News release

Beaches, Island, Forests Purchased

Natural Resources (to July 2018)

To many Nova Scotians, nothing sounds better this time of year than a long sandy beach, an island and breathtakingly beautiful greenery.

All these things can be better enjoyed here at home with the purchase today, March 22, of another 4,400 acres of private land across Nova Scotia.

"We've selected lands highly valued by Nova Scotians that protect unique environments, bring more economic opportunities and offer new recreational areas," said Charlie Parker, Minister of Natural Resources. "The land we now own will be enjoyed today and by future generations."

Government has purchased parcels of land in 13 counties, from Yarmouth to Inverness. Some land will help the province meet its 12 per cent land-protection goal, while others have Mi'kmaq values, as well as mineral and forestry potential.

"Protecting our natural areas helps ensure that Nova Scotians have fresh air to breathe and clean water to drink," said Sterling Belliveau, Minister of Environment. "Some of the land purchased today will move us closer to reaching our goal to protect 12 per cent of our lands by 2015."

"These are important land purchases for a province that has very little public land," said Chris Miller, the National Conservation Biologist for the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society. "They contain old-growth forest, important lakeshores, coastal frontage, and a site adjacent to an existing protected area. It's a smart investment for Nova Scotia's wilderness."

The total cost of the purchases is $4,772,000, including an investment of $1,237,000 through the Forestry Transition Land Acquisition Program. Purchase values are supported by an appraisal conducted by the Accredited Appraiser Canadian Institute. These land purchases are funded through the 2010-11 budget.

All land purchases are consistent with the Canada-U.S. Softwood Lumber Agreement. In instances where land is being purchased from a company that produces softwood lumber, the province followed its longstanding policy of ensuring that the price paid is no higher than the fair market value.

Maps of the lands are available at gov.ns.ca/natr .