Ashton Bernard is an organizer of a Mi’kmaq lead protest blocking access of forestry companies to Hunters Mountain in Cape Breton on Thursday. Photo by Aaron Beswick /The Chronicle HeraldArticle contentA Mi’kmaq-led protest is blocking access for forestry companies to Hunters Mountain in Cape Breton.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentOrganizer Ashton Bernard told The Chronicle Herald on Thursday it is to force the provincial government to meet with the Mi’kmaq about joint management.Article contentArticle contentThe protest comes as rumours circulate that there once again will not be a moose hunt for Mi’kmaq or non-aboriginal hunters.Article contentArticle content“This is not about wanting to hunt moose, we know they are in danger and we can’t do that,” said Bernard.Article content“This is about them raping the land and destroying the habitat.”Article contentCrown land control in the HighlandsArticle contentThe Cape Breton Highlands, along with other Crown land throughout Cape Breton and in Antigonish and Guysborough counties, is managed by Port Hawkesbury Paper.Article contentUnder the forest utilization and licensing agreement renewed in 2023, the province pays the company $5 million annually to manage the land.Article contentThe renewed agreement, which runs until 2043, allows Port Hawkesbury Paper to harvest 275,000 “green” tonnes annually off some 520,000 hectares.Article contentThe original agreement, signed in 2012 by Darrell Dexter’s NDP government, allowed the mill to harvest 400,000 tonnes annually.Article content Port Hawkesbury Paper Photo by FileArticle contentThe amount of stumpage paid by Port Hawkesbury Paper to the province for harvesting has not been released.Article contentArticle content“The forestry sector is important to the economy of Nova Scotia. It can be sustainably managed and align with our environmental goals,” said Tory Rushton, minister of natural resources and renewables, in a statement announcing the renewal in 2023.Article content“We’ve refreshed these agreements to continue working with Port Hawkesbury Paper as an important employer, as part of the forestry sector and as a corporate taxpayer.”Article contentPort Hawkesbury Paper’s forestry activities are audited regularly to maintain its Forest Stewardship Council certification.Article content“Port Hawkesbury Paper manages for many values besides timber, including old forests, wildlife corridors and habitats, special management zones, endangered species, unique ecosystems, recreation, heritage and culture, and domestic watersheds,” reads its forestry policy.Article contentProtesting further extractionArticle contentThe Mi’kmaq assembled at the base of Hunters Mountain on Thursday were from communities around Cape Breton.
Mi’kmaq block Hunters Mountain in protest of forestry’s impact on moose
