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Government study supports Eigg Mountain - James River protection - Expectations raised for protection of region's "only remaining" wildernessMarch 25, 2003A long-awaited Environment Department assessment of the proposed Eigg Mountain - James River Wilderness Area near Antigonish has determined that the site represents the last remaining wilderness in the region, and recommends that it remain a candidate for protected status. The evaluation, completed in 2001 but kept under wraps by the Department, was recently acquired by the Ecology Action Centre through a Freedom of Information Act request. The Environment Department started evaluating the 80km2 tract of upland hardwood forest and deep ravines in the Antigonish Highlands for protection in 1999, during Hon. Ron Russell's first stint as Environment Minister. Researchers used digital mapping analysis (GIS) to measure habitat loss and fragmentation in Antigonish and Pictou Counties. They concluded that "the Eigg Mountain-James River study area is the only sizeable and relatively intact natural area remaining in this part of the province." The report states that the area "provides the only remaining opportunity to establish a protected area of sufficient size to function as a large natural habitat patch and a forest biodiversity reservoir and refuge". Nearly 85% study area, which is all publicly owned, was found to be in a natural condition. The study's conclusion has raised hopes that the northern mainland could get its first Wilderness Area. "The results are in; the science says Eigg Mountain-James River is unique and worth saving. The government could now move forward to designation with confidence that it's a solid decision" said Darlene Grant Fiander, of the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia (TIANS). "Healthy wilderness landscapes are part of our Tourism Product and tourism is a resource dependant Industry. Its value is intricately linked to promoting Nova Scotia as a destination of choice. The ecotourism and recreation potential of this area is significant for both the distance traveler and for Nova Scotians. Antigonish and Pictou are two of only four counties in the province with no protected wilderness areas. The Eigg Mountain-James River area clearly deserves to be protected." The report also suggests that logging and road construction within the proposed Wilderness Area could threaten the plateau's small moose population and negatively affect water flows and water quality in the James River. James River supplies the Town of Antigonish with drinking water, and over 40% of its watershed lies within the proposed Wilderness Area. It is also a major spawning tributary of the West River, one of Nova Scotia's last healthy salmon rivers. Keeping the plateau undeveloped could "play a critical role" in maintaining good water flow and quality in the river, according to the asessment. Raymond Plourde of the Ecology Action Centre says "designating Eigg Mountain - James River is probably our last best chance to establish a protected wilderness area in Antigonish County. It is a very special place for a whole variety of reasons including being home to endangered mainland moose, a significant nursery area for threatened salmon and sea-run trout populations and a cleansing system for the Town of Antigonish's water supply. Eigg Mountain - James River should immediately be added to the Protected Areas Network for the benefit of present and future generations of Nova Scotians." If protected, the area would be off limits to logging, mining, and industrial development, but still available for most forms of outdoor recreation including hunting, fishing and eco-tourism. For further information, please contact:
Click here to see the profile of the Proposed Eigg Mountain - James River Wilderness Area.
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