Episode 2

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Published on:

24th May 2022

Forest Protection and Community Care with Nina Newington

Some time after my first trip to Last Hope Camp (Episode 1),  I made the journey there again to this small forest slated for logging in Annapolis County, in the Kespukwitk district of Mi’kma’ki (Nova Scotia). Hear about why so many people are dedicating energy and resources to saving this forest, which is the home of several at-risk species, including the mainland moose.

This time, you will hear my conversation with Nina Newington. Nina is a gardener, carpenter, writer, forest protector and member of Extinction Rebellion. She and her wife live on the North Mountain in the Kespukwitk district.

Despite the hardships, Nina explains why it feels good to be part of a community of caring people that are getting in the way of harm. Our conversation goes many places, including the importance of art and beauty in activism, and the joy that can be found in connecting with others through engaging in direct action. Nina shares some history of Bowater-Mersey, the former forestry company in Nova Scotia, as well as some natural and cultural local history. She talks a bit about the Lahey Report, which is an independent review of forestry practices in Nova Scotia (commissioned by the NS Government in 2018) and we hear her thoughts on the recent government announcement regarding further implementation of Lahey’s recommendations.

This conversation also touches on the situation of unceded Mi’kmaw lands, the importance of a just transition for commercial forestry workers, and how Nova Scotian values are well-suited to moving in a different direction that is better for the whole.

Episode resources:

The "Lahey Report" (officially titled: An Independent Review for Forest Practices in Nova Scotia)

Lahey’s evaluation of progress, Nov. 2021

Harvest Plans Map Viewer

The NS Government's information about ecological forestry

Upcoming event at Last Hope Camp on June 4/22:

Chainsaw-carving and storytelling with Perry Munro

If you would like to help the Last Hope forest, or want to receive regular email updates from the camp, send an email to : xrns@riseup.net

Nina Newington's website

Nina's book, Cardinal Divide

Also:

Find frequent updates and stories from the camp at this eco-action page

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About the Podcast

Shared Ground
for thriving forests
Meet knowledge holders, foresters, naturalists, activists, scientists, visionaries, and outdoorsy people of all stripes to share delight in the wonders of forest ecosystems.
We talk about issues of forestry, conservation and interconnected topics, and discover sustainable, ecological, respectful ways of relating to the forest.
Maintaining and regenerating forest ecosystems is one of the most important necessities of our time, and contributes to everything from carbon sequestration to healthy children.

Join Amanda Bostlund as she meets with various folks in Mi’kma’ki (Nova Scotia) and beyond to talk about forests as our shared ground, for all species, humans and not. We explore the incredible value of thriving forests, methods and mindsets for their protection, and regenerative solutions for how we interact with and within them.

One of the main purposes of this podcast is to hear opinions, perspectives and ideas from many different people, and not to treat any of them as the be all and end all. What you hear does not necessarily represent the opinions of the host. The hope is that you consider whatever content you hear for yourself and enjoy the journey of making sense of these complicated, interconnected issues of our time.

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Podcast artwork was generously provided by Andrew Danylewich of ADJA Studio and Gallery: https://www.adjagallery.com/
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