12 Percent - Parks and Protected Areas System Plan Consultation

Guysborough Headlands Wilderness Area

County

Guysborough

Size

2489 ha

Classification

Wilderness Area

Status

New

Conditions Apply?

Yes

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Overview

Nearly 30 kms of undisturbed coastline with barrier beaches, low cliffs and tidal flats

Ecological Values

Three coastal properties with almost 30 km of undisturbed coastline

Fishermans Harbour (Country Harbour Head) parcel used extensively by nationally and provincially endangered roseate tern for feeding, and historically as temporary refuge when predators invade nearby island colony

Rock and cobble shoreline, barrier beaches and ponds, low cliffs, tidal flats and pocket beaches

A mix of coastal barrens and headlands, wetlands and peat bogs, and spruce/fir forest

Contributes to representation of Guysborough Headlands natural landscape, currently a major gap in the protected areas network

Outdoor Recreation Values

Coastal hiking, sea kayaking, and camping

Scenic coastal viewing

Hunting and trapping

Forestry Values

Extensive coastal barrens and poor tree growth due to low site productivity and coastal exposure limit forestry potential

Other Resource Values

Medium to high mineral potential

Low petroleum potential

Medium wind potential

Conditions

Fishermans Harbour (Country Harbour Head) parcel subject to review of potential economic development opportunities (1,256 ha).

Exclusions and Vehicle Access

Lands immediately behind community of New Harbour excluded (23 ha).  

Snowmobile route across Gull Lake not affected. 

Additional Comments