Moose conservationists believe the proposed Eigg Mountain Wind Farm in Antigonish County is the worst possible place.

The Moose Conservation Association of Nova Scotia President said wind turbines create flickering and light and noise issues that could drive moose to leave their ideal habitation, which puts their survival at risk.

Al Muir shared with our newsroom after serious study, continued visits and looking at all the elements that this area should not be used for the development of wind energy.

“We’ve identified the area around Eigg Mountain as being the highest concentration of moose in this particular part of the province in those highland areas. So, it’s because you have the wetlands, because they’re so important to the moose. It’s vital that we protect this area,” he expressed.

Muir said wetlands and old growth forest areas need to be protected as they are primarily food sources for moose.

“From the Moose Conservation Association’s perspective, this particular area is so ultra sensitive to a project like this. Standing alone, it’s probably the worst place in the province to put one of these things,” he concluded.

He explained the government has a legislative requirement of a recovery plan for the mainland moose, and if this development is allowed to go forward it will end the project.

“A lot of people welcome wind energy developments and we’re not anti-development. It’s just that a lot of these are being placed in areas at high elevations where there’s the only places where moose are left in the province, and this of all those areas,” he clarified.

Muir said the province should strongly consider adding Eigg Mountain to the wilderness area that already exists there.