Above: One of Keji's many amazing lakes, surrounded by lush trees and incredible wildlife.

Stop Deforestation Near Kejimkujik National Park and Other Protected Forests

What is happening?

On August 2, the Department of Natural Resources of Nova Scotia (the DNR) proposed clear-cutting an area of 100 hectares of forest on the boundary of Kejimkujik National Park.

After a period of 20 days open to public comment and much community outcry, the DNR has decided to move ahead with the clear-cutting of 94 hectares (about 230 acres) of the proposed 100-- without the input of even Parks Canada. This decision was finalized by Minister of Natural Resources Lloyd Hines on October 24th.

To add to these plans, harvests have also been proposed for the boundaries of 16 other protected wilderness areas within Nova Scotia; including the Tobeatic Wilderness Area, the Shelburne River Wilderness Area, the Medway Lakes Wilderness Area, the Cloud Lake Wilderness Area and more.

Why fight against this?

Kejimkujik is a beautiful region of old-growth woods, vast biodiversity, and rare wildlife. Its giant hemlocks, ash trees, and white pines stand as a living testament of the beauty Nova Scotia's forests once held before industrial forestry and agriculture. Clear-cutting in such close proximity to these areas compromises the pristine reputation it holds for our people and visitors to the region. This goes for all protected wilderness areas in Nova Scotia.

Moreover, regions such as Keji are home to many rare and even endangered species of wildlife. The Blanding's Turtle, an incredible yet sensitive freshwater reptile, has been listed as endangered both provincially and nationally. Its habitat just north of the proposed Kejimkujik clear-cutting area is one of four delicate populations found across the province. Deforestation could have a very negative effect on their reproductive cycles and population survival, as they are severely vulnerable to changes in their habitat.

To add to that, clear-cutting's damage doesn't just stop at the border-- removing trees right up to a protected area boundary will push those impacts into the protected area itself (a concept known as 'edge-effect'). Deforestation also generally causes habitat loss, problems with invasive species, struggles for animals to readapt, and other local ecosystem issues.

What will your signature on the petition do?

A petition is our simple way of telling the government: we care. We want policies that don't allow deforestation right beside protected parks and wilderness. We want, at least, some kind of a 'buffer zone' that will keep these areas healthier and thriving. We want to protect Nova Scotia's beautiful wooded culture and unique wildlife. Your signature will help to empower others to speak up for this, and will generate a movement within the community to put a stop to this problem.

Please show your support and create the lasting legacy we need to protect our valuable forests and animals. Thank you!

 

List of all protected wilderness boundaries proposed (and some already approved) for clear-cutting in NS:

• Kejimkujik National Park
• Middle River – Framboise Wilderness Area
• Shelburne River Wilderness Area
• Tobeatic Wilderness Area
• Shi Harbour Long Lake Wilderness Area
• Toadfish Wilderness Area
• Medway Lakes Wilderness Area
• Seven Falls Wilderness Area
• Trout River Wilderness Area
• Kelley River Wilderness Area
• Framboise Intervale Wilderness Area
• Eigg Mountain – James River Wilderness Area
• Indian Man Lake Nature Reserve
• Cloud Lake Wilderness Area
• Ruiss Noir Wilderness Area
• North River Wilderness Area
• French River Wilderness Area