L'écorégion de Shepody-
Chignecto
Tout en nous offrant une visite guidée de l'écorégion de
Shepody-Chignecto de la côte de Fundy, Mary Majka
nous propose que cette région soit protégée contre le développement commercial et
qu'elle soit incorporée dans la stratégie provinciale sur les aires protégées. Cet
article, accompagné par des photos remarquables et une touche personnelle, nous amène
aussi proche qu'on peut l'être de marcher sur les fameuses plages de Fundy à partir de
son ordinateur.
 Feedback from
readers, on this article /
Rétroaction des lecteurs
concernant le présent article
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Protecting the
Fundy Coast?
Mary Majka
March 1998
 or a long
time now, the idea of having a protected natural area in my part of the province has
occupied my thoughts. Recent proposals by the provincial government pointing in that
direction have rekindled my interest. Just think about making a relatively large area of
the Fundy coast designated and protected from undesirable developments, while still
permitting the local population to continue their traditional activities such as hunting,
fishing, gathering greens and hiking.
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"Just think about making a relatively large area of the Fundy coast designated and
protected..."
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(Photo: Mary Majka) |
The area I'm thinking of is near my home in Mary's Point and has already
been afforded some protection. However, it has been done in "bits and pieces"
,not tied together, and therefore vulnerable to outside influences and/or encroachments
from the neighboring unprotected areas.
Most of this area is in the hands of various governmental jurisdictions. The accompanying
map's shaded sections show the managed, i.e. protected, lands that I'll refer to as the
"Shepody-Chignecto Ecoregion. I will take a reader on an imaginary walk through
this area, we'll start from the famous Hopewell Rocks in the east and continue westward
towards Fundy National Park. What we would encounter along the way would truly amaze and
thrill a visitor, fascinate naturalists and scientists, not to mention inspiring the
photographers and painters that would venture there.
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"Rocky cliffs and headlands interspersed with curving beaches, tidal creeks, mud
flats and marshes..."
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(Photo: Mary Majka) |
Rocky cliffs, headlands interspersed with curving beaches, tidal creeks, mud flats
and marshes would each offer a great diversity of marine and terrestrial wildlife. Most of
the features of this ecosystem are intimately connected with the high tides of the Bay of
Fundy. Such as the mud shrimp (Corophium volutator), the very impressive flights of
migrating shorebirds, the nesting Bald Eagles and Peregrine Falcons, or the very unique
saltwater lakes which harbor mussels, flounders, and other marine creatures. Beside those
rarities, a wealth of birds, mammals and plants enhance this coastal land and still remain
wild and untouched.
In a few of these places I would envision the protected area extending one or two
kilometers offshore to reach some unique features. I would also like to include the waters
of the bay, its very extensive mud flats as well as the small but unique Grindstone
Island. In my opinion, now is the time to see that this portion of our province, sparsely
populated and often inaccessible by road, should be afforded this protection.
Mary Majka
RR # 2, 435 Mary's Point Road,
Albert, New Brunswick E0A 1A0
CANADA (45-43 N, 64-40 W)
Internet: MarysPt@nbnet.nb.ca
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