Restoration of Acadian old-growth forest: Attitudes and behaviours of private woodland owners in central Nova Scotia

Maintenance of forest biodiversity in Nova Scotia (NS) requires adoption of woodland stewardship. Private woodlands are well suited for restoring many of the structural, compositional, and process features associated with Acadian old-growth forest (OGF). To gain a comprehensive understanding of woodland owners' attitudes and behaviours toward restoration, this research used quantitative questionnaires and qualitative interviews. The results suggest that woodland owners in central NS are concerned with private woodland management and the decline of OGF. Woodland owners are interested in restoring OGF features through management. Woodland owners' self-reported behaviour appears to be compatible with restoration of OGF features; however, even-aged forest management is the dominant management regime in NS. The primary challenges to restoration of Acadian OGF features are a lack of knowledge and economic impediments. Results of the study can be used to develop and implement stewardship programs that encourage and support restoration of Acadian OGF.