By John Moore, Columnist
I recently had the pleasure of having coffee with Mary Ann McGrath, former M.L.A. and who is now Chair of Friends of Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes (BMBCL). It was a delight getting together with her as she has so many valuable insights oftentimes sprinkled with a generous dose of humor. Her life is pretty well consumed with her involvement with Friends of BMBCL and is very passionate when it comes to its evolvement. This organization since its inception in 2017 has become a significant player when it comes to the protection and enhancement of all things Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes.
Mary Ann and her group of dedicated volunteers have spent countless hours in meetings with various government elected representatives and officials as well with other groups and individuals to make sure this designated Wilderness area will soon become a National Urban Park. The level of commitment this organization has is staggering. In a few short years they have managed to make a name for themselves and have a solid reputation for holding our collective feet to the fire when it comes to advocating for BMBCL. Mary Ann and her group want to make sure all those involved in the development of this potential National Urban Park get it right. After all, what’s the point of going through this exercise if we don’t. Achieving this success is not easily done when there are so many moving parts to put together. In a way it’s like a giant jigsaw puzzle. Friends of B.M.B.C.L are making sure those involved and the public at large understand what’s at stake. In their most recent well written newsletter entitled “Be Bold: Create an Enduring National Urban Park for Future Generations”, it states the following and it doesn’t mince words. “Unless a suitable park boundary is established the significant features of the BMBCL area will not be protected for the beneficial enjoyment of current and future residents of HRM and of visitors from the rest of Nova Scotia and Canada!” I would encourage you to go to the Friends of B.M.B.C.L. website to read this important newsletter in its entirety. It really is a call to action for all those involved in its development as well as all stakeholders to make sure we get this potential future National Urban Park right. Friends of BMBCL need our help to do this. Letting your elected representatives know would be a good start. The moment is now!
Before Christmas there were several important announcements that were very encouraging for BMBCL. First, the former Maskwa leased lands which amount to approximately 35 acres were added to BMBCL. These lands were originally part of the Department of Lands and Forest, so this transfer is indeed welcome news. Another significant development was the land conservation agreement signed with Nova Scotia Nature Trust by Don and Jo Gordon to permanently protect 109 acres of their property.
Friends of B.M.B.C.L. volunteers are actively engaged as well in doing hikes and nature walks. They have also set up a game cam in conjunction with Nature Nova Scotia. The hope is maybe a Mainland Moose will be captured on video. Volunteers are welcome to join B.M.B.C.L. In the meantime, a huge thank you to Mary Ann McGrath and the volunteers at Friends of B.M.B.C.L. You are real champions!
Speaking of champions for you budding trail runners sign up for the 10km Wild Lakes urban trail run through BMBCL on May 4th. Google Wild Lakes 10 km trail run for more information. Proceeds will go equally to Friends of BMBCL and Halifax Search and Rescue. Happy Easter!
Photo credits to: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FriendsBMBCL/
