Pat and Janet O'Toole, who run a 243-acre woodlot in Carrolls Corner, were chosen as the provincial winner, and central regional winner for their commitment to low-impact harvesting. The family's practice of partial harvesting ensures steady growth of trees of varying ages resulting in continuous tree cover.
The O'Toole woodlot also features a maple syrup operation, and numerous hiking trails which have been used by local Scouting and 4-H groups for exploring and learning opportunities.
The O'Tooles will be presented with the award at a public field day on Sept. 29.
The Department of Natural Resources has presented the Woodlot Owner of the Year Award program since 1990. Nominations are evaluated by department staff for regional winners, while the provincial winner is selected by a committee of foresters, wildlife specialists, industry representatives, previous winners, and environmental or forestry undergraduate students.
Nova Scotia residents who own 20 to 800 hectares of woodland are eligible for woodlot owner awards. Nominations are accepted at Department of Natural Resources offices until April 15 each year. More information is available on the department's website at www.gov.ns.ca/natr/woodlot/woya/.
Truro Daily News
