Natural His}:on S 06129 news

The Feb. 2 meeting of the Natural History Society was highlighted by Tim Beattie's informative talk and slide show on whales in the Bay of Fundy. Although whales are always a favourite amongst naturalists, Tim's presentation was both personable and educational, and it took a while to get everyone out of the Farm Centre - there was so much inter- est in the subject! Rumour has it that at least one group from P.E.I. will go to St. Andrews, N.B. (where Tim works) and go out on one of his whale—watching tours. Mid-August is supposed to be the best time.

The business part of the meeting was no slouch either. New presi— dent Susan Stephenson and new recording secretary Teresa Hughes did a great job running the meeting. Members talked about ways to increase membership and interest in the society. More notices will go out to the papers about meetings, and this issue of the Island Naturalist has a form on the back that could help bring in new members and have the newsletter and the meetings reflect your interests. Please take the time and fill out the form.

With the fixed link still up in the air, Susan let members know that the NHS has received a response from Premier Ghiz in regards to the Society's call for a full panel review to assess the environmental issues at stake. A joint federal—provincial committee is being set up to assess the studies, including the initial environmental evaluation, to deter- mine their adequacy and conclusiveness. Mr. Ghiz also said that "thor- oughness, not haste, is of utmost importance in this issue. The Canadian Nature Federation and the Canadian Environmental Planning and Assessment Caucus have also written to Tom McMillan expressing concern over his statements regarding a full panel review for the fixed link. Mr. McMillan has recently been calling for reform of environmental assessment to strengthen the process, but seems to be afraid of more studies on a pro— ject in his home province. The Island Nature Trust has also called for a panel review of the project.

Bruce Smith reported that the land at MacKinnon's bog has been purchased by the INT. Dan McAskill will continue to represent the NHS at upcoming meetings between environmental groups, National Parks, the tourism industry and the Department of Tourism on the piping plover.

Bruce also told members about a committee that has been formed to talk about the future of some of our railroad lines. Ruth Richman will represent the NHS on the committee, which hopes to gain access to the rail lines after the tracks are removed, for recreational purposes such as bicycling, hiking, skiing and snowmobiling.

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1887 — Gaining Momentum — 1987

Islanders shone in the January 1988 issue of the Wildlife ‘87 news— letter. Dan McAskill was pictured twice and had one story (do you think

he has an in somewhere?). The front picture was Dan, Diane Griffin and Tom McMillan and his daughter Kelley at the Christmas bird count. The

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