Protection of Five Bridge Lakes Wilderness Area creates opportunity for Halifax greenbelt

HALIFAX – The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) welcomes today’s announcement by the Nova Scotia government that it has officially protected the public lands of Five Bridge Lakes as a legally-protected wilderness area.

“With the protection of Five Bridge Lakes Wilderness Area, the Nova Scotia government has taken a major step in creating a world class system of protected areas on the edge of Halifax”, says Chris Miller, National Conservation Biologist for CPAWS, based in Halifax. “This will help control the problem of urban sprawl in the western part of the city and help ensure that Haligonians always have close access to spectacular wilderness.”

The Five Bridges Lakes Wilderness Area is 8,600 hectares in size and contains important habitat for the Chebucto Peninsula population of endangered mainland moose.  The area is also significant for wilderness recreation opportunities, including a fantastic canoe route from Hubley to Blind Bay through the heart of the new protected area.  The Bluff Trail is also located here, containing some of the best wilderness hiking near Halifax.

“The Nova Scotia government is to be commended for its efforts to protect Five Bridge Lakes”, says Miller. “We’re starting to see the beginnings of a greenbelt for Halifax, and the Nova Scotia government is putting real tangible actions forward to achieve that vision”.

In addition to Five Bridge Lakes Wilderness Area, the Chebucto Peninsula near Halifax also supports Blue Mountain – Birch Cove Lakes Wilderness Area, Terence Bay Wilderness Area, and Long Lake Provincial Park, among others.  Over 15,000 hectares of public land near Halifax are now conserved by the Nova Scotia government to protect wilderness values and create wilderness recreation opportunities.

The Nova Scotia government committed to protecting Five Bridge Lakes as a wilderness area back in 2009.  Since that time, the government has carried out extensive public and stakeholder consultations, as well as a socio-economic assessment.

CPAWS congratulations the many community organizations involved in protecting Five Bridge Lakes, especially Five Bridge Lakes Wilderness Heritage Trust, Woodens River Watershed Environmental Organization, and St. Margaret’s Bay Stewardship Association.

Images available

Contact:
Chris Miller, Ph.D.
National Conservation Biologist
Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society
902-446-4155
cmiller@cpaws.org