Province Opens Roads on Western Crown Land

Published by the Department of Natural Resources

Monday, April 29, 2013

The roads are now open to Nova Scotia's new Crown land in the province's western region, the former Bowater Mersey land.

Quotes

“ The land now belongs to Nova Scotians and it is important to us economically, environmentally and socially. The lakes, streams and woods on this land were always accessible on foot or by paddling and we are now providing road access to vehicles, so long as they stay on the road. ” Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse, on behalf of Natural Resources Minister Charlie Parker

“ We're very pleased that the province has decided to open the gates on the former Bowater forest roads. Better road access to the land is something we've been hoping to see for a long time, and it will greatly improve opportunities for fishing and safe hunting. ” Tony Rodgers, executive director, Nova Scotia Federation of Anglers and Hunters

“ With this expanded access will come much responsibility. These public lands, available for public use, will require everyone to respect them as we do our own properties, and to use them responsibly, safely, and leave the areas as we found them. ” Mike Marriott, president, Safety Minded ATV Association

“ What a legacy to leave our kids, who now will have the opportunity to carry on with preserving this jewel of Nova Scotia for future generations. ” Mike Marriott, president, Safety Minded ATV Association

Quick Facts

• The province purchased 555 thousand acres of land from the former Bowater Mersey mill.
• Three large pieces of that land have 2,500 kilometres of forest roads that were blocked off by the previous owners.
• Thirteen road gates are now open, providing access to 1,700 kilometres of forest roads.
• Provincial Crown land policy allows Nova Scotians access to all provincially owned land, except where restricted for appropriate reasons, such as ecological protection.
• Government worked with Nova Scotians to discuss sustainable plans for the land.
• Nine public open-house consultations were held across the western region to focus on ways to use the new Crown land for economic, social and environmental benefits. The consultation period ended April 19.
• Some areas of the western Crown land are ecologically sensitive, and in order to protect it for future generations, they will remain off-limits to vehicle traffic. Some of the road gates are on private land, and will remain closed as the province works with land owners to determine if those roads will be opened in the future.

Learn More

• Map of opened roads

Media Contact

Bruce Nunn

Natural Resources

902-424-5239

Cell: 902-476-6454

E-mail: nunnbx@gov.ns.cs