From Protect Ingram River Wilderness FB Page. Jul 23, 2026:
ANNOUNCEMENT:
THE PROPOSED INGRAM RIVER WILDERNESS AREA HAS BEEN TARGETED FOR FURTHER HARVESTING.
YOU HAVE UNTIL THIS SATURDAY, JULY 25th TO SUBMIT COMMENTS.
Well, here we are…….again.
Click on image for larger version
A further 81.12 hectares, or just over 200 acres, of the proposed Ingram River Wilderness Area are being targetted for harvesting under the polyogn identifier of HX26D1064.
You can view the proposed harvest by navigating to the Harvest Plans Map Viewer by following this link: https://nsgi.novascotia.ca/hpmv/
This particular harvest may, or may not be the type of forestry we would like to see proceed within areas of the broader watershed that are not within the boundaries of the proposed Ingram River Wilderness Area. However, we can’t say for sure as the Harvest Plan Map Viewer no longer displays the full details on which type of forestry it will actually be. Regardless of harvesting type, the main issue is to have cuts move forward while the
advancement of Protected Areas is ocurring at grossly inadequate pace, still with no announced plan as to how we will reach 20% protection.
Nova Scotia is legally required to protect approximately 330,000 hectares of its lands and waters within the next 4.5 years. IRWA, widely recognized as one of the most significant opportunites for public land conservation in Nova Scotia. It is incredibly well-positioned to be protected as part of this requirement.
The Department of Natural Resources claims they do not cut even close to the total amount of wood our forests grow every year. This would mean there is a high level of flexibility in what areas can be protected without harming the forestry industry in any way.
The proposed Wilderness Area continues to be targetted for harvesting while legally-required protection is advancing at a pace that is woefully inadequate in order for the government of Nova Scotia to not break its own law.
A few points that make the case for the protection of the proposed IRWA:
1. It contains the oldest documented forest in the Maritimes, with one tree that is 535 years old.
2. It has 20 Species at Risk and 77 species of conservation concern documented to be within its boundaries. With over 500 observations of Species at Risk, it is not a stretch to call this area one of great conservation significance.
3. Protection is supported by over 50 businesses and nonprofits, including the Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq and the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia, with a combined membership of 50,000.
4. The area has been identified as core habitat for Mainland Moose, meaning that the protection of this land is essential for the long-term survival of the species.
5. Protection will still leave the majority (close to 70%) of the area open to forestry, mining, and other extractive values, while enabling the reasonable support for ecological and community values that protection brings. This includes hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, and ATVing on designated routes.
You don’t need to have a background in forestry or ecology to weigh in on these important issues. You can simply use your voice to express that you want to see this cherished Wilderness Area protected.
What you can do:
Submit comments through the Harvest Plans Map Viewer process by clicking on the “User Comments” button on the left side of the screen and then selecting the polygons.
Express your support for the designation of IRWA and concerns about this logging to Minister of Natural Resources, Tory Rushton at toryrushtonmla@bellaliant.com and mindnr@novascotia.ca.Express your support for the designation of IRWA and concerns about these cuts to Minister of Environment and Climate Change Tim Halman at timhalmanmla@gmail.com and Minister.Environment@novascotia.ca.
Express your support for the designation of IRWA and concerns about this logging to Premier of Nova Scotia, Tim Houston, at pictoueastamanda@gmail.com and premier@novascotia.ca.
It is beyond frustrating to see this ‘cut-it-before-it’s-too-late’ mentality occur within the boundaries of the proposed Ingram River Wilderness Area. Nova Scotia, let them know you want to Ingram River Wilderness Area protected NOW!
END
NSFN: Also view Ingram River Wilderness Area (proposed)
(Page on this website)