by Kathy Johnson
What is described as the most important breeding grounds in the province for the endangered Piping Plover is now protected territory.
Crow Neck Beach in Baccaro has been acquired by Nova Scotia Nature Trust for conservation and protection through a combined donation and purchase.
A crowd of about 30 gathered on the beach for the official announcement on Saturday (Aug. 6). The 33 acre property is part of Crow Neck Beach area, and was acquired from Albert and Winnifred Campbell, Greenwood, N.S.
“This is a wonderful day for conservation in Shelburne County and in the province,” said Christine Curry of Bird Studies Canada (BSC).
“Crow Neck is currently home to more plover pairs than any other beach in Nova Scotia and supports about 14 percent of the province’s estimated 50 breeding pairs,” said BSC biologist, Sue Abbott. “Permanently protecting their remaining habitats is key to the survival of Piping Plovers, and an important complement to our own Piping Plover conservation and community outreach work.”
The entire Crow Neck Beach area is targeted for protection by 2015 through a partnership between the Nature Trust and the Province.
Crow Neck Beach is the second in Shelburne County to acquired by the Nova Scotia Trust this year.
In partnership with landowners Hugh Jones and Bruce Blakemore, a 120 acre coastal property on the Blanche Peninsula known as Purgatory Point will also be protected through a conservation easement.
“Albert and Winnifred Campbell, Bruce Blakemore and Hugh Jones are all visionary landowners who have taken action to protect, forever, the natural wonders on their land,” said Dennis Garratt, the Nature Trust’s conservation manager. “On behalf of all Nova Scotians, and all the species that call these lands home, we honor and thank them for their generous and irreplaceable conservation gifts.”
