The government of Nova Scotia has announced appointments to the Forest Biodiversity Science Advisory Committee and the Ministerial Advisory Committee.
“We’re entering a new phase in ecological forestry implementation and it’s important to me that our work continues to be guided by expert voices and the best available science,” saidNatural Resources and Renewables Minister Tory Rushton. “I thank committee members for sharing their time and expertise on behalf of all Nova Scotians. As we move forward with this critical work, we will benefit from these additional perspectives, as well as ongoing input from key stakeholders and the public.”
The two advisory committees, with refreshed terms of reference and membership, will help the province implement ecological forestry and achieve healthier forests, the statement said. Appointments include people from environmental organizations, the forestry industry, the Mi’kmaw community and academia.
Six members have been appointed to the Forest Biodiversity Science Advisory Committee, which guides the Department’s forest science and research. Members were chosen for their field expertise and their advice will address complex biodiversity conservation and resource-use issues. The committee will be providing scientific reviews needed to carry out several recommendations from the Forest Practices Review.
The Ministerial Advisory Committee, established in 2019, completed its mandate last fall. Six new members and one returning member have been appointed to advise the Minister on the adoption of ecological forestry on Crown land. This includes a new independent chair. Members were chosen for their expertise or experience in biodiversity and forestry.
“Our committee will guide necessary scientific research and connect with the broader scientific community to support ecological forestry. The committee will also be focused on specific recommendations from the Forest Practices Review related to healthy forests and biodiversity, as we move to an ecosystem approach to forestry and sustainable forest resource use,” said Tara Crewe, chair of the Forest Biodiversity Science Advisory Committee and manager of ecosystems and habitats for the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables.
