Micou's Island Negotiations Underway

---

Nova Scotia could soon add an island in St. Margarets Bay to its inventory of Crown lands.

Natural Resources Minister David Morse said today, Dec. 8, that the province and the St. Margaret's Bay Stewardship Association are negotiating with the owners of Micou's Island, to bring the property under Crown ownership and protection.

"Micou's Island is a beautiful property in St. Margarets Bay," said Mr. Morse. "If everything proceeds as we hope, it will be a significant addition to the Crown lands available for the use and enjoyment of Nova Scotians."

Micou's Island, a 22-acre tract of land at the tip of Indian Point, Halifax Co., is of heritage and ecological significance.

Representatives of the Department of Natural Resources and the St. Margaret's Bay Stewardship Association hope to finalize purchase arrangements before March 31, 2007.

"This support from the Department of Natural Resources and the people of Nova Scotia is a tremendous boost to the stewardship association's larger goal of saving St. Margarets Bay's islands and preserving the public access bay residents have enjoyed for generations," said Geoff LeBoutillier, chairman of the association.

If the purchase proceeds, the department and the stewardship association will work together as stewards of the island.

The Micou's Island negotiations are part of the Department of Natural Resource's ongoing efforts to expand the proportion of Crown lands and coastal access available for Nova Scotians now and for future generations. Earlier this year, the province bought Andrews Island on behalf of the public. Negotiations are also underway for two other islands, Backmans and Coveys islands, in Mahone Bay.

---

FOR BROADCAST USE:

     The province and a stewardship association are negotiating

with private land owners in an effort to purchase Micou's (Mic-

COOs)Island in Saint Margarets Bay.

     Natural Resources Minister David Morse says his department

is working closely with the Saint Margaret's Bay Stewardship

Association to acquire the island for the enjoyment of future

generations.

     Earlier this year, the province bought Andrews Island on

behalf of the public. Negotiations are also underway for two

other islands, Backmans and Coveys, in Mahone Bay.

     The purchases are part of the Department of Natural

Resources' efforts to expand the coastal Crown land available for

Nova Scotians now and in the future.

-30-

Media Contacts: Diane LeBlanc
                Natural Resources
                902-424-2354
                E-mail: leblandj@gov.ns.ca

                Geoff LeBoutillier
                St. Margaret's Bay Stewardship Association
                902-823-1404