Wentworth Gains Wilderness Protection Area

The Minister of Environment declared a large part of the Wentworth Valley a protected ‘Wilderness Area’ today. The designation protects forests and wildlife habitat.

Margaret Miller says, “Wilderness areas protect nature, of course, but they also offer opportunities for recreation, education, research, and economic development.”

The Wentworth Valley Wilderness Area will cover 1,954 hectares in Colchester and Cumberland counties. Miller also announced the designation of two other protected areas near Oxford, including Chase Lake Wilderness Area covering 874 hectares and Steepbank Brook Nature Reserve with 202 hectares.

The Minister says wilderness areas help create year-round tourism and business opportunities. She says, “They can support local economies through nature tourism which provides jobs and attracts visitors to nearby communities and local businesses.”

The president of Ski Wentworth is delighted. Leslie Wilson says, “Ski Wentworth has been exploring opportunities to expand into four-season operation. With the Wentworth Valley Wilderness Area protected, it will further enhance this region as a destination for four-season eco-tourism.”

With these designations, Nova Scotia’s protected land now totals about 689,000 hectares. More information, including the report on commercial benefits, is available at http://novascotia.ca/nse/protectedareas.