Consultation Will Help Choose Protected Lands

Published by the Department of Environment

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Nova Scotia has taken a major step forward toward meeting its goal to protect 12 per cent of Nova Scotia's lands by 2015. Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau is inviting Nova Scotians to help choose which lands should be protected.

Quotes

As a father and grandfather, I know how important it is that we protect our environmentally significant lands now and for future generations. Seeking input this early will allow us to be flexible and to make the best decisions for Nova Scotians and the environment. Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau

This process will ensure that key areas of our biodiversity can be preserved in our provincial parks and other protected areas. Natural Resources leads government efforts to conserve biodiversity in our province, so we are pleased to work closely with Environment on this next step toward meeting Nova Scotia's land protection goal. Minister of Natural Resources Charlie Parker

The Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia have a special relationship with the land and its resources since time immemorial. "We recognize that the 12 per cent protected lands goal is an important step in ensuring that the ecological integrity of Nova Scotia's lands and resources are here for all future generations. Chief Leroy Denny, Eskasoni First Nation

This is an important day for conservation in Nova Scotia. This announcement brings the government one step closer to expanding the system of protected areas in the province and achieving its land conservation targets. Chris Miller, national conservation biologist for the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society

Quick Facts

  • Our Wild Spaces, a discussion document, was also released to support the consultation.
  • The province has identified nearly 220,000 hectares of land that may be selected for protection. Much of the land was identified by the 2009 Colin-Stewart Forest Forum, non-government organizations and forestry industry representatives that made recommendations to government based on nearly five years of scientific research.
  • Public feedback will be incorporated into a draft plan, which will be released for provincewide consultation next year before any final decisions are made on which lands will be protected.
  • Interested groups are encouraged to contact the Department of Environment by Aug. 1 to arrange an information meeting.
  • Written comments on the 12 per cent review lands will be accepted until Dec. 1 at Department of Environment, Protected Areas Branch, Box 442, Halifax, N.S., B3J 2P8 and by e-mail at protectedareas@gov.ns.ca .
  • If the postal service disruption continues, written comments can be submitted to any local Department of Environment office.
  • More detail about land parcels will be available by the end of July.

Learn More

Media Contacts

Lori Errington
Department of Environment
902-424-7420
Cell 902-497-7324
E-mail:

Images

Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau talks to attendees after the announcement.
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A man gets a closer look at map showing potential candidates for protected area status.
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A crew of people at the announcement push away from the wharf in a dragon boat at Maskwa Aquatic Club.
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Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau and his "crewmembers" paddle in a dragon boat.
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Two hikers get a closeup look at a lady slipper during a tour of the the nearby Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Wilderness Area.
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A closeup look at a lady slipper in the Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Wilderness Area.
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Entrance to a trail at the Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Wilderness Area in Halifax Regional Municipality.
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Silver River-Carrying Road Lakes, a potential protected area candidate.
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Kluscap Mountain, a potential protected area candidate.
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French River-East, a potential protected area candidate.
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Coveys Island, a potential protected area candidate.
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Framboise Cove, a potential protected area candidate.
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Capelin Cove, a potential protected area candidate.
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Chignecto Isthmus-North, a potential protected area candidate.
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Silver River-Carrying Road Lakes-Silver Caribou Rivers Junction, a potential protected area candidate.
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Videos

Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau
Chief Leroy Denny
Raymond Pourde, Ecology Action Centre, Wilderness Coordinator
Karen Beazley, School of Resources and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University
A crew of people at the announcement go on a dragon boat ride at Maskwa Aquatic Club

Audio

Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau says the province wants to hear from people on what lands to protect.
He says the province will work with the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs to protect land.
Chief Leroy Denny says protecting land is important.