N.S. to trim clear-cutting over 5 years

A new strategy for the management of Nova Scotia's forests would limit the amount of wood removed through clear-cutting to less than 50 per cent over a five-year period.

Natural Resources Minister John MacDonell said all commercial harvests would have to register with his department and would be required to make annual progress reports under the plan.

MacDonell has said that about 95 per cent of forestry harvesting in Nova Scotia is done through clear-cutting for a total of 40,000 hectares a year.

The new policy would also look at implementing a provincewide allowable cut limit, although there are no details about what limits are under consideration.

The policy would also prohibit the removal of a whole tree from the forest in order to maintain the soil, although the harvesting of Christmas trees would be exempt.

MacDonell says Mi'kmaq, industry and woodlot owners will be asked for further input before all of the new policies are finalized.