17 December 2019

Hon. Mike Holland, Minister

Natural Resources and Energy Development

Province of New Brunswick

Subject: Nomination of Shepody Mountain for Protection under Pathway to Canada Target 1

Dear Minister Holland;

We were very pleased to hear that under your leadership the province will be increasing New Brunswick’s

conservation areas to reach a total of 10% as part of the above-mentioned federal program, and hope that this

is the first step towards achieving more protections in the near future. We’re also pleased that you’ve been

working with the Conservation Council of New Brunswick (CCNB), Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society

(CPAWS) and Nature Trust of New Brunswick (NTNB) on this issue and others. These organizations have been on

the leading edge of nature advocacy for decades and unquestionably have the best interests of New Brunswick’s

public health, wildlife, waterways and natural spaces at heart. We look forward to hearing more on which areas

will be protected.

Further to this, Water & Environmental Protection for Albert County, a grassroots citizen group, would like to

nominate Shepody Mountain, within the UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve, for protection under this program.

There are four blocks of Crown Land on Shepody totalling almost 700 hectares, and adjacent landowners along

Route 114 are supportive of this conservation initiative. In addition, this would make a fine landmark project for

the 175th anniversary celebrations of the founding of Albert County taking place in 2020 – Albert County 175.

We’ve already spoken with CCNB, NTNB, Nature Conservancy and UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve who

encouraged us to pursue this nomination. We propose to follow this initial request with a Nomination Support

Package (in the new year) which will provide additional documentation, including the supporting individuals,

organizations and groups. We hope this will provide enough information for your committees to consider our

request.

Sincerely,

Deborah Carr

Water & Environmental Protection for Albert County

wepac.nb@gmail.com

506-734-2367

Mailing Address:

143 Taylor Lane

Hillsborough, NB E4H 3C7

Shepody Mountain Nomination Page 1 of 13

Shepody Mountain, Albert County, NB

Nomination for Protection

Canada Pathways to Target 1

17 December 2019

“As one looks to the southwest from the Cape, he sees Shepody Mountain, clothed with a forest

of trees, raising like a monarch of the hills which are around it. It is just beyond Cape Station

and if the air be clear the traveller feels tempted to ascend to the summit and take a birds-eye

view of the glorious and varied panorama of land and sea.”

~Chignecto Post, July 22, 1880

Figure 1 Shepody Mountain circa 1930

Executive Summary

Water and Environmental Protection for Albert County nominates Shepody Mountain, a landmark

within the UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve to be protected as part of the Province of New

Brunswick’s commitment to increase protected lands to 10% under the Canada Pathway to Target

1 federal initiative.

Shepody Mountain is in unceded Mi’kmaq territory, and 700 hectares of this is Crown land. It’s part

of the Shepody West Important Bird Area (IBA) and adjacent marine waters have been identified as

an Ecologically and Biologically Significant Area (EBSA) by DFO.

The mountain is located close to the Caledonia Gorge Natural Protected Area, Ducks Unlimited

protected marshlands, and Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park. This nomination has the enthusiastic

support of a local landowners, community and conservation groups.

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Location:

Figure 2 Existing Crown Lands, Parks and PNAs

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Figure 3 Crown Lands Blocks & Creeks

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Landscape:

With a summit of 320m,

Shepody Mountain is an

impressive landmark

along Route 114, visible

from two overlooks and

Demoiselle Beach at the

Hopewell Rocks

Provincial Park, from the

beach at Mary’s Point

Shorebird Preserve, from

Johnson’s Mills

Shorebird Reserve…even

the distant Sackville on a

clear day. The descent

from the summit affords

views of Mary’s Point

and Grindstone Island.

It falls within the territories

of Fort Folly First Nations and has a landscape of mixed Acadian forest, ravines, rocky outcrops, grottos, and

talus slopes. Its steep gorges and challenging terrain have perhaps kept human disturbance to a minimum over

the years, and today, it’s appreciated by hunters, hikers, and mountain bikers, snowshoers, snowboarders,

cross-country and forest skiers. The existing trails have ready-made low impact recreational potential in all

seasons.

There are two hayfields, a Christmas tree

farm, and several residential properties at

the base (along Route 114) backed by

woodlots, which are well-maintained. Local

landowners act as stewards and caretakers

of the mountain, sharing stories about the

tourists and tour buses that frequently stop

to take photos and to ask about the

mountain slopes. They feel that the

mountain is part of their backyard, and part

of who they are.

Numerous small creeks and brooks drain

from the mountain into Hamilton Creek,

Daniels and Tingley Brooks and Chemical

Creeks and its steeply incised valleys and folds collect water in vernal ponds important to wildlife.

A significant portion of the Crown lands already have been identified under Designated Conservation

Forest/Other Habitat’ under the NB Crown Land Conservation Area Mapping.

Figure 4 Views of Grindstone Island near the summit

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Adjacent Marshlands and Surrounding Waters:

Shepody Mountain is located adjacent to 13

Ducks Unlimited properties (see attached pdf)

preserving salt marsh and mud flat, and is

part of the Shepody West Important Bird Area

(IBA).

As well, adjacent marine waters have been

identified as an Ecologically and Biologically

Significant Area (EBSA) by DFO. The EBSA in

question is named Mary’s Point, Grindstone

Island, and Chignecto Bay.

The waters, mudflats and tidal marshes at the

head of the Bay of Fundy are considered one

of the most important stopover sites for

shorebirds in eastern North America.

These marshes are important to various duck species, loons, great blue herons, Canadian geese, semi-palmated

plovers and sandpipers. Johnson’s Mills Shorebird Preserve is directly across the bay.

Grindstone Island (as seen in Figure 3) is protected under conservation easement with Nature Trust of NB and is

ecologically significant due the large colony of great blue herons and as a breeding area for double-crested

cormorant, common eider, great black-backed gull and herring gull, which forage on the surrounding intertidal

zones.

The waters and marshes at the

foot of Shepody are clearly

valued and important, and

protecting these feeding

grounds should also include

protecting the steep uplands

above them.

Figure 5 Looking north, Shepody Mountain and bordering marshes

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Figure 6 Moss-covered Ravine

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Connectivity

Potential:

Besides the Shepody West

IBA, the mountain is also in

close proximity to the

Caledonia Gorge Protected

Area and The Hopewell

Rocks Provincial Park,

creating opportunities for

connectivity thus increasing

the value and effectiveness

of all protected areas. As

well the Class 1 Wilson

Brook Natural Protected

Area is not far away. A

hiking trail to the summit

already exists, which could

be added to the UNESCO

Fundy Biosphere Reserve Amazing Places list, and the proposed Fundy to Shediac hiking trail might also connect

with recreation trails on Shepody Mountain.

The biodiversity of Shepody Mountain has not been studied, but it has well-developed forests, ravines and talus

slopes. The steep topography and drainage contributes to maintaining clean, fresh water emptying into the bay

– in particular through Chemical Creek, Tingley Brook, Daniel’s Brook, and the Hamilton Creek outflow, where

locals fish for sea bass at high tide. Keeping these healthy supports the efforts of Fort Folly Habitat Recovery,

Petitcodiac Riverkeeper, Fundy National Park to recover inner Bay of Fundy salmon and restore habitat health.

Figure 8 View of Shepody Mountain and mudflats from Shepody Bay

Figure 7 North side of Shepody Mountain

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Cultural Connecti0n:

Albert County is a meeting place geologically, geographically and culturally. The first Acadian settlement in New

Brunswick was on it’s slopes. In the early settlement days, original First Nations inhabitants helped Acadian

settlers acclimatize to their new surroundings, and then both shared their local knowledge and wisdom with the

subsequent German and Anglophone settlers. The Original Peoples land ethic is a common thread that still exists

in many local landowners today, tying us together through time. Protecting Shepody is an opportunity to

honour, reweave and celebrate these early relationships.

Local oral legend attributes the name Shepody/Chipoudie to be a derivative of Chapeau de Dieu--Cap of God

(presumably a comment made by Champlain upon viewing the summit shrouded in cloud). Historic written

mentions of Shepody have typically concerned its beauty and forested slopes.

A manganese mine operated near the current Chemical Road in the mid-1800s, and two sawmills operated

within the living memory of local residents who recall the use of horses and creativity to select cut and extract

logs from steep areas. Scattered moss-covered stumps remain from this era when sustainable harvests

employed local men and supported local families.

A number of local residents are generational landowners with properties that can be traced to the early

settlements. They grew up learning stories of the work their fathers and grandfathers did on the mountain, they

explored its summits and valleys. It is part of their heritage and they want its protection to be part of their

legacy for future generations. When people tell stories of Shepody, their hearts help them choose the words,

and its clear they’re tied deeply to the land. Protecting Shepody Mountain would be a positive move for wildlife,

conservation, cultural relationships and for our region as a whole. And the carbon sequestering potential of

Shepody cannot be overlooked.

The protection of Shepody

Mountain would add greatly

to local pride of place and

aligns with our identity as an

eco-tourism region.

Protecting it in 2020 would be

a landmark event, coinciding

with the 175th year

celebrations of the founding

of Albert County.

With its forested slopes,

agricultural fields, ecotone

where land and sea co-exist,

and rich tidal marshes, it

encompasses all that we are

as people of the tides, and

represents each of the

distinct eco-regions of our

area. By taking these steps, we would hope that any prospects for future development would be assessed for

sustainability, ensuring these forests and habitat have continued health for future generations.

Figure 9 View of Hopewell Rocks from the Summit

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Imminent Threats

Several sections of the mountain are slated for industrial harvest in the spring of 2020 (see attached map)

making the surrounding landscape susceptible to additional blowdowns, soil erosion, and flooding. One local

landowner, in conversation with an industry representative, was led to believe this cut is just the beginning.

Roads upgraded for industrial machinery would open up more areas of the mountain for motorized traffic. As

well, the visual impact and presence of the forested mountain would be negatively impacted.

Figure 10 Part of the proposed cuts are adjacent to this existing cleared private parcel, visible from Mary's Point.

Shepody Mountain Nomination Page 10 of 13

Shepody Memories & Stories

Dawne (Wright) McLean: “Shepody Mountain is an everlasting icon in the scenic landscape of Albert County. My

Wright family ancestors settled in Shepody over 200 years ago (prior to 1803) and I’m the 6th generation to still

live in Shepody. Several years ago I had the opportunity to view Shepody Mountain and surrounding areas from

a small plane. It was breathtaking! I feel so fortunate to live in such a beautiful part of the world and get to enjoy

it every day.

At the crest of Sammy's Hill (as called in years gone by), the panoramic view of Shepody Mountain throughout

the seasons never ceases to give inspiration and add meaning to my blessed life in Shepody. I hold a passionate

concern for the protection and preservation of the natural environment and beauty of Shepody Mountain.

“There are also fascinating stories of historical events taking place on Shepody Mountain. “Chapeau Dieu Blazes

With Bonfire” was an historic event which took place in September 1916 during a stirring recruitment program

in Albert County to recruit soldiers to serve in First World War. This historic event shows that Shepody Mountain

has always been revered as a towering icon of inspiration and strength! This is just one of the amazing stories of

our Shepody Mountain!”

∞

Danny Ellis’s property offers the main access to Shepody Mountain. He acts as a resident steward, welcoming

hikers, bikers, hunters and tourists who wish to explore its trails. “Everyone who comes here is so respectful and

appreciative of the mountain and each other. This is an example of people working together. You wouldn’t

believe the tour buses and tourists who stop just to take photos of the mountain. They all comment on how

beautiful it is. Even the people who don’t stop…I watch them drive by with their tablets and cellphones up to the

window taking pictures. It catches their attention. There’s so much potential for recreation and tourism.”

∞

Arnold Glendenning’s property at the base of Shepody has been in his family for three generations. Arnold

operates a meat shop on site, and the house he lives in was his grandfather’s. Shepody Mountain was his

playground as a child. He remembers the old sawmills, the piles of sawdust, the horses that hauled logs off the

mountain. He has shared his own favourite trails with his children and grandchildren. “Going for walks with the

kids, and also the dogs we have had over the years, and now the grandkids…always something new to see on

each excursion,” he says. “Everyone who comes here in the summer--the tourists—they talk about what a

beautiful place it is. The scenery, the mountain, the water. We forget how lucky we are,” he says.

∞

Phyllis Sutherland: “When you leave Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park and turn left towards Fundy National Park

on Route 114, you travel uphill a short distance. At the crest your windshield is full of the grandeur of Shepody

Mountain, the mountain that symbolizes the entrance of the Shepody River Valley, part of the magnificent

coastal area of Albert County. This is a view that has been talked about and recorded since the invention of the

camera. We must not shear the vegetation off this mountain by clearcutting. We must not mar this historic

view. “

~

Shepody Mountain Nomination Page 11 of 13

∞

Guy Russell: “This is what Shepody Mountain means to me. This property has been in our family for 146 years. My great grandfather was a ship builder who bought this land and built a house and farm in 1873. It's been passed down through our family for five generations. It is important to me that the crown forest gets protection from clear cut harvesting which I fear will interrupt the ecosystem of the slopes that feed our salt marshes with clear water. It's very important to me that my boys and their families can carry on the way that we have since 1873. We are very open to having this land protected and are open to working with anyone we have to, in order to do that. Here is a photo of the homestead shortly after it was built and a special area from our slopes in back of the homestead, where things are very peaceful. “

∞

Marjorie Henwood: “When we first started hiking here 35 years ago, Merrill took a big jar to the summit, tied it

to a hollow tree with a notepad and pencil inside, and left a note asking people to sign it. There were thousands

of signatures over the years. People from Sweden and Germany…all over. That was before 4-wheelers, so in the

beginning it was all hikers. We used to take a group of kids from the Wesleyan Church and hiking groups from

Moncton to spend the day up there. When Merrill was laid off in the winter, he’d take the dogs and go to the

top every day. He built a tarp and spent the night many times. And we cross-country skied. Merrill kept paths

cleared. After the school bus left each morning, we’d cross-country ski with our neighbours through the old

coach road, and come down thru Danny’s field. Every single day. We took our own children up, built a fire,

cooked marshmallows and grilled cheese sandwiches. A few years ago, as a Mothers day gift, the kids said there

was nothing we could buy us, so they thought we could make memories instead. Let’s hike to the top of

Shepody again, they said. We did it and had a ball. Part of Merrill’s old camp was still there.

People come here for my quilts and we usually end up on the back step or front yard looking at the view. I’ve

had people from New Brunswick to Sri Lanka, and they all end up talking about the view – people go out and

walk around from here. Many say they’d love to retire here. They’re amazed that we’re so friendly.”

Shepody Mountain Nomination Page 12 of 13

∞

Josh Thibodeau: “I’ve been going out to Shepody Mountain, about 3-4 times a week, for the last 14 years. I have

thousands of hours taking groups of people out there to do all kinds of different activities; from trail building,

mountain biking, hiking, snowshoeing, backcountry skiing and snowboarding. I’ve also worked closely with the

local landowners to ensure that we will keep the mountain clean and natural.

We are good 50 of us over the years that committed to make Shepody a spot that everybody can go enjoy.

We’ve spent a lot of money out of our pockets to fix the road that was eroding and to provide trails that outdoor

enthusiasts can come enjoy. The neat part about building all these trails is noticing how much wildlife use the

trails to travel the mountain!

There is one thing to be said from the locals and tourist when you crest the hill right after Hopewell Rocks,

looking out to Shepody Mountain, it takes your breath away with all its natural beauty. It is a gem of a spot! The

last thing we all want, is to come over that hill and see a clear cut on the mountain. It would be devastating to

everybody!”

∞

Deborah Carr: “It was a beautiful sunny day in early 1997 when my husband and I first snowshoed to the summit

of Shepody Mountain. Snow had fallen the night before. It was hard work breaking trail to the top, but the air

was clear, the sky cobalt, the view spectacular. On the front slope, high winds off the bay the night previous had

whirled snow up into the interior of the spruce trees, coating the inner limbs as if they’d been sprayed by hand.

Standing beneath, looking up into the heart of those snow-crusted trees, I suddenly understood the real

meaning of the word ‘wonder.’

There have been countless treks since then into Shepody’s twists and folds. One of my favourite destinations is

to what I call the ‘Maple Valley...a ‘V’ shaped gully of maples and vernal ponds. It’s carpeted with ferns, spring

beauty, trillium, Dutchman’s breeches, and trout lily in spring and becomes a cathedral of light in fall. When I

spoke of this place to Guy Russell, he smiled. ‘My dad used to call that the Maple Vault,’ he said. I’m not the only

one who feels a profound connection with, and affection for, this solid and aged hump of a mountain.

Sometimes we take the permanence of the things we love for granted, and it’s only when something is

threatened, or we’re asked to shape that love into words that the wonder and swell of it rises like a heartbeat.

That’s what Shepody is to people around here…it’s a heartbeat in the same way that the tides are the blood that

feeds it.”

Nominator:

Water & Environmental Protection for Albert County, a grassroots citizen action group, formed in 2011 to raise

public awareness and education on the negative impacts of hydraulic fracturing, also provides public education

and advocacy on other issues such as industrial forestry, glyphosate spraying, water protection, and climate

change.

We believe that, as responsible community members, we must advocate for better care of our natural

inheritance to ensure a vibrant future for our descendants. Our motto is ‘Protecting What’s Important.’