Action essential to address trapping concerns

To the Editor:

In the article “Trapped by Tradition” (The Advertiser, May 15, 2007) by Patty Mintz in the Regional section, Minister of Natural Resources David Morse uses Massachusetts as a gloomy indicator of what could happen in Nova Scotia if TRAP’s proposed changes to the Fur Harvesting (Trapping) Regulations are implemented. He said that “similar proposals were put into effect in Massachusetts with negative effects (and) an explosion of the wildlife population there.”

We could not find any current trapping regulations in Massachusetts that are similar to our proposals; therefore, we can only assume that the Minister may be alluding to the hotly debated impact of a law enacted in Massachusetts in 1996.

This law bans the use of leg-hold traps and snares under all conditions and body-gripping (conibear) traps unless there is an issue of human health and safety. There is contentious debate in Massachusetts as to whether that law is the reason for the increase in their beaver populations. Other wildlife have not shown these increases.

Consequently, it would not be appropriate to compare our proposals to the current regulations that exist in Massachusetts and, as such, they are not an indicator of what might happen here if our proposals are enacted.

TRAP’s agenda is not to stop trapping; only to reduce conflicts. Our proposals will make trappers more accountable and responsive to the desires of a majority of Nova Scotians to safely enjoy our natural areas and their own land.

These following proposals, if enacted, will require that trappers become more diligent in their activity: (1) Landowners’ written permission required to set traps/snares on their property; (2) Safety buffer zones near areas of human use/habitation increased from 274m to 1K; (3) Setbacks from publicly used roads/trails increased from 15m to 75m; (4) Traps/snares are flagged/marked to alert the public to their presence; (5) Mandatory liability insurance; and (6) Reporting of lost or stolen traps by trappers.

TRAP is prepared to work with Minister Morse through all of the issues at the discussion table, with the goal of upgrading trapping regulations to meet the realities of the 21st century. Government must soon embrace its responsibility of due diligence to Nova Scotians to ensure that all trappers become considerate of residents, landowners and their pets.

We also understand that Leo Glavine (Liberal) and Clarrie MacKinnon (NDP), Natural Resources Critics, will meet with the Minister soon regarding trapping issues. We hope their discussions with the Minister will encourage DNR to quickly resolve this issue with the fairness and equality required and expected by all Nova Scotians.

Jim Bell, Lunenburg County

Michael Lewis, Annapolis County,

for the Trapping Awareness Project (TRAP)