Plan Will Protect Important Lands, Enhance Parks

Published by the departments of Environment and Natural Resources

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Nova Scotians are invited to define how the province’s natural spaces are managed and protected. The draft parks and protected areas plan was released by Natural Resources Minister Charlie Parker and Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage MLA Becky Kent, on behalf of Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau.

Quotes

“ Our provincial parks are beautiful spaces that contribute to the quality of life for families throughout our province. They create jobs and help grow the economy, provide places for relaxation and reconnecting with nature, and are home to diverse species of plants and animals. ” Natural Resources Minister Charlie Parker

“ Nova Scotia's natural spaces are among the most beautiful places on earth and we must protect them for those who come after us. This plan ensures we leave future generations a legacy by protecting the most sensitive and important lands in our province. ” Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage MLA Becky Kent

“ The Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia have a strong interest in conserving nature and ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources. The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs looks forward to working with the province to explore options related to Mi'kmaq use and shared management of parks and protected areas in Nova Scotia. ” Chief Rod Googoo, Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs

“ It is very welcome news for the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society in Nova Scotia. The areas that have been identified for protection were selected using a highly credible process, based in ecological science, that also involved consultation with the stakeholder community. In every respect, this is an excellent initiative. ” Martin Willison, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Nova Scotia President

“ The government has been doing an outstanding job on its protected areas process. Protecting the most important areas for nature and wildlife conservation, as well as providing places for low-impact outdoor recreation, is tremendously important. We look forward to participating in this final round of public consultations and urge all Nova Scotians to do the same. ” Ray Plourde, Ecology Action Centre

Quick Facts

  • The plan meets the goal of reviewing the province's parks system, which is included in The Path We Share, Nova Scotia's natural resources strategy.
  • The province would protect more than 13 per cent of its lands, surpassing its legislated goal to protect at least 12 per cent of Nova Scotia. Currently, about 9.3 per cent is protected.
  • Currently, about 9.3 per cent of Nova Scotia’s land is protected.
  • Over the past few years, many people and groups, including the Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq, have been consulted at each stage of the 12 per cent plan and during research into the parks system.
  • Nova Scotians have until May 1 to review and comment on the document; feedback will be shape the final plan.

Learn More

Media Contacts

Lori Errington
Department of Environment
902-424-7420
E-mail:
Bruce Nunn
Department of Natural Resources
902-424-5239
E-mail:

Images

Cinnamon ferns in the foreground in the Alder Grounds Wilderness Area in Guysborough County, which is a proposed expansion.
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An aerial view of the French River Wilderness Area in Victoria Co., which is a proposed expansion.
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A person kayaks down Fullers River in the Fourchu Coast Wilderness Area in Richmond Co., a proposed new wilderness area.
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Water runs down rocks in Margaree River Wilderness Area, Inverness Co., which is a proposed expansion.
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A scenic view of Capelin Cove in the Fourchu Coast Wilderness Area, Richmond Co., a proposed new wilderness area.
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Majestic trees in the proposed Toadfish Lakes Wilderness Area, Halifax Regional Municipality, a proposed new wilderness area.
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A spectacular view of Pomquet Beach Provincial Park in Antigonish Co.
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An adventurer and dog glide down the Silver River in the proposed Silver River Wilderness Area in Digby and Yarmouth counties, a proposed new wilderness area.
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Natural Resources Minister Charlie Parker and Ray Plourde from the Ecology Action Centre look over a map of protected areas and parkland.
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Natural Resources Minister Charlie Parker chats with young Silas Maass, his dad Oliver Maass, with the protected areas and wetlands branch of the Environment Department and Karen McKendry.
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Natural Resources Minister Charlie Parker talks about the draft parks and protected areas plan, which he and Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage MLA Becky Kent, on behalf of Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau, released.
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Martin Willison, Nova Scotia president of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage MLA Becky Kent, on behalf of Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau, and Natural Resources Minister Charlie Parker look at a map of protected areas at the announcement.
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Audio

Natural Resources Minister Charlie Parker says managing and protecting parks is a collaborative effort.
Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage MLA Becky Kent, on behalf of Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau, says parks and protected areas are valuable far beyond their natural beauty.