CPAWS welcomes stronger protection for Sable Island, Nova Scotia
January 25, 2010HALIFAX – CPAWS welcomes today’s announcement by the Federal government that it is considering establishing a new national park in Nova Scotia for Sable Island.
“This is welcome news”, says Chris Miller, a senior conservation manager for CPAWS based in Nova Scotia. “Sable Island is an iconic island; a true symbol of wilderness not just for Nova Scotians but all Canadians”.
Located 300 km offshore from Nova Scotia, this isolated sandy island contains the highest dune systems in Nova Scotia, a spectacular population of wild horses, the entire population of the vulnerable Ispwich sparrow, an endemic freshwater sponge, a large colony of breeding grey seals and harbor seals, and is an important stopover location for migratory and breeding birds.
For several years, discussions have been underway to establish a National Wildlife Area for Sable Island. Today’s announcement means that the Federal government is now considering making the island a national park instead. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with the Nova Scotia government that kick-starts the public consultation phase. Canadians are being asked which designation they prefer.
CPAWS will be taking a close look at the two protected area options for Sable Island and determining which designation would better protect the sensitive ecology of the island. A national park designation generally contains stronger provisions for habitat protection and ensures that ecological integrity is central in management decisions. CPAWS has concerns about increasing visits to the island from tourists, particularly interest from cruise ship companies in making landings on the island.
A national park designation would help the Nova Scotia government achieve its land conservation goal of legally protecting at least 12% of Nova Scotia’s landmass by the year 2015. Currently, only 8.7% of Nova Scotia is legally-protected.
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For more information, contact:
Chris Miller, Ph.D.
National Manager,
Wilderness Conservation and Climate Change
Canadian Park and Wilderness Society
(902)446-4155
cmiller@cpaws.org
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