Nova Scotia Provincial Parks Set to Open

Many of Nova Scotia's provincially operated parks will open on the Victoria Day weekend, Natural Resources Minister Richard Hurlburt announced today, May 14.

"It's been a long winter and people are anxious to get out and enjoy nature and the environment," said Mr. Hurlburt. "Our parks provide many opportunities, including camping, hiking, swimming and picnicking."

Many of the parks will open on Friday, May 21. The Victoria Day weekend traditionally kicks off the summer season in Nova Scotia for many outdoor activities.

Camping parks that open on May 21 include:

• Dollar Lake, Halifax Regional Municipality;
• Graves Island and Rissers Beach, Lunenburg Co.;
• Thomas Raddall, the Region of Queens Municipality;
• The Islands, Shelburne Co.;
• Cape Chignecto and Wentworth, Cumberland Co.;
• Five Islands, Colchester Co.;
• Blomidon, Kings Co.; and
• Ellenwood, Yarmouth Co.

The remaining campgrounds scheduled to open on Friday, June 18 include:

• Salsman and Boylston, Guysborough Co.;
• Laurie, Halifax Regional Municipality;
• Mira River, Cape Breton Regional Municipality;
• Caribou-Munroes Island, Pictou Co.;
• Battery, Richmond Co.;
• Amherst Shore, Cumberland Co.;
• Smileys, Hants Co.;
• Valleyview, Annapolis Co.;
• Whycocomagh, Inverness Co.

"Some of our parks located in the Halifax Regional Municipality will have limited access and reduced facilities early in the season as we continue to clean up and repair damages caused by Hurricane Juan," said Mr. Hurlburt. "We have not been able to get all the work completed in time for the long weekend in May, but we wanted to provide some access and opportunities for visitors."

The parks affected in HRM include Rainbow Haven Beach, Lawrencetown Beach, Martinique Beach, Cole Harbour Heritage Park, Crystal Crescent Beach, Oakfield, Dollar Lake, McNabs and Lawlor Islands. McElmons Pond in Colchester County still has some trail clean up that needs to be completed. Most of the work will be completed by the end of June, if not before.

McCormacks Beach and Conrad Beach in HRM will remain closed until repairs are completed. Porters Lake Park, which was one of the hardest hit of the provincial parks, will not be open for the 2004 season because of the considerable amount of damage it suffered.

"Porters Lake was devastated by Hurricane Juan," said Mr. Hurlburt. "We have cleaned up the trees and brush and we are currently redesigning the campground and day-use area. More information will be coming in the next few weeks as we finalize details and set up an information session for the community."

A number of the province's managed trails were also impacted by the hurricane. Although some of the trails will be available for use, it may be limited. More information and updates on the cleanup in our provincial parks will be provided on the department's website as it becomes available at www.gov.ns.ca/natr .

Fees in the 21 provincial campgrounds remain the same this year at $14 for basic service and $18 for semi-serviced, which includes flush toilets and showers. Reservations can be made at all camping parks by calling the park of choice directly weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. For more information on specific parks, call the Department of Natural Resources' parks phone line at 902-424-5937 or visit the department's website at parks.gov.ns.ca .

The Provincial Wildlife Park in Shubenacadie opens seven days a week beginning May 15. Fees at the Wildlife Park are $4 for adults, $1.50 for youth aged 6 to 17, and those under 6 are free. Discounted group rates are available.