Raven Head Wilderness Area now protects 44 km of undeveloped coast along the Bay of Fundy, between Apple Head and Two Rivers. The addition of two coastal portions in 2015 expanded the wilderness area from 5,270 hectares (13,000 acres) to 5,650 hectares (13,961 acres). The area features fossil-bearing coastal cliffs, sheltered coves, beaches, small saltmarshes, and coastal forest. It provides habitat for the endangered mainland moose and other sensitive species.
The northern end of the wilderness area, near Ragged Reef Point, extends almost to the Joggins Fossil Cliffs UNESCO World Heritage Site and the associated, provincially-designated Joggins Fossil Cliffs Protected Site. This complements both earlier designations by extending protection to portions of the world-famous Ragged Reef Formation not previously protected. This fossil-rich part of the Bay of Fundy coast has been the subject of geological fascination for over 150 years.
Raven Head Wilderness Area is suitable for activities such as coastal hiking, beachcombing, camping and hunting, and offers opportunities for geological research and interpretation in coordination with the Joggins Fossil Institute.
Most of a forest access road that extends much of the way to the beach at Pollys Flats, near Apple Head, is excluded from the wilderness area and remains available for public vehicle access. The last 800 m to the beach is accessible on foot. The access road is currently not maintained.
The designation of most of this area in 2012 followed more than two years of review, public consultation, and consultation with the Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq. A summary of public consultation and designation decisions is available here
(PDF:524k).
More Information (2012 designation process)
Designation Documents
- News release: designation announced June 6, 2012
- Designation information (newsletter #4) (PDF:524k)
- Map of Kelley River Wilderness Area (PDF:882k)
- Map of Raven Head Wilderness Area (PDF:647k)
Consultation Information on Proposed Wilderness Areas
- Download: Newsletter #3 - Consultation newsletter (PDF:3.4mb)
- Download: Comment sheet (PDF:396k)
- Read the government news release (April 21, 2011)
- Download: regional map of proposed wilderness areas (PDF:312k)
- Download: map of proposed Raven Head Wilderness Area (PDF:144k)
- Download: map of proposed Kelley River Wilderness Area (PDF:303k)
Chignecto Crown Land Study Area Documents
- Read the government news release (November, 2010)
- Read the government news release (October, 2009)
- Download: Newsletter #2 – Update (PDF:5.7mb)
- Download: Newsletter # 1 – Chignecto Crown Lands Evaluation (PDF:766k)
- Download study area map (PDF:969k)
Related Documents
- Wilderness Areas: Frequently Asked Questions