Trail Cleanup on McNabs Island Nearing Completion

NATURAL RESOURCES--Trail Cleanup on McNabs Island Nearing Completion

Most of the trails on McNabs Island that were ravaged during Hurricane Juan have now been cleaned up.

"McNabs and Lawlor Island Provincial Park sustained considerable tree damage as a result of last fall's hurricane," said Natural Resources Minister Richard Hurlburt. "Many of the trails and roadways on McNabs Island are now cleared and usable. However, some additional repairs and restoration work to the trails and roadways needs to be completed, causing limited inconvenience."

R. MacLean Forestry Ltd. of Antigonish was contracted to remove damaged vegetation caused by Hurricane Juan on 14 kilometres of trails. Visitors are asked to use only those trails that are clear of vegetation and tree debris. Closed signs will be posted where appropriate.

As a result of the current forest conditions on McNabs Island and the concern for wildfire and public safety, the department has banned open campfires within the provincial park's boundaries.

"We are taking a precautionary approach in this situation," said Mr. Hurlburt. "There is a long history of visitors to McNabs Island and our goal is to make certain that the tradition continues into the future and is not destroyed as a result of an accidental fire."

Natural Resources is also asking visitors who usually camp on the island to avoid doing so. Those who choose to stay overnight are asked to use extreme caution and stay in areas that are close to shore and easily evacuated. Parts of the property away from the trails, roads and public access areas have not yet been cleared of hurricane debris.