{"id":383,"date":"2022-10-07T21:30:52","date_gmt":"2022-10-07T21:30:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/versicolor.ca\/nstriad\/?p=383"},"modified":"2022-10-08T14:25:25","modified_gmt":"2022-10-08T14:25:25","slug":"nova-scotia-forestry-economic-task-force-wants-feedback-on-opportunites-obstacles-7oct2022","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/versicolor.ca\/nstriad\/2022\/10\/07\/nova-scotia-forestry-economic-task-force-wants-feedback-on-opportunites-obstacles-7oct2022\/","title":{"rendered":"Nova Scotia Forestry Economic Task Force wants feedback on opportunites, obstacles…7Oct2022"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Online Survey is open until Oct 25, 2022. I did the survey & felt it is well designed and worthwhile doing – if they actually follow up on it. I encourage the Forestry Economic Task Force to publish a report on the results.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>We are hearing next to nothing about the final stages in implementation of the Lahey Recommendations<\/a> with now less than 3 months to the complete actions promised in the Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act<\/a> (bolding inserted):<\/p>\n

10 (c) to implement by 2023 an ecological forestry approach for Crown lands<\/strong>, consistent with the recommendations in “An Independent Review of Forest Practices in Nova Scotia” prepared by William Lahey in 2018, through the triad model of forest management that prioritizes the sustainability of ecosystems and biodiversity in the Province; and<\/em><\/p>\n

10 (d) to identify by 2023 the percentage allocation of Crown land dedicated to each pillar of the triad model<\/strong> of forest management referred to in clause (c).<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

In the fall of 2021, NSNRR issued a request for feedback on the Draft Old Growth Forest Policy<\/a>, a lot was received (See Report<\/a>, and items on NSFN<\/a> ) but the final Old Growth Forest Policy<\/a> reflected very little of that input, and has to be regarded as very weak on Old Forest protection. (It’s hardly controversial to protect genuine “Old Growth” in Nova Scotia because there is so little of it,<\/a> something less than\u00a0 0.3-0.5% of the total forest area.) So any Old Forest protection- Crown lands only – will depend heavily on the “the percentage allocation of Crown land dedicated to each pillar of the triad model of forest management“.\u00a0 <\/em>As expressed in a previous post (July 23, 2022<\/a>), \u00a0I anticipate that every wiggle possible will be taken to avoid anything that seriously impacts the access of Big Forestry to remaining high volume Old Forest stands on Crown lands in Nova Scotia. But let’s see.<\/p>\n

Implementing the Ecological Forestry approach still, according to earlier documents, requires consultation (“Stakeholder and\/or Public Participation”) on (i) the “20-Year Forest Stewardship Planning Guide” (re: the as yet elusive Environmental Assessment process<\/a>), and (ii) on “Values and indicators for outcomes-based forest management on Crown land” & “Options of models for implementation of outcomes-based forest management” (re: the as yet elusive Outcomes-based Forest Management<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Perhaps the consultation on (ii) has occurred and been restricted to “stakeholders” that do not include conservation oriented groups I work with, but surely we should expect some public consultation on the EA Process.<\/p>\n

In general, the PC Government\u00a0 appears to be communicating regularly with forest-industry folks, but is communicating little if at all with groups such as the Ecology Action Centre and the Healthy Forest Coalition which were actively and constructively involved with the Lahey process. The clear message so far<\/em> from the PC Government: Forestry Comes First, not “protecting ecosystems and biodiversity”\u00a0 \u00a0(re\u00a0 Lahey<\/a> PDF p3-2nd paragraph).<\/p>\n

So in the absence of other public consultations, this item, a Survey by the industry-led Nova Scotia Forestry Economic Task Force<\/a> piqued my interest. I received it via Nature Nova Scotia<\/a>; thankfully the survey is being distributed to a broader group of “stakeholders” than that cited on their website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Subject: N.S. Forestry Sector Stakeholder SURVEY – Opportunities & Challenges<\/em>
\nDate: Thu, 06 Oct 2022 15:52:25 +0000<\/em>
\nFrom: Harvey Gray<\/em><\/p>\n

Good afternoon,<\/em><\/p>\n

The Forestry Economic Task Force (the \u201cFETF\u201d) is surveying key stakeholders of the forestry sector, and wants your feedback on the Capacity, Needs, Strategic Opportunities, Challenges, & Obstacles relative to sustaining or growing economic capacity in the sector.<\/em><\/p>\n

FETF is a collaboration of Forestry Sector stakeholders \u2018tasked\u2019 with building an Economic Opportunities plan for the Forestry Sector in Nova Scotia. The plan looks to sustain the existing, traditional benefits of the sector, but also explore opportunities to unlock its substantial growth potential. For more information, please visit NSFETF.COM<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

We would appreciate your feedback in the survey<\/a> – your input will help inform our development of the Plan for the Sector.<\/em><\/p>\n

The survey should take about 15-20 mins to complete, and will remain open until October 25, 2022.<\/em><\/p>\n

Could I ask that you:<\/em><\/p>\n

1. Please complete the survey, by clicking this link: SURVEY<\/a> &<\/em><\/p>\n

2. Please forward this email with the survey link to your members, or others within your network whom you feel could provide valuable input on those topics, along with your endorsement to complete the survey<\/em><\/p>\n

In the event you encounter any issues with the survey or require any clarifications, please email SurveysATLATnational.ca for help, or reach out to me directly if you have any questions.<\/em><\/p>\n

With thanks,<\/em><\/p>\n

Harvey Gray<\/em>
\nExecutive Director<\/em>
\nForestry Economic Task Force<\/em>
\nNsfetf.com<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

I did the survey & felt it is well designed and worthwhile doing if they actually follow up. There are opportunities to express opinions and to be involved in follow-up consultations. They clearly want to distinguish which responses came from which group of stakeholders, information that can be insightful and useful from a public policy perspective, but also could be manipulated to ‘get the results we want’ – I hope that the Forestry Economic Task Force will publish an objective,\u00a0 comprehensive report on the results. That could go some way towards garnering more trust and constructive dialogue pertaining to forestry in NS.<\/p>\n

When I did the survey this a.m. (Oct 7), there were 23 questions. I was able to access it again a few hours later, and then there were 39 questions. (I did not fill out the survey again.) I assume they will put a block on repeating it twice from the same Hostname. The 39 questions I viewed the 2nd time are copied below (it may be helpful to view questions ahead of time).<\/p>\n

———-
\n1. Which of the following segments would you consider to be representative of yourself?
\nPlease select all that apply.
\nForest industry (e.g. manufacturing, supply chain, sales, etc.)
\nPrivate woodlot owner
\nChristmas tree grower
\nForestry sector association or cooperative
\nEquipment, parts, tools
\nProfessional services (e.g. legal, accounting, etc.)
\nGovernment
\nEconomic development partner (e.g. Invest NS, ACOA, etc.)
\nAccelerator\/innovation hub
\nAdvocacy group (e.g. CFIB, Chamber of Commerce, etc.)
\nEnvironmental\/NGO
\nEducation
\nInfrastructure (e.g. airport, port, rail, etc.)
\nNon-forestry businesses (e.g. restaurant, retail, car dealer, etc.)
\nOther association or cooperative (e.g. ATV association, TANS, gun club, etc.)
\nGeneral public
\nOther (please specify)
\nPrefer not to answer<\/p>\n

2. Do you work in the forestry sector, either directly as an owner or employee of a forestry company or organization, or indirectly in a job that supports the forestry sector in any way?
\nYes
\nNo<\/p>\n

3. In which of the following Nova Scotia counties do you or your organization operate in?
\nPlease select all that apply.
\nWest \u2013 Annapolis
\nWest \u2013 Digby
\nWest \u2013 Yarmouth
\nWest \u2013 Shelburne
\nWest \u2013 Queens
\nWest \u2013 Lunenburg
\nWest \u2013 Kings
\nCentral \u2013 Hants
\nCentral \u2013 Halifax
\nCentral \u2013 Colchester
\nCentral \u2013 Cumberland
\nCentral \u2013 Pictou
\nEast \u2013 Antigonish
\nEast \u2013 Guysborough
\nEast \u2013 Inverness
\nEast \u2013 Richmond
\nEast \u2013 Victoria
\nEast \u2013 Cape Breton
\nAll of the above
\nNone of the above<\/p>\n

4. Which of the following areas are important topics to you or your organization’s relationship with the forestry sector in Nova Scotia?
\nPlease select all that apply.
\nSources and uses of wood products (e.g. paper, packaging, tissue, building products, etc.)
\nSustainability of the sector (e.g. economic, environmental, etc.)
\nForest health and diversity
\nAccess to resources\/wood supply
\nSocial license\/social acceptance
\nForestry innovation (e.g. advances in technology, products, processes, forest bio-economy, etc.)
\nResearch opportunities
\nConservation
\nStability of the industry
\nGenerating economic growth and jobs
\nWorkforce
\nSupply chain
\nGrowing the forestry industry across Nova Scotia
\nAvailability of financing
\nInvestment incentives
\nDiversified markets
\nOther (please specify)
\nNone of the above<\/p>\n

5. When it comes to decision-making within your organization, specific to forestry, do you:
\nMake the final decision
\nParticipate in the decision-making process, but not the final decision maker
\nNot currently part of the decision-making team<\/p>\n

6. What percent of your organization’s effort or activities are related to the forestry sector?
\n0%
\n1\u201325%
\n26\u201350%
\n51\u201375%
\n76\u2013100%<\/p>\n

7. How long have you been in business or operating?
\nLess than one year
\nOne to five years
\nSix to ten years
\nTen years or more
\nNot applicable
\nPrefer not to answer<\/p>\n

8. Which of the following best describes the size of your department, company, or organization?
\nI’m an owner\/operator
\nLess than 5 employees
\n6\u201310 employees
\n11\u201330 employees
\n31\u201350 employees
\n51\u2013100 employees
\n101+ employees
\nPrefer not to answer<\/p>\n

9. How long have you been working within the forestry sector or working with the forest industry as part of your job?
\nLess than one year
\nOne to five years
\nSix to ten years
\nEleven years or more
\nI don’t work directly with this sector
\nPrefer not to answer<\/p>\n

10. How would you describe your operating level as a % of capacity?
\n100%
\n75%
\n50%
\nLess than 50%
\nNot applicable<\/p>\n

11. Is access to, or availability of, fibre an issue for you?
\nYes
\nNo
\nDon’t know
\nNot applicable<\/p>\n

12. How do you typically learn about Nova Scotia’s forestry sector activities or new information?
\nPlease select all that apply.
\nMainstream news
\nSocial media
\nConversations with private sector\/business (e.g. mills, contractors, etc.)
\nConversations with other forestry professionals
\nIndustry publications (e.g. Atlantic Forestry, Canadian Biomass, etc.)
\nInternet research
\nTraditional knowledge (e.g. Mi’kmaq, L’nu, other generational knowledge, etc.)
\nColleagues
\nWebsites
\nAssociation communications
\nConversations with government officials
\nNewsletters
\nEmail
\nWord of mouth
\nAll of the above
\nNone of the above
\nOther (please specify)
\nPrefer not to answer<\/p>\n

13. Who do you consider to be an authority or key influencer within the forestry sector?
\nPlease select all that apply. If someone is missing, please tell us under “other”.
\nAssociation for Sustainable Forestry
\nAthol Forestry Cooperative Ltd.
\nCanadian Woodlands Forum
\nCape Breton Private Land Partnership
\nChristmas Tree Council of Nova Scotia
\nConform Ltd.
\nDepartment of Natural Resources and Renewables
\nEcology Action Centre
\nFederation of Nova Scotia Woodland Owners
\nForest Nova Scotia
\nForestry Economic Task Force
\nForestry Sector Council
\nGovernment of Nova Scotia
\nMi’kmaq Forestry Initiative
\nMaple Producers Association of Nova Scotia
\nNatural Resources Canada (NRCAN)
\nNorth Nova Forest Owners Co-op Ltd.
\nNova Scotia Forest Technicians Association
\nResearch Nova Scotia
\nMedway Community Forest Co-operative
\nMersey Tobiatic Research Institute
\nNova Scotia Community College
\nNova Scotia Landowners and Forest Fibre Producer Association
\nNova Scotia Innovation Hub
\nVerschuren Centre
\nNova Scotia Harvesting Contractors Association
\nWestern Woodlot Owners Co-op
\nWood products manufacturing and\/or pulp and paper companies
\nNova Scotia Woodlot Owners and Operators Association
\nRegistered Professional Foresters Association of Nova Scotia
\nOther (please specify)
\nNone of the above<\/p>\n

The following questions relate to your perspective on the growth, diversification, and stability of the forestry sector.<\/p>\n

14. Growth is defined as increasing the size or amount produced.<\/p>\n

To what extent do you support the growth of the forestry sector in Nova Scotia?
\n1 \u2013 Completely oppose 2 3 4 5 \u2013 Neither oppose nor support 6 7 8 9 10 \u2013 Completely support Don’t know\/not applicable<\/p>\n

15. Diversification is defined as a strategy to empower companies who wish to grow differently. This could include expanding, differentiating, or introducing new products or services.<\/p>\n

To what extent do you support the diversification of the forestry sector in Nova Scotia?
\n1 \u2013 Completely oppose 2 3 4 5 \u2013 Neither oppose nor support 6 7 8 9 10 \u2013 Completely support Don’t know\/not applicable<\/p>\n

16. How would you rate the current stability of the forestry sector in Nova Scotia?<\/p>\n

1 \u2013 Unstable\/in need of support 2 3 4 5 \u2013 Neither stable nor unstable 6 7 8 9 10 \u2013 Stable\/thriving Don’t know\/not applicable<\/p>\n

17. Specific to your company\/organization, are there any short- or long-term obstacles or challenges that are in any way related to the forestry sector?
\nPlease select all that apply.
\nYes, short-term challenges
\nYes, long-term challenges
\nNo challenges related to the forestry industry<\/p>\n

18. Specific to your company\/organization, are there any short- or long-term strategic opportunities that you would be interested in, or that are available to you or your company?
\nPlease select all that apply.
\nYes, short-term opportunities
\nYes, long-term opportunities
\nNo opportunities related to the forestry industry<\/p>\n

19. Which of the following does Nova Scotia’s forestry sector need to promote to support growth?
\nPlease select all that apply.
\nAdvocates
\nSocial license
\nDiversified markets (having multiple options for forest product sales)
\nImproved marketing\/promotion
\nInnovation
\nAccess to skilled labour
\nAccess to fibre resources
\nIncreased silviculture investment
\nImproved forest practices
\nFull implementation of Lahey recommendations
\nIncentives (e.g. innovation rebate program)
\nAccess to capital\/financing
\nSupport from government
\nSupport from others
\nAll of the above
\nNone of the above
\nOther (please specify)
\nDon’t know\/unsure<\/p>\n

20. Is there an opportunity to grow, diversify, or expand your company or organization?
\nYes
\nNo
\nDon’t know
\nNot applicable<\/p>\n

21. In one sentence, please describe Nova Scotia’s forestry sector.<\/p>\n

22. In your opinion, how important is the forestry sector to Nova Scotia’s economy?
\n1 \u2013 Not important at all 2 3 4 5 \u2013 Neither important or unimportant 6 7 8 9 10 \u2013 Critically important Don’t know\/not applicable<\/p>\n

23. How important do you believe the forestry sector is to each of the following areas?
\n1 \u2013 Not at all important 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 \u2013 Very important Don’t know
\nMy local economy
\nThe rural economy
\nThe Atlantic Canadian economy
\nThe Canadian economy
\nThe overall image of Nova Scotia<\/p>\n

24. In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing Nova Scotia’s forestry sector?
\nBox<\/p>\n

25. In your opinion, what is the biggest opportunity available to Nova Scotia’s forestry sector?
\nBox<\/p>\n

26. Do you feel industrial forestry has a place in Nova Scotia?
\nYes
\nNo<\/p>\n

27. Do you have any concerns about using forest products or where\/how they are sourced?
\nYes
\nNo
\nI haven’t thought about it.<\/p>\n

28. In what way do you use the forest or forest products?
\nPlease select all that apply.
\nHousehold items (e.g. toilet paper, book, paper, paper towel, cutting board, wooden spoon, etc.)
\nConstruction items (e.g. lumber, plywood, etc.)
\nHome heating (e.g. pellets, firewood, etc.)
\nLandscaping and other maintenance (e.g. bark mulch, chips, shavings, etc.)
\nHarvesting (food items, medicinal ingredients, traditional\/ceremonial items, etc.)
\nRecreation
\nOther (please specify)
\nNone of the above<\/p>\n

29. Are you familiar with the Lahey Report?
\nYes
\nNo<\/p>\n

30. As a key stakeholder, what type of information do you want to receive on the Nova Scotia forestry sector? Box<\/p>\n

31. In your opinion, what does sustainability mean for the Nova Scotia forestry sector? Box<\/p>\n

32. Thinking of the entire forestry sector in Nova Scotia, over the next 5\u201310 years where do you believe the sector is headed? Box<\/p>\n

33. Please share any final comments or suggestions you would like to share Box<\/p>\n

34. In which Nova Scotia county(s) do you reside?
\nAnnapolis
\nAntigonish
\nCape Breton
\nColchester
\nCumberland
\nDigby
\nEast Hants
\nGuysborough
\nHalifax
\nInverness
\nKings
\nLunenburg
\nPictou
\nQueens
\nRichmond
\nShelburne
\nVictoria
\nWest Hants
\nYarmouth
\nOutside of Nova Scotia
\nPrefer not to answer<\/p>\n

35. Do you identify as First Nations or Indigenous?
\nYes
\nNo
\nPrefer not to answer<\/p>\n

36. Which of the following age category best represents you?
\n18\u201324
\n25\u201334
\n35\u201344
\n45\u201354
\n55\u201364
\n65 or above
\nPrefer not to answer<\/p>\n

37. How do you identify your gender?<\/p>\n

Man
\nWoman
\nTrans man
\nTrans woman
\nNon-binary
\nGender-fluid
\nOther (please self-identify)
\nPrefer not to answer<\/p>\n

38. We will be holding additional one-on-one interviews and niche workshops to better understand stakeholder perspectives on sustaining and growing their economic capacity. Would you be interested in participating? If so, please share your name and email address. This information will only be used to invite you to participate in these sessions.
\nName:
\nEmail:
\nOrganization:<\/p>\n

39. Thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback. You have the option to identify your organization, or you may submit your feedback anonymously.
\nPrefer to submit anonymously
\nPrefer to identify my organization
\nSUBMIT<\/p>\n