Nova Scotia Forestry Hall of Fame

Russ Waycott, RPF
Inducted (2017)

Russ (Russell) Waycott, RPF, began his career with Nova Scotia Pulp following graduation from the University of New Brunswick. Russ directed the woodlands engineering, operations and forest management efforts and incorporated research and new technologies for mechanical harvesting and silviculture. These efforts improved production, safety and competitiveness while leading the industry forward to include improved considerations for water, soils, habitat, social and cultural values, conservation and long-term forest health. Russ led the woodlands Unit to become the first forest company in Canada to have an ISO 14001 Registered Environmental Management System, the first company in North America to have both CSA and SFI forest certifications and the first company to have the FSC Maritime Standard for sustainable forest management. Russ supported and implemented many initiatives including the Atlantic Master Logger Program, First Nations involvement in decision-making and participation in the company's harvesting and silviculture, and private land silviculture funding with the NS Landowners and Fibre Producers Association. Russ has served on many boards including President of both the NS Forestry Association and Forest Products Association of NS.

Arden Whidden
Inducted (2016)

Arden Whidden, upon completion of a Bachelor of Science in Forestry at the University of New Brunswick, committed his career with the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources to improving opportunities for private land forest management and for advancing forestry education. As a provincial representative Arden was a strong proponent for funding initiatives for the small, private woodland owners sector at federal - provincial strategy negotiations. Through his dedicated efforts Nova Scotia became widely recognized as having a progressive private land forest management program. Arden also ensured that certified training programs were available to provide woodland owners with well-trained silviculture workers that continue to this day to positively influence the forestry sector. Arden throughout his career and continuing on during retirement has been a strong proponent of forestry education for both students and private woodland owners. He was a driving force behind the Nova Scotia Forestry Association and its school challenge "Envirothon". Arden advanced forestry issues professionally as national president of the Canadian Institute of Forestry and was awarded the CIF National Tree of Life Award recognizing individuals who have made superior contributions to sustainable forest resource management

Frederick (Fred) Wellings
Inducted (2016)

Frederick (Fred) Wellings, soon after graduation from the University of New Brunswick, quickly became synonymous with forest inventory in Nova Scotia. As Manager and then Director of the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources Forest Inventory section Fred oversaw the design and implementation of the province's continuous forest inventory program. Over the years the program was revised and incorporated the newest technology and science for estimating Nova Scotia's forest resource. The early establishment of the Permanent Sample Plot (PSP) system places the province with some of the oldest continuously inventoried forest plots in Canada. The data from these PSPs continues to be used extensively in growth and yield models and wood supply calculations. Later as computer technology and capacity advanced the scope of forest inventories Fred directed the Department into the world of Geographic Information Systems GIS) and digital aerial photography. Fred also guided the Department through Metric conversion and the introduction of the Scaler's Act, Nova Scotia Timber Loan Board and the Nova Scotia Registry of Buyers. With attention to clear, science based goals, a contagious enthusiasm for work, and a wonderful sense of humour Fred would tend to defer any recognition to the loyalty and long service he received from the many technicians, foresters, photo interpreters, cartographers and camp cooks who all contributed to the successful inventory of Nova Scotia's woodlands.

Dirk van Loon
Inducted (2014)

Dirk van Loon – author, journalist, and naturalist – has provided Atlantic Canadians a forum for the multitude of voices and values emanating from the region's forests, as publisher of the bimonthly magazine Atlantic Forestry Review. For over 20 years, Dirk's passion for local, rural stories, and his grassroots approach, have informed and educated woodland owners, forest professionals, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone interested in understanding the variety of issues influencing forestry. Dirk has worked tirelessly to produce clear and concise articles that will reach a wide readership. He credits a dedicated staff representing the regional interests as being key to the success of his Liverpool company, DvL Publishing, which started with Rural Delivery in 1976. Atlantic Forestry Review is filled with contemporary issues, useful information, and entertaining tales of times gone by. Dirk has always been interested in the stories that woodlot owners wish to tell: how they manage their properties and the innovation that often accompanies their successes. The magazine encompasses a complex, multi-billion dollar industry, and makes it comprehensible in the form of engaging, readable news. Dirk has also been active in promoting forest education through the creation of the Harrison Lewis Centre in 2008, which provides a field classroom and laboratory for research groups, courses, workshops, seminars, and a variety of presentations related to rural environments and natural history. Dirk's career attests to a life-long love of our forests and an appreciation for the forest industry. He has been dedicated to providing information, thoughtful commentary, a space for public discourse, and a greater awareness of the importance of forests to our Maritime way of life.

David (Dave) Barrett
Inducted (2014)

David (Dave) F. Barrett, lumberman and businessman, has spent a career devoting his time and energy to the promotion of forest management in Nova Scotia. Dave joined the family forestry company when he graduated from high school and along with his brothers; owns and operates Barrett Lumber Company. He has made a longstanding commitment to the industry through service to groups such as the Forest Products Association of Nova Scotia, the Wood Products Manufacturing Association of Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia Voluntary Planning Committee and the Nova Forest Alliance. Dave has always expressed his passion for the woods by speaking up and speaking out to defend the rights of lumber producers. He has been an engaged and committed citizen, contributing to various efforts for the betterment of his community. His belief that the best solutions are found by working with the community led to the creation of the "Family Forestry Stewardship Agreement" which allows responsible individuals and ATV users access to Barrett Lumber woodlands. Dave also took a lead role in developing the protocol to allow the transport of sawmill chips from the brown spruce longhorn beetle quarantine zone to pulp mills thereby maintaining a critical component of the industry. Dave has used his career to promote a shared responsibility of forest stewardship between landowners and community and continues to be a voice for the forest industry in Nova Scotia.

David (Dave) Dwyer
Inducted (2013)

David (Dave) Dwyer accepted a career with the NS Dept. of Lands and Forests and focused his work on the betterment of the woodlot forest.  As a forester he worked extensively with the small private woodlot sector and was instrumental in the establishment of the first woodlot owner group ventures in the province. He promoted woodlot forestry with demonstration woodlots and publications advocating good forestry practices. He will be most remembered for his management of the province's Antrim woodlot and his documentation of forestry practices such as selection harvesting. Dave championed the woodlot owners of Nova Scotia advancing their concerns to government and he was regularly consulted for his perspective on forestry matters pertaining to the small woodlot owner. His never ending effort to promote management options appropriate to the ecology of the woodlot forest provided Dave with an appreciative sector. After retirement he volunteered with CESO in Swaziland, Indonesia and Bolivia but always returned home and continued to represent the woodlot owners.  David Dwyer's  dedication,  enthusiasm  and  passion  for  the  woodlot forests of  Nova Scotia were exemplary and continue to guide present day forest management.

Laurie Ledwidge
Inducted (2012)

Laurie Ledwidge turned a small shingle mill into one of Nova Scotia's largest lumber producers over a career of nearly 70 years. Three generations of the family have worked tirelessly with Laurie to make Ledwidge Lumber of Enfield a quality producer of sawn timber and a consistent employer in Central Nova Scotia. Laurie has been actively involved in many forest industry organizations most notably serving as President of the Maritime Lumber Bureau 1978-79 and President of the Forest Products Association of Nova Scotia 1983-85. He was honoured as Maritime Lumber Bureau Man of the Year in 1982 and was Chairman of the Forest Advisory Council between 1987 and 1993. He has also actively supported the Nova Forest Alliance. Laurie recognized early in his career the value of silviculture and has strongly promoted investment in the future forests of the province on all land tenures. Laurie Ledwidge has cultivated a career devoted to the advancement of forestry in Nova Scotia through hard work, dedication, and a passion for the forests of this province.