David Thomas
David started working in the woods with his father before he was old enough to run a tractor at a time when buck saws and horse logging were standard practice. After high school, he took a job with the Forest Inventory Division of DNR and went on to graduate from Ranger School in 1968.
Among many highlights over a long forestry career, Dave fondly recalls the work he did as a Conservation Officer stationed in Kentville alongside his trusted tracking dog ‘Lucky’, before switching to the Private Land Program in Digby to focus on the art and science of silviculture – a passion he continues to pursue well into retirement. Dave has around 500 acres of land that showcase a legacy of forest management over seven generations promoting natural regeneration and forest health. The woodlot also features an active Sugar Bush and a Christmas Tree Farm that began nearly 40 years ago.
During this time, David co-founded North Range Forest Products, a mill and contracting company that continues to operate in the Digby region working closely with Western Woodlot Services Co-op, run by long-time business partner Harold Alexander and Dave’s son Brian. The company practices ecological forestry harvesting and provides locally sourced lumber and firewood to the western region.
David and Sheila were recognized for their lifelong dedication to excellence in forest management winning the Western Region’s Woodlot Owner of the Year Award not once, but twice. In 2024 David became the Federation’s inaugural Honorary Board Member. Dave continues to support our efforts as a valued advisor, committee member, and friend. Thank you for your many years of service on behalf of Nova Scotia’s Woodland Owners!
