Once a hallmark of the Acadian Forest, old growth has become rare. Under the Interim Old Forest Policy introduced in 1999, over 200,000 ha of forest has been identified on Crown land which conserves a network of old forest restoration opportunities and remnant old growth (>125 years old). Conservation of old forests on private land is actively encouraged and supported through several initiatives, while research is ongoing to develop tools, monitor progress, and better define old growth in different forest communities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Links

Ecological Land Classification
The Ecological Land Classification for Nova Scotia provides an hierarchical mapping of the province's forest ecosystems. This includes interpretation of the dominant natural disturbance regimes and potential climax forests at the ecosection level of classification. Nova Scotia's Ecological Land Classification is available on-line both as a viewable map or downloadable digital database. A pdf report is also available.

Forest Ecosystem Classification
In 2010, results from 10 years of FEC project work were synthesized to produce a comprehensive provincial FEC guide which is presented in three documents: Forest Ecosystem Classification for Nova Scotia: Part I Vegetation Types (2010); Part II Soil Types (2010); and Part III Ecosites (2010). This three-part guide builds upon, but also supersedes, all earlier FEC publications.

Snags and Coarse Woody Debris

Research Reports

Implementing Ecosystem Based Integrated Resource Manangement in Nova Scotia
A systematic approach to ecosystem based intergrated resource management has evolved to include ecological planning tools, forest modelling, policy, and regulations. Development of this system is reported in the NRCAN publication: Implementing Ecosystem-based management Approaches in Canada's Forests.

Road Index
The GIS based Road Index maps the spatial influence of the transportation network to help planners integrate the transportation system into an ecological landscape analysis process.