Cole Harbour Marshes Donated to Nova Scotia

Natural Resources Minister Kennie MacAskill formally accepted today a gift of about 930 hectares (2,300 acres) of ecologically sensitive land in Cole Harbour, near Dartmouth.

This generous land donation was received from Mary Osborne and David Kuhn, working in co-operation with the Nature Conservancy of Canada.

"This is a significant and generous contribution to the Province of Nova Scotia," said Mr. MacAskill. "This donation will enable the province to preserve this coastal area as an important wildlife ecosystem for migratory waterfowl."

The Cole Harbour marshes have been in the Peter McNab Kuhn family since 1901. They were diked at that time and farmed for hay and cranberries by Peter McNab Kuhn and his sons until 1917.

Mary Osborne and David Kuhn, sister and brother, are descendants of Peter McNab Kuhn and joint owners. In 1996, they approached the Department of Natural Resources with the intent to donate the property.

"It was the wish of our aunt (the late Margaret Kuhn Campbell) that the marshes be preserved as natural space," said Mrs. Osborne. "Now that wish will be satisfied through the management of the marshes by the province."

Cole Harbour is an important staging and wintering area for migratory waterfowl. Provincial acquisition of the marshes will ensure long-term management of the area for its wetlands and the wildlife that depend upon them, Mr. MacAskill said.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada assisted the family and the province with the donation.

"The conservancy is pleased to have worked in partnership with Mrs. Osborne and Mr. Kuhn to preserve this valuable wetland and help make their aunt's wish a reality," said George Mitchell, trustee of the conservancy.

This is the first donation the province has received under a memorandum of understanding between the Nova Scotia and federal governments. It allows landowners of ecologically sensitive land to receive maximum tax benefits when they give property to a charitable, conservation-based organization.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada is a national charitable organization dedicated to preserving and protecting ecologically significant natural areas and places of special beauty. The organization works in partnership with individuals, communities, corporations, governments and foundations. Since 1962, it has secured more than 700 properties across the country, protecting more than 530,000 hectares (1.3 million acres).

Coastal areas such as the Cole Harbour marshes are key habitats and provide important links for the management of migratory species such as waterfowl. Cole Harbour is part of the Cole Harbour-Lawrencetown Coastal Heritage Park System and is proposed as a wildlife management area. It will be known as the Peter McNab Kuhn Conservation Area.