Nova Scotia imposed sweeping restrictions on forest access Tuesday, banning hiking, camping and vehicle use in wooded areas across the province until mid-October as officials warn of extreme wildfire risk from prolonged dry conditions.
The restrictions, which took effect at 4 p.m. Tuesday, apply to all forested land including provincial Crown land and private property, with violations carrying fines up to $25,000.
“We are telling Nova Scotians to stay out of the woods,” Premier Tim Houston said at a news conference. “We are restricting travel and activities that really aren’t necessary for most of us.”
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The ban prohibits hiking, camping, fishing and the use of all-terrain vehicles in forests until Oct. 15 or until weather conditions improve. Access to forest trails is blocked, while designated campgrounds continue to operate.
Natural Resources Minister Tory Rushton said about 100 small wildfires have occurred in Nova Scotia this season, all quickly extinguished, but conditions could deteriorate rapidly without significant rainfall.
“We’ve had a lot of hot, dry weather, very little rain and there’s no significant rain in the forecast in the near future,” Rushton said.
The province already banned open fires province-wide last week. The restrictions extend to forestry and mining operations, which must obtain permits and largely operate at night to reduce fire risk.
Beaches and non-wooded park areas remain open to the public. Private landowners may access their own property but cannot host guests for activities in wooded areas.
The measures echo restrictions imposed during Nova Scotia’s devastating 2023 wildfire season, when more than 25,000 hectares burned and thousands of residents were evacuated. That year marked the worst wildfire season in the province’s recorded history.
Parks Canada announced closures of all trails at Kejimkujik National Park effective Wednesday, though front-country camping and day-use areas will remain open.
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