EcoAlert Special Edition: N.B. Election 2018

CONSERVATION COUNCIL OF NEW BRUNSWICK Fall 2018E2le0ct1io8n AQUACULTURE • OUR FORESTS • PLASTIC BANS



CONSERVATION COUNCIL editorial OF NEW BRUNSWICK BY LOIS CORBETT BOARD OF DIRECTORS Cast a ballot for the environment this fall PRESIDENT There is something different In this issue you’ll find articlesJohn Crompton about this provincial election about New Brunswickers who campaign, isn’t there? are working to make a difference DIRECTORS In conversations on the in their communities, from street, around dinner tables, at installing solar panels, organizingJohn Bird community events, and in the to end plastic pollution, toDeborah Carr news, we’re hearing a lot more protecting our Bay of Fundy.Stephanie Coburn about the environment this We break down pressing issuesPatrick Colford election, across a broad scope of facing our environment today,Susan Eddy issues. and arm you with the rightJim Emberger People are fed up with herbicide questions to ask those asking forHannah Grant spraying and large-scale clear- your vote this September.Frank Johnston cutting in our Crown forest and Thank you for doing yourScott Kidd review of how government part to ensure our provinceDavid MacDonald manages our Crown lands is long takes meaningful action onTyler McCready overdue. New Brunswickers want environmental protection,Rob Moir more protections — enshrined and seizes the abundantRoy Ries in law — for our drinking water, opportunities afforded throughLiane Thibodeau our rivers, streams, wetlands a clean energy economy andPaula Tippett and magnificent coastal waters investments in energy efficiencyAllan Vallis from the Bay of Fundy to the and renewable power. PleaseJessica Vihvelin Northumberland Strait. We share this EcoAlert with yourNikole Watson want energy efficiency and family and friends! renewables, not fracking You’ll find more great STAFF and risky mines. We want resources on our website, sustainability, not plastic conservationcouncil.ca, and on EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR waste. And New Brunswickers our Facebook page. want meaningful action on Thank you, again, for all thatLois Corbett climate change to ensure their you do. communities and families remain Lois PROGRAM STAFF healthy and safe in the face of more extreme weather, storms, Lois Corbett is theMatt Abbott, Fundy Baykeeper and flooding. Executive DirectorIrene Brueckner-Irwin, Marine Conservation That’s why it really is up to of the ConservationAnne Carruzzo, Translator us and other provincial and Council of NewKaleigh Holder, Freshwater community groups clear Brunswick.Nadine Ives, Learning Outside Coordinator across the province to takeJon MacNeill, Communications the environment straight to theCorey Robichaud, Communications candidates. ADMINISTRATION For advertising inquiries or to subscribe please contact:Stephanie Phillips MANAGING EDITOR INTERNS Jon MacNeill, [email protected] BourqueSam Blaney GRAPHIC DESIGNERGeorgia ChaseHannah Moore Stacy Howroyd, [email protected] TurnerMohammad ZakareyaCONSERVATION COUNCIL OF NEW BRUNSWICK180 St. John StreetFredericton New BrunswickCanada E3B 4A9www.conservationcouncil.caTel: (506) 458-8747 Fax: (506) 458-1047Email: [email protected] /conservationcouncil @cc_nb 1

ecobriefs Celebrating our CCNB members We’d like to give a hearty shout out to three talented volunteers, supporters, and occasional guest bloggers— whom were all recently nominated as finalists in the magazine category for the prestigious 2017 AtlanticJournalism Awards. Kudos to Deborah Carr for her Saltscapes article “The Lightkeeper’s Daughters,” thestory of a family of lightkeepers on Grindstone Island in the Bay of Fundy, and to Tom Cheney and NickHawkins for their article “Sons of the River” which appeared in Atlantic Salmon Journal, about life and fishingon the mighty Miramichi River. Moving toward a coal-free Canada The writing is on the wall. Coal is out and renewables are in. That’s why our Executive Director, Lois Corbett, is excited to be working with the federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada, Catherine McKenna, as the co-chair of the Just Transition Task Force for coal workers and communities. Created in response to the federal government’s commitment to phase-out coal-fired electricity by 2030, the task force is currently working with Minister McKenna to develop recommendations that ensure a fair transition for workers and communities, like those in northern New Brunswick, who are directly impacted by the accelerated phase-out of coal-fired electricity in Canada. 2 ECOALERT SUMMER/FALL 2018

ecobriefs Restoring the Bay of Fundy More than 1,000 voices speaking for the Canada’s Coastal Restoration Fund made wavesalong New Brunswick coasts this summer. The federal Nashwaak Rivergovernment announced in July that the Coastal RestorationFund will provide the Peskotomuhkati (Passamaquoddy) We asked, you answered — in droves!Nation with $1,656,000 over the next five years for the This spring, your Conservation Council, inrestoration and protection of habitats throughout the partnership with the Nashwaak WatershedPeskotomuhkati territory ranging from the the Lepreau Association, made it easy to speak up to helpto the Skutik (St. Croix) rivers. Our Fundy Baykeeper, protect the pristine Nashwaak WatershedMatt Abbott, is excited and honoured to be assisting the from the controversial Sisson Mine proposal.Peskotomuhkati Nation in managing this collaborative More than 1,000 New Brunswickersproject. participated in our letter-writing campaign to let the federal government know that the Nashwaak River and its tributaries are too precious to risk for a risky, short-term mining project. Thank you to everyone who spoke up for our rivers! Passport to a low carbon future Our first-ever Passport to a Low Carbon Future EcoHomes Tour this summer was a fabulous success!Dozens of New Brunswickers were inspired during the self-guided tour of New Brunswick homes and publicbuildings boasting the latest clean energy technology and energy-efficient designs. Find photos from the tourand descriptions of the homes on our website, and stay tuned for the return of this popular event!ECOALERT SUMMER/FALL 2018 3

energy E2le0ct1io8nAsk candidates in your riding...Will you commit to aggressiveinvestments in energyefficiency and renewableenergy that will create good-paying jobs for tradespeople inNew Brunswick? Hard hats and work boots: energy efficiency could create 25,000+ jobs in New Brunswickhe transition to an energy- The overall impact for than 48,000 new jobs over the study efficient economy would homeowners and businesses? period. create more than 25,000 More money in your pocket. For Canada as a whole, the study The study estimates $1.5 billion determined that energy efficiencyTfull-time jobs in New in savings on commercial and actions outlined in the PCF would industrial energy bills over the add approximately 1,655,965 newBrunswick and increase the study period (2017-2030) in New jobs across the country over the nextprovincial GDP by $4.9 billion over Brunswick, while households 13 years.the next 13 years, according to a would save approximately $1,482, Although the transition to energynew study from Dunsky Energy or $147 per year. efficiency requires a significantConsulting. That’s under a scenario where up-front investment, the study The study, The Economic Impact only measures in the PCF are determined that the Canadianof Improved Energy Efficiency followed. The PCF plans to economy would see a net increasein Canada, calculates the carbon use tools such as new building of $356 billion from 2017-2030.pollution we could reduce and codes, new standards for heating The study authors conclude thathow many jobs we could create by equipment and other appliances, following the energy efficiencyfollowing the federal government’s and pricing carbon pollution, actions laid out in the PCF could bePan-Canadian Framework on among other measures, to help a key contributor to helping us reachClean Growth and Climate Change homes, businesses and industries Canada’s 2030 emissions target,(PCF). transition to more efficient energy expecting a calculated decrease In total, the study determined that management systems. in carbon pollution of 52 millioninvestments in energy efficiency In a second scenario in the study, tonnes by 2030, while adding good,would create 25,879 jobs in New which looked at the impact of more new jobs in the growing renewableBrunswick between 2017-2030. ambitious actions and investments energy and energy efficiency sectorsThat breaks down to approximately than just the PCF alone, Dunsky from coast to coast to coast.6,696 new jobs in the electricity Energy Consulting determinedsector, 3,365 in natural gas, By Hannah Mooreand 15,715 in refined petroleumproducts. New Brunswick could create more 4 ECOALERT SUMMER/FALL 2018

water E2le0ct1io8n Ask candidates in your riding... Will you commit to protecting at least 10 per cent of land and water in New Brunswick by 2020, including increases to buffer zones along our rivers and streams, and protecting drinking water, watersheds and wetlands in our Crown forest?Resilience by natureHitting New Brunswick’s land and water protection goalsNew Brunswickers can PATH to protect 17 per cent of our all agree that we live TO landscape by 2020. in a beautiful province, WNHEAXTT'S The report, What’s Next: Parks full of towering trees and Protected Areas to 2020 and magnificent coastal views. ARPEAARSKTSOA2N0D20PRAONTDECBTEEYDOND and Beyond, highlights New Many who live here feel deeply Brunswick’s bottom-of-the-pack rooted to nature, as it connects 2020 rankings for land protection, and us to our families, communities offers recommendations for how and identities, and sustains the director of the Canadian Parks our province can contribute to livelihoods of thousands in our and Wilderness Society’s New Canada’s conservation goal. working economy. Brunswick Chapter, says our “Protecting land and water is even province lacks the right policies more important now in this age of So why is it that New Brunswick to protect the spaces we love and climate change,” Clowater told the is the worst province in Canada depend upon. Conservation Council. “Protected when it comes to protecting our CPAWS, and partner organizations areas provide us with clean air and natural landscapes? like your Conservation Council, are fresh water, they help protect our A mere 4.6 per cent of New working to change that. communities from climate change Brunswick is protected right This summer, CPAWS released impacts like floods and droughts, now. That leaves more than its Annual Parks Report, providing and they give us much-needed 95 per cent of our land, waters a roadmap for federal, provincial connections to nature — we need and ocean unprotected, leaving and Indigenous governments to to get this right.” vital ecosystems vulnerable to work together to achieve Canada’s CPAWS’ report recommends development, climate change and international commitment immediate actions New Brunswick pollution. (Although Prince Edward can take to protect up to 10 per Island only protects 3.19 per cent, cent of the province. the island is an anomaly, since 90 per cent of land is privately Continued on page 7 owned.) Roberta Clowater, executive 5 ECOALERT SUMMER/FALL 2018

oceans E2le0ct1io8n Ask candidates in your riding... Will you commit to cracking down on pesticide use that threatens wild fish and critical fisheries, such as lobster and scallop, in the Bay of Fundy?“They put their own interestswell above their neighbours”Fundy Baykeeper, Environment Commissioner say governmentsT need to up their game on aquaculture oversighthose were among the Sea Farms pled guilty in provincialkey findings of Auditor court to the illegal use of pesticidesGeneral Kim MacPherson’s in an effort to stop a sea licereport on the province’s outbreak at one of its Grand Manansilviculture program, which fish farms last summer.she presented to MLAs in thelegislature on Tuesday, June 23. “I wish I was surprised,” our Fundy Baykeeper, Matt Abbott,Just weeks after Canada’s top told reporters when asked aboutenvironmental watchdog called for the case. “But this case, like thebig improvements to government others before it in New Brunswick,regulation and enforcement of demonstrate that far too often,aquaculture companies, a court aquaculture companies put theircase involving illegal pesticide blasting government for failing to own interests well above theiruse at a New Brunswick fish farm manage the risks associated with neighbours.brought her concerns straight to salmon aquaculture in Canada, and “It reinforces our Environmenthome. particularly in Atlantic Canada. Commissioner’s findings that the fish In April, Julie Gelfand, Canada’s Then, just three weeks later, a farm industry in Atlantic Canada isCommissioner of the Environment court case put a local spotlight severely lacking effective regulationand Sustainable Development, on Gelfand’s findings, as New and enforcement.”released a damning report Brunswick-based Northern Harvest 6 ECOALERT SUMMER/FALL 2018

Continued from page 5“I suggest that the department is at risk ofbeing seen to be promoting aquaculture over the protection of wild fish.” Julie Gelfand, Canada’s Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development In mid May, Northern Harvest Sea deficiencies” her audit revealed The first low-hanging fruit isFarms was fined $12,000 for violating around oversight and enforcement expanding protection in theNew Brunswick’s Pesticides Control in Atlantic Canada. Restigouche watershed, homeAct — a sum frustrated fishers in the Her key findings concluded that: to one of Eastern Canada’s mostregion, some of whose lobster catch there is a clear lack of enforcement famous rivers for fishing Atlanticwas put at risk by the pesticide use, of regulations in Atlantic Canada, salmon and supporting a variety ofcalled “a slap on the wrist” and “the where no new enforcement other important and iconic species,cost of doing business.” officers have been hired since from moose to the Canada lynx. It’s the second time in recent years 2015; the Department of Fisheries The report says expandingthat a New Brunswick aquaculture and Oceans isn’t doing enough to protection from its current levelcompany admitted to deliberately monitor diseases or understand the at 29,000 hectares to 60,000using an illegal pesticide in the effect salmon farming has on the hectares would help safeguardBay of Fundy. Kelly Cove Salmon, health of wild fish; the department one of New Brunswick’s mosta subsidiary of Cooke Aquaculture, isn’t doing enough to confirm the beloved natural treasures and thewhich operates the majority of accuracy of drug and pesticide economic benefits it provides.the roughly 100 open net-pen fish reports submitted by aquaculture The report also recommendsfarm sites in the Bay of Fundy, companies; and there is a clear lack upgrading existing managementwas charged under the Fisheries of national standards for nets and measures in New Brunswick toAct in 2011 for the illegal use of anchoring equipment, something full protected area status. Thiscypermethrin that killed hundreds of critically important in Atlantic would protect areas includinglobsters in nearby traps and holding Canada where escapes of farmed peatlands, drinking waterareas. The company was required to salmon and interbreeding with watersheds on Crown land,pay $500,000 in fines and payments, declining wild salmon populations drinking water watersheds ownedthe largest penalty ever levied under happens more frequently. by municipalities, old growth forestthe Fisheries Act in New Brunswick “I suggest that the department is at communities and habitats, coastaland among the largest ever levied in risk of being seen to be promoting areas, and provincially-significantCanada. aquaculture over the protection of wetlands. “It makes me seriously worried,” wild fish,” Gelfand said. “New Brunswickers know climateGelfand said of the “significant change is here, happening now, in our communities,” said Lois Corbett, executive director of the Conservation Council. “And we know that protecting our land and water is one of the best ways we can ensure the health and safety of our communities in a changing climate. “CPAWS has given governments, from coast to coast to coast, a smart, science-based pathway to meet this challenge and protect the spaces we love and so desperately need.” By Hannah Moore 7 ECOALERT SUMMER/FALL 2018

forests New Brunswick is blowing anopportunity we can’t afford to blow By Rick Doucet, President, New Brunswick Federation of Woodlot OwnersWhen there is an injustice, at first it is usually just CIBC World Markets From people sharing their opinions those who are directly suggests that because on the federation’s website to impacted who complain. comments we hear more and moreAnd those responsible for it can of government from average New Brunswickers, tooften just ignore those complaints. mismanagement of no less than four former MinistersBut then when word spreads of just Crown lands we are of Natural Resources, there is ahow bad it is, others join in. Even if growing chorus who agree somethey are only impacted indirectly, losing out on serious changes are needed.they see unfairness for what itis, and step up to say whatever 100 million An informed opinion on theit is isn’t right, and should not be problem and the solutionallowed to continue. And whenthose voices get loud enough, that’s every year. One of those is former Naturalwhen change happens. Resources Minister Jeannot Volpe. In an interview that was the basis That seems to be the point we are losing out on a whopping $100 of a segment of Charles Theriault’shave gotten to now in regards to Million every year. excellent video series Is Our Foresthow Crown land in New Brunswickhas been mismanaged by The problem stems from changes Really Ours, Volpe outlined whatsuccessive governments. Here’s various governments made to the he sees as the problem and whata resource that is abundant in Crown Lands and Forests Act after we need to do. And he makes someour province, that should be a it was adopted in 1980. Changes, points and questions that are wellmajor contributor to our provincial mainly by the McKenna Liberals and worth considering. Among them:economy, but rather it may actually Alward Conservatives combinedbe costing us money. that gave forestry companies • Crown land belongs to all New The Auditor General has raised more and more access to Crown Brunswickers, and shouldn’t justthis point, and a review by the land at less than market value, benefit a few forestry companies.CIBC World Markets suggests essentially shortchanging all Newthat because of government Brunswick taxpayers and putting • Communities who depend onmismanaging our Crown lands we New Brunswick woodlot owners at forestry should have more say in how Crown lands are managed 8 a competitive disadvantage when • Crown forests should be they wanted to sell their wood at managed for diversity, and the fair market value. wood for value, not just volume. Continued on page 9... ECOALERT SUMMER/FALL 2018

Single species plantations should 4. What is stopping government We agree. Judging from responsesnot be allowed, because forests from having an open and to the various items we haveare more than just trees. transparent discussion on how produced recently on our website, our Crown lands are being and from many of the people we • T he people who manage our managed, and looking at other speak with both who are in the Crown land should not be the options, if any, that could bring forestry sector and those only same people who make money off greater benefit to all the people involved in the sense they are processing the wood. of the province? taxpayers, too, there is a general 5. Is it normal for New Brunswick and growing understanding that one Volpe says we need to ask ourselves to subsidize forestry companies of the biggest reasons why we aresome basic questions, and the most to take our Crown wood for a an economic basket case is becausebasic of all is this: Are Crown Lands diminishing number of jobs, when we don’t have control over thein New Brunswick being managed other jurisdictions are seeing jobs strongest part of our economy, ourin the best interests of all New and collecting revenue from their Crown forests.Brunswickers, or the best interests Crown land? As we inch closer to a provincialof just a few New Brunswickers? He Some might wonder why Volpe is election, we encourage all of you tohas others: saying all of this now, rather than ask those who will be searching out 1. Is the Crown Lands and Forests making changes when he was your vote, exactly what they plan to Minister. He says he tried, but failed. do about our Crown land situation. Act that was developed and He says the forest industry lobby is Our hope is that if enough people brought in more than 30 years ago just too strong. He says the way to let it be known that the status quo still the best option? counter this is for New Brunswickers isn’t acceptable, then perhaps the 2. A re rural communities receiving to stand up and demand changes. various parties will start seriously the benefits they should from He says we have to take back addressing this and make it part of Crown lands in their areas? control of what belongs to us. their election platform. 3. H ow many more forest- related jobs need to be lost in So speak up. We all, you included,communities that rely on the deserve better.forestry sector before we look at Volpe feels people are starting toother options? understand what is going on here and they don’t like it. ECOALERT SUMMER/FALL 2018 9

youth Saint John solar panel their future homes as a result of thisproject energizes youth for project. The work has also inspired renewable energy future some participants to continue studying in order to pursue a future“Their excitement about solar career in the renewable energyenergy grew the more they learned”hings are heating up at Saint “The youth were able to work realm,” she told the ConservationTHub – it is now home to directly alongside NexGen staff Council.John’s Social Enterprise throughout the installation of the Seth Asimakos, co-founder of the Learning Exchange, calls the solarthe largest solar project in solar panels,” said GOALS program project a “triple bottom line.” Notthe city. The 60-panel installation teacher, Kate Johnston. only has it provided invaluable on-is expected to prevent about 15.6 the-job experience for youth, but it’stonnes of carbon pollution from “Their excitement about the also going to be great for the hub’sentering the atmosphere each year potential for solar energy grew the finances, and for the environment.by powering the Hub with solar more they learned.” “For us, really, the Hub is aboutpower. The project exposes youth to innovation, taking risks, kind of But the project has energized a lot potential career paths that will moving, nudging the ball aheadmore than just a building. likely be an asset in the future – a little bit,” Asimakos said in an as we continue to see the cost interview with the ConservationStudents from the Saint John of renewable energy drop. Now Council.Learning Exchange GOALS completed, the project will also He also said that they will beprogram, and Outflow’s Catapult serve as a learning tool for others in building a viewing deck withConstruction, got some valuable the community. an interpretation plaque whichand inspiration-sparking hands- explains how solar power workson work experience through the Johnston said that several youth and how much energy is producedproject. By joining forces with continued working with NexGen by each panel every year.NexGen Energy, they have been each day even after the set hours Real-time solar production andlearning the basics of solar panels were completed – they didn’t want energy production will also bein the classroom, and assisting with to miss out on any of the progress! available on the Hub’s website.the panel installation on the roof of “Many of the youth expressed a It will show a history of solarthe Hub. desire to install solar panels on production against weather patterns, and provide open data for further research on solar energy. “I think the project is showing how we can partner, and that this is what we need to do in order to scale impact.” Asimakos believes that although this is currently the biggest solar installation in Saint John, he doesn’t imagine it will stay the largest for very long. He hopes that by opening up the installation to the public, it will inspire local home and business owners to consider the benefits of solar power and renewable energy. By Hannah Moore 10 ECOALERT SUMMER/FALL 2018

E2le0ct1io8n Ask candidates in your riding... Will you protect our ocean, parks, rivers and lakes by committing to banning single-use plastic bags in New Brunswick?N.B. youth pushing for plastic bag banLavallee Forbes, right, and Tristan Workman are part of a group of Fredericton youth petitioning for a ban on plastic bags in New Brunswick.During a four-month exchange in Morocco, wondering why I couldn’t do the said it didn’t take long for them Africa, 21-year-old Lavallee same back home,” she told the to get used to the new law. Forbes was amazed by the Conservation Council in a recent “I think some people are vibrant markets flowing through the interview. worried that a plastic bag ban will city streets. So, she is doing something about it. inconvenience them. But once you actually live in a place where plastic bagsThe colourful are banned,shops offered a “Remembering to bring a bag to the store is as you realizetreasure trove simple as remembering to bring your car keys to how little theseof local goods your car,” says petition founder, Lavallee Forbes. bans affect yourand wares — day-to-day life.but one type Rememberingof item wasconspicuously to bring a bagabsent: plastic bags. Forbes and her friends Rachèle to the store is as simple as The North African country banned Phinney, Rhys Briden, Tristan remembering to bring your carthe production, import, sale and Workman, and Lucas Gutiérrez- keys to your car,” Forbes said. Robert have launched a petition todistribution of plastic bags in 2016. ban plastic bags in New Brunswick. The group has collected more They’ve formed a group (Ban than 500 signatures in just a few Witnessing the success of the Plastic Bags NB - find them on weeks. Copies of the petitionforward-thinking move first hand social media) and have been going are posted at businesses inleft Forbes, a Fredericton native door-to-door collecting signatures in Fredericton, Moncton, Saintstudying at Queen’s University in several N.B. communities. John, Oromocto and Stanley.Ontario, inspired. She said merchants in Morocco The group plans to present “Spending four months living in replaced their stocks of plastic bags the petition to the incominga country that had successfully for small, thin fabric bags that are provincial government followingbanned plastic bags showed me given for free to customers who this September’s election.just how easy plastic bag bans don’t have reusable bags. People Continued on page 12...are to implement, and left me she spoke with during her exchange 11 ECOALERT SUMMER/FALL 2018

Continued from page 11 Help make Spring Peeper Photo: Nick Hawkins a difference. She said their Facebook page and caught off Grand Manan had beenI want to become a member and supporter: an Instagram account are helping imprinted with a Pepsi can logo on $15 Low income, senior, student $30 Individual spread the word and have already its claw. received support from Facebook Speaking to reporters as far $40 Family $55 Association users across the world, including away as the BBC, our FundyAre you a new member? Y N India and the United States. She’s Baykeeper, Matt Abbott, said theI would like automatic membership renewal * Y * N even had some classmates in ‘Pepsi Lobster’ shows just how Ontario reach out asking if they widespread the issue of plastic I want to make a single gift of: could launch a similar effort when pollution in our oceans is. she returns to Kingston for school “We think of garbage floating $30 $50 $100 this fall. around on top of the water and $120 Other In an information sheet, the group landing on beaches, but this case explains how plastic bag bans shows that its all through the water Mailing address: have been successfully adopted in column and there’s really no parts countries including Morocco, Kenya, of the ocean that are free from theName Mauritania and Eritrea. They also risk of damage from garbage andAddress note that China, Denmark, Germany, plastics,” Abbott said, noting plastic England and France have begun the is particularly harmful becauseTel. process of discouraging the use of it breaks down into microscopicEmail plastic bags. pieces that stay in the water and In January, Montreal became the are often mistook as food by oceanDonation method: first Canadian city to implement a dwellers. city-wide ban on plastic bags, and Abbott commended Forbes and VISA MasterCard on July 1, Victoria, B.C. followed suit. her friends for raising the issue at Momentum is growing closer to home and working for legislativeName home, too. A poll released in March changes to fix it. from Halifax-based Corporate “We need leadership, from youngCard # Research Associates showed people right up to our elected more than 70 per cent of people representatives, to tackle thisExp. living in Moncton, Saint John problem together,” he said. “We and Fredericton support a plastic can make smarter choices, makeSignature bag ban. Moncton city council is smarter laws, and demand that considering a ban, while more and companies make common sense Cheque (payable to Conservation Council of NB ) more businesses and restaurants choices around packaging for across the province are turning their products. We got on just fineThe Conservation Council of New Brunswick is a registered away from single-use plastics such before we had such reliance oncharity which carries on education and awareness as straws. plastic packaging, and I think weprojects to solve environmental problems. Donors to the A case involving plastic pollution in can find alternatives to it again.”work of the Conservation Council will be provided with a the Bay of Fundy made internationalcharitable tax receipt. Please send your donation to:180 headlines last fall when a lobster By Hannah MooreSaint John St., Fredericton, New Brunswick E3B 4A9As a member, you’ll receive:¡ A subscription to ecoalert magazine¡ EcoNews, our electronic newsletter¡ Great member-only discounts 12 ECOALERT SUMMER/FALL 2018

freshwater E2le0ct1io8nAsk candidates in your riding...If elected, what will you do toensure the full implementationof the water protectionstrategy?How does your party plan todevelop and implement a newwatershed protection act by2020?Clean water should be top priorityFlooding, sewage overflow, blue-green algae and poor historic flood left New Brunswick in fed the toxic bacteria, helping it water quality have become a state of disarray – it devastated grow rapidly in rivers and lakes all-too familiar issues in thousands of properties from across the province. Blue-green New Brunswick, and they are Fredericton to Saint John, causing algae is naturally occurring, but raising concern about the health upwards of $80 million in excess amounts of nutrients like of the province’s bays, rivers and damages. And it did more than just phosphorus make it worse. Three streams. that. The flooding compromised dogs suddenly died after playing in sewage systems and oil storage the St. John River this summer and New Brunswick urgently needs tanks, causing overflow into the St. blue-green algae was found to be watershed protection legislation John River, and contaminating the the culprit. now, more than ever. water. The Northumberland Strait, home Unfortunately, the 2018 flood to New Brunswick’s iconic Parlee Issues in the St. John River wasn’t the only sewage overflow Beach, has also had its fair share and Northumberland Strait the river has seen lately. A series of water quality issues. During the watersheds of hot days in August with short, summer of 2016, Parlee Beach intense thunderstorms, caused experienced poor water quality New Brunswick is made up of a sewage treatment plant in which left the water unsafe to swim 13 major watersheds, meaning Aroostook, Maine to lose power in for a total of 10 days. In 2017, the the area that drains all the rivers, and release untreated sewage provincial and federal governments streams and wetlands. About 40 into the upper reaches of the St. invested $3 million to fix the per cent of New Brunswick’s John River. decades-old sewage system and the population gets their water As if flooding and sewage leaks provincial government now follows supply from surface watersheds. weren’t enough, blooms of blue- Health Canada’s guidelines for Last spring, nightmares became green algae also became a threat recreational water quality at Parlee, reality when record-high flooding to New Brunswick’s watersheds in and eight other provincial park hit the St. John River, New recent years. High temperatures beaches. Brunswick’s largest watershed. The Continued on page 14... 13 ECOALERT SUMMER/FALL 2018

Continued from page 13 “Introducing a new water protection act over the next two years – legislation that will both make watershed protection action plans mandatory and legally enforceable and set science-based water quality standards – is a big move, and a smart one,” Lois Corbett, CCNB executive directorThis summer, there have been 21 which are intended to protect health. Watershed legislationsno-swimming advisories in place – 11 watercourses and wetlands from the means that protecting the healthbecause results failed to meet Health effects of development, have been and resiliency of our wetlands,Canada’s guidelines for E. coli and/ on the rise, with the Fredericton floodplains, forests and riparianor enterococci. Business owners are region having the highest number areas is a priority, one that isstruggling due to the low tourism of permits in 2017, at 456, up detailed in law and coupled withnumbers and citizens feel more work nearly 200 permits from 2013. strong enforcement.is needed to restore water qualityand safeguard Parlee Beach from Making watershed protection a A new watershed protection act,future contamination. priority combined with a new regulation to protect coastal areas under the In December 2017, the provincial Clean Water Act (as described inNeed for stronger laws and government released a water the provincial water protectionenforcement protection strategy which lays out strategy) will go a long way toProtecting our water is quickly smart steps to protect water and a ensure the health of coastal watersbecoming a major priority for New timeline to enact them. Among the so that communities along theBrunswickers, as we increasingly 29 actions is one that commits to Northumberland Strait, like Shediacfeel the forces of climate change first develop new watershed protection and Pointe-du-Chêne can enjoyhand. A survey conducted by the legislation by 2020. the environmental and economicConservation Council found that benefits that a health watershed70% of New Brunswickers believe “Introducing a new water protection provides.that governments are mismanaging act over the next two years – Flooding, sewage overflows,fresh water supplies. legislation that will both make blue-green algae and water watershed protection action plansIn many cases, the province’s mandatory and legally enforceable quality concerns are fresh incurrent water regulations do not and set science-based water quality New Brunswickers minds ashave the strength they need to be standards – is a big move, and this summer draws to a closeenforceable, nor do they provide a smart one,” said our executive and we prepare to head to thethe appropriate resources for director, Lois Corbett, in response to polls. Many New Brunswickersenforcement. the strategy. will be looking for a government that will follow through with the For example, the Water The issues that we are seeing full implementation of the waterClassification Regulation was in the St. John River, along the protection strategy and take actionintended to provide a framework Northumberland Strait, and the to implement a new watershedfor watershed management in province’s other 11 major watersheds protection act by 2020. RightNew Brunswick, but was never are not being comprehensively now, it is up to our communities toimplemented due to “deficiencies addressed by current legislation. raise their concerns about healthwithin the regulation that prevented A watershed protection act is a issues in their watersheds andits use”. holistic approach to management ask politicians how they plan to Following the flood of 2018, CBC that recognizes that even in a address them.reported that watercourse and healthy watershed, there are manywetland alteration (WAWA) permits, factors that can comprise its overall 14 ECOALERT SUMMER/FALL 2018

forests E2le0ct1io8n Ask candidates in your riding... Will you commit to developing a new Crown Land and Forests Act that works for all New Brunswickers, creates well- paying jobs, is fair for private woodlot owners, protects water and biodiversity, and keeps people working, hunting, fishing and enjoying the woods for years to come. Will you commit to ending the old-fashioned and unnecessary practice of spraying glyphosate -based herbicides to treat large tree plantations on Crown land?When you go out in the woods today...Alot of New Brunswickers have a picture of what our when you actually go out into the that is vastly different from what forest looks like in their woods today. we think it is. Beyond the scrim mind. Decades of mismanagement in of our tree-lined highways is a Known as a tree-canopied our Crown forest, and especially fractured, fragmented forest that noprovince, we think of vast areas of its profit-driven reliance on larger- longer serves the needs of all Newtowering hardwoods—of maples, scale clearcutting, has significantly Brunswickers, our woods workers,oaks, birch and ash—sustaining changed the face and feel of our our hunters and fishers, or theour iconic moose and deer, mixed woods. Huge swaths of once dozens of communities that grew upwith thick softwoods— of red thriving Acadian forest have been in and around the woods.pines, balsam firs, tamaracks and stripped, replaced by tree farms Frank Johnston knows this realityhemlocks—sheltering smaller of predominantly one or two all too well. He’s flown over it,woodland critters, all connected softwood species. Thinning crews walked through it, and has spentthrough a web of rivers, brooks of men and women working in years poring over independentand streams that flow life into our the woods have been replaced satellite data confirming the newcommunities, our towns, villages with helicopters that spray roughly face of our forest.and cities. 13,000 hectares of industrial tree “Outside of protected areas and farms each year with poisons to parks, there are essentially no large This is the forest many kill competing hardwoods. Private areas of intact, natural Acadiangenerations of New Brunswickers woodlots, once the lifeblood of so forest remaining in New Brunswick,”grew up in—hunting, hiking, many families and communities, says Johnston, a member of thefishing, working. This rich, have been allowed to be boxed Conservation Council’s board ofbiodiverse setting, however, is out by large forestry companies. directors.harder and harder to come by We’re left today with a forest Continued on page 16... 15 ECOALERT SUMMER/FALL 2018

For the past several years, then verifying it with aerial video province since September 2016.Johnston, and other great surveillance and on-the-ground And while the content of his workvolunteers from our South East photography. can be disheartening— videosChapter, have used a small Global Forest Watch data shows from their plane showing theplane, ground expeditions, and that between 2000 and 2014, New fragmented forest landscape;satellite data from the University Brunswick harvested 1.7-times more photos from the ground ofof Maryland’s Global Forest Watch forest than it gained. seemingly unending clear cutsProgram to document what is “This is an unsustainable practice, and plantations; and timelapsehappening to New Brunswick’s and it effectively means we’re videos of satellite imagery showingCrown forest. liquidating the existing Acadian the bleak reality of more than a “We’ve flown over the major forest, and what we’re planting is decade of clear cutting across allquadrants of the province — the not the same forest that we cut,” corners of New Brunswick—henorth west, the north east, the Johnston says. always ends with a plan for action,south east, the south west, the “The satellite data also shows that and a vision for a restored, vibrantcentral part of the province— New Brunswick is cutting the forest Acadian forest.and wherever we go, we find at an intensity twice that of our “We can have sustainable forestrythe same pattern: you will see adjoining juridictions of Quebec and practices in this province, practicesresidual Acadian forest, generally Maine. that promote environmentalhardwood, next to a stream; you “This intensity of cutting and the stewardship,” he says. “Thiswill see a network of roads; you will fragmented forest landscape it happens in other places in Canadasee a large clearcut; you will see a creates has a consequence. The and North America, and we can getplantation; another clearcut; then ecosystem services we get from a it here.more residual forest probably next natural forest—the prevention of “We need to take control of theto a stream; and increasingly, you flooding, the retention of water in management of our forests awaywill find yourself next to a clearcut the woods during the spring freshet from large companies and backthat has recently been sprayed and storms—is greatly reduced, into the hands of the people ofwith herbicide,” Johnston says. and we’re left with a landscape that New Brunswick. And we need “And this pattern will be repeated is extremely vulnerable to climate to vigorously follow a policy ofto the horizon.” change.” restoring and protecting the natural Johnston’s team documents Johnston has been presenting Acadian forest.”cutting patterns in all regions of his research to groups across thethe province by analysing satellite By Jon MacNeilldata from Global Forest Watch, 16 ECOALERT SUMMER/FALL 2018

Photo: Nick HawkinsA plea to the people of New Brunswick:Don’t let it happen. The Sisson Mine is a disaster we can’t afford.Every summer I go trout fishing By Tom Cheney on the Nashwaak river. Actually, I mostly go fishing on one of little tributary of the Nashwaak. Now under Prime Minister Stephen its tributaries. It’s a relatively that vision is in danger because Harper did everything it could healthy system, with no major dams someone has decided that wild fish to prop up weak mining projects and cold, clean water. I know a couple and their habitats are expendable — like this one. That government of good spots and even on a bad or at least exchangeable for a few stripped provisions to protect fish morning I still usually hook a fish or jobs. habitat — brooks and streams like two. I’m not going to list all the ways the Napadogan and Sisson that that, simply by its construction, the feed the Nashwaak River — from In June there are lots of seatrout Sisson Mine would be an ecological the important Fisheries Act. around, but I enjoy catching the disaster. You can look those up. I smaller resident fish just as much. I will note that the former government Continued on page 18. play them quickly, land them gently in my net, and hold them in the water for just a moment before they swim free. They are beautiful and innocent, and my brief encounters with them always fill me with a simple but profound happiness. It won’t be too long before my children will be old enough to learn to cast flies for trout. More importantly, they will be old enough to learn the magic of wild fish in healthy ecosystems. I envisioned myself teaching them those lessons on that 17 ECOALERT SUMMER/FALL 2018

In August 2014, a massive breach at the Mount Polley Mine site sent 24 million is a good way — or the only waycubic meters of waste water into nearby rivers and lakes. Canada has the — to economic prosperity, they’resecond worst mining record in the world. During the last decade there have been relying on us to believe that tiredseven known mine tailings spills in Canada, only one less than reported in China, narrative. They’re asking us towhich tops the list. keep believing there are no better options. It’s time to stand up and Fortunately this gutting has now Brunswickers have hunted, prove them wrong.been reversed by legislation in fished, foraged, and enjoyed the New Brunswickers are intelligent,front of our federal Senate. That’s Nashwaak watershed. Why are creative, and dynamic. We deservethanks to the tireless efforts of we creating the potential for our work of which we can be proud —conservation groups from coast to children to be robbed of their not just jobs for us today, but forcoast, like our own Conservation natural heritage? our children as well. We deserve toCouncil of New Brunswick, Atlantic It’s because we’ve been told over be in charge of our own economicSalmon Federation, and many and over — so many times that we future. We live in a beautifulothers. No legislation will protect actually believe it — a story about province with precious naturalall of our favourite streams and natural resources and economic resources. There’s a way to havefishing spots. But it certainly helps. prosperity. That story is simple: a healthy economy that protectsIt gives me pause that the Sisson the destruction of our natural our resources rather than destroysproject found its voice only under a resources may be unfortunate, them.ravaged Fisheries Act. but it is a necessary condition The Sisson mine is projected to I also won’t list the consequences of ‘progress’ and ‘economic operate for 27 years. After thatof a Sisson tailings pond failure. development.’ More and more it will leave a hideous scar in theWe all remember Mount Polley. In New Brunswickers are seeing that earth, ruined fish and wildlifeAugust 2014 a massive breach at this story just isn’t working for us. habitat, and countless otherthe B.C. mine site sent 24 million Maybe it’s time to tell a new one. ecological tragedies. Those jobscubic meters of waste water into There are ways to develop will be gone too. The mine’snearby rivers and lakes. Think resource industries that don’t opponents see that it’s not worth itabout this: Canada has the second involve the permanent destruction — especially when there are betterworst mining record in the world. of biodiversity and wildlife habitat. ways to create work. They’ve freedDuring the last decade there have And there are paths to economic themselves of the weight of oldbeen seven known mine tailings prosperity that don’t even require narratives and are demanding aspills in Canada, only one less than resource development. We can brighter, more sustainable future.in China, which tops the list. have it both ways. And you don’t I should say that trout aren’t the My plea today is that you ask need to look far to see examples only thing I catch in the Nashwaakyourself how we’ve let such an that prove the point. river. Every year I hook salmon parratrocious proposal get as far When the Sisson Mine’s — a surprising number of them. Aas it has. Generations of New proponents tell us that the project small and endangered population of wild Atlantic salmon continue to spawn successfully in tributaries of the Nashwaak. If the right people work hard enough, and the right factors fall into place, they could rebound. There’s no reason they can’t. Hope like that fuels conservation work — hope that one day my children might fish not just for trout in the Nashwaak, but salmon as well. I have hope for the salmon, and also for the province of New Brunswick. But I need reasons to keep that hope alive, and the Sisson Mine isn’t one of them. 18 ECOALERT SUMMER/FALL 2018