Forestry Uncut

When an out-of-control wildfire tore through more than 8,400 hectares in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis County, it wasn’t just a story on the news — it was in the backyards of forest workers, landowners, and entire communities. In this episode of Forestry Uncut , host Todd Burgess , Executive Director of Forest Nova Scotia , takes you inside the West Dalhousie (Long Lake) wildfire response and its afterm...

Get tickets now! Join Todd Burgess , Executive Director of Forest Nova Scotia , for a preview of the upcoming Forest Nova Scotia AGM in Halifax, Feb 3–4 . Todd highlights a stacked lineup of industry leaders, innovators, and community voices—from trade and mass timber to sustainable fuels, housing, and philanthropy. Hear how the event will explore innovation & technology , economic development...

How do we attract, train, and retain a new silviculture workforce in a system where the pay rates and support programs haven’t kept up with rising costs? In this episode of Forestry Uncut, host Todd Burgess speaks with Dennis Bedford and Tina McCauley of D. Bedford Forestry Services, a silviculture company based in Chester Grant, Nova Scotia. They share how they’re tackling one of the biggest chal...

Todd Burgess, Executive Director of Forest Nova Scotia, extends holiday greetings and expresses hope for the forestry sector's future. A big thank you to the staff for their efforts in organizing events and producing the podcast, to the trust of Forest Nova Scotia members and the guidance of the board of directors.  And gratitude to collaborative partners from the provincial government, elected of...

Exploring viable solutions through economic Opportunities and prosperity in the forestry sector. In this episode of Forestry Uncut , host Todd Burgess (Executive Director, Forest Nova Scotia) sits down with Kevin Merriam , Executive Director of the Maritime Lumber Bureau , and Patrick Crabbe , CEO of The Mass Timber Company . They explore how Atlantic Canada’s forestry sector can move “from tree t...

In this episode, we’re joined by Derek Nighbor , President and CEO of the Forest Products Association of Canada , who offers an inside look at the tough challenges and bold opportunities shaping Canada’s forestry sector today. Derek takes us through the complexities of trade tensions with the United States, revealing how tariffs, shifting policies, and a changing global landscape have impacted tho...

In this episode, we’re joined by Spencer Coulstring of Freeman Lumber , whose journey from science communications to passionate forestry advocate highlights the evolving face of Nova Scotia’s forest sector. Spencer shares her unique pathway into forestry, from species conservation in British Columbia to building a career and community back home in Nova Scotia. Throughout the conversation, we dive...

This week on Forestry Weekly News: -Government of Nova Scotia cabinet shuffle and new minister. - Shannon Park as a part of 13 Billion Build Canada Homes project. - Forest Project Association of Canada national policy convention in Ottawa.  - Our trees campaign HRM tree planting. - Industry Workforce Training Needs study by the Forestry Sector Council. To learn more about the forestry sector or Fo...

In this episode, we’re joined by George Ernst, CFO and controller at Freeman Lumber, one of Nova Scotia’s oldest and most respected lumber producers. George, a fourth-generation forester, shares both professional expertise and personal stories from his family’s longstanding involvement in the industry. Together, we dive into the dramatic impact of the new 10% tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber, e...

This week on Forestry Weekly News: - Forest sector faces 45% tariffs, urgent action required by government and the forest sector. - The wood ban restriction lifted in Annapolis valley as of October 15th. - US Tariffs' impact on the Christmas tree industry. - Wrapping up our trees, Come see us at the Wolfville Farmer's Market. -The Forest Products Association of Canada 2025 Policy Conference in Ott...

In this episode, we sit down with Sean Meister , President and CEO of Global Bluenosers , to explore his remarkable journey from growing up in a multi-generational forestry family in rural Nova Scotia to building a global network of Nova Scotians passionate about giving back to their home province. Sean shares insights on the values and lessons learned in the woods, the challenges and changes faci...

This week on Forestry In Focus Weekly News: - Forest Nova Scotia was a sponsor and attended the Nova Scotia Forestry Festival at Lake Charlotte  last weekend - Forest Nova Scotia also sponsored the Nova Scotia Lumberjack Championships last weekend - Many forestry professionals attended the Canadian Woodlands Fall Conference in Truro on October 8-9th.  - The timber Loan Board has just announced cha...

This week on Forestry In Focus Weekly News: - New Tariffs announced by the White House that impact CUSMA compliant trade, which includes softwood lumber from Nova Scotia - Late breaking wildfire near Lake George started on Monday.  Upwards of 275 civic addresses are under an evacuation order - The situation on Hunter’s Mountain has triggered a bigger debate about how to handle conflicts about fore...

Myths and realities in forestry management. Join us as we dive deep into the realities of forestry management in Nova Scotia, focusing on the use of herbicides as a tool for sustainable growth. Hear from silviculture contractor Alex Feix and woodlands manager Rick Archibald as they share personal stories, discuss regulatory challenges, and address public concerns. From death threats and protests t...

This week on Forestry Weekly News: -Forestry’s third annual Our Trees Campaign has been active this month, starting at the Bridgewater Farmer’s Market and continuing in Clayton Park, Truro Stampede, Truro Farm Market, and Antigonish. -Acadian Timber announces $2.5 million to the UNB Faculty of Forestry for digital transformation. -Deep insights into the bioenergy sector.  Scientists, professors an...

Forestry Uncut gives voice to the people, issues, and aspirations shaping forestry today, offering the public a clearer view of the industry while providing space for forestry professionals to share their stories in their own words.  A podcast dedicated to uncovering the raw truths and realities of the forestry sector, it releases weekly and is hosted by Forest Nova Scotia's Executive Director Tod...

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 an...

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.   Erin discusses the differences and potential collaborations between Canada and Nordic countries, emphasizing the importance of innovation, market development, and sustainable practices in the forestry industry...

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 innovation.    * Note to listener: Since the recording of this episode Stephen Moore is no longer the Executive Director of Forest Nova Scotia. Key Takeaways: Family Heritage and Community Impact: Ledwidge Lumber...

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 primal connection to fire can lead to innovative solutions to modern day challenges.  We chat with Robin Barrett, a small woodlot owner near Halifax, about his dedication to work in forestry, despite the challeng...

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, reflecting on the emotional and physical impact of the event. Joined by former Forest Nova Scotia Executive Director Stephen Moore*, the discussion covers the chaos, the miraculous avoidance of fatalities, a...

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 t...

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 markets in rural forestry, we uncover how international cooperation, public perceptions, and economic hurdles shape the industry. Key insights come from Kent Dykeman, a seasoned forester, and Robert Pri...

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 while people value forests, they oppose cutting trees.  That’s despite our daily reliance on wood products. The conversation explores how small, family-owned forestry businesses in Atlantic Canada s...

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...