next message in archive
next message in thread
previous message in archive
Index of Subjects
All: I have been kept abreast of plans that would have a serious negative effect on Conrad Beach PP, which is a de facto nature reserve within the Provincial Parks system (not a designated swimming beach, although sometimes mapped as a swimming place on provincial brochures). It is of course of great value to wildlife and to people who enjoy its natural values, although it sometimes gets heavy use and even abuse (e.g. this summer's Piping Plover outrage). In the 1970s, the Canadian Nature Federation (when I was closely involved) held onto donated land at the present entrance to secure commitments from the province, before transferring the land to the Crown. The present modest parking lot and lack of facilities stem in part from that agreement, although I doubt there's any record of a formal deal. Briefly, some local landowners and developers on the west side of the beach wish to have beach access via a now private lane. They argue as a legal gimmick that it was once part of a designated provincial road across the beach, although the evidence from old maps indicates that the old road did not follow the current lane, but crossed the existing marsh areas. As we know, the Piping Plovers have nested at that end of the beach, and the developing freshwater and brackish ponds inside beach have attracted numbers of water and marsh birds to breed and even winter there. In short, the wildlife greatly benefits from protection of the beach under the Parks Act. Bureaucrats have stated in meetings with a local committee that the Department of Transport has the ultimate say in such decisions, and seem to suggest that they favour granting a change in status of the present private lane to "class K" which will allow off road vehicles access to the beach. Apparently a DOT decision can trump anything that the Beaches Protection Act, Parks Act, etc. might have to say. Of course, roads don't get approved simply because they are legally possible, but only because they are politically supported. Needless to say, I am outraged by this consideration, and am trying to line up resistance from various enlightened organizations. But, naturalists and environmentalists at large need to weigh in. Can you write a short letter or e-mail to the Minster of Transportation, perhaps with copies to the Ministers of at Province House? We need to help stop this nonsense. A short noter pointing out the above concerns or some of your own will help. Angus MacIsaac presumably has ultiimate control, but the other two should be asked to bring their pressures. Names and addresses of find e-mail addresses by phone?)are: The Honourable Angus MacIsaac Minster of Transportation and Public Works Government of Nova Scotia The Honourable David M. Morse Minister of Natural Resources Government of Nova Scotia The Honourable Mark Parent Minister of Environment and Labour Government of Nova Scotia Best, Ian McLaren
next message in archive
next message in thread
previous message in archive
Index of Subjects