Nova Scotia has not seen significant rainfall in over two months. This drought, combined with concerns over wildfires, has led the Nova Scotian government to impose a ban on entering its forests and woodlands. The ban started at 4pm on August 5th and will be in place until October 15th, or until weather permits.
Failure to adhere will result in a hefty fine.
“STAY OUT OF THE WOODS”
A press release from the Nova Scotian government tells website visitors in bold, all-caps letters to “STAY OUT OF THE WOODS.”
The release informs would-be trail users that “travel and activities in the woods” are restricted due to wildfire risk, even though there are no active wildfires burning anywhere in the province as of publication. These restrictions include hiking, camping, fishing, and vehicle use in wooded areas on both Crown and private land. The release further clarifies that all “trail systems through woods are off limits,” which would include any user, including mountain bikers.
The forest bans are in place until October 15th, unless conditions allow them to be repealed earlier. If users violate the restrictions, they can expect a $25,000 CAD fine.
Nova Scotia’s Premier, Tim Houston, is then quoted, saying, “Conditions continue to be extremely dry. Until we get a significant amount of rain, we’re at an elevated risk of wildfires. Most wildfires are caused by human activity, so to reduce the risk, we’re keeping people out of the woods until conditions improve. I’m asking everyone to do the right thing – don’t light that campfire, stay out of the woods, and protect our people and communities.”
The release clarifies that private landowners are free to access their property, but cannot invite others to do so in the wooded areas.
Confusion about what is closed
It seems that a ban on “the woods” has left some mountain bikers and other trail users questioning what exactly is open and what isn’t. Many are questioning just how wooded a trail needs to be for it to be closed.
Many mountain bikers have expressed disappointment and disapproval on the East Coast Mountain Biking forum, joking that their road bikes will likely be getting some miles. Others sought clarity on the ban, with one user asking: “I’m curious, would a park like Burgher Hill in Kentville be off limits right now?”
Another responded to the question, with a question of their own: “Wondering same thing… like the jump park by Forest Hills isn’t in the woods, so should be open???”
More forum users go on to say that the trail systems mentioned are open. However, $25,000 is a significant risk for mountain biking in an area with questionable tree density.
Backlash from locals
This isn’t the first time Nova Scotia has told people to stay out of the woods. A similar ban was put in place in 2023 after wildfires devastated the region. These restrictions, initially expected to last for multiple weeks, were lifted after a week.
Other bans were instituted in 2016 and 2001.
In response to past and current forest bans, many are calling Nova Scotia’s August 5th announcement a clear overreach of government and a violation of constitutional rights. The Canadian Constitution Foundation is even threatening legal action against the province.
Others have taken to social media, telling others to bike, hike, and enjoy the forests. On Visit Nova Scotia’s Instagram, one commenter responded to a first-time province visitor, expressing their disappointment in the ban, telling them, “Do whatever you want and enjoy the province. Tell them to stuff it and see you in court. It will never hold up.”
Regardless of whether fines are upheld, Nova Scotia is issuing them. On August 8th, an Instagram post went viral where Jeff Evely claims to be the first trail user fined for violating the ban.
In what appears to be a political stunt, Evely filmed himself speaking with Department of Natural Resources officials at one of their offices, informing them of his intention to enter the nearby wooded area. Evely is told he will be fined if he does so. Evely then films himself entering the woods, where he spends a short period before returning to the office to receive his ticket.
His short wilderness excursion cost Everly $28,872 CAD, taxes and fees included. Everly plans to fight what he claims is unjust governmental overreach in court.
At least one bike park is able to remain open
Camping in general may be closed; however, it is allowed at specific approved campgrounds in Nova Scotia. The declaration also stated that special use permits for forestry, mining, or any commercial activity may be granted. This is how places such as Wentworth Bike Park remain open.
“We heard the news that the province was closing all wooded trails to all activities, including hiking and biking,” Leslie Wilson, owner of Ski/Bike Wentworth, told us in an email. “We quickly pulled together a fire mitigation plan, presented it to the Department of Natural Resources, and got the plan approved to operate.”
To mitigate fire risks during operations, Wilson explained that they closed all climbing trails that are typically unpatrolled and open during the week. This was to ensure everyone at the bike park was there during lift operating hours. They also emphasized snowmaking systems, portable watering systems on ATVs, and trained staffers who reduce fire risk.
They also have three volunteer firefighters on staff.
“Our numbers this weekend […] were strong,” Wilson said. “Riders were very supportive and appreciative that we were able to stay open.”
Other trail systems, like the Railyard near Truro, Nova Scotia, are choosing to close rather than seeking a special use permit. In a Facebook post, the Railyard stated:
“In alignment with the recent fire prevention measures announced by the Province of Nova Scotia, the Town of Truro is implementing temporary restrictions aimed at protecting public safety and natural areas during the ongoing dry weather conditions.
Effective immediately, all trail networks within Victoria Park and the Railyard Mountain Bike Park will be closed to the public until further notice. This precaution is necessary to mitigate the risk of wildfires during this period of heightened fire danger.”
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