We are lucky to live near Mickey Hill Recreation Area. Our kids are growing up here. But sadly,

this beautiful place is at risk.

And his isn’t just us about a few neighbours on Lambs Lake.

Residents of Annapolis Royal and surrounding areas, many of whom have lived here for generations, also hold a special place in their hearts for Mickey Hill Recreation Area.

When we formed Friends of Mickey Hill and let people know about the plan to cut the forest upstream of Lamb’s Lake, the response was a unanimous and deafening

“Absolutely not!”

Many have stories just like ours.

We spend our summers at this beach, alongside neighbours, families, dogs, kayakers and hikers.

I don’t want to explain to my kids why they can’t swim here anymore.

I don’t want to go for a walk and see stumps everywhere.

What’s Coming

There are four planned forestry plots upstream from the lake.

Some involve high-production forestry practices, including clear-cutting and potentially glyphosate and fertilizer spraying.

Others involve different types of harvesting.

Together, they represent a significant change to the forest that protects this watershed.

What That Means

When you cut the forest upstream, you don’t just remove trees. You change everything downstream. And the forest never returns to its original form.

Potential effects of upstream logging

Poor water quality in Lambs Lake:

• Blue-green algae blooms
• Loss of species at risk
• Increased forest fire risk
• Destruction of trails used for skiing, walking, and ATVs

What We’re Asking For

We are calling for immediate action:

• A pause and review of the planned logging
• Adherence to existing environmental policies
• Meaningful buffer zones to protect the lake and watershed

And ultimately:

• Any cutting that does occur should not impact any wetlands, existing trails, old growth, water quality or species at risk.

Why We’re Acting

We live here. This is our home.

It's also the premier recreational area for Annapolis Royal, and every dog walker, cross-country skier, and swimmer loves this place.

A growing group of residents of this area, Friends of Mickey Hill, is already coming together to protect this land.

There is momentum.

And we’re organizing now, before it’s too late.

How Funds Will Be Used

Funds will support:

Environmental and Forestry Expertise

• Scientific Field Research
• Expert Reports
• Expert Consultation
• Field Materials

Community organizing, outreach, and materials

• Venue Rental
• Printing costs
• Travel Expenses

These funds will make it possible to effectively advocate with government and decision-makers

Up to date the founding members of FOMH have been paying expenses out of pocket and received in-kind services from generous scientists, but more is needed to advance this work quickly before permitting decisions are made.

Accountability

Friends of Mickey Hill is a grassroots community group and not a registered society at this time. We are working on that but that takes time, time we do not have.

Funds will be received and managed by me, Shiloh Minor, and used solely to support the work of the Friends of Mickey Hill.

I am committed to transparency and will share updates with our community as this work progresses.

If funds exceed immediate needs, they will be directed toward ongoing protection and stewardship efforts in this area.

Looking Ahead

Our long-term vision is to protect this area and build on an already existing network of trails that supports recreation, community connection, and responsible stewardship of the land.

My eldest’s baby photos were taken at the swimming spot near the bridge.

Everyone I know has a story of how special Mickey Hill Recreation Area is to them.

I know one local who walks his dog here every single day.

Another woman who swims in the lake whenever it’s not frozen over.

The cross-country ski route passes directly through these cutblocks.

It’s clear to us that this spot is too valuable for it to be permanently damaged by forestry activities.

We are committed to protecting this place for our children, our community, and for the future.

*All wildlife photos taken in Mickey Hill Recreation Area by Scott Leslie*