Letter about Fundy Footpath destruction
The Telegraph Journal published a letter to the editor today worth reproducing:
“New Fundy highway is the wrong step
As provinces and states across North America take steps to protect unique and sensitive eco regions, New Brunswick has decided to destroy and deface the last remaining stretch of wilderness coastline between Mexico and Nfld. with the construction of the Fundy Trail.
The region commonly known as 'shore country' has been enjoyed by generations of NBers whether hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, ATVing or snowmobiling; none needing a $40 million highway to do so.
The Fundy footpath is also losing its attractiveness to hikers. Construction is being carried out within feet of the path. The footpath is a low-impact and fiscally responsible way to promote tourism between St. Martins and Alma.
There is little doubt that the status quo is not working for the region. An absurd amount of clear cutting and lack of protected land threaten this unique landscape. Standing on the beautiful remote beaches and watching bulldozers and excavators at work would be disheartening for most people.
The government has been very secretive about their plans for the land in shore country. Will the coast be closed to those who do not wish to pay to support their trail? Will recreation activities continue around the highway? Will the area be given more protection?
There are many unanswered questions.
As an outdoorsman who has a true love for shore country, I am deeply concerned for its future. I am convinced the Fundy Trail will be viewed as a mistake in the years to come.
PETER DEMERCHANT
Sussex”
I concur.
1 comment:
Whew! I agree. I just completed a hike from Riverview to Big Salmon River. I followed the Dobson Trail, Fundy Nat. Park trails, and finally the Fundy Footpath. It was sad to see the destruction all around the Fundy Footpath as it approached Big Salmon River. The coastline is so incredible. It's practically a rainforest! The river valleys are huge and wild and there are countless waterfalls. Only a fringe of wilderness remains yet logging, tourism, and off-roading ATVs are threatening to destroy this place. We need to get more people into this area so they can appreciate its importance BUT this needs to be done in a responsible and low impact way. Get people out of their cars, off their ATV's, and get them walking.
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