The Ecology Action Centre advocates for the health and diversity of the ecosystem through sustainable forestry management practices. Given our current global climate crisis and rate of biodiversity loss, we cannot waste time in moving toward solutions that are based in science and upon merit.
Ecological Forestry
Ecological Forestry
We advocate for ecological forestry practices, which are best described by William Lahey in his 2018 report, An Independent Review of Forest Practices in Nova Scotia.
Lahey calls for a triad model for Crown lands that would split forests into three categories: production forests, protected forests, and the ecological matrix, which allows some “light-touch” forestry. The triad model centres the health and diversity of the ecosystem as the overriding management objective. We have been vocal in our support for the adoption of the recommendations in his report and their immediate implementation.
Together with the Healthy Forest Coalition, we work on public advocacy projects, lobbying government, and collaborating with allies across the province. Learn more about the Healthy Forest Coalition.
The EAC is pleased to be on the board of directors for this and support the work of the Otter Ponds Demonstration Forest. It remains a strong demonstration site for ecology forest and forest ecology research and enjoyment.
Biomass
Biomass
We strongly oppose the use of forest biomass as a fuel for electricity generation. This is inherently inefficient, and its use reinforces indiscriminate clearcutting as well as significant atmospheric pollution. Among its many harmful outcomes, Nova Scotia’s native forest, the Acadian Forest, is already highly degraded and depleted. It’s classified as one of North America’s most endangered forests. Allowing and encouraging a market for forest biomass, unless carefully regulated as recommended in this report, will undoubtedly accelerate the degradation of our forest, reducing both the economic and ecological value of these areas for the next generation.