BURST
Crystal Crescent’s nude beach bathers — some of them at least — aren’t letting the province’s forest ban keep them from getting to where the sun shines.
Two days after Nova Scotia closed woods trails for wildfire season , some folks were a little confused.
“Has anyone confirmed if the third beach access is open?” asked Kev Schultz on a public Facebook group page for Crystal Crescent Beach. The thread drew a mix of answers, with debate focused on whether the wooded trail to the so-called third beach is off limits.
Also known as the nude beach, the third beach in Crystal Crescent Beach Park is a primary public space for naturists to practise nudism in a natural setting in Nova Scotia. It usually requires a 15-minute hike along a coastal trail through woods from the parking lot.
On Tuesday, Premier Tim Houston announced travel and activity restrictions in the woods due to rising wildfire risks from persistent hot and dry weather, including making all trail systems through woods off limits. He added that it’s fine to take short trails, such as those from parking lots to beaches and lakes.
Other measures announced and also listed in the Department of Natural Resources release include banning outdoor activities in the forests and restricting camping to designated sites.
Related
The ban will remain in place until mid-October or weather improves, and violators face fines of $25,000.
The non-profit group Bluenose Naturists released a statement Wednesday fully supporting the government’s decision, saying the safety of the public and firefighters outweighs the inconvenience of being unable to access a beach.
On Thursday, Crystal Crescent beach trails were open. People were sunbathing and enjoying water on the sandy shores as usual, including a few with or without sunshades on the third beach. There were also hikers along the trail, including locals and tourists.
“We think going to the beach through the woods is fine,” said two young men with beach gear heading to the third beach. “We are not spending time in the woods.”
They had just cancelled a forest bike ride because of the ban.
The two said they support the government’s decision but didn’t want to give their names in case they were considered to be violating the ban.
Another backpacker hiking on the coastal trail said he had not seen any signs stopping people entering the area. “If they want people to stay away from woods, then there should be physical barriers.”
He also requested anonymity because he feared a $25,000 fine.
The president of Bluenose Naturists said he had informed group members not to visit the beach, and he was not aware of anyone going.
“The problem is members of the public are always trying to find loopholes.”
The president declined to give his name, saying that he and his group always prefer to maintain their privacy.
In an emailed statement on Friday, the Department of Natural Resources said residents with questions should contact their local office. It also urged the public to stay away from the woods and stick to open spaces, citing the severity of the current wildfire prevention situation.
“We have faith that most Nova Scotians will use their best judgment and err on the side of caution,” reads the statement.
Beaches are likely to be busy. Most of Nova Scotia is forecast to have sunny, dry weather for the following seven days, with temperatures hitting 29 C in many areas Saturday, according to Environment Canada.