The province will begin consultations in March on best use of 1.5 million acres of Crown land in Western Nova Scotia. Large parcels of the land up for discussion are located in Queens, Shelburne, Halifax Regional Municipality and Annapolis County. Lunenburg West MLA Gary Ramey says input will be used to help develop a land-use plan for the region. He says possible use could include mineral exploration, renewable energy projects and agricultural operations. Ramey says the government will also consult Mi'kmaq, municipalities and industry to help manage the Crown land and its natural resources. The former Bowater Mersey lands will also be included in the consultation process. No dates have been set for public meetings.
