Input wanted: New management plan in the works for Keji
Parks Canada is inviting area residents to provide feedback on a draft of the management plan for the Kejimkujik National Park and Historic Site in Nova Scotia.
An online survey was launched at the start of July by Parks Canada, offering the public the opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns on the plan that the national park has put together over the last two years.
The survey aims to give everyone the chance to have a say in how the park will operate for the next decade, said Jonathan Sheppard, the site superintendent for Parks Canada.
“It’s a legislative requirement,” explained Sheppard.
“The last one was done in 2010. Now is the time for us to put this one forward.”
In 2019, Parks Canada released a first draft of the survey. The new draft, released this July, is based off many different comments received from the public, said Sheppard.
“In phase one, we got a lot of really great feedback,” he said. “This is phase two. We’re very happy to bring this draft back to the public. We heard a lot of great stuff the first time.”
Many of the changes made from the 2010 plan involved making the park more inclusive and accessible, Sheppard said.
“It covers a lot about diversity and inclusion,” he said.
“Whether people have physical disabilities or cultural differences, we are really looking to create a space that’s inviting and welcoming for all.”
The park has also worked closely with the Mi’kmaq community of Nova Scotia to ensure the cultural integrity of the park is maintained, said Sheppard.
“It is a protected Mi’kmaq site,” he said.
“Those are areas where you will see strong improvements in this plan.”
The proposal also has updated plans for nature and wildlife conservation, said Sheppard.
“Major landscape level changes have been made,” he said.
Sheppard also said although the document can be highlevel reading, it solidifies the park’s key strategies going forward.
“A lot of broad framing for the park’s plans going forward can be found in the document,” he said.
Sheppard said he feels it is important for every Canadian to fill out the survey.
“It is country-wide process,” he said. “Parks Canada are really open and responsive to public interest and public feedback.”
Let’s Talk Kejimkujik is the website created by Parks Canada where people can go and inform themselves about the management plan and the cultural history of the park. This is also the best place to fill out the survey, Sheppard said.
“On the site, you’ll see videos, some context and you can see the draft plan,” said Sheppard.
“It’s an easy way for people to provide feedback to us. It’s all set up easy for people to get on.”
So far, several people have already filled out the survey, said Sheppard.
“Kejimkujik really holds a special place in people’s hearts," Sheppard said.
“Whether they live locally, or are just connected to the cultural landscape, it leaves a lasting impression.”
The free online survey will be open to the public until July 25 and can be found at www.letstalkkejimkujik.ca.