FAQs

Conservation land is land that is permanently protected to preserve biodiversity, ecosystem health, and natural features. These areas are managed to protect ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and cultural values, while supporting low-impact recreation, such as hiking and birdwatching, with minimal environmental disturbance. 

Protection is provided through formal agreements or policies, including the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg (MODL) Land Conservation Policy.

A Land Trust is a non-profit, community-based organization that works to hold and care for land for conservation and other public purposes. For example, the Nova Scotia Nature Trust partners with landowners and communities across the province to conserve important natural areas.   

MODL can protect land in several ways:

• Purchasing land or accepting land donations
• Partnering with land trusts and community organizations
• Working with landowners to create conservation agreements (known as easements)
• Using  planning tools to guide development and protect natural areas

MODL's goal is to balance growth, recreation, and conservation so that region remains a healthy place to live, work, and play.

A Land Conservation Policy and Strategy helps MODL plan for the future. It ensures development, recreation, and conservation can exist alongside each other. By planning ahead, we can keep forests healthy, rivers clean, and natural areas thriving for future generations. 

Yes.  MODL is engaging directly with local and regional First Nations groups, as well as other equity-deserving groups to talk about land and conservation.  All rights-based activities will be respected and upheld throughout this engagement process. We will work with First Nation communities throughout the process to identify concerns and opportunities for collaboration.

No. In general, licensed hunting, fishing, and trapping, as well as traditional activities such as berry gathering, will not be affected by any conservation strategy. The goal is to protect land while supporting traditional and recreational land uses.

Private or leased property and farmland will not be affected by any conservation plan we propose unless a landowner chooses to participate voluntarily. This process focuses on identifying municipal and partnership opportunities for land protection - not  changing private property rights. 

It depends. Once a draft conservation plan has been developed, based upon comments from area residents and stakeholders, we will be able to address this question more specifically.  The purpose of this engagement process is to determine which areas should be protected in the region. 

We are seeking comments from residents and other stakeholders to ensure that the Land Conservation Strategy is tailored to the region’s needs. Your input will help identify important natural areas throughout the municipality.

Names or other identifying information will not be shared publicly unless explicitly permitted by the resident.

A draft Land Conservation Strategy will be shared for public feedback once the community input has been collected and reviewed.  Updates and engagement opportunities will be posted on the MODL websites and social media channels.