Engaging woodland stewards in forest biodiversity assessment
Abigail Lewis1, Jane Barker1
1Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute, Kempt, NS
Through support from the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables, the Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute has developed a protocol for and initiated biodiversity assessments on small private land holdings since 2020. The assessment aims to quantify forest structural features, provide recommendations for enhancements to wildlife habitat through forest management practices and engage land stewards in biodiversity and species at risk protection. To date, over 21 land stewards have participated in this work within Kespukwitk. Areas of potentially important habitat were identified as a part of woodlot assessments and follow up surveys discovered habitat use by 10 at-risk migratory birds. New locations of threats to biodiversity including invasive plant and insect species were also recorded. Strengthened partnerships with land stewards and regional forest professionals through the Family Forest Network will enhance a province-wide pilot of whole cost accounting of the implementation of ecological forestry in Nova Scotia, including incorporation of MTRI’s forest biodiversity assessment.
Keywords: Forest Biodiversity, Land Stewards, Conservation, Ecological Forestry
Presentation type: poster
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