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Connecting Albert County

environment

Protecting Shepody Mountain

23/12/2019

3 Comments

 
Picture
Sometimes we take the permanence of the things we love for granted. This fall, local landowners along Route 114 learned sections of Shepody Mountain were slated for industrial harvest in the spring of 2020.

We began talking about what this meant for the continued health of the mountain as we had concerns that clearcutting would affect the vistas and creeks, create erosion and more blowdowns, and displace the resident wildlife. A few of us talked about what we might do about it. 



PictureShepody affords spectacular views of Grindstone Island. (Photo Deborah Carr)
There’s often an attitude of ‘you can’t fight industry’ or ‘government’s gonna do what government’s gonna do’, but statements like this leave people with the false illusion that they’re mired in a place of weakness and powerlessness. There’s always something that can be done, and nothing more satisfying than knowing you’ve been part of positive action to preserve something for the present and future generations. As long as we’re working to protect what’s important, Mary Majka’s legacy lives on in Albert County. 

In late October, Minister Mike Holland announced a Federal/provincial partnership to increase conserved lands in New Brunswick to 10% of the province’s landbase. Minister Holland said that, for the first time, the department was working with long-standing conservation groups in the province to identify potential sites. We contacted him immediately to say Water & Environmental Protection for Albert County (WEPAC) would submit a nomination for Shepody Mountain and we invited him to attend a small meeting with adjacent landowners.

PictureA number of special creeks and brooks drain from Shepody. (Photo Guy Russell)
During that meeting, Minister Holland assured those present that increasing protected forestlands and enacting changes to benefit private woodlot owners were key objectives. He also added that this nomination was the first received by his department and commended WEPAC for being quick out of the gate. We had his wholehearted support.

Following this meeting, WEPAC submitted a formal request to protect 700 hectares of Crown Land on Shepody Mountain under the Canada Pathway to Target 1 program. 

We have a number of factors working in our favour, but the first one is critically important for success:

Community support: Being able to quantify the level of community support is essential, so we’re soliciting letters of support from local organizations and groups. We’ll also circulate a petition to be presented in the Legislature in February. As well, Minister Holland said that it’s particularly impactful when individuals send a brief personal email or phone call, indicating their support for the nomination and why. “It doesn’t have to be formal or long,” he said. “Just a few personal words will suffice.”

Connectivity: When Crown lands are situated close to other protected areas, this improves the connectivity and chances for wildlife corridors between them. Shepody Mountain is in close proximity to Caledonia Gorge Natural Protected Area, Ducks Unlimited protected marshlands, and Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park. As well, the marine environment is designated as protected by DFO. If the neighbouring private landowners are also committed to sustainable harvesting, this gives greater effectiveness to the protected lands, as they’re surrounded by healthy, vibrant forests. 

Cultural connection: Shepody Mountain is a solid presence in our community. It is within traditional Mi’kmaq territory and the first Acadian settlement was at its base. It’s a visible landmark and many locals say they feel a generational connection to it. Some hunt on its slopes, others hike, bike, ski or snowshoe it regularly. We’re collecting short stories and memories that illustrate this connection.

Picture
Shepody Mountain circa 1930s
Sensitive landscape & imminent threat: The impact of industrial harvest on Shepody would be profound, and the pending cuts add a sense of the urgency to the nomination. The threat of erosion and impacts on waterways (Hamilton and Chemical Creeks, Daniels and Tingley Brooks, plus other unnamed creeks and brooks) and the downstream impact on the marshes is significant, particularly as our climate changes and rain/wind events increase.

How you can help:

  1. Attend the public meeting on January 8, 2020, 6:30pm at the Riverside-Albert Rec Centre when we’ll explain the current situation, what we’ve done and plan to do next, the nomination process, and the involvement needed from the community.  Minister Holland will be on hand to answer questions. (SNOW DATE Jan 9, Same time/place)
  2. Send a letter or email of support for the nomination to Mike Holland, or call and tell him yourself. His email is mike.holland@gnb.ca; office# 856-4961.
  3. Sign a petition or  download the petition from the WEPAC website, then canvas your neighbours, friends and family. Completed petitions can be dropped off at any signing location BEFORE JANUARY 31, 2020, or brought to our community meeting. Petitions will be placed at the following locations for signing:  Crooked Creek Convenience (Riverside-Albert) or Cooke’s Quik Mart or Irving (Hillsborough), or Fundy General Store (Alma).
  4. Write a short story or memory of Shepody that illustrates your connection to it or experience on it...maybe a special hike, or family memory, a snippet of history or how, when you crest the hill at the Hopewell Rocks and see its forested slopes, it signals that you’re almost home. Leave your story in the comments below, on our website or send your stories to wepac.nb@gmail.com
  5. Talk about this with others who may not have internet access and encourage them to show their support.
  6. Check our WEPAC website (wepac.ca) or Facebook page for updates on our progress, or contact us to see how you can help or get on our mailing list at wepac.nb@gmail.com.
  7. Share news on social media and get the conversation going!
If Shepody is approved for low-impact, multi-use protection, it could be another gem on the string of beautiful iconic sites along the Fundy Coast...an accomplishment made even more special in celebration of our 175th anniversary in 2020. 

3 Comments
Tracy Danks
5/1/2020 01:08:34 pm

We live at the base of Shepody mountain looking out at Grindstone Island. we purchased our home 3 years ago and moved from Ontario to live in this perfect place The wildlife and serene vistas brought us here and I cant imagine it being destroyed by such a selfish act. Our water supply comes from the mountain and is pristine. I can also relate to the feelings shared with us from tourists staying at the local inn. This is incredible country and needs to be protected from destruction. Route 114 is is a tourist track and I cant believe anyone would want to jeopardize one of this provinces main source of income. We need to keep this mountain safe along with the animals and people who depend on it.

Reply
Bonnielee Amstrong
7/1/2020 02:37:42 pm

I wanted to Share that I support this initiative. As a wood lot owner in Albert County I am Very closely watching WEPAC’s request and if it will be supported by this government. 700 hectares is a pittance compared to the access the Irving company gets to crown lands in our province.

Jobs and the protection of forestry jobs is a common refrain. What of the jobs connected to one of our largest industries? Tourism. A vital industry for lower Albert County. What the visitors see coming to our Province gets spread by word of mouth far and wide. I’ve heard many comments coming from visitors about the clear cuts along route 114 between South Branch and Fundy National Park. Their remarks are ones of distain and dismay. With the completion of the last section of the Fundy Trail visitors will be treated to the scenery of clear cuts along the Shepody Road. Not to mention the displacement of the animals, some endangered, along with the destruction of habitat. I’ve seen first hand the impact this has had along the boundaries of Fundy National Park as it becomes an island of refuge amidst an ocean of clear cuts and mono-cultured plantation forest. We need to do a better job at preserving more Crown lands. Just ask visitors what they see from atop Mount Carlton in Mount Carlton Provincial Park. I have shared my comments with MLA Mike Holland.

I applaud WEPAC in their efforts to protect some of these Crown lands and wish them good luck.

Reply
Kevin Gallant link
22/12/2020 07:05:48 am

Hi Folks,
I write a lot of historical self-publications. More recently, I am helping a friend find trade routes through science and historical records. Shepody mtn is a beautiful area and featured as the only mountain on a 1758 map, My father was not into history but valued the Acadian roots and First nations. This is one of the maps he kept. https://www.dropbox.com/sh/yutw4tulpt03afl/AAAoZPu5Yn0rZ0XWgMeZuwWJa?dl=0
I hope it helps with your efforts. We need to build our economy in NB but both companies and municipalities need to do their homework on the treasures around them. All the best. Kevin Gallant, author, engineer and instructor

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