In September 2019, the province of Nova Scotia announced the Archibald Lake Wilderness Area will be protected. They are asking Nova Scotians for comments and the time to do so is coming to an end. If you have not yet submitted your email you still have time. The comment period will end on March 9th. We need as many folks to submit positive comments as possible so please if you have not yet done so the time is now. You do not have to write much just simply tell our government that protecting areas of ecological significance in the St Mary's River Valley is a great move and we commend the Province for doing so.
Submit comments by 9 March 2020 to:
protectedareas@novascotia.ca
Archibald Lake Wilderness Area (New) description:
Archibald Lake Wilderness Area will protect 684 hectares (ha) of woodlands, lakes and several small wetlands in the watershed of Archibald Brook, an important tributary of the St. Mary’s River.
The candidate wilderness area consists of Archibald, McDonald and Rocky lakes (240 ha altogether), along with surrounding provincial lands. At least 300 ha is old hardwood forest on elongated hills (drumlins). The remainder is primarily mature or older hardwood forest on hills and mature softwood forest on flatter terrain. This forest provides important habitat for species that depend on or prefer old forest.
The watershed of Archibald Brook provides quality habitat for brook trout and other aquatic species.
Nearly the entire site consists of ecosystem elements that are poorly represented in Nova Scotia’s protected areas network, including the well drained hardwood drumlins. It also overlaps with a mainland moose concentration zone delineated by the Department of Lands and Forestry.
With the lakes and surrounding hardwood hills, this is a very scenic area. It is used and enjoyed for a variety of outdoor activities, including sport fishing, hunting, camping and camp use.
Three campsite leases occur on Archibald Lake. These will be honoured under the Wilderness Areas Protection Act.
The proposed boundary avoids forest access roads and trails wherever practical. Depending on interest, the final boundary can be adjusted to accommodate public vehicle access to one or more of the lakes.
About 10 ha around Archibald Brook is subject to mineral exploration rights. These rights can be honoured under the Wilderness Areas Protection Act, provided activities do not degrade the wilderness area.
Archibald Lake is also identified in Atlantic Gold’s description for the proposed Cochrane Hill Gold Project: https://ceaa-acee.gc.ca/050/evaluations/proj/80159?culture=en-CA The company’s proposed use of Archibald Lake cannot be permitted within a wilderness area.
Thank you all and have a Wonderful Day!