NS: Funding helps forestry industry grow

[KEMPT, NS] — The Department of Natural Resources’ Forestry Action Plan is helping landowners manage sustainable and healthy forests in southwestern Nova Scotia with the recent announcement of $150,000 in funding for the Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute.

The non-profit co-operative, based in Kempt, Queens County, will use the funds to develop a guide book for forest management to promote and assess the feasibility of additional group certification.

“Forestry-sector jobs are key to the economy of rural Nova Scotia and this funding will further strengthen our province’s forest resource,” said Natural Resources Minister John MacDonell.

Amanda Lavers, executive director of the Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute, noted the funds will help promote the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification, an environmental protection standard, among woodlot owners.

“The FSC stamp tells consumers these forests are managed in a manner that is appropriate for the environment, beneficial to society and economically viable,” said Lavers. “So this funding will help our local woodland owners make their product more desirable and contribute to the overall health of their communities.”

The Department of Natural Resources’ Forestry Action Plan encourages development and diversification of Nova Scotia’s forestry sector. The three-year plan, launched in September 2008, is supported by $2.52 million from Nova Scotia’s Community Development Trust Fund. The Community Development Trust Fund is designed to enhance sustainable prosperity, diversify economic and trade opportunities, improve productivity, innovation and training, assist communities with transition planning, and help workers facing adjustment challenges.