Submitted by Bill Clarke
Vision:
Our economy demands that access be granted to Industry and as long as reasonable measures are taken to protect the environment then Industry should be allowed access to the raw materials available. That being said there should be limits as to how much land is put aside for this use. The general public needs access to a variety of ecosystems as well, whether that be parks, protected areas or privately owned areas depends on resources available in that area. ATV's, snowmobiles, 4X4's, canoes, boaters, hikers, hunters and fisherman, bird watchers, etc... All deserve attention and areas to enjoy their sports and recreation. Some of these uses can obviously overlap and some can even be shared with Industry; this may be key in finding enough land for everyone to enjoy and keep the economy growing.
Strengths:
The very fact that Nova Scotia has these four areas is their strength. How we continue to grow them and develop them for our future and the future of the next generation is how we will be measured by the future generations.
Barriers and Issues:
Being a relatively small province and wanting to grow, as any culture will, has its limits. Mostly being privately owned makes it more difficult for the public to have enough space for recreation. What Government land is still available has many groups and Industries asking for access. Finding a balance will be the challenge for the current Government and future Governments as well.
Community's Priorities:
Balancing the needs of Industry and the needs of our citizens as individuals for recreational land use. We have to grow, it is fundamental to our existance, but we also need our natural environment in its natural state in some areas for us and for the future.
Guiding the health and sustainability:
Industry must be responsible for bringing areas back to their natural state when the resources have been used. Or at least bring them back to a state where the ecological systems in the area can reclaim them. Perhaps the lands can be re-opened for public use after mines and logging interests have moved on or are waiting for the trees to grow again. Hiking trails can be established and ATV's and 4x4's can use the area as well as other groups interested until the land becomes valuable to Industry again.