Province to Conserve Lands Acquired from Bowater

Nova Scotia will conserve thousands of hectares of land of historic, ecological and recreational significance that it is acquiring from Bowater Mersey Paper Company.

Premier Rodney MacDonald said today, March 19, that ownership of 29 parcels of land in six counties should be fully transferred to the province by March 31.

"One hundred per cent of this land is slated for conservation," the premier said. "Each parcel of land will receive the individual attention needed, making sure the most appropriate protections are used in the most appropriate fashion."

Premier MacDonald said a significant majority of the 10,050 hectares (24,700 acres) will be designated in a way that brings Nova Scotia closer to the province's 12 per cent commitment for protected spaces. He said each property will be carefully assessed to determine which legislation will provide the most appropriate means of conservation.

Natural Resources Minister David Morse said the 29 parcels -- which are being purchased for a total of $27 million -- include properties with coastal or inland water frontage, old growth forests, and some rare and endangered species. There are also areas of rich cultural and historical significance, including areas along the Mersey River where thousands of Mi'kmaw artifacts have been identified and recovered.

"The people at Bowater Mersey recognized that all these special properties deserved the province's attention," said Mr. Morse. "Together, the province and Bowater came up with a plan that allowed us to conserve these special properties while providing some economic support to a good corporate and environmental citizen."

The province announced in May 2006 that it would complete the purchase of the lands of ecological and recreational significance over two years.

"We are very proud that after nearly 80 years of sustainably managing our forest land in Western Nova Scotia to provide wood for our business, Bowater Mersey can provide these exceptional areas to be included in the province's land base," said Bruce Nunn, vice-president and resident manager, Bowater Mersey. "The funds from this sale will be used to help secure our operations for the future."

Bowater Mersey Paper Company employs about 600 people in Nova Scotia.