Nova Scotia Woodlands Closed to Travel

A provincewide ban on travel in Nova Scotia woodlands comes into effect at noon today. Natural Resources Minister Ernest Fage ordered the ban because of the dryness of the woods. The ban will remain in effect until further notice.

"Closing the woods is necessary because of the high to extreme fire hazard that has developed over the past few weeks," Mr. Fage said. "Since the ban on open fires went into effect on July 27, dry conditions have continued and are not expected to improve over the next few days. We must take action to prevent further outbreaks of forest fires."

The ban on woods travel means people are not permitted to enter the woods to travel, camp, fish, picnic or pick berries unless they are on their own property or have obtained a travel permit from their local Natural Resources office. People may fish on lakes or large rivers provided they can access them directly from public roads and boat launches. Landowners may also work on their own woodlots, but they are advised to exercise extreme caution in their operations.

Provincial parks are not closed, however, all camp fires are banned and travel into the woods is restricted.

Members of the public can contact their local Natural Resources offices if they would like more information.

"The last provincewide ban on woods travel was imposed in 1998 when dry conditions had reached extreme," Mr. Fage said. "We have again reached the point where we must restrict travel in our woodlands and look to the public for support."

Since the July 27 ban on open fires went into effect, Department of Natural Resources crews and volunteer fire departments across the province have fought 36 forest fires, which have burned almost 30 hectares.

"Our woods are tinder dry and I urge people to respect the ban on woods travel," Mr. Fage said. "I commend Natural Resources firefighting crews and volunteer firefighters for the excellent job they are doing under difficult circumstances. Their efforts are very much appreciated."