The Nova Scotia Woodlot Owners and Operators Association begins a year-long celebration of our 50th anniversary on Saturday, May 25, at the 2019 annual general meeting in Debert.

You are warmly invited to attend this year’s AGM, which will take a close look at the revolutionary changes in woodland management proposed by William Lahey in his “Independent Review of Forest Practices in Nova Scotia.” As you know, NSWOOA has been promoting forest practices that mimic natural processes in the Acadian Forest for more than two decades – and that’s exactly what the review recommended.

If implemented in full, the Lahey proposals will transform forestry in the province. We’ll take a deep dive into his report and what it will mean for family forest owners and Nova Scotia’s woodlands. The program includes:

• A look at the roots and fruits of NSWOOA’s work during the last half-century
• A video of Nova Scotia foresters discussing ecological forestry with Dr. Bob Seymour, a member of the Lahey review team and a creator of the triad approach to forest management
• A keynote address by Dr. Tom Beckley about the challenges of implementing the Lahey recommendations on family forestlands
• Presentation of the “Friend of the Acadian Forest” award to William Lahey

 
The business portion of the meeting is expected to include a discussion of ways to more effectively position our association as the voice of – and advocate for – family forest owners in Nova Scotia.

The meeting will be held at the Debert Hospitality Centre, 130 Ventura Drive, Debert, NS. As always, it will also feature a roomful of great people and a delicious lunch, all for just $15 for members or $25 for non‐members (payable by cash or cheque at the door). Save $10 on the cost of the AGM by joining NSWOOA or renewing your membership at the meeting!

Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. The AGM begins at 9 and concludes around 3:15. The tentative agenda is on the reverse side of this invitation.

To help us plan for meals, advance registration is strongly encouraged by May 20. You can register below or call us toll-free at ​1-855-NS-WOODS (1-855-679-6637).

For a map to the Debert Hospitality Centre, go to: https://goo.gl/maps/m3Gdzcons3WL62No9.

It's time to congratulate ourselves for staying the course over the last 50 years in a market that provides no rewards for principled behaviour. Just as important, it’s your chance to tell us how we can do an even better job in the next half-century.
 
I hope to see you in Debert!
 
Andy Kekacs
Executive Director

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Tentative Agenda
 
8:30    Registration
9:00    Introduction, Andy Kekacs, Executive Director
9:10     Business Meeting

•  Approve final agenda and minutes of the 2018 AGM
•  Finances and brief program update
•  Director nominations
•  Resolutions

10:40   Break
11:00   Roots and Fruits: An NSWOOA Retrospective with Paul Brison and Wade Prest
11:35    Invasive Insect Threats, Celia Boone, Provincial Entomologist
12:15    Lunch
1:15     Ecological Forestry in the North Woods of Maine, a short video featuring Dr. Bob Seymour, George Ritz,
           and foresters from Nova Scotia
1:40    Keynote Address: Implementing the Lahey Recommendations on Family Forests,  Dr. Tom Beckley,
           University of New Brunswick Faculty of Forestry and  Environmental Management
2:40    The Cutting of the 50th Anniversary Cake
3:00    Presentation of the "Friend of the Acadian Forest" award to William Lahey, President of the
            University of  King’s College (in absentia)
3:15    Wrap-up
 
Other Activities
 

•  50 Years in the Woods: A message wall
•  The Next Half-Century: How can NSWOOA continue to make a difference?
•  NSWOOA, Government and the Press in 2018-19

 
Seating is limited, and advance registration is strongly encouraged by May 20. You can register below or call us toll-free at ​1-855-NS-WOODS (1-855-679-6637).
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