2021-09-15

Woodland wonders

by KEITH CORCORAN

  • <p>SOURCE: NOVA SCOTIA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND RENEWABLES</p><p>Jonathan and Abbey Veinotte are the youngest-ever recipients of provincial woodland-owner-of-the-year honours.</p>

Abbey and Jonathan Veinotte are the youngest landowners to capture woodland-owners-of-the-year honours in Nova Scotia since the provincials resource stewardship award for private woodlot owners was introduced more than 30 years ago.

The Lunenburg County couple, already 2021 regional winners in the western region, were recognized by the province's Department of Natural Resources and Renewables for their commitment to ecological forestry practices when it comes to their 80 hectares of West Northfield property.

Jonathan, 34, and Abbey, 32, who have been married for nearly seven years, appreciated the acknowledgement of their hard work.

In an interview with LighthouseNOW, Jonathan said his late father's advice helped shape how he applies his forestry methods. Jonathan inherited the family business now known as Balsam Investments.

One example is perpetuating a diversity of tree species, ranging from different types of spruce, to hemlock, white pine, ash and maple.

"My dad taught me a mixed forest is healthy and prosperous for the future," he explained to LighthouseNOW. His father, Allen Veinotte, died in 2017. His mother, Peggy, who is still close by, was "pretty happy" to learn of the provincial nod.

Jonathan suggested the judges appreciated that he harvests largely in the winter months, which lessens ecosystem and environmental impacts. "It's the timeframe you are least affecting the woodlot itself."

The Veinottes' attention to detail concerning "protecting wildlife habitats, improving woodlots in general and for recreation, and developing and growing their knowledge of the field of forestry and woodlot management" all factored in their receipt of the award.

A good portion of the Veinottes' Mossman Road woodlot is comprised of Christmas trees, which he sells domestically, nationally and internationally. He also sells wood and hay that he harvests from his land. The Department of Natural Resources and Renewables also mentioned he is involved with industry organizations dealing with Christmas trees and forestry.

Neither Jonathan nor his family are strangers to natural resources-connected accolades.

His uncle, Kevin Veinotte captured woodland owner of the year honours in 2018 and 2007.

In 2006, Jonathan won a youth initiative award from Forest Products Association of Nova Scotia and a Veinotte family balsam fir was selected as the Boston tree back in 2002.

The plaque Jonathan and Abbey will receive is expected to be proudly displayed in a garage. He said it means something to him, personally.

Free public tours of the Veinottes' property will be available September 18, between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. People are asked to RSVP by emailing woodlot@novascotia.ca.

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