Forest Protection and Community Care with Nina Newington

Shared Ground

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 : [e-mail]

Nina Newington's website

Nina's book, Cardinal Divide

Also:

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