NSWOOA Update, November 2007

Hello woodlot owners:

Last month’s Update brought you news that Flora Johnson is now providing the NSWOOA with membership services. This gives us pause to consider questions about membership. Who is a member and who can become a member? Why would anyone want to be a member of the NSWOOA? What services do the members need?

The NSWOOA website gives us an interesting place to begin. On its home page there are two bits of information in the description of our organization. First is the fact that “the NSWOOA is the oldest independent woodlot owners’ organization in the Province.” While having been around for a long time, since 1969 or so, is a remarkable feat, that in itself is not a sufficient reason to belong to it. That many years of promoting woodlot owner causes does earn some credit, however, and the experience and knowledge that has been handed down to the present organization is of great value.

That word independent in the above quote is also significant. As the Association receives no government or industry funds, we are more free to voice our own opinions, suggest new options, and even promote alternative practices in the forests--for example, low-impact forestry, sustainability, Acadian Forest restoration, and uneven-aged management.

These terms remind us of the second part of that description of what we promote: a view of woodlots that is “environmentally centered, socially responsible, and economically balanced." Yes, the social issues are of great concern to us, but so are the economic issues. A balanced approach. It is our role to represent membership views on these topics to the public, to the media, to government, and even to other organizations.

Through group action, these ideas and concerns are carried forward more effectively than individuals acting alone.

Still On the Topic

You will have noticed that the question on membership services is not fully answered above. Certainly representing our members to boards, committees, hearings, etc. is a membership service. So are field days, the AGM , etc. Yet the nature of all of the things we do for our member is constantly evolving. You can help with this, by communicating with us. Email us, call or talk to a director. What services do we need to provide?

The question of who can be a member is more straightforward. There are three categories of members. The first is the regular member, which means a person who is a woodlot owner or a person who operates a woodlot. Nowadays “operating” a woodlot may mean more than being a harvesting or silviculture contractor or being the person who looks after Uncle Jim’s woodlot. What do you think? The second category is affiliated memberships. These memberships are usually for other groups or organizations that wish to support the Association and do so by paying for a membership. Although there could be hundreds of people represented through this one membership, there is only one vote. The third category is associate membership, and it is available to members of the public who wish to support our values, actions, and efforts but are not woodlot owners or operators.

Incidentally, membership is not automatic upon payment of dues. Bylaws require the Board of Directors to accept or reject each applicant through a duly passed or rejected motion.

Acadian Forest Conference

We are pleased to hear that the Conference was a success, and are pleased with the amount of NSWOOA participation. NSWOOA members attending included members Dan Pittman and Matthew Miller; board members Minga O’Brien (an event organizer) and Austin Parsons; Past Presidents Wade Prest and Tom Miller; and President Lorne Burrows. Austin Parsons presented a paper on carbon credits, and Wade Prest was a panel member. And there may have been more that we do not know about right now.

Below is one participant’s reaction to the conference:

The Acadian Forest Science Conference was held in Fredericton, NB, at the Hugh John Fleming Forestry Center on October 10-13 and was a well-attended affair with an announced attendance of about 165. For someone who thinks a lot about the Acadian Forest these days, it was interesting to see the level of research going on in the woods around us. I was surprised at the number people that must be out, during the summer field season probably, not doing the type of work that a woodlot owner and operator often takes for granted as the only "woods work" to be done. No log brows for these folks and a lot of talk about climate change and its effects on our forests.

I was worried that "The Science" of it all might be a little much for me to absorb and I was right. Lots of information was over my head and as I don't know the Latin names for the various tree species, it was frustrating. Many others, however, did get the data and there was some good discussion, particularly the panel on the final afternoon which included our Past President, Wade Prest, providing woodlot owner perspectives of concern to all of us.

It was a full two days with some field trips on Saturday which sounded interesting, but I headed for home in the early AM. More work has to be done, I feel, around the topic of restoration of this long lived Forest type. The good examples are few and far between and many people are interested on how to get headed in the right direction on their woodlots. A whole new bunch of Science!

Tom Miller

Who’s calling, please?

Ring! Ring! Ring!

“Hello?”

“Hello. I got your name from someone who said that you sell wood. Got any firewood for sale?”

“What are you looking for?”

“I don’t think I have enough firewood for the winter. I need another two cords. Dry. Cut and split. Can you deliver?”

“Sorry, but I don’t have any wood now. Dry wood is scarce. Anyway, I sell in 8’ lengths. I will have some later in the winter. I suppose that is too late for you?”

“It’s awful hard to find wood anywhere right now. Know anyone else who has any?”

This phone call and many like it are typical of woodlot owner communications with the community every Autumn, usually just after the first few nights of below zero weather or the first snowstorm. Perhaps this is why one local man refers to all humans as ants or grasshoppers. It is ironic, if not disappointing, to hear the surprise in some voices when they learn that the price for seasoned firewood is more than the some firewood purchased green or freshly cut. Somebody has to finance the woodland operations and the curing process though, and it seems a hard pill for some buyers to take.

Subsidies and Such

Everyone will have seen or heard of the Provincial Government plan to help the forest industry survive the “perfect storm” of a rising Canadian Dollar and slumping American housing market. The NSWOOA will be closely following the new Forestry Transition Program announced by the Department of Natural Resources on Oct. 12. As part of the new program, the province will be absorbing the full cost of private woodlot silviculture under the Forest Sustainability Regulations. This means an additional $6 million per year for 2007-08 and 2008-09. Public consultations and surveys have consistently shown that the public supports uneve-aged multi-species forest management. If the public is assuming the burden of the silviculture programs, perhaps the program should reflect public preferences. The NSWOOA believes that some of this new funding should be directed toward an expanded program to promote, train, and educate woodlot owners to carry out more uneven-aged management.

Category 7 Materials Now Available

Materials for the Category 7 Quality Improvement Silviculture Program have just been released and are now available for download at the website of the Association for Sustainable Forestry. Under this program, $443,000 will be made available over the next two years to help Nova Scotia woodlot owners practice uneven-aged management using associated silviculture techniques: crop tree release, crop tree pruning, and selection management. The package includes (each in a separate PDF file) a cover letter, application form, claim form, signing authority form, and criteria for crop tree release, crop tree pruning, and selection management. For additional information, please see the ASF website.


How To Find FSC-Certified Wood

The Standing Tall Campaign for Environmentally Responsible Forestry is maintaining a list of woodlot owners supplying FSC-certified wood. See their website for more information.

Communications

By now all members should have received a copy of our new newsletter. If you haven’t, please let us know at nswooa@gmail.com We’re interested in hearing your comments.

This site is being updated regularly. Look around for the latest news, copies of previous email updates, an article with photos about last fall’s field day, a history of the NSWOOA, and other interesting stuff.

We want to hear from you. Please contact us through our email address, by phone, or by mail. Keep us informed of what is going on in your woodlot and in your community or area. Let us know what you’re thinking.

Many thanks to Flora J. who contributed items for this Update.

NSWOOA Update, October 2007

Hello, woodlot owners:

This past summer provided an opportunity to visit Newfoundland, and of course a woodlot owner would be expected to check out the forests!

Ninety-two percent of that island's forests are Crown Lands, so there is no real woodlot owner culture there. Grey and dying spruce was noted scattered all along the Trans Canada, virtually from ferry terminal to St. John's. It seems they may have some of the same insect and climate challenges we have.

History books describe Newfoundland's forests as dominated by pines, and many stories recorded in the variety of books on Newfoundland verify this observation. However, today's visitors would have a difficult time spotting any pine that were not in obvious small plantations. Near Glenwood, Central Newfoundland, a Bowater Company Road permitted access deeper into the forests. There between kilometer 14 and kilometer 16 (distances are posted) a few medium sized pines were noted. Smaller pines and seedlings clustered around the larger pines. Obviously these trees had been spared when the surrounding area had been harvested. Why? Around Nova Scotia it is common to see pine left on acreage that has been otherwise clear cut, but the situation was different there. A local man who runs a processor in the woods near this area explained that they, harvester operators and contractors, were forbidden to cut pine. "If Forestry checks the worksite and finds a pine tree cut, you get a $500 fine," he explained. Those contractors and their operators have to be commended, as does the province's protection policy, for their efforts to protect such a valuable tree species. Whether we here in Nova Scotia would be as successful protecting a tree species miles deep in the woods is a question to ponder.

Here at Home

Speaking of grey and dying spruce, NSWOOA President Lorne Burrows has been noticing that there are dead and dying spruce in many places throughout the province. Some areas are affected more than others.

Is this an issue we should be following? How are woodlot owners dealing with this problem on their lands? We would like to start gathering information on this issue. Talk to a director, call us, or use our email address.

Acadian Forest Science Conference

Minga O'Brien, one of the organizers, tells us that there are a number of spaces available for the big conference slated for Oct. 10-13 in Fredericton. Especially she warns us not to be put off by that word science, as the idea of the conference is to bring us practical and useful information that we--ordinary woodlot owners--can use on our land. The public forum and field trips should make this a useful conference. For more information visit the website.

Category 7 Silviculture

Director Austin Parsons is now our representative on the oversight committee that administers the new dedicated funding for Category 7, Forest Quality Improvement, silviculture treatments. This category includes crop tree release, crop tree pruning, and selection management for tolerant softwood, mixed wood, or hardwood stands. It is more or less up to woodlot owners and the contractors who work suitable lands to make sure that these funds are used, and used effectively. High demand for these funds will show that a permanent and growing fund is needed. The NSWOOA supports woodlot owners who wish to avail themselves of these funds and is taking steps to familiarize members with the process and regulations. Stay tuned, or contact us directly.

A Rose is a Rose?

Shakespeare asked the question "What's in a name?" At its Sept. 20 meeting, the Board of Directors wrestled briefly with this question.

For some time, it has been apparent that using our full name on a crest, badge, or other item is difficult because the name is so long.Some members thought we should use only "NSWOOA," while others proposed adopting the brand name "NS WOODS" as a short way of designating our Association. In the end it was decided to consult you, our members, for input and reactions. What are the arguments for and against? (Shakespeare's answer, of course, was that "a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.") Let any of our directors know your thoughts; inform us by telephone or email. Perhaps you have a logo or emblem idea that we should consider.

Stora Sale

Like everybody else, the NSWOOA is waiting to see whether the sale of the local Stora mill is going to be a good thing. The concern for jobs at the mill is a very real worry, but our concerns do not end there. Not only has the contracting industry already suffered a major hit, but there is also great concern for the woodlot owner. In any event, there is at present every reason to view the sale in a favorable light, and to hope for the best.

Tax Changes for Firewood Suppliers

As of June 21, 2007, any wood vendor that is HST registered is required to provide the customer with a rebate of 8% of the purchase price of firewood delivered to a qualified residential property.

This is because of recent changes in the Point of Sale Rebate portion of the Nova Scotia Government's Your Energy Rebate Program. Since Dec. 1, 2006, the program has given a rebate to residential energy customers equal to the provincial portion of the HST charged on their home energy purchases. Until recently, purchasers of home-delivered firewood had to fill out an application form and send it along with their receipts into Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations to receive their rebate.

With changes to the program made on June 21, vendors are now responsible for providing the 8% rebate directly to qualified purchasers. Once the rebate has been issued, the vendor has up to 24 months from the date of sale to file a claim for reimbursement from the government. A vendor may file up to four claims per month. As part of the program, any HST-registered vendor who delivers firewood to qualified residential customers must register with Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. If you have questions about the program you can call (902) 424-5200 in the metro area or 1-888-928-8080 (toll free).

Improving Membership Services

The Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Flora Johnson has decided to help us with membership services. Her job will involve preparing and circulating newsletters and notices for meetings, acknowledging membership applications (providing new members with by laws and memoranda of association), tracking membership and other such duties. If you have questions about your membership, please contact Flora at 902-673-2278 or by email at the NSWOOA email address. Thank you, Flora, for accepting this challenge and bringing your skills and abilities to our cause.

Can You Hear Us?

Thanks to the diligent work of Flora Johnson we are adding new email addresses to our mail out list. Some members may have received this update via email for the first time this month. If you are not receiving it by email and would like to join them, please let Flora know. We will not give your email address to anyone outside of the Association.

Good News

We received word last week that Bill MacKay has come through his surgery and is on the way to feeling better. So far he admits to being well enough to work on his computer, but he is not yet up to walks in the woods.

Pam Langille writes that they have caught her cancer in its earliest stage, and her prognosis is good. She very much appreciates all the support her friends and acquaintances give her. We look forward to further positive reports.

Lines of Communication

Members are encouraged to contact the Board of Directors, the Executive and other members through our email address or by phone (902-633-2108). Please feel free to use these methods to keep us informed of what is going on in your woodlot, community, or area. We try to keep you informed through these updates, newsletters and mail outs, our column in Atlantic Forestry Review, the annual general meeting, and this website.

NSWOOA Update, August 2007

Hello, woodlot owners:

Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash may not be with us anymore, but his signature song " I'll Walk The Line" still is. Perhaps we woodlot owners identify with this song, or at least the title, more than most other songs, as it seems we are always walking the line. Sure there is the literal line, the boundary line that always needs cleaning and remarking, but also the line between harvesting it all now or doing what is truly sustainable and good for the planet by leaving some for tomorrow. Also that line between drudgery and renewal, between back breaking work and the peace of the woodland. You get the picture. It seems woodlot owners are faced with many trade-offs, or lines. Good luck as you walk the lines on you woodlot.

Director George Johnson refers to walking the line in his woodlot this way: "I feel the decision to clear cut versus selection management is akin to the young man who believes he will not live to be forty so he spends every cent he makes now. Later he realizes he is not only past forty, he is past his working years, and he has set nothing aside. When his friends are going south for the winter, he bemoans his hard luck and expresses jealousy to compensate for his lack of foresight and planning."

A Global Forest Convention?
One of our directors has forwarded an article which is drumming up support to oppose a proposed global forest convention. He recommends that we study the article, and the issue. At a time when "global" has come to mean "lowest common denominator," we should be cautious of what covenants our government signs us up for. It's a long article so we do not include it here, but please check it out at this website. We would like to know what you think of it.

Seminar News
Wade Prest informs us that his crop tree management seminar is a go. He is finalizing details, and we will get them out ASAP. Meanwhile, if interested contact us at nswooa@gmail.ca. There will be a registration fee, and a limited number of participants. We have some names already.

Acadian Forest Seminar
The first Acadian Forest Science Conference will be held October 10-13, 2007, in Fredericton, New Brunswick. The main goal of the conference is to showcase scientific research on the Acadian Forest, increasing awareness of its character and potential. The conference will also provide a regional forum for the exchange of ideas among scientists, forestry professionals, land stewards, environmentalists, policy makers, aboriginal peoples, and others interested in our forests. Online registration and abstract submission are preferred. Seating is limited so please register early. For more information, please click on the following to visit the web site.

We need to recommend a variety of people to sit on the Voluntary Planning Natural Resources Strategy task force. NSWOOA members should consider themselves and/or ask neighbours and friends. Names should be passed along to Voluntary Planning staff. The selection of individuals will be crucial.

A Piece of Your Mind
The NSWOOA is a member of the FSC Maritime Steering Committee of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). We have supported this movement, and some of our members have certified their woodlots. Is it time to promote FSC products in some organized manner, either among our members or to the population at large? If so, how should this be done? Give us a piece of your mind. Email your views.

Herbicide Spraying*
In our July Update (#4) woodlot owners were encouraged to spend time with family members in their woodlots. Before doing so in August and September, you may want to check this website to see if herbicide spraying applications are under review in your area. Applications to spray thousands of hectares of NS forests have been received. Information such as the area (in hectares) to be sprayed, the communities where the spraying is being proposed, the type of application (aerial or ground), the type of product to be applied, and the approximate start date for the spraying will be provided.

The Department of Environment and Labour informed Director Barbara Gallagher that it is a requirement for applicators to provide pre-notification when it is requested. This should make it easier to avoid spray sites if you have concerns about health impacts from accidental exposure to herbicides. For example, if family members have medical conditions (such as asthma, or other respiratory problems, chemical sensitivities, receiving cancer treatments, etc), or include children or pregnant women, you will be contacted before the spraying takes place if it is requested. Others may want pre-notification if worried about drift near FSC certified woodlots, or organic crops, so that they can monitor buffer zones and wind conditions.

To request pre-notification, you are advised to contact the Approval holders once the Approval is issued and a pdf copy is placed on the website. If you are unable to access this information on a computer, updated information should be available from your closest Department of Environment and Labour office.

* The NSWOOA endorses truly sustainable forestry management, which includes diversity of species, a multi-generational forest, low impact forestry, and ecodiversity that make the application of herbicides unnecessary.

A Contractor's Views
A local forestry contractor was contacted for his views of the state of the industry in Nova Scotia just now. There is more than a hint of irony/sarcasm in his summary of what contractors are facing, and his own involvement. Sometimes humor is the best way to deal with serious topics.

This is his report:

Not much to report on in the forest industry. Prices for studs and logs are down to where you should leave them standing if you can. Low grade pulp prices have picked up to almost a break even place. The bugs are eating well, so wood quality is down Expenses are up, making it hard to make a living. On the positive side, work is picking up with many of the other contractors going out of business.

What Holidays?
Sure, it is the dog days of summer, but that does not mean your interests and concerns have been ignored. Yes, things do come to life again in September, stirred no doubt by lower temperatures and the return of children to schools. In the meantime, meetings go on, councils meet, working sessions are called, and so on. President Lorne Burrows has represented us on the Stora FSC certification hearings. Particularly active on our behalf has been Ken MacRury, VP, who has been temporarily representing us on the Sustainable Forest oversight committee for the new dedicated funds for Section 7(c) silviculture work. We thank Ken and the other Board members who work for us over the summer when it would be easier to wait until September.

Here is Ken's report:

Someone wants to spend money on your woodlot!

There have been two meetings of the Category 7 ad hoc steering committee so far. The primary objective has been to finalize the process to get the new category (7) funding in place by completing a contract between DNR and ASF (Association for Sustainable Forestry) and secondly to complete development of a job description for the Outreach Coordinator that will be hired to promote and oversee the new program. Both of these documents are now finalized and will be presented to the ASF Board on Aug. 7 for their approval. The budget for the program is $570k for this year and next. Of this, $443k is allocated for actual silviculture treatments. This is a very large amount when you consider that based on best available records only $84k was spent on category 7 treatments over the last three years. The Outreach Coordinator position is critical to the success of this program and woodlot owners will have to be made aware that funds are available to assist them in upgrading their woodlots.

I also attended my first meeting of the FTAC on July 26 at the DNR Training Centre in Shubenacadie. There were a number of items on the agenda, most of which will take some time to become familiar with. The one item that was of most interest was a report by DNR on the Category 7 changes and the new program with dedicated funding that will be coming on stream this year. It appears to me there is a significant trend to encourage uneven aged management on the part of DNR and while clearcuts remain at 91% of all areas harvested this is down from 98% ten years ago. The new emphasis on category 7 will hopefully move these figures even further in favor in uneven aged harvest practices.

Participation on the FTAC, with the appointment of several new members, has become more diverse and over time I expect the committee will change the emphasis of the technical standards to favor more uneven aged management of the forests. We can all hope and work to better the health of the forests.

Ken

Want to know how to access these funds? Contact Ken at nswooa@gmail.com

Lines of Communication (more lines for woodlot owners)

Members are encouraged to contact the Board of Directors, the Executive and other members through our email address ( nswooa@gmail.com) or by phone (902-633-2108). Please feel free to use these methods to keep us informed of what is going on in your woodlot, in your community or area. We try to keep you informed through these updates, through newsletters and mail outs, our column in Atlantic Forestry Review, the Annual General Meeting, and this website.

Paul Brison

Looking for earlier updates?

July 2007

June 2007

May 2007