GUYSBOROUGH COUNTY — Following dire warnings from wildfire experts and mounting fears about the province’s tinder-dry conditions, hiking, camping, fishing, and ATV use in Nova Scotia’s forests are now forbidden and trail systems through woods are off limits.
The sweeping new restrictions announced on Aug. 5 by Premier Tim Houston, which remain in effect until Oct. 15, or until conditions allow them to be lifted, apply to all provincial Crown and private land. The fine for violating the restrictions is $25,000.
According to a statement from the provincial government, “While the restrictions are in place, people can still access beaches and parks, but not the trail systems. Private landowners are free to use their own properties but cannot host others to use wooded areas of their properties.”
Meanwhile, camping is allowed only in campgrounds.
“As a society, we must do everything possible to protect each other, to protect our communities, to protect property and of course to protect lives,” said Houston during the briefing. “We have chosen to be proactive and try to prevent fires.”
Natural Resources and Renewables Minister Tory Rushton added that while Nova Scotia has seen relatively few wildfires this year, they are burning deeper into root systems due to the heat, making them harder to extinguish.
“That could change in a heartbeat,” Rushton warned. “Only a significant amount of rain will change these conditions for Nova Scotia.”
The province-wide ban follows a week-long burn ban and comes amid concerns from rural fire departments about low water levels in ponds and lakes used for fire suppression. With no meaningful rainfall in the forecast, officials say every measure must be taken to prevent wildfires.
The new restrictions are being felt across Guysborough County, where municipal leaders have confirmed trail closures and urged public cooperation in support of the provincial mandate.
“As of 4 p.m. today, the province is closing all woods travel,” said St. Mary’s Warden James Fuller in an Aug. 5 statement. “In response, the Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s, in an abundance of caution, will be closing access to the trails and facilities located in Stonewall Park.”
Municipality of the District of Guysborough Warden Paul Long issued a similar statement, confirming that wooded public trails across the MODG are closed to public use until further notice.
“Generally, if a trail or public space is wooded, it should be considered closed at this time,” Long said. “We thank residents for their understanding and cooperation as we support the province to prioritize public safety.”
In Mulgrave, Mayor Ron Chisholm said the town has posted updates and are preparing to install signage at both ends of local trails to make the closures clear. “We’ve posted that the trails will be closed, and we’re going to put some signs at each end of the trails, so it’ll be restricted to walk the trails,” he told The Journal.
He added that the seriousness of the situation can’t be overstated. “It’s a critical situation,” he said. “If anything catches fire now, it’s a major blaze and it’s not going to go down well. A small town like ours, we can’t afford to have anything else hit us.”
Chisholm said most people are being cooperative, but communication remains a challenge.
“I happened to be walking the other day and found six people on the trail that had no idea [about the closure]. So I was just making sure they don’t get charged, because it’s $25,000, and nobody can afford that.”
The provincial government has said the restrictions apply to activities that are not essential, and that those who work in the woods for forestry or other operations may apply for a permit or adjust their hours to reduce risk.
Following the provincial announcement, Parks Canada announced closures within its jurisdiction, including Grassy Island National Historic Site off the coast of Canso, which has suspended all visitor access and boat service. In Cape Breton Highlands National Park and other sites, all forested trails are closed and backcountry camping prohibited, while beaches and day-use areas remain open.
Premier Houston emphasized the importance of prevention over reaction, referencing the devastating wildfires of 2023.
“Nobody wants a repeat of that. And staying out of the woods is what’s necessary right now for the safety of your families, your friends, and your neighbours,” he said. “This situation sucks ... but it’s a small price to pay right now to avoid the kind of devastation that we saw.”
For updates on local closures and restrictions, residents are encouraged to monitor municipal websites and social media pages.
