Province Acquires Cape Split Property
The Nova Scotia government has acquired 280 hectares (700 acres) of pristine wilderness in Kings County, Natural Resources Minister Tim Olive announced today, July 2, at Blomidon Provincial Park.
Cape Split, which is located at the end of Blomidon peninsula, has been purchased for $5 million from the Jodrey family on behalf of all Nova Scotians.
"Today, we are witnessing the most significant public land acquisition in decades, if not ever, in this province," said Mr. Olive. "We could not afford to pass up this opportunity to acquire and protect this significant property so that all Nova Scotians can enjoy its beauty."
Cape Split is recognized provincially and nationally by visitors to the area for its spectacular cliff formations, colonies of sea birds, rare vegetation, scenic views and dramatic tides, said Mr. Olive. It also offers outdoor enthusiasts spectacular hiking opportunities and views of breathtaking scenery.
"People are attracted to our coastlines," said Rodney MacDonald, Minister of Tourism and Culture. "A recent visitor exit survey shows that an impressive 72 per cent of our visitors went sightseeing and 55 per cent went hiking or walking. We market Nova Scotia as a seacoast destination, and natural wonders like Cape Split make our job easy. Today's announcement is good news for all Nova Scotians and good news for our visitors."
The Cape Split property has been owned by the Jodrey family since the 1920s. They have been good stewards of the land, ensuring that the property remained undeveloped. This has allowed thousands of people to visit and hike this area each year.
Cape Split's scenery is unmatched in this region. The coastal cliffs offer spectacular and panoramic views in all directions to landmarks such as North Mountain and, across the Minas Basin, Cape d'Or and Cape Chignecto Provincial Park in Cumberland County.
Efforts to protect Cape Split date back to the 1940s, when the Annapolis Board of Trade proposed it be made a national park. In the 1970s, Blomidon Provincial Park was established with the assistance of the Jodrey family. In 1974 the area was recommended as an ecological reserve by the Canadian Committee for the International Biological Programme. In 1985, the Municipality of the County of Kings recommended that Cape Split be protected as part of a submission to the public review committee for the parks and protected areas system plan.
The amount of publicly held lands, especially along the coast, is limited. The Report of the Voluntary Task Force on Non-Resident Land Ownership stressed the need for the province to acquire more land.
"Land conservation is a government priority because it will provide lasting benefits to all Nova Scotians," said Mr. Olive. "Private-land stewardship is an important part of conservation, and the Cape Split acquisition has contributed significantly to that goal."