FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (forwarded by L.P.)
Public Meeting to Address Proposed Clearcutting Near Mickey Hill and Lambs Lake
Annapolis Royal, NS
-The community group Friends of Mickey Hill is calling on residents, business owners, and recreational users to attend a critical public meeting regarding the proposed harvest of up to 700 acres of Crown Forest adjacent to Mickey Hill Provincial Park and the Lambs Lake Nature Preserve.
The meeting, titled “Mickey Hill Park at Risk -Take Action,” will take place:
February 22 | 1:00–2:30 PM
Annapolis Royal United Church
393 St. George Street, Annapolis Royal
According to provincial plans, much of the proposed harvest area has been designated for High Production Forestry, which relies on short-rotation clear-cutting followed by the application of glyphosate herbicide and fertilizers. Community members say this approach threatens one of the last remaining intact Crown forest stands in the region. These areas are some of the last remnant crown forests that have not been cut recently and include old growth and forested wetlands, essential for the ecology of Mickey Hill and water quality in Lambs Lake and Grand Lake.
Key Concerns
Friends of Mickey Hill identify several urgent risks:
– Loss of habitat and biodiversity.
Clear-cutting near small protected areas such as Mickey Hill Provincial Park and the Lambs Lake Nature Preserve would fragment already limited intact forest, undermining ecological resilience in a heavily industrialized forestry landscape.
– Threats to water quality and public health.
Forest removal increases nutrient runoff into Lambs Lake, Grand Lake, and downstream waters flowing toward Annapolis Royal. Past cutting in nearby areas has coincided with nutrient loading linked to blue-green algae blooms — hazardous to people and often fatal to pets. The anticipated use of glyphosate raises further concern for swimmers, wildlife, and drinking water sources.
– Increased wildfire risk.
Clear-cuts leave heavy slash and promote dense young conifer regrowth — conditions known to produce extreme fire behaviour. During the West Dalhousie wildfires, recently harvested areas burned so intensely that firefighting crews were forced to evacuate.
– Economic and community impact.
The Mickey Hill region is a cornerstone of outdoor recreation and local tourism, offering premier trail networks, swimming beaches, canoe routes, ski and ATV trails, and a historic portage between lakes. These natural assets support businesses, seasonal residents, and retirees drawn by the area’s intact forest landscape.
A Call to Act
“This is a critical opportunity to come together, learn more, and take action before this forest is lost and the lake is impacted,” organizers say.
The February 22 meeting will share what is currently known about the proposed cutting and outline practical steps community members can take to help protect this landscape while there is still time.
Residents are also encouraged to join the Friends of Mickey Hill online community for updates and information.
Media Contact:
Friends of Mickey Hill
mailto:friendsofmickeyhill@gmail.com