December 20 was a good day for nature conservation and our local region with the announcement of the New Island Wilderness area protecting 14,000 more hectares of land.
Advocates approached me in the early days of my tenure as Minister of Environment, in 2017. In 2019, a wilderness assessment was announced when I was Minister of Lands and Forestry, and then in 2021, we announced 5000 hectares proposed for protection (3 X the size of Halifax peninsula).
After consultation and a name change to reflect the major area of the breathtaking Island Lake, I am delighted to see the finalization of this portion of St Margaret’s Bay protected.
Island Lake Wilderness Area is centered around Island Lake and extends north to Little Walsh Lake and south, across HW 103, to Ingramport. This wilderness area protects a large patch of conifer forest woodlands, lakes, wetlands and watercourses, including part of the lower Ingram River.
The wilderness area helps protect woodlands, wetlands, lakes and watercourses, and provides a high quality natural setting for outdoor recreation. It is used and enjoyed for sport fishing, canoeing, hunting, camping and other recreation. The area includes 13 campsite leases. Essential connecting off-highway vehicle trails may be designated for off-highway vehicle riding.
A highlight is the 211 hectare Island Lake. With its many islands, coves and surrounding hills, the lake is sheltered from winds and a popular destination for paddling, boating, angling and other outdoor recreation. The Island Lake area also offers opportunities for hiking. The Old Annapolis Road Hiking Trail was established and maintained by the former Bowater Mersey Paper Company. Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change will support continued use of the trail, parking area and nearby beach. The hiking trail follows parts of the shore of Rees Lake and northeast end of Island Lake and passes through older forest stands.
