More than a year ago the BNS learned of an area of old-growth forest being proposed for expropriation and road development in Kentville. Supporting this issue falls in line with our values and our existing work to support nature, support the Save Our Old Forests campaign, and advocate for protected areas (including the proposed Chain Lakes Wilderness Areas in southwest Kings County).

Ron Cousins of School St had received a letter asking him to sell 1.6 acres of a 27 acre forested parcel of land he owns (or have his land expropriated) . This parcel of land is in behind the water tower and School St and Prospect Street, accessed by the dirt Hiltz Connector trail, which the Town seeks to further develop and enlarge as they build out that part of town over the next years. Ron has stewarded the land, only selectively cutting in some areas, and the area slated for sale/expropriation has never been cut in his lifetime nor since or before the land was bought in the 1940s. It seems developing across his land is preferable for road flow – but at what cost! And there is an alternate route available through more recently disturbed land.

Last spring numerous residents asked Council members to stop the expropriation. The Blomidon Naturalists Society Board sent a letter (attached) to then Mayor Snow  and Kentville Town Council asking that the proposed road development of the Hiltz Connector Road be amended to avoid cutting the parcel of old-growth forest. We urged Town Council to deny the expropriation, and to uphold ecological protection in a time of biodiversity loss and climate crisis.  This could be a good win for Kentville and our local biodiversity. A field trip to the area was organized to survey the forest and bring public attention to the issue.

Last summer, the former Council voted to stop the expropriation and asked staff to look at alternatives for the road. 

We applaud the Council for coming to a decsion that protects the old growth forest. A win for everyone.