Our Mission:

To protect and conserve the natural environment of the islands and shoreline of Mahone Bay and the traditional, social and recreational opportunities valued by its various communities.

About MAHONE ISLANDS CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION

Mahone Bay is known throughout the world for its beautiful islands and shorelines. These islands provide a unique habitat to a variety of plants and animals, breathtaking natural landscapes and traditional access for recreational activities.

The islands of Mahone Bay are ecologically significant. These drumlin islands provide unique habitats to support a diversity of species. There has been increasing pressure on the ecological integrity of the islands from human activity and development. Such activities can adversely impact and degrade fragile coastal habitats, threaten native wildlife species and limit traditional public use. 

Mahone Islands Conservation Association (MICA) started in 2003 in response to the accelerated private development of a number of Mahone Bay islands. Since then, the organization has acquired 23 Mahone Bay Islands, island properties and shoreline properties in partnership with the Province of Nova Scotia, the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg and the Municipality of the District of Chester for conservation and public use. This includes a number of islands and island properties that were so generously donated. MICA also financially supported the Nature Conservancy of Canada several years ago in the acquisition of three prime islands off Chester, which are now available for public use.

These acquisitions would not have been possible without the financial support of our members, our donors, our corporate supporters and our government partners.

MICA has raised and contributed over $1.700,000 towards these acquisitions. These funds have come from donations, our annual Dinner and Auction and our Corporate Support program. 

MICA has the stewardship responsibilities for these properties by way of agreement with the title holder. A MICA Stewardship Champ is assigned to each MICA island and shoreline property. Our Stewardship goal is that ‘island users are the island stewards’.

Another initiative several years ago was our Public Mooring Program. Over time a number of private mornings have been installed around MICA islands. These are normally placed in the preferred spots. MICA partnered with the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg on a program for the installation of Registered Moorings for public use around MICA Islands. To date 26 have been placed in the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg and recently we have reached a similar partnership with the Municipality of the District of Chester for placing registered moorings off MICA islands in that municipality. This program has been very well received by the public. MICA shares in the capital cost of the moorings. Our goal is that the only moorings off MICA islands will be registered moorings for public use.

MICA has a very strong membership base.  Our membership goal is that all who enjoy MICA islands and properties are members.

We plan to continue with appropriate partnered Mahone Bay islands and shoreline acquisitions for conservation and public use, to continue our Public Mooring program, to continue our Stewardship and Education initiatives, and embark on other similar projects to help protect and make available to the public, this very special place in the world.

MICA consists of a volunteer Board of Directors and voluntary work by many people for which we are very thankful.

Together and with our government partners we are creating a tremendous legacy for current and future generations.

Please consider making a donation to help us continue our work.

Thank you,

MAHONE ISLANDS CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION

www.mahoneislands.ns.ca