Conservation group looks to protect mainland moose and stop wind project

Paul Hollingsworth has the details as Nova Scotia’s Moose Conservation Association tries to block the province's plan to put up wind turbines.

According to Al Muir, anyone lucky enough to see a Nova Scotia mainland moose in person will be on the receiving end of an unforgettable experience.

“You might get one close to 1,000 pounds,” Muir, president of the Moose Conservation Association of Nova Scotia, told CTV News.

Muir said mainland moose are huge, beautiful and an endangered species. Back in the ‘60s, the mainland moose population in Nova Scotia was more than 5,000, but it has dwindled to much lower numbers in recent years.

“We estimate we now have 250 animals, but it could be slightly more or less than that,” he said.

The association is trying to block a new wind farm planned for the northeastern part of the province, near Eigg Mountain in Antigonish County.

Muir is worried the project will disrupt the wetlands and dense forest that serve as a natural habitat, and chase the moose away to an environment not conducive to their overall survival.

“Studies have shown if you get these types of activities, most will leave and not come back,” said Muir.

Renewable Energy Services (RES) is constructing the wind farm. The project manager pointed to the fact that the location was chosen by the province, and could provide more than 55,000 Nova Scotia homes with more affordable energy, plus other benefits.

“The project is 22 turbines and 150-megawatts, and we have a community benefit fund, which is more than $150,000, to provide bursaries and training for people who want to work in the wind industry, so we think there’s a lot for Nova Scotia to gain,” said Keith Martin with RES, who added a third-party consultant has been hired to examine the possible impact on the mainland moose.

“They have stated that they don’t envision any significant adverse effects to the environment from our project, including wildlife such as mainland moose,” said Martin.

According to Muir, the Moose Conservation Association of Nova Scotia, doesn’t have a problem with building wind farms. They just don’t want it built in the Eigg Mountain area of the province.

The proposed wind farm now enters an environmental assessment phase, which includes reviewing online public comments and consultation, before the project receives final approval.

“And then on April 9, the Nova Scotia environment minister will make the decision,” said Muir, which means the clock is ticking for him to possibly sway the province to move this wind project to a different location, which he said could help save the mainland moose population.