Hope for Wildlife has called off one of its biggest fundraisers of the year due to the forest travel bans and fires in our province.

The annual open house in Seaforth was supposed to take place this Saturday. Thousands attend each year.

In a Facebook post, the charitable organization says, “This decision was made after careful consideration and in close consultation with the Department of Natural Resources. With the province restricting travel and activities in forested areas due to drought conditions and many wildfires burning across Nova Scotia, we believe this is the most responsible choice and is in alignment with Hope for Wildlife’s mission.”

Access trails leading to the property in Seaforth are also closed, creating additional road safety concerns.

The wildlife rehabilitation centre says it’s disappointing but holding an event of this size “would pose unacceptable risks to the community, wildlife and their habitats that they work so hard to protect.”

Hope for Wildlife will still be open on Wednesdays and Saturdays starting September 3rd again.