The Forestry Innovation Transition Trust is investing $1.8 million in new projects aimed at strengthening Nova Scotia’s forestry sector while supporting more sustainable and wildfire-resilient practices.
The funding includes $800,000 for the Association for Sustainable Forestry, which will work with private landowners and contractors to find new uses and markets for low-grade wood fibre that often goes to waste.
The effort will focus on more efficient harvesting, transportation, and sale of underused material, with the added benefit of removing debris from the forest floor — a known wildfire risk.
Another $1 million over two years will go to Forest Nova Scotia to expand and maintain access-road programs for woodlot owners.
According to the province, improved road access makes selective harvesting easier, reduces the amount of leftover wood that can fuel fires, and ensures contractors and emergency responders can reach forested areas more quickly.
Since its creation in 2020, the Forestry Innovation Transition Trust has committed more than $50 million to projects designed to help the industry modernize, diversify its products, and build new economic opportunities.
Forestry remains a significant employer in Nova Scotia, with about 6,400 jobs tied directly or indirectly to the sector.
The province has roughly four million hectares of forest, representing about 72 per cent of its land area.
