Coastal Charlotte County
Credit: J. Simpson
Nature Trust’s Coastal Lands Protection and Stewardship
New Brunswick’s coastlands are a part of our culture and natural heritage: not only are they ecologically important, they are part of a working landscape, where fishing and aquaculture play an important economic role. Between the villages and towns remain stretches of undeveloped coastline – cliffs, rocky shorelines and beaches with outstanding beauty and vibrant ecosystems.
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| Credit: J. Simpson |
New Brunswick’s shorelines support numerous seabird and shorebird nesting and feeding sites, and habitat for raptors such as osprey and the endangered Bald Eagle and Peregrine Falcon. The shorelines border some of the richest marine environments in the world: the Bay of Fundy is an important feeding ground for seals, porpoises and whales. The endangered Right Whale feeds and raises young in these productive waters.
These spectacular shorelines are, of course, under increasing development pressure. Understandably, people want to build along the shorelines. However, this development can damage our shorelines by disrupting local ecosystems, restricting public access, and spoiling scenic viewsheds.
The Nature Trust is working with private landowners who wish to do their bit to ensure some of our coastline is conserved for nature and for those who seek quiet, wilderness places along our coasts. The Nature Trust has already protected 15 saltwater islands and 6 stretches of undeveloped coastline. These include spectacular natural areas such the Letang Islands archipelago, New River Island, The Bishop and Ashburton Head on Grand Manan Island and Chocolate Cove on Deer Island. This year, the Nature Trust is working with owners of coastland on Grand Manan Island and Navy Island (near St. Andrews) to ensure these special areas retain their ecological and wilderness values.
You can help protect our coastlines by joining the Trust as a member or giving a donation to our conservation and stewardship work. If you own coastal land, you can do your part to ensure it remains as natural as possible; contact us if you would like to learn more about working with the Trust to protect coastal properties.