by Clifford Paul, UINR
CAPE BRETON HIGHLANDS – On the northern tip of Unama’ki, the adventurous would find an incredible landscape. From steep sloped canyons to pristine barrens, the Pollett’s Cove Aspy Fault Wilderness Area is Cape Breton’s most northeastern representation of Canada’s boreal forest.
Situated just north of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, this provincial park also offers rugged terrain, winding hiking trails, and beautiful hidden beaches. It is certainly worthy of protection now, and for future generations.
“Protection from what” you may ask. It is protection from the use of all-terrain vehicles that threaten the delicate ecosystems that exists in the Wilderness Area. Since 2010, the use of motorized vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles, has been completely phased out and banned through legislation.
“The Wilderness Area hosts Unama’ki’s highest concentration of moose,” Moose Management Initiative Coordinator Clifford Paul noted. “This area has historically been accessed, to the point of environmental destruction and something needed to be done to protect this thriving ecosystem.”
Members of the Mi’kmaq community, Mi’kmaq leadership, local guides, and government are beginning the process of working towards greater management of moose habitat for the benefit of future generations. “This process is expected to lead to greater opportunities in the future, for the Mi’kmaq to provide guided ...
Tags: Cape Breton Highlands, Clifford Paul, Dept. of Environment, Dept. of Natural Resources, UINR, Unama'ki