Dear Honorable Iain Rankin,
Congratulations on being elected premier of Nova Scotia.
I have read the environmental plan at voterankin.ca. I was happy to see that you plan to pass an improved Biodiversity Act and amend the Crown Lands Act in the next legislative session. This is a good step in the right direction, and I am glad to see that environmental issues are being treated urgently, as they should be.
There are some other good steps in this plan too, but we need more bold, rapid action to protect Nova Scotian ecosystems. You must do the following immediately:
- Declare a moratorium on all even aged harvests on crown land to remain in place until all crown lands have been allocated to a leg of the triad, and the new Forest Management Guides are completed. The Liberal government has put off adopting the Lahey report for years, now there is no time for half measures. Implementing a moratorium would immediately benefit the at risk and endangered species of Nova Scotia. Every acre of forest clearcut increases the risk to the food security of the moose, and other species.
As such, starting March 8th, I am refusing to eat until this demand has been met. I strongly believe that Nova Scotia could be a global climate leader. You have the power, and the responsibility, to lead Nova Scotia into a new era of climate action and respect for the natural environment. I hope you will do what must be done to protect future generations.
Thank you for your time,
Jacob Fillmore
There will be another rally at Province House in support of Jacob’s demands, Tuesday March 23, 12 PM.
See also: Jacob Fillmore: “The forests need protection now”
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I look back to the 50’s in NS when a few farmers would cut a few railway cars full of pulp wood, and pit props for sale.some of that was before chainsaws were available, and the old cross cut saw was common. Seldom was more than a 150′ diameter cut, and that never less than 100′ from the cut of the year before. Any damaged trees were taken and anything not salable went for firewood. a few logs were cut if needed, but if boards were desired, they looked for a tree or two that would provide that many.Rabbits and deer were common, grouse plentiful ans squirrels annoying. Hawks and owls were seen most days, and it was a pleasure to walk through those areas in summer or winter. The farmer made enough money for feed and seed, and everyone was happy. Rich? Only in the heart, but that satisfied. Now, it seems that no one is. If you can, fly over the Garden Of Eden in Pictou Co and look at what is left just east of the Eden Lake. Once the home of many moose, I doubt it any are to be seen now. Their home is gone. In the 70s and80s, it was common to see 3-7 moose in a day’s hike or ski around the area. Now flat.swamps are dry, and few birds are seen. Once the home of settlers off the Hector, itis no one’s home now.