Photo above: Bob Semple / www.hww.ca
The only remaining populations of the Atlantic whitefish are in Nova Scotia’s Petite Riviere watershed. Nonetheless, the Department of Natural Resources (DNRR) and WestFor have planned and proposed several harvests directly adjacent to the last lakes in which the last Atlantic whitefish live. The precautionary principle dictates avoiding harmful actions.
Are DNRR/WestFor aware of the potential harms caused by these harvests?
DNRR cannot claim ignorance. In recognition of the endangered status of Atlantic Whitefish, a SARA mandated recovery plan was put together by the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans (2006-2019) and accepted by Nova Scotia’s Department of Natural Resources and Renewables. The plan was published in the Nova Scotia Endangered Species Act Recovery Plan Series. In this Action plan for White fish Recovery (signed by a DNRR representative) one finds the following statements:
“Atlantic Whitefish survival depends upon its continued production within Minamkeak, Milipsigate, and Hebb Lakes and thus, this habitat is considered necessary for its survival (DFO 2009).”
Accordingly, within the recovery plan the following is proposed:
11) Support the NSE in establishing the lands around the Petite lakes as a ‘Wilderness Area’. The Nova Scotia Environment (NSE), Protected Areas Branch, has had recent success in partnering with municipalities for Wilderness Area designation of town water supply lands. Protecting naturally functioning ecosystems is complementary to the objective of protecting water quality. Subsequently, planners with the NSE identified Bridgewater’s water supply as a potential candidate for joint wilderness-water supply protection. A Wilderness Area designation could potentially provide additional protection for the endangered Atlantic Whitefish population, by precluding development of shorelines, brooks, and wetlands that surround the lakes.
Given that DNRR recognizes the protection offered to this endangered species by maintaining shorelines, brooks and wetlands, why (add “in heaven’s name”) are DNRR/WestFor proposing overstory removals and other major forestry operations in this area?
To try to stop this unacceptable harvest plan, please comment on the Harvest Plan Map Viewer for parcels LU099960 C, LU099961 B, and LU068578 A. Contact friends and neighbours, call your MLA, write the Ministers, and the Premier. This is a horrible, unconscionable harvest that must be stopped.
Note from George Buranyi, of the Bridgewater Watershed Protection Alliance: HMPV is annoying to use. Tips: click on link and it takes you to a map. Agree to terms and conditions. Click + to zero in on map around Hebbville which is near Bridgewater . Find Minamkeak which is just south of Hebbville. Minamkeak is below and to the left, you will see three black or purple smudges as you keep clicking "+". Click on the envelope to comment. It will ask you to click on the parcel and a dialogue box appears for entering your comment. Do same re other two parcels. Deadline Apr 23 but do ASAP.
Please share post and tell friends.
Are DNRR/WestFor aware of the potential harms caused by these harvests?
DNRR cannot claim ignorance. In recognition of the endangered status of Atlantic Whitefish, a SARA mandated recovery plan was put together by the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans (2006-2019) and accepted by Nova Scotia’s Department of Natural Resources and Renewables. The plan was published in the Nova Scotia Endangered Species Act Recovery Plan Series. In this Action plan for White fish Recovery (signed by a DNRR representative) one finds the following statements:
“Atlantic Whitefish survival depends upon its continued production within Minamkeak, Milipsigate, and Hebb Lakes and thus, this habitat is considered necessary for its survival (DFO 2009).”
Accordingly, within the recovery plan the following is proposed:
11) Support the NSE in establishing the lands around the Petite lakes as a ‘Wilderness Area’. The Nova Scotia Environment (NSE), Protected Areas Branch, has had recent success in partnering with municipalities for Wilderness Area designation of town water supply lands. Protecting naturally functioning ecosystems is complementary to the objective of protecting water quality. Subsequently, planners with the NSE identified Bridgewater’s water supply as a potential candidate for joint wilderness-water supply protection. A Wilderness Area designation could potentially provide additional protection for the endangered Atlantic Whitefish population, by precluding development of shorelines, brooks, and wetlands that surround the lakes.
Given that DNRR recognizes the protection offered to this endangered species by maintaining shorelines, brooks and wetlands, why (add “in heaven’s name”) are DNRR/WestFor proposing overstory removals and other major forestry operations in this area?
To try to stop this unacceptable harvest plan, please comment on the Harvest Plan Map Viewer for parcels LU099960 C, LU099961 B, and LU068578 A. Contact friends and neighbours, call your MLA, write the Ministers, and the Premier. This is a horrible, unconscionable harvest that must be stopped.
Note from George Buranyi, of the Bridgewater Watershed Protection Alliance: HMPV is annoying to use. Tips: click on link and it takes you to a map. Agree to terms and conditions. Click + to zero in on map around Hebbville which is near Bridgewater . Find Minamkeak which is just south of Hebbville. Minamkeak is below and to the left, you will see three black or purple smudges as you keep clicking "+". Click on the envelope to comment. It will ask you to click on the parcel and a dialogue box appears for entering your comment. Do same re other two parcels. Deadline Apr 23 but do ASAP.
Please share post and tell friends.