News release

New Nature Reserves for Nova Scotia

Environment (April 2008 - Feb. 2021)

Five new nature reserves in Nova Scotia will protect old-growth forests, wetlands, rare species' habitats, and ecosystems.

Once formally designated, the areas will provide the province's highest level of environmental protection to lands purchased by the government from the former Bowater Mersey Paper Company in 2007.

"The province committed to protecting those ecologically significant lands acquired from Bowater, and we are following through on that commitment," said Environment Minister Mark Parent.

There are already 16 nature reserves in Nova Scotia. They protect relatively small, important ecological sites and support scientific research and education.

The five new reserves will help protect 594 hectares (1,468 acres) and will be designated under the Special Places Protection Act. They will be in four counties and will be places for researchers and nature enthusiasts to explore, study and cherish forever.

Long Lake Nature Reserve in Lunenburg County will be 261 hectares (about 645 acres). It will protect mature spruce, pine and shade-tolerant hardwood forest growing on land enclosing Long Lake, in an area of the province with very little protected land. It is being designated with the cooperation of Tripple Uranium Resources, a mineral exploration company which has volunteered to give up its mineral claims in the area being protected.

Sixth and Coades Lakes Nature Reserve in Queens County will be 129 hectares (about 318 acres). Mature and old-growth hemlock forests grow along the shores of Sixth and Coades Lakes. The area has been recognized since the early 1970s as an International Biological Program site.

Also in Queens County, Eighteen Mile Brook Nature Reserve will be 66 hectares (about 163 acres). The area will protect a portion of a large wetland system which supports a vulnerable plant species called Long's Bulrush. Due to the plant's limited numbers, it is included on a national list of species of special concern.

West Branch Medway River Nature Reserve in Annapolis County will be 79 hectares (about 195 acres). It will protect old-growth hemlock forest and a rich wetland on the shores of the river.

Martin Brook Nature Reserve in Shelburne County will be 60 hectares (about 147 acres). It is a small area of older pine and spruce forest.

The Department of Environment worked closely with the Department of Natural Resources to establish the protected areas. Protecting the environment is one of government's priorities. Work is well underway on additional designations of new protected areas on the lands acquired from Bowater.

The nature reserve designations show continued progress on government's commitment in the Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act to protect 12 per cent of Nova Scotia's land base by 2015.