The Government of New Brunswick recently struck a deal with a private company to build and operate an aerial adventure course in Mactaquac Provincial Park.
On July 14, without getting proper permits from the Department of Environment, course developers began cutting trees and understory plants in the Alex Creek ravine.
This development has the potential to create serious, long term impacts.
Work was temporarily halted but the developer, crew, and their materials are still on site. Work is scheduled to begin again in the week of July 27. This is your chance to weigh in.
Let the provincial government know how you feel.
Use the form below to instantly send a letter to Premier Shawn Graham, and the Minister of Tourism and Parks, Stuart Jamieson.
Here are some points you may wish to include in your letter:
The aerial course has the potential for significant negative impacts on the environment, atmosphere, and recreational use of Mactaquac Park. The Alex Creek area where the course is to be constructed:
- is forested with white pine, hemlock, cedar, maple, and oak
trees, some over 3 metres in circumference;
- is situated immediately adjacent to campgrounds and the
Mactaquac Sailboat Marina, and obstacle course lines are planned to go over the nearby undisturbed cove in two places;
- is traversed by a regularly- used scenic hiking trail;
- is used for the delivery of popular and highly acclaimed
environmental education and awareness courses.
This development is proceeding without the planning or consultation expected of a serious threat to the environment of a publicly-owned provincial park.
- On two occasions, the Department of Tourism and Parks was
unaware of tree marking and cutting in the park until a concerned resident brought it to their attention.
- The developer cut trees along a watercourse without proper
environmental permits.
- The cutting proceeded for two full days before the
Department of Tourism and Parks intervened.
- Before construction began, it appears that the public was given
no meaningful information about the Government's agreement with the developer, the proposed development itself, or its potential impacts on the environmentand existing uses of the park.
We request that the Government of New Brunswick immediately place a moratorium on the development until they have:
- Assessed and disclosed impacts on the environment, atmosphere,
and existing uses of the park
- Investigated alternate locations for the development
- Fully and openly considered the views of the public and interested
organizations
The park is a public asset -- it belongs to all of us.
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