Working Forest Easements

Working forests are at the core of the NSWWT mission.

The concept of building a community land trust is focused on holding easements through the Nova Scotia Community Easement Act and acquiring lands through donations. The impetus for creating a trust for private lands will help rural communities build land infrastructure and protect the long-term economic potential of woodlands for generations. In addition, the concept is tied closely to promoting sustainability, through careful management and building the carbon economy.

The NSWWT exists to hold working forest easements. Landowners have the opportunity to continue to carefully manage their lands, although will be subject to regular monitoring to ensure that any operations do not sacrifice the long-term environmental viability or reduce the volume of carbon stored on the property. Landowners can continue to benefit from sustainably managed timber operations on their lands, in accordance with the guidelines in their easement. In the future, we hope there is a structure to provide additional income through carbon sales.

Building a network of working forest easements, the NSWWT can promote landscape connectivity and improve the health of Nova Scotia’s watersheds.

What goes into placing an easement on your woodlot?

The NSWWT is eligible to hold working forest community easements in Nova Scotia through the Community Easement Act (2012). If a woodlot owner wishes to preserve their lands in perpetuity as working forest, regardless of ownership through the years, they may be interested in entering an easement agreement with NSWWT.

The easement initiation process includes:

  • Initial meet and greet with woodlot owner

  • Assessment of property according to NSWWT acquisition criteria

  • Approval of easement by NSWWT Executive Committee

  • Appraisal of woodlot, completion of boundary line maintenance and subdivision of structures (if applicable)

  • Completion of baseline assessment and documentation

  • Management planning, contracted through regional woodlot service provider

  • Carbon inventory, valuation and reporting

  • Sign and enter into Carbon Agreement

  • Sign and enter into Easement Agreement

  • Easement filed with the NS Department of Natural Resources and Renewables through the Community Easements Act.

Once NSWWT and the landowner enter into an easement each party agrees to steward the property in perpetuity.

NSWWT’s responsibilities as the Easement holder:

  • Completion of annual monitoring and stewardship as required.

  • Complete carbon plot data collection (under 40-year agreement).

  • Uphold and educate future landowners on the terms and agreed practices within the Easement Agreement.

  • Provide participating landowners with research, engagement and educational opportunities.

Land steward’s responsibilities:

  • Participate in the development of the Easement Agreement.

  • Renew their management plan every 10 years with an approved woodlot service provider.

  • Complete regular boundary line maintenance, and notify NSWWT of any natural disturbances in the woodlot

  • Provide notification regarding restricted activities as defined in the Easement Agreement.

Our talented staff monitor NSWWT Easement properties annually to ensure forest health and that the terms within the Easement are being upheld.

Want to learn more about how a Working Forest Easement might work for you?

Fill out the attached form, and one of our knowledgeable staff will be in touch.