Issues
Coastal Access
Many people ask how to access Micou’s Island or where else to go when there is no parking. Coastal access is very much an issue of public concern in St. Margaret's Bay, as it is elsewhere in Nova Scotia.
What are the laws? Where can you go? What can you do there?
Water Resources
We advocate for good, clean, and abundant water as it is essential for people and for the environment to survive. Through our partnership with the Adopt-A-Stream Program, we’ve helped restore the aquatic habitats of waterways in the Proposed Ingram River Wilderness area. Stewardship volunteers have also removed over 34,000 lbs of waste from St. Margaret’s Bay watershed over the past 10 years.
Land Preservation and Protection
To ensure public access for years to come, we advocated for the creation of the St. Margaret’s Bay Islands Nature Reserve. We were able to assist the local communities with the purchase and protection of Micou’s Island and Troop Island. In total, the St. Margaret’s Bay Islands Nature Reserve will protect eleven of the Bay’s islands in perpetuity, including coastal barrens, forests, cliffs, beaches, and dunes.
We are currently working with the provincial government to ensure the former Bowater Mersey Lands become a protected Wilderness Area.
Within the proposed Ingram River Wilderness Area (former Bowater Mersey Lands), the St. Margaret’s Bay Stewarship Association has been advocating for the designation of Island Lake Wilderness Area , which encompasses 3,850 hectares (over 9,500 acres), as well as a 350-hectare expansion of South Panuke Wilderness Area (representing over 850 acres).
Development
The Stewardship Association works in collaboration with community members, local businesses, and government to ensure responsible, sustainable development around the Bay. We were instrumental in the creation of the Coastal Village Plan at the Tantallon Crossroads (2014). It is our aim to support a thriving Bay for current and future generations.