McNabs and Lawlor Islands Designated a Provincial Park Department of Natural Resources November 4

McNabs and Lawlor Islands Designated a Provincial Park
Department of Natural Resources
November 4, 2002

Premier John Hamm and Natural Resources Minister Tim Olive announced today, Nov. 4, the official designation of McNabs and Lawlor Islands as a provincial park.

Located in the mouth of Halifax Harbour, the park will provide opportunities for visitors and residents of the Halifax Regional Municipality to enjoy outdoor recreation. In addition the park designation will provide protection for the heritage and cultural values of the islands.

"Three years ago this government made a commitment to Nova Scotians to preserve and protect our environment for future generations," said Premier Hamm. "Today's announcement is another example of our government keeping its word."

McNabs Island is 400 hectares in area. Nearby Lawlor Island is 58 hectares. These two islands contain significant natural and cultural heritage values and provide tremendous recreational opportunities, all of which are situated in the heart of Nova Scotia's largest metropolitan area.

"Properties such as McNabs and Lawlor Islands are significant additions to our provincial park system and they add to the preservation of our coastline," said Natural Resources Minister Tim Olive. "Although McNabs and Lawlor Islands have had extensive development and use over the years, today, much of the islands remain in a relatively natural state, which makes them ideal for designation under the Parks Act."

The islands include the remains of several forts, important wildlife habitat, concentrations of nesting great blue heron and ospreys and old-growth forest. The existing trails and scenic vistas provide a variety of outdoor recreation and education opportunities.

In August, the Department of Natural Resources released a draft management plan for McNabs and Lawlor Islands. It was prepared by the department and the McNabs and Lawlor Islands Provincial Park Advisory Committee.

"The management plan provides a vision and philosophy that will guide future management decisions for the park," said Mr. Olive. "It emphasizes protection of the islands' outstanding natural and cultural heritage values while allowing opportunities for outdoor recreation and nature-based education."

The draft management plan is available for public review on the department's Web site at www.gov.ns.ca/natr/parks/mcnabs . Written comments must be sent to: Department of Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation Division, RR 1, Belmont, B0M 1C0; or by e-mail to Brian Kinsman at bkinsman@gov.ns.ca . The deadline for comments is Friday, Nov. 15.

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