Truro, NS -
The many challenges and changes facing the forestry industry today are being discussed during a two-day event underway in Truro (Nova Scotia).
Phillip Redden, president of the Registered Professional Foresters Association of Nova Scotia and chairman of the Canadian Institution of Forestry -Nova Scotia Section, said (March 25) more than 100 people are expected to participate in the Forest Professionals of Nova Scotia annual general meeting.
"We typically try to provide information on the state of the industry and at this event we have full representation from one end of the province to the other," said Redden.
He said one of the major challenges is the downturn of the industry that occurred in 2008 and carried into 2009, caused by a drop in lumber exports to the United States and the low value of their dollar.
Another issue is the recruitment of young people into the industry.
"We are trying to continue to have increased exposure," said the president. "The forestry industry is not the desired choice of career for young people today."
He said there are so many opportunities for young people in today's job market that the uncertainty of the forestry industry may discourage some from choosing to pursue it as a career choice.
Mike Brown of Truro has been a professional forester for 30 years and said he looks forward to the two-day event each year because it offers great networking opportunities.
"I'm self-employed so it's great to meet business contacts," he said.
He said it is a good way to get up-to-date information on issues impacting the industry and to find out what regulatory changes may be implemented.
One of the plenary sessions included a discussion on the Right to Practice, an issue the association and government are working together on to recognize accreditation and skill set of professional foresters to a higher level than what is currently available.
"We're working on investigating the opportunities and it's sort of in the early stages," said Redden. "We want to make sure it's a well thought-out thing and it fits the mold for Nova Scotia."
Some other topics discussed during the meeting were watercourse and wetland registration, the role of genetics in sustainable forest management markets, forest pests, wildlife issues, silviculture monitoring, biomass harvesting and emerging trends for managing geographic information.
