Cloe Logan
Canada’s National Observer
June 16, 2022

Originally published here

The 266-hectare coastal parkland in Atlantic Canada, nestled on the eastern shore of Nova Scotia, was slated to become a golf course and luxury resort after the provincial government delisted the area for protection in 2019. In November, it was saved from development, and in January, Nova Scotia’s Natural Resources and Renewables Minister Tory Rushton confirmed the province would protect the site.

As of Tuesday, that was made official.

“While Owls Head is making headlines as Nova Scotia’s ‘newest’ provincial park, it’s actually a park 47 years in the making,” said Lindsay Lee, secretary of the citizens’ group Eastern Shore Forest Watch Association.

“After nearly five decades of public consultations, government plans and scientific studies, Owls Head Provincial Park is finally getting the legal protection it needs and deserves.”

… However, the park is one of many areas needing protection, said Lee. There are 125 provincial parks, nature reserves and wilderness areas awaiting the same designation and could face delistment.

“Without stronger legal protections, Nova Scotia’s parks and protected areas will perpetually be at risk,” said Lee.

“And in the midst of rapid biodiversity loss and climate change, that’s not good for the province or the planet.”

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