|
|
PROTECTED LANDS AND SPACESWhat is the forest industry's view on expanding protected lands? From an industry point of view protected lands and multiple land use is a very complicated issue. It is very important to comprehend the land ownership challenges that we all face as Nova Scotians. Federally owned land is only three per cent; Provincial Crown land is only 27 per cent; industrial woodlots is only 20 per cent and small private woodlots is 50 per cent of the forest land. That is the challenge facing government and industry in terms of expanding the protected lands network. FPANS believes that the resource must be sustainable or the number one industry in Nova Scotia (forestry) can't exist. FPANS believes that we can have a sustainable forest industry if "correct" land decisions are made. FPANS recognizes the need for a balanced approach. FPANS applauds and will continue to support the provincial government for their balanced approach, which includes: Integrated Resource Management (IRM) on Crown land. IRM includes recognition of old growth forests, special places, protected spaces, industrial use and recreation. Along with IRM, FPANS also supports new forest sustainability regulations, sustainability of wood supply and increased silviculture. In addition FPANS supports the registry of buyers, which creates reliable data for forest management, and FPANS also supports the new wildlife habitat and watercourse protection regulations. In terms of the multiple land use issue, the forest industry is doing very well in cooperating with a variety of non-forestry land users. Forest lands are generally open to all forest users.
|
|
