Nova Scotia announced plans to create a new wilderness protection zone for Archibald Lake. Photo: NS Government.

In a significant move towards conservation and environmental protection, a new provincial wilderness area named Archibald Lake Wilderness Area has been unveiled in Guysborough County. This 684-hectare expanse encompasses vital old-growth forests, pristine lakes, and crucial wetlands, promising to safeguard critical habitats for various species.

The announcement was made on August 28 by Agriculture Minister and MLA for Guysborough-Tracadie, Greg Morrow, on behalf of Environment and Climate Change Minister Timothy Halman. This initiative underlines a proactive effort to ensure a sustainable future for both the province’s inhabitants and its economy.

Characterized by its picturesque lakes, rolling hardwood hills, and ancient forest, the Archibald Lake area stands as a testament to Nova Scotia’s natural beauty. By designating it as a permanent wilderness area, the province secures the opportunity for future generations to immerse themselves in its splendor and reap the health benefits associated with spending time in untouched landscapes.

Three lakes — Archibald, McDonald, and Rocky — play a significant role in this ecological treasure trove, feeding into Archibald Brook, a crucial tributary of the St. Marys River. Around 300 hectares of the wilderness area consist of old hardwood forest, aligning with the Old-Growth Forest Policy for Nova Scotia.

The Archibald Lake Wilderness Area also serves as a sanctuary for a diverse array of species, including the Canada warbler and the endangered mainland moose. These creatures thrive in the older forest ecosystems that the area helps to maintain. Furthermore, the protection of this region has a positive cascading effect on water quality and fish habitats, benefiting fish species like brook trout and Atlantic salmon. It’s worth noting that both hunting and recreational trout fishing will continue to be permitted in the wilderness area.

Scott Beaver, President of the St. Mary’s River Association, emphasized the ecological significance of this decision, applauding the province for taking action to conserve this valuable landscape. Chris Miller, Executive Director of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – Nova Scotia Chapter, also expressed appreciation for the conservation efforts, highlighting the multitude of rare species that thrive within the area.

Nova Scotia’s commitment to environmental protection is further evident through the Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act, which aims to preserve 20 percent of the province’s land and water by 2030. This includes collaborative efforts with the Mi’kmaq community to establish Indigenous protected and conserved areas. Nova Scotia’s climate change plan, “Our Climate, Our Future: Nova Scotia’s Climate Change Plan for Clean Growth,” underscores the need to protect and restore natural areas as part of the strategy to mitigate climate impacts.

Currently, approximately 13.2 percent of Nova Scotia’s land is protected. The announcement of the Archibald Lake Wilderness Area contributes to the province’s efforts to expand its protected lands under the 2013 Parks and Protected Areas Plan, aiming for a total of 14 percent protected land.