape there have been many ends of the world
as one knows it
parents mourned children at the edges of cliffs
guardians became chained to bottles
to know the stories
as story carriers do
is to constantly taste scars where the wounds
had long punctured through
people already devastated by massacres of forests
each new generation’s lost battle to save trees
too many centuries of someone’s world in pieces
let’s tend to the forests like prophets
encourage them to wilder in old growth
and watch them mature into being
Nov 30, 2020: Tell the EU to protect forests, not burn them for energy!
(& Nova Scotia has rainforests too)
Dec 1, 2020:
Boom Times for Westfor
on People for Ecological Forestry in Southwest Nova Scotia. “This is the company who signs the Timber License with the Minister in order to “manage” our Crown land Forest in SW Nova Scotia. Interesting. p 239 in Public Accounts 2020 and p 250 in Public Accounts 2019…”
Nov 29, 2020:
Nov 29, 2020:
& on Stop Clearcutting Cape Breton (new Public Facebook Group)
3121+ acres of crown land on the hills separating Marble Mountain from River Denys. Follow the new logging roads. Not terribly hard to tell what the plan is for this forest.
Nov 23, 2020
PERILS OF A MAINLAND MOOSE
Bev Wigney
Nov 25, 2020
Dave Gunning “For All The Gold” (YouTube)
Nova Scotia singer -songwriter Dave Gunning has written (co-written with Jamie Robinson) and recorded a powerful new song, “For All The Gold”, in support of conservation efforts to protect the St. Mary’s River.
A proposed open pit gold mine at Cochrane Hill near the river threatens the pristine ecology of Nova Scotia’s longest river.
To learn more about the Cochrane Hill proposed gold mine, supporting explanations, references found in the song as well as photos from the making of the video look here: www.thegoldmineconversation.com/for-all-the-gold
Nov 21, 2020
Belated 2nd Anniversary of Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology
A few reflections by founder Bev Wigney
Nov 18, 2020
GUTTED Endangered Mainland Moose and How the Government of Nova Scotia Makes a Mockery of UNESCO
Extinction Rebellion Nova Scotia
Nov 17, 2020
It’s actually very hard to read anything from the Department of Lands & Forestry..
Bev W on WWNS
Nov 17, 2020
Letter from Bob Bancroft about the Mainland Moose
Shared by Bev W with permission on Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology
Nov 15, 2020
More playing around with the NS harvest plans and various environmental datasets
Shanni Bee on Stop Spraying & Clear-Cutting Nova Scotia. She compares the extent of clearcutting in NS, now not acknowledged on L&F Maps (they no longer use the term “clearcut”
Nov 14, 2020:
Today I took a look at some environmental datasets
Shanni Bee on Stop Spraying & Clear-Cutting Nova Scotia. She expresses concern about loss of Canada Warbler habitat along with that for Moose in the area of the Tobeatic and Silver River Wilderness Areas
Nov 13, 2020:
Despite the Encampment…
Sydnee Lynn on Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology. Maps, videos and images of forest devastation in Mainland Moose country
Extracts available Here
Nov 13, 2020:
Dispatches from Moose Country Day 23
By Nina Newington on The Healthy Forest Coalition Facebook Page ‘Can also view here.
Nov 12, 2020:
Shani Bee – letter I sent to Iain Rankin’s rivals for the Premier-ship
Posted on Stop Spraying & Clear-Cutting Nova Scotia. Also available here.
Nov 10, 2020:
The Winter tents arrive – Moose Protestors are in it for the long haul
Nina Newington on Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology
Nov 9, 2020:
…why I’m still dismayed at the devastation of our forests
On Halifax Trails. The post references a CBC story ‘Completely different, crazy world’ of B.C. tree planting revealed in new documentary. Says Halifax Trails “Coming from someone who has planted close to 1 million 🌲 trees here in Nova Scotia (https://www.instagram.com/p/B25QTrxHj6j/), I can attest that this documentary is a very accurate insight into this deceptively complex socioeconomic experience. At the root of why I created HalifaxTrails.ca and why I’m still dismayed at the devastation of our forests. #Treeplanting has taught me a lot about myself, others, nature & society. It has been at the core of everything I have done since.”
Also view Press Release from Extinction Rebellion Nova Scotia’s moose country blockade
Nov 4, 2020:
MOOSE BLOCKADE – 2 WEEKS AND STILL WAITING FOR A RESPECTFUL RESPONSE
Bev W. on Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology. View here if no access to Facebook. “It has now been 2 weeks since the Forest Protectors set up their encampment in the Fourth Lake region of Digby County, situated between the Tobeatic and Silver River. They continue to protect the area which is historically and recently known to be inhabited by endangered Mainland Moose… Meanwhile, there has been little communication or respectful response from the province…”
Nov 1, 2020:
Moose in Cumberland Co
K.A. on Stop Spraying and Clearcutting Nova Scotia. “Somewhere in sub-rural Cumberland County, NS. I appreciate that the Mainland Moose are endangered. If population numbers are based on airborne surveys using thermographic sensors, possibly it is time for the general public to start actively reporting what they observe. Are there any public educational programs to create more awareness? How can folks “care” about an animal they rarely see.”
Oct 30, 2020:
The New Brunswick Forestry Apocalypse
Cliff Seruntine on YouTube ” But when I began to closely examine satellite maps of New Brunswick’s forests, I realized their problems were a level above Nova Scotia’s. But even then, I had not been prepared for what I would encounter when I used the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020–which uses actual satellite imagery to portray the landscape–to tour New Brunswick’s back country. What I saw going on there I have not seen since I studied the unbelievable deforestation of the eastern side of the Amazon rainforest.”
Oct 27, 2020:
Spent the night at the blockade… LMD on Stop Spraying & Clear-Cutting Nova Scotia “Spent the night at the blockade with a wonderful bunch of forest protectors. There were rain showers most of the night and was a bit cold . At one point during the night we had a visitor, an owl… In the morning spirits were still high despite the drizzle and the cold bite in the air, all determined to see this through…” Also view Lindsay L’s Compilation Post giving Background and list of news items, event pages, ways to help.
Oct 25, 2020
On the proposed Ingram River Wilderness Area
Zack Metcalfe on Woods and Waters Nova Scotia. “Just last month I was staggered by the subtle splendor of the proposed Ingram River Wilderness Area, which local charities and businesses are trying to protect, and loggers are trying to dismantle. The Nova Scotia provincial government is now asking the public what should be done with these exceptional acres, and I encouraging all Nova Scotians to follow this link and scream “wilderness area!” We really, honestly, truly, cannot have too many, and this one contains more treasures than most. Take a minute, and spare a word.”
https://novascotia.ca/natr/consultation/ingram-river.asp
Oct 20, 2020:
Two new species
Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre “Last month, for example, we found a new moth for Canada – Cameraria picturatella. It doesn’t really have a common name, but we can call it the Bayberry Leaf Miner, because the caterpillars of this tiny moth live only inside the leaves of the common coastal shrub Bayberry (Morella pensylvanica), creating distinctive brown blotches on the leaves. The moth co-occurs with Bayberry in the eastern United States but had never been documented in Canada…In contrast to the not-so-surprising Bayberry Leaf Miner, another recent first Nova Scotia record by AC CDC Botanist Colin Chapman was a mind-blowing shocker! After a long day documenting many new records of the rare Hammered Shield Lichen (Pannaria lurida, a Threatened species under provincial and federal Species at Risk acts), Colin came upon a Balsam Poplar stand on the rich soils of the river floodplain and found a small occurence of Goldie’s Fern (Dryopteris goldiana).”
Oct 15, 2020
On the successful campaign to protect Katewe’katik and Pu’tlaqne’katik!
CPAWS Nova Scotia/Melissa Labrador “I have exciting, positive news today for Kespukwitk. With everything going on, a little good news goes along way. After a very long journey, we now have two newly protected areas that Indigenous led conservation was on equal footing to bring these sites together. I have been following in the footsteps of my late Grandfather, former Chief Charlie Labrador of the Acadia First Nation in working towards protecting areas of cultural/traditional/spiritual significance areas. I have been guided by the knowledge he as well as my late Mother provided me and my Father, Todd Labrador. Wela’lin for your support 💚 This would not have happened without the partnership I have with Dr Chris Miller of CPAWS NS. The relationship is built on the foundation of respect”
Oct 15, 2020
Shelterwoods, Variable Retention & Clearcuts
Some correspondence of BW with Forestry Maps reported on Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology
Oct 11, 2020
The Clearcuts Abutting the Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Cliff Serentine YouTube Video “Once again, we’re going to use actual satellite imagery depicted in the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, this time to take an amazingly realistic tour of the hidden side of Cape Breton Island, the one the provincial government doesn’t want you to ever see.”
Oct 2, 2020
The Athol road area, between Springhill junction, Cumberland county today
RE on Stop Spraying & Clear-Cutting Nova Scotia
Sep 29, 2020
Can forests protect us from flooding?
By Monica Allaby on Community Forests International “Though relatively unexplored compared to wetlands, forests show great promise for mitigating flood damage. Let’s take a look at the research!” With references.
Sep 12, 2020
– Letter Forty-Two to the Prime Minister: Wildfires
by Amelia Penney-Crocker, a 14 year old writer and climate activist who lives on the unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq people Every week I write a letter to the Prime Minister of Canada. I decided to publish my letters here because I believe my message is important for everyone to read and I want to encourage and empower other young people to write their own letters to leadership.”
Sep 24, 2020
How much is the carbon in proposed HPF forests worth?
Addie R Campaigne on Healthy Forests Coalition. Also view here.
Sep 21, 2020
FIRST ANNUAL KESPUKWITK MUNICIPAL iNATURALIST COMPETITION
Bev Wigney on Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology ” …the ANNAPOLIS COUNTY PARTICIPANTS in the FIRST ANNUAL KESPUKWITK MUNICIPAL iNATURALIST COMPETITION amassed the highest number of observations of any of the 8 counties that took part between Sept. 14 and 20th. Together, we posted 3,577 observations! We also posted the greatest number of species – at 540 species.” View iNaturalist site for the competition. View Resource Page for iNaturalist in Kespukwitk (Southwest NS)
Sep 18, 2020
North Nova contributes logs to Rough Cuts
A post by Rough Cuts Canada on Woods and Waters Nova Scotia. North Nova is an ecologically- oriented forestry co-op operating in Cumberland and Colchester Counties, incorporated in 1976 (see their FB page here.) Rough Cuts Canada‘s goal is “to provide Police, Fire, EMS and Military members diagnosed with PTSD, a place to be creative with their hands, through the joy of wood working.”
Sep 12, 2020:
On saving more Old Growth
M.L. on The Healthy Forest Coalition (Public Facebook Group). It references this news item: B.C. to protect 353,000 hectares of forest with old-growth trees from logging until new plan is developed – Chad Pawson · CBC News · Posted: Sep 11, 2020 . Good discussion
Sep 10, 2020:
They don’t care anymore
Addie Campaigne on Stop Spraying and Clearcutting in Nova Scotia
Sep 7, 2020:
We Must Protect Owls Head Park to Safeguard Biodiversity
Lindsay Lee on www.saveowlshead.org
Aug 22, 2020
I rented a cottage for a month in the wilds of Nova Scotia, just south of Kejimkujik Park…it seemed that everywhere I went I witnessed extreme devastation to our land…clear cutting everywhere.
JFS on Stop Spraying & Clear-Cutting Nova Scotia
Aug 12, 2020:
NO MORE AMENDMENTS TO THE WESTFOR AGREEMENT
People for Ecological Forestry in Southwest Nova Scotia.
Aug 10, 2020
Harvest Blocks Open for Comment – August 2020
Medway Community Forest Co-op “We have new harvest blocks up for comment on the Province’s Harvest Plan Map Viewer (HPMV). They will be open for comment until September 13th, and we encourage our members, and members of the community to provide feedback.” The page provides details of their plans for each block, with photos. (One might ask why that couldn’t be done routinely for all proposed Crown land harvests.)
Aug 7, 2020
A recap some of the happenings with government and Crown land, 2008-2020
People for Ecological Forestry in Southwest Nova Scotia.
July 22, 2020
More ecologically valuable forest on the chopping block
Bev Wigney on Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology “There are several parcels on the HPMV that have a comment deadline of July 21 (today). I have just submitted the following comments…”
July 2, 2020
Why is the truth about pulp effluent being suppressed?
Post and discussion of letter to ed by Robin Wilber (Elmsdale Lumber) in CH July 2; on Woods and Waters Nova Scotia. “Last month, I was surprised to learn about a report commissioned by the government of Nova Scotia and conducted by Dalhousie’s top environmental professor, Tony Walker. The report looked at whether there were any impacts on the Northumberland Strait from the operation of the Northern Pulp mill for the last 50-plus years. The study concludes no negat…To continue reading, subscribe to The Chronicle Herald.” Some of the comments on WWNS: ” I never disagreed with the studies but the only problem is Boat Harbour was used to treat the effluent! There was no problem as long as the mill could use Boat Harbour! Now they cannot. These studies to justify opening the mill is not of any use except to confuse people and get support for reopening the mill and these studies add nothing to the discussion!”; “And they clearly did not check the dead zones, just outside Boat Harbour at the outflow & Pictou Harbour where the 2014 spill eventually ended up. The upside is that in time & stopping the polluting, nature heals itself. Especially in an ever-moving body of water like the Strait. There have been noticeable & remarkable improvements already – even in Boat Harbour since the effluent stopped pumping in there”
Wilf Creighton at a Dal lecture on Forestry in Oct 2006; he was 102!
June 29, 2020
Thoughts of Wilf Creighton
by John Wesley Chisholm on The Healthy Forest Coalition “This last day of social media has got me thinking about The Lands and Forests. When I was a kid the men at the Lands and Forest were my heroes. Heroes to all of us in Waverley..These men were led by a Forester named Wilf Creighton. Surely, one of the greatest Nova Scotians…In Wilf’s view, and that of the men who worked for him, the purpose of Lands and Forests was conserving and protecting all forests and timberlands, whether publicly or privately owned; and protecting, preserving and encouraging the natural increase of game and game fish, as well as their administration, utilization, protection and management, including access to and travel on them, habitats for the maintenance and protection of wildlife, harvesting and renewal of timber resources and forest recreation…What I didn’t understand at the time was that these men of the forests were a dying breed trying to protect a way of life that was under deep threat.”
June 29, 2020
Help Save North Mountain Mature Forest from Logging
Posted on Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology “A handful of local North Mountain residents in Annapolis County concerned about clear cutting in NS could not stand by and watch another clear cut devastate our community and the wildlife that lives in it. Even as the road was being cut into this 50 acre lot, we decided we had to act. We approached the land owner with our request to purchase the land before the mature forest on it was removed. He agreed to give us the opportunity to save it.”
June 28, 2020
On tree grinders and rural roads
Discussion on Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology, stimulated by Chronicle Herald Op-ed: MARILYN CAMERON: Tree grinders a blight on our beautiful roadways (June 24, 2020)
June 26, 2020
Diocesan Environment Network – Introduction to healthy forests (YouTube Video)
“An interview with Nina Newington of the Healthy Forest Coalition, who they are, their work, and healthy forests in Nova Scotia.”
June 25, 2020
Fires & Clearcuts
On Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology
June 2, 2020
Habitat Degradation
DW on NatureNS listserv/Birding news “…Unfortunately other brooks running north from the north mountain to the Bay of Fundy have also died of siltation from careless disposal of water from unvegetated highway ditches. So we throw the book at anyone who is criminal enough to try to catch planted trout without a license, and sometimes use choppers to contain this crime, but pay government employees to destroy streams using earth moving equipment. This is a variation of an old theme– “We hang the man and flog the woman, who steals the Goose from off the Common. But let the greater criminal loose who steals the Common from the Goose.”
May 26, 2020
On use of Volunteer Fire Departments to battle forest fires and time for foresters to get out of the woods so birds have a Silent Season while they nest
Bev Wigney on Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology and posted to Iain Rankin MLA/Minister of Lands & Forestry Facebook Page (not yet showing) “We now know that the Springfield fire was started by malfunctioning logging equipment…Our VFDs have been busy responding to 7 wildfires in just 2 or 3 days. This is really not right that VFDs are having to do wildfire fighting — especially if it is being caused by logging activities. It’s time to get the loggers OUT of the forests — right away — before any of our VFD people are injured or worse. This is a GOOD TIME to do so as the migratory bird nesting season is in full swing and there shouldn’t be anyone cutting down forest right now anyhow.”
May 21, 2020
HFC Response to High Production Forestry Discussion Paper
Posted on Healthy Forest Coalition Public Facebook Page May 21, 2020 The document is Dated March 31, 2020
May 21, 2020
Medway Community Forest Co-op Spring Newsletter“..Last week we wrapped up our last harvest prior to initiating our silent season for migratory birds, which commences June 1, and are busy planning our priority summer projects… Instead of our regular summer workshops, we’re putting together two separate webinar series, bringing in some out-of-Province and local knowledge on topics relating to ecological forestry… Our negotiation committee has continued to meet with the Department of Lands and Forestry to work towards securing a long-term license agreement and building the parameters to support self-sufficiency… ” And More
May 20, 2020:
Mike & Debbie Hickey From the Woodlot
Twenty-four Youtube videos (as of May 20, 2020), 6-24 minutes each describing the operation of a family woodlot in N.B. a lot of it with reference to managing for climate change. A very nice intro for people not familiar with forestry practices, these ones smaller scale and ecologically oriented.
May 1, 2020
On pine plantations and buckthorn (invasive)
On Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology. In the discussion of a post about platation forests, concerns are expressed that the HPF areas under the Triad could become conduits for invasive species. BW comments that “it is an invitation to European Buckthorn…At our farm [in Ontario], we had a shelterbelt of pine and the Red Squirrels were often in there. Buckthorn started coming up beneath the pine and at first I couldn’t figure out how that was happening. Then I started seeing Red Squirrels sitting in the Buckthorn of a hedgerow in the same general area and then I pretty much knew they were eating the pits from fruit and going back to the pine shelterbelt to hang out and seeding it with Buckthorn.”
Apr 29, 2020:
Where Oh Where is the Forest Management Guide?
People for Ecological Forestry in Southwest Nova Scotia.
Apr 24, 2020:
On biomass, Michael Moore etc
Nina Newington and other members of Extinction Revellion “Michael Moore is certainly provocative. Planet of the Humans has stirred up some interesting discussion (after we dragged ourselves out of the pit of despair). Here’s part of a comment some other members of Extinction Rebellion and I pulled together (with input from others.)
Apr 22, 2020:
From Medway Community Forest Co-op “We’re introducing a new video series this Earth Day, where we’ve showcased some of the steps we take to maintain ecological resilience and integrity in our harvest operations. This first video features our Executive Director and Forester, Mary Jane Rodger (that’s me!) marking trees for removal prior to executing an individual tree selection harvest in a tolerant hardwood stand.
Apr 21, 2020
Asking for thoughts on laminated timber
Mike Lancaster on the Healthy Forest Coalition Facebook page
Apr 16, 2020:
– How much Crown land should be in HPF, Ecological Forestry Matrix?
Discussion on People for Ecological Forestry in Southwest Nova Scotia.
Apr 13, 2020:
Created this video with clips from Mark Lang and my brother Adam. Shows the changes in Boat Harbour since pulp production has ceased. Power Boiler will be shut down April 15. This is a glimpse of a clean future for PLFN and surrounding communities. pic.twitter.com/g0PVwmJnqi
— Andrea Paul (@AndreaPLFN) April 13, 2020
Apr 13, 2011:
Nova Scotia Forestry protests are happening along Barrington St today (Apr 13, 2011)
Apr 3, 2020
Northern Coral lichen, photo by Mike Lancaster
Northern Coral Lichen on old growth forests in our proposed Ingram River Wilderness Area
Mike Lancaster on The Healthy Forest Coalition “Feel good-ies of the day: Northern Coral lichen – Sphaerophorus globosus in old growth forests in our proposed Ingram River Wilderness Area.
“N. Coral is my favourite lichen species. If you find it it is almost a guarantee that the forest is old growth – I’m yet to core a tree that’s under 125 with it present. As such, I believe it is essential that inventories for this species, as well as that of other old forest indicators, MUST be included the assessment and designation of “old growth” forest in Nova Scotia. Currently, no lichen inventories are required for that process.
“Their beautifully intricate clusters are generally found in coniferous forests but I have heard tell of them being found on deciduous trees as well.”
Mar 30, 2020
Mar 29, 2020
Some back and forth with J.D. Irving
Jason Limongelli, VP at J.D. Irving, responded to a post on People for Ecological Forestry in Southwest Nova Scotia – “When you think of JD Irving, New Brunswick – what pops into your mind?”; the VP gave a lengthy, respectful response and said “I am right here and happy to go to the woods with you anytime you like.”
Mar 19, 2020
Neal Livingston on Cabot Links
On Save Little Harbour/Owls Head Nova Scotia From Becoming Golf Courses “I have been intending to write something about problems we have had with the golf courses in Inverness…-Cabot got about 190 acres of beach front in Inverness for $1.00…Cabot failed to open beach access, as they were required when a road to the beach was closed…golf courses in Nova Scotia are except form needing permits and can use anything they want that is legal to use in Canada…”
Mar 17, 2020:
Something to think about
People for Ecological Forestry in Southwest Nova Scotia on Woods and Waters Nova Scotia
A chronology of land buyouts, Westfor etc in SW Nova Scotia. The “Welfare Industry”.
Mar 14, 2020:
NS High Production Forestry Briefing Note for Dr. Trappenburg
Uploaded by Addie R Campaigne to Stop Spraying & Clear-Cutting Nova Scotia
Feb 15, 2020
An example of how our mixed forests are changing (and disappearing) right before our eyes
People for Ecological Forestry in Southwest Nova Scotia. And more mistakes at L&F
Jan 31, 2020
Reflecting on how it once was…and it worked for us
People for Ecological Forestry in Southwest Nova Scotia “I feel – and many of us do feel this way here in Shelburne County…that when these large cuts happen, and we see the forest being cut and trucked, there is a gut feeling of violation and disrespect. It’s not that we feel that it is ours…but there is a feeling that it could be done so much better with a local vibe to it…It hurts the soul.
It hurts the forest. It harms migratory birds. It doesn’t feel good.”
Jan 31, 2020
SAVE OWLS HEAD PROVINCIAL PARK LAND
New website launched mid-January, 2020
Jan 26, 2020
When NP lost their social license
Dave Gunning on Clean up the Pictou County Pulp Mill (Public Facebook Group)
Click on image at left for full story if no access to Facebook. An important reminder. Where were the voices of Big Forestry then – the ones that we hear so loudly now that The Mill is closed?
SL on Save Little Harbour/Owls Head Nova Scotia From Becoming A Golf Course: Okay, I took my time and put together a map showing the properties already owned by G. S. Beckwith Gilbert in Little Harbour. The land with the lighthouse owned by Transport Canada is the land the provincial government is in negotiations with the Federal government on behalf of Lighthouse Links Development Company owned by Gilbert. Of course, there is our precious Owls Head Provincial Park that this government wants to sell to Lighthouse Links Development Company owned by Gilbert. I have put a red dot by all the properties that G. S. Beckwith Gilbert has already purchased in Little Harbour. There are 21 all together. I note a piece of land in orange, a pending sale and a piece of land in blue for sale.
Jan 25, 2020
SL on allowing the world to become whole again
On Save Little Harbour/Owls Head Nova Scotia From Becoming A Golf Course (Public Facebook Group). SL cites a poem by an anonymous author: “I want to help build little pieces of peaceful prosperity and watch then spread like dandelions…We do have to give up our luxuries, in order to have World Peace… Put down your smartphone and talk to someone…And let us let the world become whole again… So that the Children of Children May Know World Peace…” Can’t access FB? read full text here
Jan 22, 2020
Greg Watson, two videos on forest management for sawmills, post-The Mill
On Healthy Forest Coalition Facebook page. GW is with North Nova Forestry (Forest Management Co-op)
Jan 21, 2019
BW comments on proposed harvest of Birch Hill Forest in Annapolis Co.
On Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology. (No access to Facebook? The full text is also available here) “COMMENTS FOR PARCEL AP068166A
ONE:: – According to the Habitat Conservation Strategy for Southwest Nova Scotia (SWNS) Conservation Value Index (CVI) 
the largest part of this stand has a CVI ranking of “HIGH”…TWO:: – What is the point of this “shelterwood” harvest prescription? A shelterwood is generally used to help establish a young forest. This ALREADY IS an established hardwood forest – predominantly SUGAR MAPLE…THREE:: – We’ve been out to see this forest – the hardwood all seem PERFECTLY FINE – they are doing well, but are too immature to harvest for lumber….FOUR: – This healthy, young hardwood stand, located high on a hill, overlooks many hectares of former forest which has all been hacked down in previous clear cuts. Is the goal of this harvest to remove the LAST VESTIGES OF RECOGNIZABLE FOREST between Bridgetown and Roxbury…FIVE:: – With so much hardwood having been SCALPED off of the Crown land forests in our area, we are running low on proper habitat for so many of the bird species that nest in shade tolerant hardwood forests. Further, a forest like this, located high on a hill in the midst of a SEA OF CLEAR CUTS – is just the kind of forest that provides extremely valuable nesting trees for raptors…SIX: – Removing the bulk of trees off the top of a high hill will create soil erosion and also send more water flowing down off of the South Mountain into the Annapolis Valley and River…” In the comments section, observations of the highly invasive glossy buckthorn growing up in clearcuts are noted and discussed.
Concerns over proposed cuts close to Tobeatic
People for Ecological Forestry in Southwest Nova Scotia.” VERY VERY DISTURBING.>>>RED MARKS ON THE PURPLE AND GREEN Jan 19, 2020ARE OLD FOREST/MULTI-AGED FORESTS/MATURE FORESTS – THAT WESTFOR AND THE DEPARTMENT ARE PROPOSING TO CUT DOWN ON CROWN LAND NEAR THE TOBEATIC WILDERNESS AREA. Because the proposed cuts near the Tobeatic are so remote – with no roads – and few people have visited the area – we ONLY HAVE MAPS to learn from to make comment to the Department in their FAKE consultation process.What we know so far? MARKED IN RED: WestFor Management Inc. with the 
blessing of the Department of Lands and Forestry – are proposing to cut down 80% of several plots Multi-aged OLD FOREST (in purple) and MATURE FOREST. Would it be possible that some of this area is OLD GROWTH? Certainly. We are also VERY CONCERNED about the Department OPENING UP THIS AREA WITH ROAD CONSTRUCTION FOR LOGGING. Without PROPER BIOLOGY SURVEYS – what animals live in this secluded area? The Endanger Mainland Moose? Has anyone traveled back there to evaluate species at risk?…”
Jan 13, 2020
OWL’S HEAD MAP — DISAPPEARS!!!!
On Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology, referencing post by Caitlin Grady on Save Little Harbour/Owls Head Nova Scotia From Becoming A Golf Course
Jan 5, 2020
Owls Head
Jan 5, 2020
Save Little Harbour/Owls Head Nova Scotia From Becoming A Golf Course
Public Facebook Group for Dec 19, 2020. “Lands and Forestry Minister Iain Rankin said the government was comfortable removing the designation (legal protection) because the land isn’t a priority for legal protection. He didn’t ask the residents how they felt. The people who want to buy the land hired a former Liberal cabinet minister Michel Samson to lobby on their behalf. Something smells fishy here and it is not the fish.”
Jan 5, 2020
Clearcutting will eventually bring flooding, plain and simple
Brad S. on Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology, citing this CBC story: ‘We’re going to see more of this’: Spring flooding in B.C. may be worsened by logging practices, Jon Hernandez – CBC News Jan 4, 2020
Jan 3, 2020
Sue ES on Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology – new Crown Land harvest Plans
“Wow, they aren’t slowing down they are building up. 690 MORE hectares slated for demolition and some of them only have 10 days for comments. 190 more hectares here in Annapolis County.”
Jan 2, 2020
WWNS discussion of CH story
Beswick: Northern Pulp fallout continues (Chronicle Herald, Jan 1, 2020). From that article: “The drop in stumpage prices paid for studwood and the lack of a market for pulpwood has caused Tupper to put a hold on progressive forest management programs like commercial thinnings on the 18,000 hectares managed by Athol. The numbers on the type of ecological forestry advocated by the Lahey Report and which the Department of Lands and Forestry has been working toward implementing, don’t add up anymore. “A clearcut or something closely resembling a clearcut is now the only type of harvest that’s really viable because they will need to take the best material out of each stand to make it viable,” said Tupper. “I think people are thinking that the pulp mill going is good because there will be less forest harvesting. They will actually see less of the stand improvement work that the public wants to see.”
Jan 1, 2020
Information Gathering
BW on Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology On work options concerning the thousands of displaced workers in the forestry industry.
Dec 26, 2019
Take back the Forest Day-2019
Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology . “This afternoon, more than 30 (mostly) Annapolis County residents, visited OUR forest at Corbett-Dalhousie Lake peninsula.” For some context, view Nova Scotia Old Growth Ground Zero”
Dec 24, 2019
The Dishonourable Honourables
by One Not So Bored Housewife (blog) “Why are we cutting down our protected areas, right before we protect them?…” The piece is a review of the inaction since the Lahey Report.
Dec 23, 2019
ANOTHER 1465 ACRES OF CUTS ON CROWN LAND
People for Ecological Forestry
Dec 22, 2019
“TAKE BACK THE FOREST DAY”
…here in Annapolis County. If you’re feeling like a nice walk in the woods after all the Christmas festivities, make your way to Corbett-Dalhousie Lake Forest on BOXING DAY (Dec. 26) to celebrate in our community’s wonderful, peaceful forest!! On Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology
Dec 14, 2019
Letter from Bob Bancroft and Donna Crossland to Shelburne Municipal Council Dec. 3, 2019
On People for Ecological Forestry in Southwest Nova Scotia, also available here.
Nov 15, 2019
Norway to tax net pens out of the ocean…
Post by B.B. On Save the Bay of Fundy Heritage “Norway to tax net pens out of the ocean with a new 40% environmental damages tax (like they have on oil) disguised as a “rent tax”. Land based licenses are free while net pen licenses are 10-30 million Canadian each! Norway wants the pens GONE! Billionaires react. Link to news Item: Salmon billionaire launches full scale attack at resource rent tax proposal LOL (Sometimes its difficult to obtain a link to the precise post, notably when that post begins with a link as in this case)
Nov 14, 2019:
Dale Smith: Why Nova Scotia desperately needs a land ethic
Dale Smith in Chronicle Herald: it’s viewable on WWNS
Comments also on Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology(Sometimes its difficult to obtain a link to the precise post, notably when that post begins with a link as in this case)
Nov 12, 2019:
Sugar Maple cut in Cumberland Co. NS and SW Nova Scotia going to N.B.?
On Woods and Waters NS. ‘Needs to be confirmed (or not)… I wonder about poss. movement of Hemlock Wooly Adelgid from SW Nova Scotia via such shipments
Nov 5, 2019
Chief Andrea Paul: Confirmation government has no intention to extend Boat Harbour deadline
on Chief Andrea’s Information Page
Oct 31, 2019.
& More Clearcuts
“This was taken of the recent clear cut on the Hampton Mtn. Rd. 46 + acres gone in about 10 days. There is a further 79 acres just sold next to this lot, not holding out much hope for this. Also people who burn wood should start asking if it being sustainably harvested.” RW on Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology Oct 31, 2019. view video
Oct 28, 2019:
More clear cuts
& “where is Stephen?” NN on Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology
Oct 27, 2019
“I am not good with words or writing petitions but as an artist I wanted to do my part and make people aware of what’s going on in our forests and that it needs to change. Thank you all for fighting for our environment. Here is my newest piece “Unsalvageable” inspired by you.” – Moni Duersch on Clean up the Pictou County Pulp Mill
Oct 18, 2019
On a Roll for the Wild Atlantic Salmon and the Fisheries Act
Sonja Wood on Official page for Treaty Truckhouse against Alton Gas. On Sonja’s remarkable wheelchair journey for the Atlantic salmon – and the underwhelming reception in Ottawa so far.
Joan Baxter photo
Oct 15, 2019
Joan Baxter: What do we have to show for 3 gold rushes in Nova Scotia?
On WWNS. “Answer: Vast areas contaminated by arsenic and mercury in 64 gold districts” (with photo of sign showing arsenic advisory)
Oct 14, 2019
On Keddy: Don’t move to the country to build your dream home
Comments by Bev W and others on an op-ed by wetland ecology and conservation biologist Paul Keddy in the Ottawa Citizen
Oct 12, 2019
Woods and Waters 3 years on
“It is hard to believe that nearly three years have elapsed since I jumped into the deep end of social media and launched Woods and Waters Nova Scotia with the accompanying photo of massive clearcuts at Indian Lake Halifax County…In closing I believe it is important to reiterate every so often the purpose of Woods and Waters Nova Scotia in order to maintain focus. The intent is not anti-government, nor anti-industry, nor anti-forestry, nor anti-employment, nor anti-anything. Quite the opposite. W&WNS is about accountability and transparency. It is about good practices and management. It is about sustainable use not unfettered abuse. It is about common sense trumping (sorry) dollars and cents. It is about cleaning up the present and protecting the future, not just ours but generations to come. May the forest be with you and yours.”
Oct 8, 2019
What is ecological about leaving 10% of a forest Premier McNeil?
on People for Ecological Forestry in Southwest Nova Scotia.
Mixed Messages
Oct 7, 2019
Concerns about clearcuts in Pockwock Watershed
On Woods and Waters Nova Scotia Oct 6, 2019
Sep 7, 2019
North Nova Forest owners Co-op: Horse logging
Photos of “Horse logging this week in Balmoral on a side hill that’s inoperable for the harvester crew”
July 23, 2019
Bev Wigney on the amendments to the Migratory Birds Convention Act
On Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology. ” To me, it seems to indicate that, outside of nesting season, one could destroy a nest so long as no live bird or viable egg was present — but we already know how poorly the vital nesting and rearing (breeding) period (to use their words), is being honoured and enforced….”
July 15, 2019
On People for Ecological Forestry in Southwest Nova Scotia. Also view this earlier post with more info about the site.
July 11, 2019
– GROUND-TRUTHING AT CORBETT-DALHOUSIE LAKES
Bev Wigney on Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology
– What does it take to protect an animal?
Char Dorey on Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology cites a 1981 article on NS L&F website. It begins:
“A law written on a piece of paper make s it illegal to kill red-eyed vireos. Yet a bull dozer, legally pushing its way through the forest to build a new road, crushes a tree, and four fledgling vireos that would have been able to fly within a week are lost in the pile of earth and twisted roots.” Article by Tony Duke December 1981 NS Lands and Forests. Writes Char “Where the Corbett-Dalhousie parcel is concerned, it would be prudent for Mr. Rankin to follow the advice of Tony Duke in 1981, found in an article posted on their own website, to better avoid looking like a bunch of hypocrites.”
July 1, 2019
Joys of Canada when the neighbouring forest is being cut
Sue ES on Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology
Cheryl Stone Photo
June 29, 2019
Downed nests found after powerline cuts
Cheryl Stone on Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology
June 28, 2019
– Clearcut on North Mountain along Hampton Mountain Rd
Nina Newington on Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology. “Cutting started on Monday, June 24th. It’s nesting season and, although the Forest Technician, Steve Ward, claimed to have heard no birds at all when he was surveying the property…This cut is on private land, land purchased less than a year ago. The landowner specifically asked that the land be clearcut. By law, that is his right. It is our right to stand up and say this is wrong. Clearcutting forests has to stop.”
– FRIDAY RANT — WHO IS A “STAKEHOLDER”?
Bev Wigney on on Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology.”I would also like to know who the “stakeholders” are. I think the public are just as much stakeholders as anyone… Some of us are being subjected to 24/7 noise and even soccer-field type lighting from huge operations around us. There are bears with cubs that have actually moved into people’s yards around here (seriously – i am not making this up — we have tons of photos now). We have roads being torn to pieces around here, and mud flows going out across roads. We have an organic farm that was recently inundated with muck and water flowing downhill from a clearcut into their land and small lake…it is “high time” that the public be considered right up front as the PRIMARY STAKEHOLDER at the table.
 WestFor begins new logging on Corbett-Dalhousie Lake Forest on June 9, 2019 Scheduled for June 15, 2019: |
From Bev Wigney’s Rant on Forest Roads
May 26, 2019:
FOREST ROADS (Sunday morning rant)
Bev Wigney on Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology
May 20, 2019:
Why is that we the people have to continually monitor the actions of L&F when it comes to harvesting the forests of this province?
Post on WWNS
May 10, 2019:
Video illustrating lack of protection of small watercourse by logging op. on Crown land
On People for Ecological Forestry in Southwest Nova Scotia. It is noted that “The Wildlife Habitat and Watercourses Protection Regulations state:
Protection of watercourse less than 50 cm wide
Where the average width of a watercourse situated on or adjacent to forest land on which a forestry operation is carried on is less than 50 cm, no forestry operator shall permit the use of, use or operate a vehicle for forestry operations within 5 m of the watercourse, except for the purpose of watercourse crossings approved by the Department of Environment.” Location: “Marker 165 along the 103 not far from the 3rd exit to Liverpool going towards Halifax on the left hand side of the road about 100-200 feet off the road with Crown land stake on the left as you go in.”
Don’t Cut!
May 6, 2019:
Update on Corbett-Dalhousie Lake Forest
Bev Wigney on Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology. Petition launched 3 days ago has >700 signatures. Group documents ages of cut trees, put caution tape around trees that they DO NOT want to see removed, record locations on iNaturalist.
May 5, 2019:
Is forested land being clearcut and then let go for taxes?
Question raised on Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology
May 1, 2019
Species at Risk
Blog post by Zack Metcalfe. On legislation related to SAR in Maritimes & Federally, Ecojustice, Juniper Law and the current lawsuit “against Nova Scotia’s Department of Lands and Forestry for failing to uphold the province’s Endangered Species Act.”
Apr 23, 2019
We plan to block this 387 acre clear-cut in Allendale, Shelburne County
On Stop Spraying & Clear-Cutting In Nova Scotia
Photo by Karen Smith.
View Clear cutting around our property from last year. “Much, much more going on around us this year.”
April 22, 2019
Clear cutting around our property from last year
Photos and Coments on WWNS. “Much, much more going on around us this year.”
April 21, 2019:
Rotting Wood
On Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology
April 17, 2019:
Hemlock Wooly Adelgid possibly in Hants Co.
“I just checked on iNaturalist and feel very sad to see that someone has just posted that they observed HWA in Hants County – about 2 weeks ago. Here’s a screen grab of the map of NS with the observed sites that have been posted onto iNaturalist. I know there are many more in the southern part of the province, but I guess we’re going to be seeing it in forests further north this summer. 
Makes me so sad for the Hemlock we are going to lose. :(” – Bev Wigney on Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology, referencing HWA Phenology. View iNaturalist post
April 10, 2019:
CLEARCUTTING ON CROWN LAND IN A CANADIAN IMPORTANT BIRD AND BIODIVERSITY AREA
Shelly Hipson on Stop Spraying & Clear-Cutting In Nova Scotia. “The Department of Lands and Forestry has approved a 387 ACRE CLEAR-CUT in Allendale, Shelburne County, in a CANADIAN IMPORTANT BIRD AND BIODIVERSITY AREA.(IBA)”
April 8, 2019
Discussion of HPMV
Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology
Apr 5, 2019:
– Discussion of Info A.M. interviews related to the Harvest Plan Map Viewer
On Healthy Forest Coalition. Minister Rankin joins the conversation.
Apr 4, 2019:
– Minister Rankin’s response to concerns about clearcutting impacts on spread of Lyme disease
Sydnee McKay on Stop Spraying & Clear-Cutting In Nova Scotia
Truck sighted in Queens Co. yesterday (Mar 26, 2019) by J.D. “When WestFor is cutting they are supposed to leave 4 inch diameter crowns when cutting Spruce and Fir and 5 inch crowns when cutting Pine. I’d say 50% of this wood doesn’t make that grade.” It could have been from private land, regardless, it illustrates people are watching and concerned no matter where it comes from.
Mar 29, 2019:
NP’s ultimatum
On WWNS. “If we do not get an extension…that will mean we shut down”.
Mar 26, 2019:
– Logging of Crown land in the area of Wagner Lake still fraying nerves, reveals L&F do not consult Breeding Bird Atlas
Shelly Hipson and Bev Wigney On the Healthy Forest Coalition FB page
– Latest Harvest announcement, many words/phrases replace “clearcut”
Shelly Hipson on Stop Spraying & Clear-Cutting In Nova Scotia
– Hundreds of thousands of DISEASED Red Pine were planted years ago in Shelburne County as part of a provincial silvilculture program.
On People for Ecological Forestry in Southwest Nova Scotia.
Another discussion thread on Stop Spraying & Clear-Cutting In Nova Scotia
Mar 20, 2019:
– NP/L&F cutting on Deer Wintering Area, owl, martin and moose habitat
Markus Kehoe on Hants County and Beyond
– LATEST CORRESPONDENCE REGARDING CORBETT-DALHOUSIE LAKE FOREST
On Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology
– Celebrating Biodiversity: Spotted Salamanders
On Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology
– Confusion about what’s on the HPMV and what’s not
On People for Ecological Forestry in Southwest Nova Scotia.
Mar 9, 2019:
We have learned that there are Harvest Operating Maps that feature harvests in each county for the NEXT FIVE YEARS…but
Shelly Hipson on Stop Spraying & Clear-Cutting In Nova Scotia
Mar 7, 2019
Medway Community Forest Co-op – an amazing group of women
“At the MCFC we’re lucky enough to have an amazing group of women involved in a field traditionally dominated by men. Unfortunately we’re still overcoming gender bias in forestry, with the majority of our circles lacking equal representation in gender, as well as age and diversity. Our Board is largely comprised of women, and we’re constantly looking for opportunities to encourage women to become involved in, or pick a career in forest management. We support all women in underrepresented occupations and stand in solidarity as they fight bias and find their voice. Happy International Women’s Day!”
Mar 1, 2019:
Community Forests Shelbourne Co. Letter to Minister Rankin
Feb 23, 2019:
Port Hawkesbury Paper almost ran out of wood this winter
On Woods and Waters Nova Scotia
Feb 22, 2019:
– Matt Dort on HUMAN HEALTH EVALUATION CONCERNS FROM THE EA [Northern Pulp/The Mill]
on Clean up the Pictou County Pulp Mill “In the EA, Northern Pulp used the Tasmania Pulp mill for comparison for part of the Human Health Evaluation…It is important to note the Tasmania mill DID NOT open and faced many environmental challenges in court”
– Discussion of glyphosate use on wild blueberries
Sydnee McKay on Stop Spraying & Clear-Cutting In Nova Scotia
Feb 18, 2019:
Discussion of harvest terminology on HFC
Feb 16, 2019:
ANNAPOLIS GROUND-TRUTHING GROUP: ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BEING INVOLVED???
On Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology
Feb 11, 2019:
“Clear-Cut” removed from HPMV
Post on Ecological Forestry in Southwest Nova.
– 
So what’s going on here folks? asks Ecological Forestry in Southwest Nova.
Feb 6, 2019:
Discussion on HFC of soil acidification, Minister Rankin joins in response to ‘we need to know’
DGP: “Specifically, we need to know what’s happening in regard to Conclusions #161,2, 3 in the Lahey Report…”
IR: “the recommendation on the evaluation was accepted, as per our response. It is being lead by Prof Lahey himself and staff have recently met with him to go over what the framework for evaluation will look like. I have discussed how we can provide regular updates with staff this morning. We have teams already assembled for the priority items.”
Feb 2, 2019
– Look who Tops the List
Barry Randle on Clean up the Pictou County Pulp Mill
Feb 1, 2019
– Some Market Research
Initiated by Frank Higgins on HFC/ If 2” dimensional lumber(2×6, 2×8, 2×10, 2×12) prices averaged $1000/thousand board feet at retail stores, what does everyone think a fair price would be for a contractor to charge if they came to your woodlot, selectively harvested small amounts of quality timber with a chainsaw, skidded the logs with a horse and milled the lumber on site with a portable saw mill? $600/thousand? $800/thousand? Any thoughts would be appreciated.”
– Discussion of Harvest Plan Map Viewer Transparency
On Stop Spraying & Clear-Cutting In Nova Scotia. Related post on NSFN: Nova Scotia Forestry Maps removing “harvest plans that are no longer open to comments” (Jan 31, 2019). Also: Letter from ML, re Map Viewer (Jan 31, 2019, on HFC)
– Is WestFor Management Inc and their 13 shareholders, and the Department of Lands and Forestry THAT DESPERATE to provide “Fibre” that they have to CUT TREES in the MIDDLE OF TWO PROTECTED AREAS?
ON Ecological Forestry in Southwest Nova.
– Shelly Hipson Video in a recent WestFor clearcut
On Stop Spraying & Clear-Cutting In Nova Scotia No narration necessary. View also Shelly’s Lament, her not so silent anguish. “Some would surely think I was mad…for feeling this much pain for a forest. Some days I wish I would not feel so deeply…”
Jan 31, 2019
– Discussion of “Canada’s climate gap widens yet again on” HFC
Initial post by Joan Morrison
– Responses to changes in the HPMV
On HFC
Jan 30, 2019
NP to hold PR event “on the VERY same day that PLFN is having their sacred event to count down the last year of this terrible injustice”
DG on Clean up the Pictou County Pulp Mill View also this post from the moderator.
Jan 27, 2019
Shelly Hipson: We want Freeman Lumber to be a part of the solution
“Freeman Lumber, who are shareholders of WestFor Management Inc., and have a license with the Province of Nova Scotia – gave a tour to our Progressive Conservative MLA Kim Masland for Queens – Shelburne. The majority of approved harvests are clear-cuts. We want Freeman Lumber to be a part of the solution, and do ecological forestry on ALL LAND. Post on HFC
On Turner Woodlot. HFC photo
Jan 24, 2019:
– HFC tour of woodlot owned by J.A. Turner and Sons Ltd. of West Northfield
With photos. On The Healthy Forest Coalition
Jan 23, 2019:
– Bev Wigney FOLLOW-UP ON CORBETT-DALHOUSIE LAKE FOREST
“This is a follow-up email which I’ve sent to Annapolis County Warden, Timothy Habinski, and Councillor Gregory Heming..”
On Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology
– NSWOOA Discussion of CBC story Woodlot Owners look to Lahey report as ‘road’ not roadblock to prosperity
On NSWWOA Facebook page.
Jan 21, 2019:
– On Forest Biomass, discussion stimulated by ‘Burned’
On Ecological Forestry in Southwest Nova.
Mourning Nature by Maria P
“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul” – John Muir
“We might not find our souls much longer” – Richard Gordan Armstrong
Jan 20, 2019:
– GROUND-TRUTHING — RESOURCES # 1: SIMPLE HOMEMADE FORESTRY TOOLS FOR RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Initiated by Bev Wigney on Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology
Jan 19, 2019:
– We might not find our souls much longer!.
Richard Gordan Armstrong shared a post On Stop Spraying & Clear-Cutting In Nova Scotia, post shared was on Ancient Forests & Champion Trees
– Terri Vernon initiated post On Birding as a multi-million $ Industry (On Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology)
Jan 18, 2019:
– Info Request:
Re Lahey small scale irregular shelterwood… What type of equipment would work well for this treatment? Smaller Harvester, wheels or threads? Head? On HFC. Early Response from Mary Jane Rodger of The Medway Community Forest Co-op, others join the discussion.
Jan 17, 2019:
– Bev Wigney-initiated discussion
NEWS!! NEWS!! NEWS!! CORBETT-DALHOUSIE LAKE FOREST While this isn’t what I would call cause for rejoicing, it is a somewhat hopeful development…
Jan 16, 2019:
– Ken Burrows-initiated discussion related to the Old Forest Policy Layer; Minister Rankin joins in;
On Healthy Forest Coalition. Results in Constructive discussion with the Minister: “Iain Rankin to David Graham Patriquin: fair comments on the smaller than polygon potential ‘old growth’. I will discuss with staff and have them reach out to the licence holder about their plans for harvesting and retention areas.”
– Bev Wigney regarding “Old Growth” stands and how the current industrial harvest system prevents them from existing or developing in multi-aged stands.
& a related Re-Post
On Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology
– Adam Forest on DNR Land Purchase
“Two years ago DNR bought a hundred +acer wood lot from a private land owner who had just finished clear cutting it.. Within months westfor is driving across it to access the crown land next to it. Westfor lease says westfor must make it’s own deals to cross private land. I called dnr to ask why are tax dollars were used to buy another cunk of clercut ?The answer I got dnr bought the land to improve access to crown and only coincidentally did westfor need to cross this lot. This is totally unfair to the tax payers and other contractors”. On Healthy Forest Coalition.