1890 Canadian Forcslri/ Journal, September, 1918 



A Forward Move in Nova Scotia! 



Forest areas now working at half 

 capacity — ^ Potential value of 

 N. S. Woodlands 300 millions. 



That Nova Scotia Nvill be the next province to hitch its forest resources 

 to enhghtened management appears now to be something more than a distant 

 expectation. By no means has the Nova Scotia Government failed to 

 appreciate the importance of a progressive forest policy. In 1909 and 1910 

 a forest survey, undertaken by Dr. Fernow, Dr. Howe'and Mr. J. H. White 

 rendered results of great value from the stock-taking point of view. The 

 Nova Scotia Legislature also passed an Act providing for the appointment 

 of a Provincial Forester and upon that legislative move great hopes were 

 based at the time. 



Most of Forests in Private Ownership 



Onlookers have sometimes failed to make allowance for the unique 

 position in \vhich Nova Scotia's Government is placed in relation to control of 

 forestry affairs. By far the larger part of the wooded area, (about eighty per 

 cent.), is owned by private persons and companies. Not only are the revenues 

 from Crown Forests relatively slight, but the authority of the Government 

 in imposing conservation requirements on timberlands is limited to the least 

 valuable and accessible areas, located chiefly in Cape Breton. 



When all considerations are matched, however, the strong conviction 

 persists that one of the chief functions of government is to protect and per- 

 petuate the forest resources. This is not a matter alone of exercising police 

 power. In fact, the situation in Nova Scotia calls not for a dosage of Law but 

 for a mutually-agreeable form of co-operation between government ancl 

 private owners. 



Indeed, every phase of the present forestry situation in Nova Scotia — 

 fire prevention, administration of the ranger system, examination of Crown 

 lands, study of private woodlands with a view to their more profitable opera- 

 tion — suggests the appointment of a Provincial Forester, not five years from 

 now but NOW. Measured in terms of public welfare, the proper sort of 

 Forester could earn his salary a thousand times over. 

 A Campaign of Education Started 



The Canadian P'orestiy Association, during the past month (and con- 

 tinuing through the months of October and November) has been directing 

 a campaign of popular education in Nova Scotia so as to apprise thousands of 

 citizens of the imperative need of a forward movement in forest conservation. 

 The purpose is to create a sufficient public opinion to justify any government 

 in proceeding along the lines suggested. 



There would seem little doubt that the appointment of a Provincial 

 Forester would attract general support. One of the largest lumber firms in the 

 province wrote the Forestiy Association in this vein: "Your plan, as out- 

 lined, is exactly what is required in this Province. It would not only be 

 popular so far as the government is concerned but would be a long step in 

 advance in regard to the protection and increase of our remaining forest 

 area." 



The Lumbermen's Association of Western Nova Scotia have pressed for a 

 Provincial Forester and fully realize the gravity of further delay. 



The Commission of Conservation have not only urged similar action 

 upon the Government repeatedly but have done an invaluable service in 

 publishing and circulaling Dr. Fernow's study of Nova Scotia forest con- 

 ditions. 



The following excerpts from Dr. Fernow's book arc of inLerest to every 



