A newly launched partnership between government and communities will give a new lease on life for the Island's Designated Scenic Heritage Roads.
The departments of Transportation and Public Works and Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment have developed a Designated Scenic Heritage Roads Strategy that will involve cooperation with interested citizens, communities and groups across the province.
The strategy involves government and communities working together to preserve, protect and enhance the province's Designated Scenic Heritage Roads. Currently, there are 10 roads across the Island that have been classified as Designated Scenic Heritage Roads. Many of these roads face a number of challenges ranging from erosion and runoff to the impacts from uncontrolled vehicle and heavy machinery traffic, particularly in the spring.
"The Designated Scenic Heritage Roads Strategy was developed in order to preserve these heritage assets and demonstrate environmental best practices on our roads. I'm particularly pleased to see the opportunity for community involvement in this effort, which should also further aid rural tourism and community development opportunities," said Transportation and Public Works Minister Don MacKinnon.
As part of the Designated Scenic Heritage Roads Strategy, management plans for each scenic heritage road have been developed; and as part of that, road assessments are currently underway. A further element of the strategy involves working closely with interested community representatives who will serve as stewards of each road. The steward's role will include arranging inspections, assisting in the development of control measures and consulting with private landowners which may be affected. Some of the possible control measures to be implemented include diversion ditches, sediment collection ponds and subsurface drains.
"Engaging communities in environmental protection is one of my department's top goals," said Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment Minister Chester Gillan. "Through projects like this, government and communities can work together to demonstrate how we can more effectively protect our watersheds. Many of our Designated Scenic Heritage Roads are located in areas with generally hilly terrain where watersheds may be affected through runoff so I strongly welcome this effort which can serve as an educational tool for all Islanders."
It's anticipated that the first of the Designated Scenic Heritage Roads management plans will be implemented this fall.