Nova Scotia has implemented a ban on various outdoor activities in forests, rock barrens, brushlands, and marshes as of Tuesday. The prohibited activities include dog walking, hiking, trail riding, bowhunting, trapping, berry picking, birdwatching, rock climbing, and bike riding. While landowners can access their own properties, their friends and relatives are not exempt from the ban. Violators face a hefty fine of $25,000.

The ban is part of a province-wide fire prevention measure. Most areas in Nova Scotia are currently rated as having an “extreme” or “high” fire danger. This situation typically leads to restrictions on fires and ATV use, which are generally accepted by the public. However, Premier Tim Houston and Natural Resources Minister Tory Rushton have taken further action by invoking a section of the province’s Forests Act. This law allows the government to prohibit all travel within wooded areas without a permit, a power that has been used in previous years, including in 1997, 2001, 2016, and again in 2023.

The current ban is set to last until October 15 or until conditions improve. Houston stated, "Most wildfires are caused by human activity, so to reduce the risk, we’re keeping people out of the woods until conditions improve." The government believes that even a small number of people engaging in activities that could spark a fire poses a significant risk.

Critics argue that the ban infringes on property rights. They point out that access to one’s property is a fundamental right, protected under the Constitution. The ban complicates essential activities such as fence repairs and maintenance, as landowners cannot hire third parties to perform work in wooded areas without government approval. A spokesperson for the Department of Natural Resources noted that the number of permits issued for necessary work is still being determined, and permits for recreational activities are not being granted.

Despite the restrictions, some commercial activities, such as forestry and mining, are still permitted with the appropriate applications. This raises questions about the consistency of the ban, as it allows certain activities while prohibiting others. For instance, while guided hikes may be allowed, walking a dog on a friend’s property is not permitted. The government’s approach has sparked debate about the balance between public safety and individual rights.