- In Case You Missed It
- Our History in Forestry
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- A Walk In The Woods
- Did You Know...
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ICYMI
Educating the Public
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Public awareness and education about the forestry sector has been lacking for years. Unless directly involved in the industry, many people do not understand what the term silviculture means and continue to look at the forestry sector with a negative lens. The Cumberland Business Connector has been part of these community sessions and the CFAC since the closure of Northern Pulp was announced. The Connector saw the need to educate residents of Cumberland County on our forestry industry, which led to the development of the above video. A huge thank you goes out to Nova Social Media and Marketing for producing the video, C.E Harrison & Sons for showcasing their operations, and Mac Davis for underlining the science behind harvesting and sustainable management of woodlands.
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The new Minster of the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables, which combines the former Departments of Lands and Forestry and Energy and Mines, is the MLA for Cumberland South, the Honourable Tory Rushton.
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Below are images of the Reid's sawmill that was located in West Advocate. This sawmill operated until the late 60's.
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A Walk In The Woods
Wildfires and Volunteers
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Importance of volunteers fighting wildfires is huge and invaluable
"Remember, only you can prevent forest fires." - Smokey
There has been much discussion in recent weeks about the unusually dry and hot conditions that have caused disastrous wildfires in western Canada and the US. The hot, dry weather seems to be making its way eastward. Although we in Nova Scotia have been relatively fortunate this spring and summer due to periodic rainfall, we know from experience how quickly this can change after a week or two of dry weather.
Once a wildfire gets established, it can create its own terrifying hot and ember filled winds that dry and torch everything in its way. There have been countless examples on this occurring in BC in recent weeks. In fact, my brother in law who is a professional forester in BC, recounted how recently a wind swept wildfire spread quickly across three watersheds to quickly destroy nine large forestry machines that were working on creating firebreaks in an attempt to stop the fire many kilometers away just a couple days before. Resulting were many millions of dollars lost and the company workers narrowly escaping with their lives.
Here in Nova Scotia, we are dependent on the many community volunteer fire brigades to be the first on site, and often to extinguish both building and forest wildfires. To witness these well trained volunteers work cooperatively together is impressive. Through mutual aid agreements, the brigades routinely work together or support each other whenever required. Therefore, the various brigades can supply different services or support such as fire fighters, tactical planning assistance, equipment such as hose, ground tools, tankers, pumpers, tanks, traffic control, vehicle support, communications, equipment and food supply.
Since the brigades are located in rural communities throughout Nova Scotia, they are often the first to arrive at and start suppression activities on wildfires - both grass and forest fires. If it were not for their quick and skilled action, there would be many larger, more costly, and damaging wildfires in the province every year. We owe these brave men and women a great amount of gratitude.
The value of these volunteer fire brigade members cannot be over-stated. They are heroes in every sense of the word. These men and women literally put their health and lives on the line every time they answer a fire call so that you and I will be safe from loss and damage due to structure fires and wildfires. They don’t do this to become famous or to become rich. In fact, not only are these members unpaid volunteers, answering fire calls also usually costs them out-of-pocket money for travel as well as sometimes the loss of wages from their regular jobs. They are willing to risk much for the sake of others - most of whom are total strangers who often take them for granted. They simply want to do the right thing that can help others. As encouragement for new and current members, hopefully over time, there may be appropriate financial incentives developed for volunteers - especially those that provide such essential emergency services. They certainly deserve it.
Sadly, we are living in a time when society doesn't produce nearly as many, or enough volunteers. It is the volunteers that add so much vitality, capacity, opportunity, potential and general high quality of life to communities. Without new volunteers to work with, or take over, from aging volunteers, we are all worse off for it. We need more people coming forward to get involved in the world outside of their work or personal interests.
If you look at most long term volunteer organizations such as fire brigades and community service organizations, you will notice that the average age is creeping up with relatively few new recruits joining the ranks. If we hope to enjoy a similar quality of life in our communities, we will have to see more people stepping up to the volunteer plate.
Thank you to volunteer fire brigades and their members. May you remain active and healthy as members and as organizations, for the benefit of all Nova Scotians.
-Don Cameron, RPF
July 28, 2021
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Interested in more A Walk In The Woods articles from Don Cameron? Check out his article on Chaga and his Mid-Summer Check Up, here.
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