Cheverie, Nova Scotia - Nova Scotia’s first salt marsh restoration project is taking a big step forward, thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada. The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Gateway, today announced $10,500 in funding for the creation of a nature observation area in Hants County.
“Through this Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency investment, considerable interest from environmental groups from across North America will be generated, resulting in economic benefits to both Hants County and the region as whole.”
Salt marshes are integral components of coastal ecosystems in the Maritimes, serving as important areas of primary production for coastal food chains and habitats for wildlife such as fish, insects, and birds.
This is a three-phase project that will develop walking trails, interpretive signage, and a discovery centre. Phase one will include the construction of a nature trail around the perimeter of the salt marsh with signage and look-off platforms.
In addition to ACOA’s investment, the Nova Scotia Department of Health Promotion and Protection is also contributing $5,000 toward walking trails at the site.
“I'm pleased that my department can help more people enjoy nature in this beautiful area of Hants County, and get physically active at the same time,” said Health Promotion and Protection Minister Maureen MacDonald. “I hope residents and tourists alike take advantage of the new trails when they're complete.”
“This is an exciting project for Cheverie,” said Richard Dauphinee, Warden, Municipality of the District of West Hants. “It will result in increased tourist visits to our community and allow for the pursuit of new business opportunities."
“The demand for eco-tourism adventures is increasing,” said Don Aldous, spokesperson for the Cheverie Crossway Salt Marsh Society. “The creation of nature trails will allow visitors to see and experience first hand the importance of the salt marsh and its wildlife.”
The marsh is located in the Village of Cheverie, a natural stopping point along Highway 215. Beyond the preservation of the town’s natural beauty, the eco-tourism based infrastructure will draw visitors to the area to enjoy the village’s other amenities.
Minister Peter MacKay today announced an investment of more than $10,000 through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency to support Nova Scotia’s first salt marsh restoration project, in Cheverie, Hants County. Salt marshes are integral components of Maritime Canada’s coastal ecosystems, serving as important areas of primary production for coastal food chains, and habitats for wildlife such as fish, insects and birds. This investment will help fund the first phase of the project and includes a nature trail around the perimeter of the salt march with signage and look-off platforms.
-30-
Alex Smith
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-9417
E-mail: Alex. Smith@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Don Aldous
Cheverie Crossway Salt Marsh Society
902-757-2085
Richard Dauphinee
Municipality of the District of West Hants
902-798-8391
Rachel Boomer
Health Promotion and Protection
902-424-5323
E-mail: Rachel.Boomer@gov.ns.ca
