Hon. Mike Holland replies to a letter in the Feb. 2021 issue (ConnectingAlbertCounty.org/opinions-letters-and-reflections/open-letter-to-the-honourable-mike-holland).
It is with great pleasure that I submit some of my thoughts related to the protection of the Shepody Mountain region and how that relates to the overall work we are doing to double the conserved and protected areas of our beautiful province.
I very much appreciated the thoughts in a previous newsletter from Mr. Béland raising some questions about what protecting Shepody Mountain means to our county and indeed, the biodiversity and ecological sustainability of our entire province.
I very much appreciated the thoughts in a previous newsletter from Mr. Béland raising some questions about what protecting Shepody Mountain means to our county and indeed, the biodiversity and ecological sustainability of our entire province.
In his letter, Mr. Beland asks, “What does culture, recreation, and indigenous reconciliation have to do with conservation?” The answer is that these ideas are deeply woven into New Brunswick’s Nature Legacy initiative. Connecting citizens with nature builds and strengthens society’s appreciation of our forests and the wildlife species that inhabit them. In fact, I believe that our forests and natural areas are alive and teach us all something every time we venture throughout its hills, valleys and trails. Indigenous peoples in particular have a special connection with nature. I would say that our Indigenous populations are the original conservation advocates here in NB. I have very much enjoyed long conversations with elders regaling me about traditional practices and respect for our earth. Not just for today, but from generations gone by and ensuring that generations to come can experience that as well.
I can assure all that the community prepared and presented a proposal to protect Shepody Mountain in a package that was second to none. That, combined with industry communication to ensure collaboration, spoke to the fact that the homework was indeed done on this project before I ever set foot in a meeting about protecting a beautiful vista of Albert County.
Certainly, this is a small piece of land to conserve, but I am of the firm belief that every bit counts and I would not discard the value of this small part of New Brunswick’s natural landscape. To further allay concerns, the adjacent landowners have very much been engaged in the process and will work to ensure this protected area (as with all throughout the province) can be enjoyed respectfully by the public.
The final designation of protection has not been completed at this point, however; the aim is to protect it from future industrial uses including forestry, mining, and wind development (for example). Shepody Mountain has a strong community connection as well and it is frequented by hunters, hikers, mountain bikers, and snowshoers to name a few activities enjoyed there now. The type of low-impact, nature-based recreation that occurs now is not contrary to conservation efforts.
I hope that offers some insights into the process of Shepody Mountain's place in the overall picture of New Brunswick’s Nature Legacy Initiative. This initiative will see the protected areas in this province doubled. The activity and nominations have been incredible and the teams from my department have been identifying approximately 50,000 hectares per month! This has been the largest conservation initiative in the history of New Brunswick and we are well on the way to achieving the goal. Despite the many and frequent challenges we have faced over the last year, we WILL complete this goal and I am proud to say that the folks from Albert County will always be able to look to the gorgeous landscape of Shepody Mountain and say that we did it! We are responsible for protecting that land. It feels good to be a part of something so valiant in a time when so many things are uncertain. Doesn’t it?
I can assure all that the community prepared and presented a proposal to protect Shepody Mountain in a package that was second to none. That, combined with industry communication to ensure collaboration, spoke to the fact that the homework was indeed done on this project before I ever set foot in a meeting about protecting a beautiful vista of Albert County.
Certainly, this is a small piece of land to conserve, but I am of the firm belief that every bit counts and I would not discard the value of this small part of New Brunswick’s natural landscape. To further allay concerns, the adjacent landowners have very much been engaged in the process and will work to ensure this protected area (as with all throughout the province) can be enjoyed respectfully by the public.
The final designation of protection has not been completed at this point, however; the aim is to protect it from future industrial uses including forestry, mining, and wind development (for example). Shepody Mountain has a strong community connection as well and it is frequented by hunters, hikers, mountain bikers, and snowshoers to name a few activities enjoyed there now. The type of low-impact, nature-based recreation that occurs now is not contrary to conservation efforts.
I hope that offers some insights into the process of Shepody Mountain's place in the overall picture of New Brunswick’s Nature Legacy Initiative. This initiative will see the protected areas in this province doubled. The activity and nominations have been incredible and the teams from my department have been identifying approximately 50,000 hectares per month! This has been the largest conservation initiative in the history of New Brunswick and we are well on the way to achieving the goal. Despite the many and frequent challenges we have faced over the last year, we WILL complete this goal and I am proud to say that the folks from Albert County will always be able to look to the gorgeous landscape of Shepody Mountain and say that we did it! We are responsible for protecting that land. It feels good to be a part of something so valiant in a time when so many things are uncertain. Doesn’t it?
Mike Holland, MLA Albert
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