Nature Conservancy Unveils Massive Conservation Project

A large swath of land in Nova Scotia is being protected in what the Nature Conservancy of Canada says is the largest private conservation project ever in Atlantic Canada. The group announced today that it acquired about 21 square kilometres of habitat in the Tusket River headwaters area of Digby County. The partial land purchase and donation by J.D. Irving Limited includes stands of Acadian forest, three lake shorelines and sections of the Silver and Caribou rivers. The conservancy says the Tusket River is globally significant for the number of rare plants found in downstream reaches within Yarmouth County. Program Manager Craig Smith says the area provides habitat for the threatened snapping turtle and brook trout. Surrounding forest lands are home to other species at risk, including the Canada warbler, common nighthawk and chimney swift.