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Protecting One of Nova Scotia’s Last Wild Forests
Protecting One of Nova Scotia’s Last Wild Forests
Nova Scotia Forests Forever is calling on the provincial government to formally designate the Chain Lakes Wilderness Area in southwest Kings County. This is the last major tract of undeveloped Crown land in the region, and it urgently needs protection.
Why Chain Lakes?
Why Chain Lakes?
The Chain Lake area is more than just trees and trails. It’s part of a broader ecological corridor that sustains biodiversity, supports clean water, and helps regulate our climate.
The proposed wilderness area contains:
Pockets of old-growth forests and hardwood stands older than 80 years
Pristine wetlands and still waters, essential for water filtration and flood prevention
A vital wildlife corridor connecting existing protected lands
Endangered species habitat, including the Canada Warbler, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Rusty Blackbird, Black Ash trees, snapping turtles, and many rare lichens
Recreational and cultural value for local residents, hikers, and naturalists
Despite its ecological importance, this area currently has no formal legal protection, leaving it vulnerable to resource extraction and development.
Why Now?
Why Now?
Only 4.5% of Kings County is currently protected, far below the provincial average
Ongoing clear-cutting is destroying the region’s most ecologically valuable land
Dozens of at-risk species have recently been identified through ecological surveys
The area remains largely undeveloped and is one of the last chances for large-scale protection in the county
The province had committed to protecting 20% of Nova Scotia by 2030, but action has stalled. Chain Lakes is a perfect place to start
What Protection Would Do
What Protection Would Do
Designating Chain Lakes as a Wilderness Area would:
Prohibit resource extraction like mining, logging, roadbuilding, and aquaculture
Allow low-impact recreation, including hiking, canoeing, hunting, fishing and snowmobiling on existing trails
Preserve endangered species and habitats for future generations
Support climate resilience by protecting carb-storing forests and wetlands
What happens Now
What happens Now
We are calling on the Nova Scotia government to:
Begin the formal designation process for the Chain Lakes Wilderness Area using the Blomidon Naturalists’ proposal as a foundation
Immediately implement a moratorium on clearcutting, roadbuilding, and mining in the proposed area while planning takes place
Honor existing snowmobile and ATV trail usage, land leases, and recreational access in ways that align with conservation goals
How You Can Take Action
How You Can Take Action
Write to your MLA
Write to your MLA
Urge them to support legal protection for the Chain Lakes Wilderness Area and call for a moratorium on all industrial activity in the region.
Learn and Share
Learn and Share
Take time to learn about the ecological importance, species at risk, and cultural value of the Chain Lakes region. Explore our educational materials, follow the cause on social media, and most importantly tell others about the Chain Lakes.
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