Province to Acquire Valuable New Land

Nova Scotians and tourists will have more ecologically valuable and recreational land to enjoy, thanks to an agreement between the province and Bowater Mersey Paper Company.

Environment and Labour Minister Carolyn Bolivar-Getson said today, May 12, that the land, spread throughout eight counties in the southwestern part of the province, is a significant addition to publicly owned land in the province.

"This is a tremendous opportunity. It will guarantee future generations access to what past generations have taken for granted," said Ms. Bolivar-Getson. "In particular, some of this highly desirable land will be added to our protected areas as part of our Green Plan for a sustainable environment.

"We have added 12,000 hectares to Nova Scotia's protected land in less than two years and there is more to come."

The province will be looking at land with a variety of potential uses, but with an emphasis on conservation.

The province has authorized up to $26 million over the next two years for the purchases.

"Nova Scotians have told us how much they value ecologically sensitive areas," said Natural Resources Minister Brooke Taylor. "This agreement, which includes lands near the Tobeatic Wilderness Area and along the Mersey River, is a great value for taxpayers."

Economic Development Minister Kerry Morash said government is once again able to help a major industry, in a way that also benefits Nova Scotians.

"Bowater has an exceptional work force and a long, successful history in Nova Scotia," he said. "This agreement will provide additional funding to help them get past a very difficult time in the industry, while Nova Scotians will benefit from the protection of these valuable lands."

Raymond Plourde, wilderness co-ordinator for Ecology Action Centre, said the announcement is a positive one for nature conservation in Nova Scotia.

"It's a good thing for the province, as it moves us closer towards meeting our national protected areas commitments," said Mr. Plourde. "It's also a noteworthy act of good corporate citizenship on the part of Bowater Mersey. Most of these lands are significant eco-sites that the company has voluntarily set aside over the years and are now making available to the province for permanent protection. It's a good deal for the government, for the company and especially for wildlife in Nova Scotia."

The amount of land to be added and the total expenditure will be determined by the market value of the land, whether the province wants the land, and whether the price provides good conservation value for dollar. Depending on the market value and number of land parcels the province buys, the purchases will total about 40,000 acres (16,000 hectares).