Nova Scotia buys shoreline properties to preserve for wildlife

The Globe and Mail

Canadian Press

Halifax — The Nova Scotia government is buying more than 2,400 hectares of coastal properties in parts of Shelburne, Guysborough and Halifax counties with the goal of preserving wildlife habitat.
Natural Resources Minister Richard Hurlburt said Friday that the lands are home to waterfowl, seabirds, plants and shorebirds, including endangered species such as the piping plover.
The lands include more than 1,900 hectares at Cape Sable Island, Baccaro and Port LaTour in Shelburne County.
As well, it bought more than 470 hectares at Port Bickerton next to the Port Bickerton lighthouse in Guysborough County.
In Halifax County, the province is purchasing more than 40 hectares at Pyches Island, offshore from Taylor Head Provincial Park.
The province will purchase the land in Guysborough County for $1.2-million and the property at Pyches Island at a cost of $280,000.
The Shelburne County properties do not have known owners, so the government will acquire them by paying the property taxes and other costs.