Some community members are feeling the frustration now that walking trails in wooded areas are off-limits.
The provincial government has banned any unnecessary activity in forests or wooded areas to avoid a wildfire during incredibly dry conditions.
A resident in a Nova Scotia park tells our newsroom it is unfortunate that the people who are playing by the rules are affected by those are not.
“We’re doing it because of people throwing out cigarette butts and doing illegal fires. But in a park, that’s surrounded by water and canals and bogs, you could probably keep part of it open…even the surrounding part, just around the lake so that people can get their steps in nature. Because it’s good for your health,” she says.
A provincial trail supports move
One large, popular, multi-use trail in the province supports the decision.
In an email to our newsroom, BLT Rails to Trails Association says they fully understand the move, as difficult of a decision as it must have been.
“We believe it’s a necessary step to protect not only the trail itself, but the safety of Nova Scotians and the well-being of our first responders,” says the association.
They add, during this Board’s time, they have experienced severe weather events and natural disasters that have shown them how important it is to take “swift, proactive measures when public safety is a risk.”
The fine for going into the woods is $25,000 – the same as the burn ban – which is in effect until October 15 or when conditions improve.
