Welcome

The Tobeatic Wilderness Management Plan, released in October 2006, opens a new chapter in the long struggle to safeguard and preserve what some call "the wild soul of the Maritimes."

Despite taking four years, four ministers, dozens of committed volunteers and countless hours of debate, the final plan remains mostly faithful to the Tobeatic Advisory Group’s original recommendations.

In keeping with the group’s intention, fortified by vast public support, the final plan prohibits off-road vehicles except for limited and restricted use by researchers, enforcement officials or in case of an emergency. While most camp leaseholders have retired their leases under the government’s generous Voluntary Campsite Retirement Initiative, the handful that remain will be held to a high level of compliance. Those that fall short of their stewardship obligations will lose their camp license and their camps will be removed.

Despite the hard-won goals, the plan does not represent the last word on issues facing the Tobeatic.

Without the funding and the political will to maintain consistent monitoring and enforcement, and the application of stiff penalties for those who continue to violate the new regulations, the plan will not succeed.

Loopholes in the Wilderness Protection Act allowing ministerial discretion to grant ATV access must be closed. We must continue to encourage the government in vigorously implementing the regulations as adopted.

Visit the NS Department of Environment and Labour for more information on the Tobeatic Wilderness Area Management Plan