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FAQs

• FORESTRY BACKGROUND
• BACKBONE OF EMPLOYMENT
• HARVESTING
• SUSTAINABILITY AND THE WOOD SUPPLY
• » SUSTAINABILITY
• FOREST MANAGEMENT IMPROVEMENTS
• ADAPTING TODAY'S TECHNOLOGY
• BIODIVERSITY AND LAND USE
• PROTECTED LANDS AND SPACES
• FORESTRY CERTIFICATION

SUSTAINABILITY

What is the Forest Products Association of Nova Scotia doing to promote sustainability in its member's forestry practices?

Each member of Forest Products Association of Nova Scotia (FPANS) signs a letter of commitment to our Stewardship Principles:

1. Follow an Operations Management Plan for Each Property:
   • Prepare an operating plan, which identifies forest harvesting, and conservation measures, including provision for protection of wildlife habitat and watercourses.
   • Consider and facilitate multiple forest values and uses.
   • Optimize utilization through product selection.

2. Follow the Forest/Wildlife Standards for Nova Scotia:
   • Retain clumps of trees, snags, and large woody debris for wildlife purposes.
   • Protect riparian zones on all qualified watercourses, and keep all machinery out of machine exclusion areas.

3. Ensure Forest Renewal After Harvesting:
   • Select a harvesting system appropriate to the forest type, species, eco district and specific site.
   • Select equipment type and/or operating season that will facilitate regeneration plans.
   • Schedule forest regeneration inspections and treatments with the landowner.

4. Protect Water Quality With Proper Road Construction, Water Crossings and Maintenance:
   • Shut down or relocate operations in wet or soft conditions before damage occurs.
   • Avoid damage to roads, culverts and ditches.
   • Stabilize landings, roads or other areas to avoid erosion or site degradation at job completion.
   • Keep machinery or debris out of watercourses; utilize appropriate stream crossing structures.
   • Keep machinery away from soft or wet ground to avoid excessive rutting.
   • Use brush or place temporary travel mats as needed to further avoid.
   • Fuel stores, lubes and other maintenance facilities should be kept a minimum of 30 m from watercourses.

5. Respect Landowner Objectives and Property Rights:
   • Private landowners in Nova Scotia have the ultimate right to make decisions, which will affect their woodland properties. It is the mission of the Forest Products Association of Nova Scotia that these landowners be informed that they do have alternatives in managing their woodlots and educating them as to what these alternatives are. Their decisions should be made on an informed basis with a full understanding of what the consequences of these decisions are.

6. The Health and Safety of Employees and the Public Will NOT Be Compromised by Any Forest Practice:
   • The Forest Products Association has been instrumental in establishing training programs aimed at ensuring the health and safety of those involved in working in the forest industry. This has been accomplished through putting in place the Forest Safety Society of Nova Scotia as well as through the Safety and Training Committee of the Association.