Over the years, TREPA has been involved in a number of environmental projects. These are a few of the areas in which we have been active.
Local Food Promotion
In 2007, TREPA carried out its first survey on the avalability of locally-produced food. The result has been a pamphlet giving contact information for Yarmouth County farmers who sell direct to the public. We have up dated and published the information each year since. We support the work of the Tri-County Local Food Network and participate in their activities. Have fresh cider with us at the November gathering.
Alewife Counts
Each summer TREPA reviews and counts alewife on tapes taken at the dam in Tusket. This is an ongoing project for a summer intern.
Broad Brook Greenway
A proposal for a Greenway system along Broad Brook from Starrs Road to the old railroad bed was completed. The report presents background on greenways with examples from other communities. It continues with a section by section analysis of current conditions and presents a proposed plan and description for each segment. The plan has been discussed with Town planners and presented to the Council for further consideration.
Trails Proposal
Accompanying and complementary to the Greenway Plan is a proposed plan for safe and attractive bikeways within town and a loop path through the Chebogue area. The trails in town use existing streets, make connections to the Greenway and connect interesting tourist attractions. The Chebogue loop uses existing roads but suggests a section of the old rail bed as a connection back to town and the new trail to Bunkers Island. The plan identifies good overlook spots, suggests spur rides to Chebogue and Town Points, and highlights the Windlass Restaurant and Anthony Park as rest places.
Yarmouth Region Green Map
The Green Map has completed the initial inventory of green places in the five watersheds immediately surrounding the Town of Yarmouth. It identifies locations of registered historic buildings, protected wetlands, seaside access point and many other features. This map has been placed on the green map web site and distributed to Town and Municipal councils for their use.
Clean-ups
TREPA has particpated with the Girl Guides in cleaning up the section of Broad Brook between Starrs Road and Parade Street. We have participated in the Municipal clean ups of the beach at Kelley’s Cove and at Cape Forchue. Each year we clean a section of road in the Argyle as a fund raiser.
Black Bull Community Liason Committee
TREPA was a representative on the Black Bull Community Liason Committee before it, and the mine, became inactive.
Tobeatic Advisory Group
The TAG has completed its input to the management plan for the Tobeatic. After a series of public hearings, the development of the final plan is now in the hands of the DoEL staff and the ministers. The majority of TAG participant organizations recommended removal of camps and leases, banning of all motorized access, absence of hunting and trapping activity, a registration process for use, and a strong enforcement regime.
Coastal Coalition
Concerns over coastal development, erosion control, access, industrial land urban pollution, habitat destruction, resource extraction and tourism potential have led to the formation of a coalition of groups with a focus on coastal policy, or, more correctly, lack of the same. Our goal is to have Nova Scotia develop a coastal management strategy similar to those in force in New Brunswick, PEI, and the states around the Gulf of Maine.
Biosphere Reserve
We continue to work with the steering committee group for the Southwest Nova Scotia Biosphere Reserve. We would like to see more active government support and publicity for this important International recognition of our region. We are a special dot on a World map.