Acadian Forest Families

A small and rapidly growing group of woodlot owners and wood workers in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island is dreaming of, and working to realize, a complete transformation of the way forestry is done in the Acadian Forest. This group called the Acadian Forest Families (sometimes they refer to themselves simply as “the pool”), has pooled its commitment, expertise, and experience to affect real change.

As of December 1, 2007, “the pool” comprised 30 families and over 12,000 acres of forest land, certified as being managed according to the best known forestry practices. “Best” in this sense includes ecological and community values as well as economic viability. Certification of excellence is granted by the global accreditation body, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), and by the even stricter regional certifier, Nagaya Forest Restoration.

In addition to the focus on good forestry practices in the Acadian Forest, the “pool” members recognize the importance of  full family participation in forestry work, hence the name, Acadian Forest Families. They are confident that transformation will be led by families, hundreds of them, transforming their own lives, and the lives of their communities, in relation to the lives of all other human and non-human beings. In other words, we cannot expect forestry leadership to come from government or industry, but rather it is possible through the care and commitment of individuals and families.

The Acadian Forest Families is an open gathering of like-minded (about forestry issues) people. Everyone is invited to participate. As their slogan goes, “Everyone can bring everyone along.” You can join in various ways:

• If you own forest land, you can have it certified by agreeing to meet the standards of Nagaya and the FSC. This includes such things as refraining from high grading, clearcutting, pesticide spraying or other activities that cause harm. The bigger picture is committing to act in ways that support community and ecological integrity. You don’t have to have a commercial woodlot. Even small forested lots used primarily for the enjoyment of your family and friends can support this transformation by getting certified. If you’re interested, contact Bill McKay, nagaya@nbnet.nb.ca
• If you are a wood worker, you can participate by agreeing to use wood certified to have come from forest areas which meet the standards of Nagaya and the FSC. In order that your customers can have the assurance that your wood is from certified sources, you can get a “Chain-of-Custody” certification. You can contact Bill McKay about this too. nagaya@nbnet.nb.ca
• If you buy wood products, and  who doesn’t, you can participate in the transformation by purchasing Nagaya and FSC certified wood products. Whenever you shop, ask the supplier if the products carry Nagaya and FSC certification. If they never heard of it, tell them about what’s going on in the Maritimes, or refer them to this website. If you want to know who does sell certified products, contact Nagaya (nagaya@nbnet.nb.ca) or the Maritime Ecoforestry School, RR2 New Germany, NS, B0R 1E0.