News release

Public Comment Sought on Candidate Wilderness Areas

Environment and Labour (Oct. 2000 - March 2008)

ENVIRONMENT/LABOUR--Public Comment Sought on Candidate Wilderness Areas


The province is asking for public comment on two new areas it is considering designating under the Wilderness Areas Protection Act. The Crown lands are located at Gully Lake, north of Truro, and Eigg Mountain-James River, west of Antigonish.

Designated wilderness areas protect examples of Nova Scotia's natural landscapes, biological diversity, and natural features. They are used for scientific research, education, and recreation and nature tourism activities such as hiking, canoeing, sport fishing and hunting.

"We're meeting our commitment to protect more Crown lands in this part of the province," said Environment and Labour Minister Kerry Morash, "and we look forward to hearing from Nova Scotians before we move forward with designating these areas."

Candidate area boundaries, area information sheets, and a socioeconomic analysis were released today, June 28. Public information sessions will be conducted in July in Antigonish, New Glasgow, and Truro. Members of the public will also be able to get additional information about the candidate areas at library displays in the region.

The public consultation also includes opportunities for meetings between staff and stakeholders or interest groups.

The public comment period ends Friday, Aug. 13. Information session details, background information, area maps, and copies of the socioeconomic analysis are available on the department's website at www.gov.ns.ca/enla , at Environment and Labour offices in Antigonish, Truro, and Halifax, or by calling 1-800-567-7544.


NOTE: The schedule for public information sessions and library displays on the candidate wilderness areas follows:

Schedule of Public Information Sessions:
All sessions run from noon to 8 p.m. July 8 Antigonish Mall
133 Church St., Antigonish July 15 Highland Square Mall
689 Westville Rd., New Glasgow July 22 Truro Mall
245 Robie St., Truro

Library displays (during library hours):
July 9 to 14 Antigonish Library,
College Street, Antigonish July 16 to 21 New Glasgow Library
182 Dalhousie St., New Glasgow July 23 to 28 Colchester-East Hants Regional Library
754 Prince St., Truro