Friend of the Forest

It’s important to speak up on forest issues! Public forests should, by definition, be managed according to the interest and values of the public. Provincial governments often consult the public on forestry issues through surveys and other forums. Other ways of expressing support for forests include signing petitions, writing your local representative, and casting your vote.

Herbicides are used to kill young hardwood trees that naturally regenerate in clearcuts, and compete with the softwood trees planted by industry. Hardwoods provide food and habitat to wildlife that the softwoods do not; what's more, simplifying the forest to just a couple of softwood species makes it vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

Clearcutting doesn't require forest knowledge or technical skill, and it gives the greatest return on investment. Additionally, the forest industry has kept timber prices low for many years, which forces landowners to cut a lot of wood to make money. After decades of market control and low wood prices, a lot of the knowledge and skill to do things differently have been lost.

The most sustainable option for paper products is 100% post-consumer recycled products. Certifications exist for other wood products; the most rigorous certification body is the Forest Stewardship Council. You can source construction lumber directly from a local mill. The Maritime Lumber Bureau keeps a helpful registry of lumber graders and mills, but there are many other small sawmills.