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ATV Operators
 Some
lakeshores and bogs in Nova Scotia are important habitat for Atlantic
Coastal Plain Flora that are at risk of extinction. All Terrain
Vehicles (ATVs) can result in damage to habitat and killing of adults and
seedlings. Picture (right) shows typical ACPF lakeshore habitat with
gently sloping shore and sandy soils.
1. Do not drive ATVs
along lakeshores or in bogs and fens where ACPF occur:
Only a small percentage 82 of the approximately 6,700 lakes (1.2%) in NS
have ACPF species at risk and an even smaller percentage of the bogs and
fens, with only 30 of the approximately 22,000 or 0.15%. Follow these
links to view a list of lakes and bogs/fens
in the province. Please contact us if you
have any questions.
The image (left) illustrates the type of alteration and damage that ATV use
can cause in a bog or fen. In a bog or fen ATV use can result in the
direct killing of individual plants, the damage to soils where seeds and
plants may have been able to grow in the future, as well as potentially
alter the water drainage of the bog which can also negatively impact on
ACPF.
2. Obey signs that indicate not drive ATVs along lakeshores or bogs:
 There
are some locations in NS where signs are posted, explicitly requesting ATVs
not to drive along a certain area, and unfortunately these signs are not
always obeyed.
 These
photos illustrate an example of where a sign has been ignored and as a
result ATV tracks criss-cross through an area of beach (photo left) at the
'Tusket River Nature Reserve' on the North-west shore of Gillfillan Lake.
The photo right shows the text that is printed on this sign. This
location on Gillfillan Lake is designated as protected under the Special
Places Act because it is one of only 2 locations for the threatened Water
Pennywort plant and is one of only 7 locations for Plymouth Gentian.
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3. Understand legislation that is already in place to help protect
these plants...
There are 11 ACPF species
that are protected under the NS Endangered Species Act,
proclaimed in 1999. This Act protects species in NS that have been
assessed and determined to be at risk of extinction. Here are a few
'Quick Facts" about the legislation:
-
The Act
applies to all species at risk on private and provincial public
(crown) land in NS.
-
The Act
prohibits:
-
killing or
disturbing species
-
destroying
or disturbing its residence (i.e. habitat)
-
destroying
or disturbing core habitat
-
Prior to
damaging or alteration of any land, beaches, or bogs species at risk must
be considered
For more
detailed information on the NS Endangered Species Act please
contact us.
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