The independent review of “forest practices” in Nova Scotia announced by Natural Resources Minister Margaret Miller on Aug. 30 should be seized upon as an 11th-hour opportunity to wrest control of our Crown lands from the grip of industrial forestry. …The commitment was intended to provide political cover in response to growing criticism and controversy around forestry practices and the dominant influence of industry over Crown land management. Hot-button issues continue to be clearcutting and the proposed lease of Nova Scotia’s western Crown lands to a consortium of forestry companies. …The end game must focus on the stewardship and sustainability of Crown lands and forests as highly valued natural capital assets that will be relied upon to serve Nova Scotia over the coming years, decades and centuries. It is inconceivable that the paradigm shift of the order of magnitude needed can be led by DNR in its current incarnation.