DRAFTING…
Transcripts from Forest NS podcasts that are worth listening to, but for which most of us prob. won’t take the time to do so. The transcripts allow for “quick reads”, also record in print what can sometimes be hard to find elsewhere. Be prepared to be convinced, or not, that “companies like us have the solutions for the future” and of a lot more.
A LOT HAS HAPPENED…
That’s the title of Forest Nova Scotia’s Podcast #9 in its “Forestry Uncut” series.
Go to https://www.forestns.ca/podcast/episode-9
to listen to the full podcast (21 min).
From the Written Intro on the ForestNS website:
In this episode, host Erin Trafford talks with FNS Interim Executive Director Todd Burgess about the positive changes and opportunities emerging within Nova Scotia’s forestry sector. Todd emphasises new projects, like sustainable bioenergy and aviation fuel initiatives, that are creating value from low-quality wood. These examples showcase how forestry can contribute to sustainable development and climate change mitigation. He reflects on the sector’s revitalization and the increasing membership. Erin and Todd discuss the importance of engaging both rural and urban communities to strengthen support and understanding of forestry’s impact.
TRANSCRIPT FROM THE PODCAST
This transcript was prepared by playing the podcast, and allowing MS Word to translate voice to text. It’s not perfect, and doesn’t provide and punctuation, paragraphing etc. So edits were made by NSFM (Nova Scotia Forest Matters) accordingly. As well, we have inserted speaker names, and highlighted some of the text where topics change etc. to make it easier to peruse on the web.
————–
Begin transcript
An original from Story Studio Network.
“She’s an innovator, he’s a problem solver.
And they don’t rely solely on textbooks.”
Mike Treutler
She’s an innovator, he’s a problem solver. And they don’t rely solely on textbooks.
They apply the science of generations of experience, learn from grandparents who planted the seedlings, leaving a legacy for generations not yet imagined.
They nurture nature, I can only see the forest for the trees.
This podcast series tells their story
Welcome to Forestry Uncut
Erin Trafford
Well dear listener, it is now October 2024 and this project is officially out into the world, launched to coincide with Forest Nova Scotia’s annual Our Trees Campaign.
The organization is giving out 10s of thousands of saplings to school kids and families across the province
It’s a celebration of the green future in the region.
Funny, now, though I truly have a different feeling about those saplings where once I probably would have just plunked one into some soil in the yard without much thought, after going through this process telling this big uncut story with you, I see so much more in that tiny tree.
I see the carbon capture. I see the biofuel potential. I see the warmth, the regrowth the raw resource. I see the simplicity of the forest and its complexity.
And I also must bring you up to speed and explain a few things.
You see, as with any story, this one we’re telling is not immune from twists and turns .changes and evolutions.
A couple months ago Stephen Moore stepped away from the executive director role at forest Nova Scotia.
Todd Burgess who is with me today in studio is the newly appointed interim director of the organization.
But make no mistake the interim title does not mean Todd has a lack of experience enthusiasm or vision.
Todd Burgess
When Steven came in I actually applied for the job that Steven got, but when he came on he had such a different point of view about forestry. I was actually kind of glad because he started things in motion that we in forestry wouldn’t normally have done.
So from a fresh perspective, I really did enjoy his input and his direction and leadership for the past couple of years.
I’m not even sure how long he was here, 18 months maybe.
So now that he is moved on, the [things] I’ve learned from him, chill, I think he started the ball rolling for lots of different projects including this one and I guess I feel confident now that I can sort of take those reins learnings from some of the things that he’s done.
So hopefully the word “interim” will not be there for very long; we’ll l see what happens over the next few months.
“ just the momentum that I feel in the sector itself “
Erin Trafford
The interesting thing from my perspective being the outsider kind of parachuting in and talking to all you know a bunch of folks about forestry some of your members some adjacent related researchers and so on and so forth is just the momentum that I feel in the sector itself
It’s like all of a sudden I feel like folks are jelling and having the right conversations and it’s like you’re ready to move to a new a new level
Do you have that same sensation?
Todd Burgess
I do have that same sensation maybe for different reasons than you do.
Yeah but forestry in Nova Scotia I feel like has been on a low for a number of years, simply because we have so many people struggling.
Woodlot owners are getting lower value for their wood, contractors are struggling to stay viable, we’ve lost so many of the last number of years and we don’t have this we haven’t had this market for low value wood or low quality wood for a number of years. So I I’m not sure we could have gotten any lower
But now, we’re on the increase, we’ve got new prospects for companies that have a use for low value wood, we’ve got a few government programs that are helping out and getting us through the hurdles.
“ I can see a time where we don’t need any jobs,
government subsidies or any government help”
But I sort of envisioned a time, and I can see a time where we don’t need any jobs government subsidies or any government help, where the sector can stand up on its own and it generates enough income.
I can see that coming, with all the new proposals, with this podcast, with our new increase in membership for forge Nova Scotia.
I see it resulted a wonderful trend upwards and it’s really picking up momentum now.
“Tell us a little bit more about some of
the new companies that are coming”
Erin Trafford it’s funny you should say that ’cause one of the key phrases, and I know you’ve listened to the whole podcast now so you know you’ve had this early view of every conversation we’ve had is this idea that heroes without markets- that was really the problem that we were trying to solve
So give us a little sneak peek of what’s coming down the pipe in terms of , can you tell us a little bit more about some of the new companies that are coming and the proposals you’re seeing what can you say?
Todd Burgess
Sure, well I’m going to say a few things that I do know.
The Paper Excellence mill proposal , there it’s a bioenergy products plant down near Liverpool – that’s actually quite exciting,
We haven’t had a new mill built in North America in 35 years and they’re proposing a brand new state-of-the-art facility to produce products that the world needs.
It’s going to be very top notch, environmentally top notch, and use some of this wood that we can’t get rid of right now.
That’s just one.
There’s the Simply Blue proposal to produce sustainable aviation fuel in Goldboro, that’s that’s an incredible opportunity to you – and there are what we call species agnostic, so it doesn’t matter what kind of species they can use, they can use the lowest of low quality wood and turn it into sustainable aviation fuel and there are still good markets for that ,
We have the potential for some district heating systems (7:30 min) especially the heat new Glasgow project where we can take waste wood from the local sources and use it to heat peoples homes, use it to heat their hot water, displace fossil fuels that they’re currently using.
Tt gives us a chance to maybe put some green energy onto the grid, to to take us away from some coal-fired electricity that we have right now.
So I see the heating new Glasgow project is a wonderful project coming forward.
The mill that Ledwidge is proposing and building right now, Viterra, down near Elmsdale , the Mass Timber facility that potentially is going in down near Elmsdale.
And we have another proposal Sustain-Agro near Debert.
Now they haven’t had any big announcements but we do have a number of projects and it has been a long time in Nova Scotia where we have competition for these products.
We haven’t had competition for these low value products in a long long time, and I see it as very high../= some people say well we’re just you know, using waste wood, it’s low value products, but we’re turning a lowest value products in the forest sector, turning into some of the highest value products.
We haven’t been in that situation in Nova Scotia in a very long time. So I see huge horizons coming for this province.
“ The membership at Forest Nova Scotia
is increasing exponentially”
Erin Trafford
I’m just as you’re talking, it’s hard to not be excited because you’re right, I’ve lived in this province you know a decade and a half and I don’t think I’ve ever heard of that many startup projects ever in one sector at one time
Like that’s remarkable, and let’s also talk to add a little bit, like let’s take a little celebratory moment here, for you touched on it very briefly, the membership at Forest Nova Scotia is increasing exponentially. can you speak a little bit to that?
Todd Burgess
Well sometimes in the news you hear some negativity on traditional mainstream and even on social media, you hear some negativity but some of those are just the loud people screaming in the background that they don’t agree with what you’re you’re doing.
However what we’re seeing is a general population supports forestry in general.
And that is having spinoff benefits through the our trees campaign, I’m hoping with this podcast will generate some more as well.
“Maybe I should start doing something with
my woodlot rather than just leave it there”
l and with all these positive announcements … we have 30,000 woodland owners in the province and I think they’re starting to realize, hey maybe I should start doing something with my woodlot rather than just leave it there because a managed forest can do so much for a community and I think people are starting to realize that, do things for the community, do things for the economy to help combat climate change and help mitigate the problems that we’re going to be facing in the future
Erin Trafford
I love how when we started this series, well when I started this series the challenge for me was.. really this story is so big. Right?
Like when you see climate change.
Like where do you begin to unpack that? It’s so big and I think over the course of the last, you know, 8 or 9 episodes, we’ve really been able to go deep on this idea that you know, the forest is the trees, but forestry is the people.
And what I’ve been really energized by, you know and Todd, certainly with you are stepping up into this role and injecting new energy into it is that there’s so many good people with great ideas.
Like you just said, that are really going to be the force for forestry going forward.
So you guys are coming up on your AGM, your next AGM for 2025 in February. What do you think the big themes are going to be going forward that you are looking forward to pursuing?
“Nova Scotia is a small province and Nova Scotia is not
going to stop climate change…but We all are obligated
to do our part and that makes people feel good”
Todd Burgess
Well there’s going to be lots of positive action for sure.
So we’re going to see some updates on all of these projects that are going to be hitting us.
But there’s, there’s Nova Scotia is a small province and Nova Scotia is not going to stop climate change, so we’re not going to turn it around, however I think we all are obligated to do our part and that makes people feel good if we can do our part to at least do something in our small province to curb the potential impacts of climate change like wind storms and fire and all that kinda stuff.
So we have an opportunity in Nova Scotia to actually do some of those things with using our forests, the biggest carbon sucking machines we have out there and we can take that carbon and store it and do things with it that not a lot of other jurisdictions around the world can do simply because of our climate.
We are 75% covered with forest.
So I think we’re going to see a lot of really good news stories coming to the AGM in February.
I think, I’m hoping we’re going to see a lot more small woodlot owners participate in our AGM
Previously it’s been, you know we we tend to charge a little bit to pay for the facility and the meals and things but I hope to see a lot more small woodland owners actually joining the conversation and join us and actually see what were the proposals that are coming and the things that we can do
“Forestry supports rural communities and
that’s where people who work in forestry
live and work and support the economy.”
Erin Trafford
Speaking of which, in the next week or so, as we’re recording this the big provincial announcement for the woodlot owner of the year is being made. Right? that’s a big, October 5th is a big weekend for forestry.
Todd Burgess
October 5th, I don’t know why everything gets scheduled on that week,
Erin Trafford
Ueah there’s that and then you’ve got the axe-throwing competition and the lumberjack competition like there’s all kinds of cool stuff going on in the community that weekend.
Todd Burgess
And in the down in Lake Charlotte, there’s the Nova Scotia forestry festival. We support that event as well. Now something you’ll notice about those, they’re all rural world communities these events are in.
So Lake Charlotte is the small community on the Eastern Shore and they are celebrating forestry. Middle Musquodoboit is going to have the provincial lumberjack championships it’s a very it’s a rural community.
And Bridgewater, near Bridgewater is going to be the woodlot owner of the year field day another, you know Bridgewater, so little bit bigger town, but it’s still rural.
I think that’s important. forestry supports rural communities and that’s where people who work in forestry live and work and support the economy.
So October 5th is huge; the woodland owner of the year is.. I’m glad we’re celebrating that more and more. there were three, there were many more candidates, but there was a provincial winner, Thomas and his wife, Thomas Mailman and his wife down in Bridgewater and they got a beautiful wordlot, they do some wonderful things
Erin Trafford
Tell me about like if we’re talking about rural, I’m wondering too if the next iteration of this narrative is… rural folks understand the importance of forestry because they live in it, they they live with it, they are employed by it.
“How are we going to get the city folks
to care about the forest?”
We need to get folks in the urban centres also just as excited about forestry. I feel like that’s very critical you know, whether it’s in Nova Scotia in Halifax, in Sydney but also you know in Moncton and in Charlottetown and in Toronto and Montreal. Like the concrete jungles. I think that once were able to cross that divide with the story of the forest, we will be in a whole new conversation. Do you agree? How are we going to get the city folks to care about the forest?
Todd Burgess
Well there is there is campaigns that we can do on social media, I you know I wish we didn’t have to rely on social media, but I think we do.
In these days people get into forestry because they love the woods and they love the forest they don’t get into it ’cause they like social media and I like that they like working in the woods.
So historically forestry people haven’t been that great at talking to people, or getting people in rural communities interested ah, I’m just going to work in the woods.
However I think we’re learning more and I think through some media, we can actually impact some people in in the urban environment with building with wood.
“I think you’re going to see more mass
timber facilities being built. “
I think you’re going to see more mass timber facilities being built.
So you’re going to start to have this connection between these buildings and wood that is harvested from your local community or certain surrounding area, and it’s much more beautiful, much more sustainable storage carbon and you get a better feeling inside you when you walk inside a wood building.
Our building here in Forest Nova Scotia is made of beautiful big Timbers.
It’s A wonderful feeling when you walk in, people walk inside this place and say Wow because it’s made of wood
I got to start, there’s lots more products made from wood, all kinds of tissue products but I think people don’t make that connection
Erin Trafford
It’s there, we just need to we just need to shine the light on it, we just need to do that.
“Closing thoughts…what’s the rally cry”
So any any closing thoughts about the podcast, about your new role, about the organization? what’s the rally cry?
Todd Burgess
Well the rally cry is the future is bright, because we’ve got some people, I think we’ve employed some people now who actually know how to impact large groups of people, like yourself Erin,
With this podcast we can impact people and show them the good things of forestry is doing.
We haven’t been perfect, you know there’s been lots of mistakes that we’ve made but we’re learning
But in general forestry is a good news story, we’ve got lots of opportunity coming, now is the time to jump on and enjoy the ride going forward because there’s going to be economic opportunity in the rural communities and we have the ability to show people over the next couple of years what’s going to happen and there’s going to be a lot of good news stories.
So people in the sector I think are going to start to feel pride in what they do.
I’m not sure they felt pride historically.
Some of them have some – I know I felt good about some of the things I was doing but there’s a lot, sometimes there’s negativity from the outside world,
So now I truly believe people are going to have pride in what they do for the rural communities and for the economy in general and the environment through forestry.
Erin Trafford
There is a lot of work to be done and it really does feel like it’s all just getting started
I ended the last episode with a stark question about how we ensure we’re making the right investments when it comes to sustainable forestry
And I think I found the answer.
For context just in the last six months or so we’ve seen a formal agreement with the Finns and Nova Scotia, a long and protracted legal quagmire resulting in a settlement that could possibly mean a new mill being built in Nova Scotia in the near future.
We’ve seen new biofuel agreements and partnerships announced
Oh and remember Julia Macmillan?
She joined us back in episode 2 she’s the one who really got us thinking about the need for markets for low grade wood.
Well, wouldn’t you know, she and her husband David won woodlot owner of the year in their region of the province in 2024.
Joe Lewis you’ll remember him from episode 7. He has since started another business harnessing the power of low grade wood for, biofuel and he signed his first contract agreement with the city of Halifax
Also in the last few weeks Todd has met with the Finnish delegation in Ottawa to keep that international relationship going
So what is the answer to ensuring the investment in the forest is strong?
Yes it’s about management and good practices and possibly AI and technology
But securing the future of the forest, it’s about investing in people, It’s about prioritizing the possibility and knowing that where there are trees, there’s always new growth, new life and an unfolding relationship between people and our environment.
Thank you to everyone who joined me on this seasons journey, for your voices, for your time, for your knowledge, and thank you dear listeners for being part of forestry uncut.
CLOSE (Mike Treutler)
Forestry uncut is a podcast series produced by story studio network for Forest Nova Scotia, the largest fastest growing forestry organization in the province.
Leave us a comment and a rating on the show, and be sure to share it with your network
You can follow forest Nova Scotia on Facebookm Instagram, X and LinkedIn
For more information about the work we do or becoming a member, visit ourwebsite at forestns.ca
Forestry Uncut is hosted by Aaron Trafford our senior producer is Becky Coles Jen Hudson is our field producer our editor and executive producer is Dave Trafford
I’m Mike Treutler
About Erin Trafford
Erin is an award-winning broadcaster and Story strategist with more than two decades of professional storytelling and on-camera experience.
https://storystudionetwork.com/about
https://www.forestns.ca/podcast/episode-9
Key Takeaways:
Nova Scotia’s forestry sector is experiencing growth and innovation.
New initiatives include bioenergy plants, sustainable aviation fuel projects, and district heating systems.
Forest Nova Scotia’s membership is rising as more woodlot owners recognize opportunities.
Engaging urban communities is crucial for expanding forestry’s reach and impact.
The forestry sector aims to shift towards self-sustainability without relying on government subsidies.
DRAFTING…
FORESTRY CAN FIX THAT
Episode 1
From the Written Intro on the ForestNS website:
Welcome to Forestry Uncut, a podcast dedicated to uncovering the raw truths and realities of the forestry sector. Hosted by Erin Trafford, each episode will delve into the world of forestry, dispelling myths and highlighting the vital role it plays in solving some of the biggest environmental challenges we face today. Join us as we explore the ground-level impact of forestry, away from the policy and government lens, to understand its true potential.
Key Takeaways:
– Stephen Moore*, Former Executive Director at Forest Nova Scotia, emphasizes forestry’s unmatched ability to remove more carbon from the atmosphere than it produces, making it the greenest sector in Nova Scotia.
– The episode reveals the inception of the podcast from a casual coffee shop conversation, reflecting the urgency and importance of discussing forestry’s role in climate solutions.
– Stephen highlights the need for forestry to be recognized as a key player in addressing various issues such as housing, rural prosperity, and economic development, positioning it as a multifaceted solution provider.
Episode Highlights:
– Stephen Moore’s insights on the sustainability and environmental benefits of forestry.
– Discussion on the challenges and misconceptions about forestry, including its impact on wildfire management and global forestry practices.
– Exploration of the practical applications of forestry in everyday products and its contribution to climate change mitigation.
TRANSCRIPT FROM THE PODCAST
This transcript was prepared by playing the podcast, and allowing MS Word to translate voice to text. It’s not perfect, and doesn’t provide and punctuation, paragraphing etc. So edits made by NSFM (Nova Scotia Forest Matters) accordingly. As well, we have inserted speaker names, and highlighted some of the text where topics change etc. to make it easier to peruse on the web.
——————
Begin transcript
[Music] She’s an innovator. He’s a problem solver. And they don’t rely solely on textbooks. They apply the science of generations of experience learn from grandparents who planted the seedlings leaving a legacy for Generations not yet yet imagined. They nurture nature and can only see the forest for the trees. This podcast series tells their story. Welcome to forestry uncut.
[Music] Erin Trafford
Three minutes early I scan the coffee shop in downtown Dartmouth Nova Scotia, my favorite Friday haunt. And a spot where I often meet friends and colleagues for what I like to call two coffee chats, you know, the kind of conversations that go over time and then just keep going and going because well there’s just that much to talk about.
So you inevitably need a second cup of something. Two coffee chats today. I’m meeting Steven Moore. He and I have had dozens of face-to-face encounters over the last decade, most of the time when he worked in politics and when I was a news reporter.
I scan the room. He’s not here yet so I slide into a booth and pull out my phone reviewing the message he sent me.
Erin, I’ve got an idea I’d love to run it by you. that’s all it said. Now I know a few things about Steven. The first is he’s always working on something big and he tends to be ahead of the curve in many ways.
As a former political staffer, he’s got this knack for understanding how big problems get solved – at almost every level: government bureaucracy and at the ground level too.
And if I’m being honest, I’m not in entirely sure what he wants to talk to me about. But my curiosity is peaked. A few minutes later, [ring ring]… Steven walks in. Eat your breakfast, Eat your breakfast.
Stephen Moore: This looks so good.
Erin Trafford I told you right. good sandwich?
Stephen Moore:very good good sandwich…
Erin Trafford in the last couple years since I’ve seen Steven, well since the pandemic really he’s taken on a new [Music] job, yeah started October and so far?
Stephen Moore it’s been a learning curve it really has. been, you know it’s the first I’d say 90 days or so we really… just I focus on getting up talk to as many people as I could.
To be continued…
– Forestry Can Fix That (Episode 1)
6 SEP 2024 · Welcome to Forestry Uncut, a podcast dedicated to uncovering the raw truths and realities of the forestry sector. Hosted by Erin Trafford, each episode will delve into the world of forestry, dispelling…
– Tackling Forestry Misconceptions and Communication Challenges (Episode 2)
7 SEP 2024 · In this episode, Erin Trafford delves into the public perception issues surrounding the forestry sector with Stephen Moore*, former Executive Director of Forest Nova Scotia. Highlighting the irony that
– “When I Say Forest….You Say?” (Episode 3)
8 SEP 2024 · In this episode, we explore the unexpected connections and challenges within the forestry sector in Nova Scotia. From the intriguing tale of an Indian elephant in 1967 to the complexities of labour
– The Hero’s Journey in Forestry, Oct 16, 2024 (Episode 4)
“In this episode, we explore the vital role of forestry in tackling global challenges and the innovative leaders driving change in the industry. Former Forest Nova Scotia Executive Director Stephen Moore*, Joe Lewis, and Joachim Stroink share their insights on the potential of forestry to be a hero in our world, despite the bureaucratic hurdles and public misconceptions.
“*Note to listener: Since the recording of this episode Stephen Moore is no longer the Executive Director of Forest Nova Scotia.
“Key Takeaways:
Forestry’s Heroic Potential: Forestry can significantly contribute to solving environmental issues, but the market and policies must align to harness this potential.
Innovative Solutions: Joe Lewis and Joachim Stroink highlight their pioneering technologies that transform wood waste into valuable resources, emphasizing efficiency and sustainability.
Policy Challenges: Stephen Moore discusses the problematic policies that hinder progress in forestry, stressing the need for immediate action and better support for innovative projects.
Personal Commitment: Joe and Joachim’s personal stories reflect their deep commitment to making a positive impact, demonstrating the human element behind these groundbreaking initiatives.
Public Perception of Fire: Addressing public fears about fire is crucial, as controlled burning is an essential and efficient method in forestry when done correctly.
“Guests:
Joe Lewis: BioBurn Pros president https://www.bioburnpros.ca/
Joachim Stroink: SustainAgro Chief Government and Global Relations Officer https://sustain-agro.com/ “
– The Nova Scotia Wildfires of 2023 (Episode 5)
30 OCT 2024 · In this episode, we look at the harrowing experience of the Nova Scotia wildfires of 2023 with forester Matt Willett. Matt shares his firsthand account of the fires that devastated the region
– The Primal Connection and Bioenergy Solutions (Episode 6)
13 NOV 2024 · In this episode, we tap into the primal connection humans have with forests and fire, exploring how our narratives around forestry and wood burning have evolved. And how looking at this…
– Exploring Ledwidge Lumber – A Deep Dive into Family-Run Forestry (Episode 7)
27 NOV 2024 · In this episode, we take a closer look at Ledwidge Lumber in Enfield, Nova Scotia. The family-run sawmill challenges common assumptions about forestry, showcasing a blend of tradition and..
– Nordic Forest Innovations and Canada’s Potential (Episode 8)
11 DEC 2024 · In this episode, we explore the pull of Nordic culture and its advanced forestry technologies. The Finns are the rockstars of forestry, and are shaping the future of sustainable forestry…
– A lot has happened…. (Episode 9)
11 DEC 2024 · In this episode, host Erin Trafford talks with FNS Interim Executive Director Todd Burgess about the positive changes and opportunities emerging within Nova Scotia’s forestry sector. Todd