CONSERVATION SCORES WITH ROYAL COMMISSION REPORT by Diane Griffin 
     
    
   
   
    
     Environmentalists have hailed the conservation tone of the Royal 
     
     Commission on the Land's report. Adoption of a comprehensive set of land use 
     
     plans for the entire province was recommended. Furthermore, these land use 
     
     plans should include areas for natural preservation. The report had lots of 
     
     specific recommendations such as prohibition of further development on any of 
     
     the off-shore islands. These areas are prime wildlife habitat, particularly for 
     
     birds like the Great Blue Heron which nests in secluded colonies. 
     
    

    
     And yes, there is more: 
     
    

    
     - greenbelts for rivers and streams 
     
    

    
     - measures to protect beaches and sand dunes 
     
    

    
     - more scenic heritage roads 
     
    

    
     - sunset provisions for cottage subdivisions that have not been sold 
     
     - preservation of archaeological remains 
     
    

    
     - recreational trails on the abandoned rail lines 
     
    

    
     - more emphasis on the non-commercial aspects of forestry 
     
    

    
     In keeping with the positive conservation tone of the report, it was 
     
     recommended that the province continue to encourage and support volunteer 
     
     groups whose aims and objectives assist in preserving and enhancing natural 
     
     areas. 
     
    

    
     The Island Nature Trust was particularly pleased with the recommendation 
     
     that the province ensure the long-term preservation of the Greenwich area in 
     
     its natural state under public ownership. The Island Nature Trust successfully 
     
     fought against a huge time-share condominium project before the Land Use 
     
     Commission. The case continues on through appeals and cross-appeals in the 
     
     P.E.I. Supreme Court. 
     
    

    
     Where does that leave us? Hell, it appears that Premier Ghiz is prepared 
     
     to act quickly on the report. Recommendations are to be received from a 
     
     government task force by the end of December and the provincial cabinet will 
     
     consider the document in mid-January - just in time for action in the up-coming 
     
     spring session of the legislature. 
     
    

    
     Editor's Note: The Royal Commission's report is already in second printing. In 
     
     addition to the many very positive recommendations with regard to the 
     
     protection of certain natural features there are also some anomalies of which 
     
     naturalists should be aware, namely: despite its conservation tone, no section 
     
     of the report deals explicitly with wildlife; strong recommendations are made 
     
     for "weed" control; . . . . .. As this report may set the stage for land use 
     
     decisions for many years, I recommend that you review it. 
     
    
   
   
    
     BIRD WATCHERS LIST 
     
    
   
   
    
     At the November meeting of the Society, a member recommended that the 
     
     Society create a list of those interested in birding trips so that the list 
     
     could be exchanged and people could arrange small outings among themselves. 
     
     Anyone interested in participating in this name exchange should contact Dan 
     
     McAskill at 569-4351 (evenings). 
     
    
   
   
    
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