KINGSBURG COASTAL CONSERVANCY
Nova Scotia, Canada

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KCC works to preserve West Ironbound Island

West Ironbound Island: rugged coast

Chris Miller photo

West Ironbound Island: the sheep

Chris Miller photo

West Ironbound Island: aerial view

Photo supplied by Jake Wentzell

West Ironbound Island (lower center), Gaff Point and Hirtles Beach (lower right) and the LaHave Islands.

The Kingsburg Coastal Conservancy is celebrating its July, 2010, purchase of half of West Ironbound Island, a rugged 120 acres off the tip of Gaff Point, on the Kingsburg Peninsula, Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia.

This is an important conservation opportunity! The island hosts a Great Blue Heron rookery, other nesting birds, and several unusual lichen. The terrain is a mix of fields, forest, sandy beaches, and rocky coasts. And, we now have our own flock of hardy sheep as year-round residents!

Wildlife Biologist, Peter MacDonald, points out the value of island habitats and commends our efforts to preserve West Ironbound Island. . . . read more

This amazing purchase of half of the the island was made possible through a cooperative effort with a supporter who has given the KCC an option to purchase the rest of the island at cost, if the sale is concluded by December, 2011.

KCC is working to raise the $400,000 necessary to secure the other half of West Ironbound Island. We hope you can help!

West Ironbound Island is 820 yards from the tip of Gaff Point, the nearest location on the mainland. At 120 acres, West Ironbound is one of the larger of the LaHave Islands, but rarely visited due to the ruggedness of its coastline and the rough waters around the island.

No one has lived on the island since the 1930s, when the lighthouse was automated and the lighthouse keeper and his family moved to the mainland. Since that time, the sheep and birds are the only residents. We want to keep it that way!

One important reason for acquiring West Ironbound is the physical continuity that Hirtle's Beach, Gaff Point and West Ironbound Island provide. Together, they offer 264 acres of environmental security and 9 km of public coastal access in one continuous zone.

However only half of West Ironbound Island is now protected.

We need your help to safeguard the entirety of West Ironbound Island! We have been able to purchase half of the island - we need to raise the funds for the second half. Your support is critical to our ability to do this!

Donate Now!

West Ironbound Island from Hirtles Beach

Dave Cosh photo

West Ironbound Island and Gaff Point seen from Hirtles Beach.

sun in surf at Hirtles

Dee Hilburt photo

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