Late last week, the province secured legal title for one of the best beaches on PEI at Basin Head. Not only is the beach the crown jewel of the Eastern Kings tourism product, but the land surrounding it is one of the most ecologically important and environmentally sensitive pieces of land on Prince Edward Island. All 142 acres are now protected from harm thanks to an agreement between the Provincial Government and The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC).
“This is a big day for Kings County and for all of Prince Edward Island,” says Premier Robert Ghiz. “Having this historic, beautiful and important piece of property protected by both the province and The NCC demonstrates this government’s commitment to the environment and to protecting the Island’s fragile ecology.”
Another part of the Basin Head Eco-System has already received international attention for its ecological importance. The lagoon area was designated as a Marine Protected Area by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans in 2005 because of it’s rich bio-diversity, including a unique strain of Irish moss.
“The Nature Conservancy of Canada is pleased support this conservation initiative at Basin Head. As Canada’s leading non-profit land conservation organization, our goal of protecting landscapes is achieved through collaboration with partners such as the Province of Prince Edward Island,” says Linda Stephenson, Regional Vice President for the Atlantic Region of NCC.
For its part, NCC contributed $75,000 to help facilitate the land exchange for the protection of Basin Head. “Today’s announcement will help to ensure future generations will inherit a biologically rich province,” continued Stephenson.
“Staff in our properties section should be applauded for their hard work through this whole process,” says Minister of Transportation and Public Works Ron MacKinley. “Their efforts to secure this property helped insure that this land would be protected for years to come.”
The agreement to acquire the 142 acres at Basin Head saw the province exchange 28 acres of land and cash with the Waterworth family. The next step in the process is for the land to be identified under the province’s Natural Areas Protection Act. That will happen once a management plan for the land is developed by the provincial Department Environment, Energy and Forestry.