• Every woodland owner who becomes a member of The Federation is entitled to a free, half-day, on-site forest consulting service with one of our trained forestry staff, who can provide advice on many aspects of woodland management and answer any questions you may have.

• In addition to our consulting services, FNSWO holds events and membership meetings so you can learn, network, and participate in shaping the future of forestry in our Province.

• For support with forest ecosystems research, to report a forestry problem in your area, or to share an event, please write to us.

We support efforts within small-scale, low intensity and community forests to promote a diversity of economic, environmental, and social goals by attaining voluntary FSC-certification specific to the forests of the Maritime Provinces under the Nova Scotia Association for Woodland Owners Certification Program (FSC-C020468). Our certified forestry staff will work with private or community landowners to create a detailed description of your woodland with tailored plans for any forestry activities or goals. Certification provides landowners with the reassurance that harvests and sales can be independently verified through chain of custody marketing to track premium marketable timber from forest certification to trademark product. FSNWO also works to pool FSC-certified woodlots to facilitate sales agreements and create new market opportunities for timber and non-timber products. Annual surveillance audits are conducted on select, representative management plans to validate your efforts and verify compliance with FSC requirements. Landowners receive a FSC certification plan while FNSWO maintains documentation. Certificates are valid for 10 years. Contact us for more details or to schedule a site visit.

For woodland owners interested in strategic management plans for active woodlots and Acadian forest restoration: we will design a 2-4 year strategic plan based on your unique woodland features and forestry goals. High quality maps, boundary lines, and wood volume estimates based on ground-proofed, Geomatics data are provided to identify and plan for all your forestry needs including relevant silviculture and harvest treatments, the protection of watercourses, or high conservation value forest. Whether you're interested in accessing silviculture funding for ecological harvesting, building recreation trails, planning a business, or developing a conservation easement, our staff are there to support you and your forest.

For individuals or municipalities, our forestry professionals can help you mitigate wildfire risk through FireSmart education, onsite assessments, and forest management prescriptions. We identify areas where improvements can be made to reduce fuel loads, increase moisture retention, and raise awareness of wildfire hazards so you can develop emergency preparedness plans and keep up to date on Provincial fire restrictions.

• Using acoustic recording units (ARUs) and field observations we can identify and monitor song birds that frequent your forest or confirm that rare avian passing through on the fly.

• The Federation is also keen to protect Nova Scotia’s 64 species at risk. If your forest is home to the endangered Pine Martin, a Ram’s Head Lady Slipper or Black Ash, the Federation will work with local knowledge keepers and biologists to support biodiversity, species recovery, and projects such as trail building, or low-impact harvesting for sensitive habitats.

FNSWO is working with private landowners, partner groups, and individuals with knowledge of draft horses around the province and across the country in an effort to assist in developing a safe and economically viable horse logging initiative in Nova Scotia.

The Federation believes that horse logging could fill an important gap in the Province's ecological forestry mandate at a time when many small private landowners are struggling to find contractors to assist in their efforts to practice sustainable forestry. We also hope to support the development of new economic opportunities for people who enjoy, or who may be interested in working with, draft horses either on a part-time/occasional or full-time basis in the forestry sector. 

As a first step, we would like to extend an invitation to anyone who wishes to be contacted to discuss and share knowledge on safe and best practices as well as rates and incentives for various silviculture treatments compatible with horse logging, transportation, and sale of timber.

Email info@fnswo.ca or call us at (902) 536-3365‬.

For non-resident landowners, our forestry professionals can monitor landholdings, conduct initial or periodic site assessments for real estate or management purposes, and prepare woodland reports to help you keep track of your forest.

When it comes to navigating Nova Scotia's forestry landscape many people feel lost in the woods. Let FNSWO help you find your way and introduce you to all your forest has to offer. Contact us for information on special forestry initiatives and service providers throughout the Province or reach out directly to our Federation Friends.

For profiles on our members and events throughout the year, check us out on Facebook or Instagram