Tuesday 16 August 2011

Nova Scotia Action Plan for Natural Resources

 

Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources (August, 2011). From Strategy to Action, An Action Plan
for the Path We Share, A Natural Resources Strategy for Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia Department of Natural
Resources

Introduction
From Strategy to Action
" Sustainability, Diversity, Collaboration, Transparency and Informed Decision Making. These are the values that guide our 10-year natural resources strategy. The strategy marks a departure from traditional natural resource management and is inspired by a vision of a sustainable and prosperous future—a vision described to us by Nova Scotians and reflected in jobsHere, the economic plan for Nova Scotia. As the foundation for the government’s extensive agenda of change, the principles inherent in that economic plan give direction to this strategy and the actions that flow from it. "
 
By JAMIE SIMPSON
Thu, Aug 18 
There’s no positive change in sight for Nova Scotia’s forests. While the just-released Natural Resources Strategy for 2011-2020 contains positive language about collaboration and new directions, the Nova Scotia government has failed to deliver on the challenging issues of reducing clearcutting and eliminating whole-tree harvesting.

The government’s solution to clearcutting, apparently, is to define clearcutting so narrowly that it nearly no longer exists. In fact, under the government’s narrow definition of a clearcut, I would hazard the 50 per cent goal has already been reached. As long as a few scattered trees are left standing on the harvest site, then presto, a clearcut is no longer a clearcut. The strategy contains no guidance or action for a real shift to uneven-aged harvesting methods.

Reducing clearcutting by a simple change of definition is hardly original. The forestry industry has used this smoke-and-mirrors method for years to try to convince the gullible that leaving behind a smattering of trees means that a clearcut is no longer a clearcut. Our government seems to have caught on to the practice.

And what of the government’s consistent promise to eliminate whole-tree harvesting? Gone. Now the government is committing to develop, sometime over the next six months, rules for whole-tree harvesting.

What does the strategy offer? One promise has been kept — to eliminate the $600,000 in public funding for herbicide treatments. Unfortunately, the language used in the strategy on this issue is archaic, referring to hardwood trees targeted by herbicides as nothing more than "weeds" that can still be removed with the help of other publicly funded programs.
What else? After more than three years of public consultation, expert panel reports and stakeholder meetings, the government has concluded that collaboration with forest stakeholders and commitment to good governance should be priorities at the Department of Natural Resources.

All in all, the government’s new 10-year strategy is high on process, but hollow on meaningful action: It’s a disappointment and a wasted opportunity to listen to Nova Scotians’ call for meaningful change. As the government talks about collaboration and good governance, Nova Scotia’s forests will continue to be clearcut, and whole-tree harvesting will increasingly ravage Nova Scotia’s landscape.

Jamie Simpson is a professional forester and the author of Restoring the Acadian Forest, A guide to forest stewardship for woodlot owners in the Maritimes.

The Path We Share, A Natural Resources Strategy for Nova Scotia 2011-2020


Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources (August, 2011). The Path We Share, A Natural Resources Strategy for Nova Scotia 2011-2020, Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources.

Here it is at last - 8 months late - but is it worth the wait?

" The natural resources of the province belong to all Nova Scotians, and all share the responsibility of ensuring the survival and good health of those resources for future generations. The government is presenting this strategy, but its fate is in the hands of thousands of others – owners of large and small tracts of land, industry leaders, communities, environmental groups, municipal leaders, the Mi’kmaq, the next generation of political leaders, teachers, researchers, and academics. They and many other Nova Scotians will play a vital role, including the making of decisions that determine the future of woodlots, mining ventures, the living environment, parks, and protected land. "

Sunday 7 August 2011

Memory Lane Heritage Village Eastern Shore Nova Scotia

Special Events 

 

In addition to the daily tours and demonstrations, a series of Special Events are held throughout the year. Generally, special admission fees will apply.
[ view all events ] [ view events archives ]
8th Annual Atlantic Canada Harmonica Festival


Spend the day with musicians who love this unique and versatile instrument. If you have ever thought about playing the harmonica, this is the place to start. If you played in the past and it’s now gathering dust, we’ll inspire you to start again. And if you’re a regular player, you’ll be happy to jam or share a tune with other professional and amateur performers.
This is a relaxing and intimate festival, held on the grounds and inside the Heritage Village historic buildings.
The festival ends with a two hour showcase concert featuring harmonica players from all musical genres, from the Isle of Skye to the Mississippi Delta.
A full schedule will be posted closer to the festival date. Check the Harmonica Website too for more information at http://www.harmonicafestival.ca.
Date: Saturday August 20th, 2011
Location: Memory Lane Heritage Village
Fee: $15 Day Admission, $5 per class, $10 for evening showcase, $49 Festival Pass includes lunch and supper, day and evening events.
Hours:
10 AM - 10 PM

For more information call: 845-1937 / 1-877-287-0697 or email: info@heritagevillage.ca
Eastern Shore Homecoming
A day of celebrating the families and culture of the Eastern Shore. Heritage displays, help with researching your roots, and a great chance to meet family from near and far.
Genealogical services from the Eastern Shore Archives are available all day, with our vast community photo database and knowledgeable staff.
Stay tuned for a full agenda of activities.

Date: Sunday August 28th, 2011
Location: Memory Lane Heritage Village
Fee: Free Admission today!
Hours:
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

For more information call: 845-1937 / 1-877-287-0697 or email: info@heritagevillage.ca
Musique Royale Concert with Blue Engine String Quartet
On Saturday, September 17th 2011, Musique Royale, in partnership with Memory Lane Heritage Village, will present the Blue Engine String Quartet in the historic Clam Harbour United Church at Memory Lane followed by a lamplight “Inspired by Music” heritage dinner in the Village’s Cookhouse. The Blue Engine String Quartet have been widely acclaimed, holding true to classical roots by performing many of the masterworks of the string quartet repertoire, including twentieth century landmarks by Ravel, Shostakovich, and Arvo Pärt. The Quartet has also worked closely with important Canadian composers Christos Hatzis, Peter Togni, Tony Genge and Brian Current.
 
Repertoire
• Mozart String Quartet No. 17    K458  "Hunt"
• Set of Klezmer Freylachs including Klezmar Wedding Dance and Brahms Hungarian Dance No. 5
*****intermission*****
• Dvorak 4tet in Eb major Op. 51

Inspired by Music Menu
• Austrian Wedding Soup with ground Nutmeg or Parmesan
• Garden Salad with Fresh Flat bread and Herb Garlic Butter
 • Hungarian Goulash with Homemade Pasta
• Mozart's Delight * Fresh Fruit Tarts * Czech Sweet Dumplings filled with Plum Conserves

Musique Royale, now in its 26th season, is cross-province festival that brings performances of early and traditional music to settings of historic and cultural significance in communities throughout Nova Scotia. And now, for the first time, Musique Royale is coming to the Eastern Shore this Fall.
To view a seating plan, click here: http://heritagevillage.ca/home/images/uploads/Church%20Seating%20Plan.jpg
Tickets can be purchased securely by going online to our giftshop and clicking on the featured item.
Date: Saturday September 17th, 2011
Location: Clam Harbour United Church at Memory Lane Heritage Village
Fee: $50 preferential seating includes "Inspired by Music" Heritage Dinner, some concert only tickets available at $25/ticket
Hours:
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

For more information call: 1-902-877-287-0697 or 1 (902) 845-1937 or email: info@heritagevillage.ca
Inspired by Music Heritage Dinner
A 4 course heritage dinner served by lamplight in the rustic Cookhouse with a menu inspired by the evening's Musique Royal concert featuring the Blue Engine String Quartet at 5 PM. This is an all inclusive ticket (concert & dinner). Only 83 tickets available. Reservations must be made by Thursday the 15th of September at 5 PM. Tickets must be paid for in full at the time of reservation.
Repertoire
• Mozart String Quartet No. 17 K458  "Hunt"
• Set of Klezmer Freylachs including Klezmar Wedding Dance and Brahms Hungarian Dance No. 5
*****intermission*****
• Dvorak 4tet in Eb major Op. 51
Date: Saturday September 17th, 2011
Location: The Cookhouse, Memory Lane Heritage Village
Fee: $50 per person (includes Musique Royal concert ticket)
Hours:
Concert 5:00 PM, Dinner Served at 7:00 PM

For more information call: (902) 845-1937 or 1 (877) 287-0697 or email: info@heritagevillage.ca
Oktoberfest Heritage Dinner
One of our most popular dinners. Authentic Oktoberfest food with live music and Oktoberfest spirit. Reservations must be made by Thursday, October 13th. Purchase tickets online through out gift shop. Cash bar opens at 6:30.

image
Date: Saturday October 15th, 2011
Location: The Cookhouse, Memory Lane Heritage Village
Fee: $25 per person
Hours:
Cash Bar Opens 6:30 PM, Dinner Served 7:00 PM

For more information call: (902) 845-1937 / 1-877-287-0697 or email: info@heritagevillage.ca
Candlelight Concert with “Musical Friends”
The “Musical Friends” choir perform their annual candlelight concert. Seating is limited.
Date: Saturday November 19th, 2011
Location: The Memory Lane Church
Fee: Good will donation welcome
Hours:
5:00 - 6:00 PM (doors will not open until 4:45 PM)

For more information call: (902) 845-1937 or email: info@heritagevillage.ca
Traditional 1940s Christmas Dinner
Our most popular dinner, held by lamplight in the Cookhouse which is “decked out” in 1940s fashion. We will serve a dinner both on Saturday and Sunday evening. The Musical Friends choir will perform in the church at 5 PM on Saturday, November 19th and another choir, TBA,  on Sunday, November 20th. Tickets to the dinner must be paid for when you make your reservation. You can purchase your tickets here, at our online gift shop. No refunds available.

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Date: Saturday November 19th - Sunday November 20th, 2011
Location: The Cookhouse, Memory Lane Heritage Village
Fee: $25.00 per person
Hours:
6:00 Bar Opens; 6:30 Dinner Begins

For more information call: (902) 845-1937 / 1-877-287-0697 or email: info@heritagevillage.ca