“The Best Defence of Democracy”
Bob Bancroft’s Speech

Thank you all for coming today. The ethical aspect of the Owls Head issue is important and needs to be heard. I’m grateful to all of you who have supported this cause and the legal effort.

To paraphrase Thomas Jefferson, the best defence of democracy is a well-informed citizenry.

The Nova Scotia government clings to an economic growth model that attaches more value to wild coastal habitats when they become golf courses. Forests have more value as woodpiles and wildlife just keeps getting in the way of so-called “progress.”

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Rallying Myth: Pamela Baker’s Speech

The golf course has become the supporters’ rallying myth and although we do not believe it is the central issue, it needs to be addressed. Much of my information stems from conversations with my brother who has been the General Manager of two very large golf and country clubs and he has been in the business for over 35 years. He loves golf, has a very low handicap, and thinks building even one golf course at Owl’s Head is foolish.

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Supreme Court Decision

Bancroft v. Nova Scotia (Lands and Forestry), 2021 NSSC 234 SUPREME COURT OF NOVA SCOTIA Citation: Bancroft v. Nova Scotia (Lands and Forestry), 2021 NSSC 234 Date: 20210726 Docket: Hfx,  No.  496023 Registry: Halifax Between: Robert Bancroft and Eastern Shore Forest Watch Association (Applicants) Nova Scotia Minister of Lands and Forestry and Attorney General of Nova Scotia (Respondents) Read more…

Update from Biologist Caitlin Porter

Featured Photo: Broom Crowberry by Megan Timmons

On May 24, the change.org petition surpassed 15,000 signatures. Caitlin Porter, a biologist who has studied the site’s rare plant ecosystem over several years, writes a short message of support.


FIFTEEN THOUSAND. That’s such an impressive number. Also, so impressive how much hard work and expertise is in this group. So many superheroes here.

The amount of volunteer hours going into making this happen is incredible and a testament to how much people care. It’s inspiring to me that so many people care about our shared public lands, protected areas commitments, and biodiversity conservation.

When I wrote to our local representatives last year, I didn’t receive any response to my letters. Organizations with expertise on this issue who wrote in their concerns also did not receive responses. Many people have not received responses from the same politicians who they voted for.

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