Interim Old Forest Policy Hardwood old growth. The policy compliments existing principles in the Forest Wildlife Guidelines and Standards , and sets an objective of maintaining or restoring old growth forest on 8 percent of crown land.
Many definitions exist.
Some are fairly rigorous, requiring ancient primal woodlands that have evolved free of human disturbance. Other definitions are less demanding, and include most forests in the late stages of succession. These are sometimes described in terms of declining growth rates, or trees older than half their maximum life span. Nova Scotia has adopted a two stage approach. This simple definition provides an easy starting point to identify priority stands.