STAND UP FOR MOOSE

On behalf of the Friends of Nature (FON), based in Chester, I'd like to congratulate The Chronicle Herald for continuing to publish relevant articles and letters concerning the future of our endangered mainland moose.

As most Nova Scotia residents are aware, the mainland moose is one of several species which are, unfortunately, on our current endangered species list. This is a situation which can be avoided if Premier Stephen Mcneil and his Minister of Lands and Forestry listen to concerned citizens who are attempting to do the government's work for them to protect the habitat the moose needs to survive.

Despite what senior staff of the Department of Lands and Forestry state — that clearcutting in moose habitat is good for moose — common sense should tell us this is not true. Small tree clumps and minimal buffers on wetlands and watercourses are woefully inadequate. Biologists have been telling government officials this for many years but still the clearcutting continues unabated. Where has the Lahey forestry report, and its recommendations for a different type of forestry for Nova Scotia, disappeared to?

On May 29, Justice Christa Brothers of the Nova Scotia Supreme Court ordered the province to protect the habitat for the mainland moose and several other endangered species. To date, the province hasn't done this; instead, concerned citizens are being arrested for trying to do the work of our provincial government.

Friends of Nature respectfully asks that Premier Stephen Mcneil halt the current harvest plans for the contested area near New France, Digby County, in southwestern Nova Scotia. This is a serious environmental issue and the premier needs to “protect the blazes moose” and its core habitat for generations to come.

Brad Armstrong, conservation director, FON, Chester