Is Nova Scotia going too far by banning people from woods during dry weather? Some think so

Critics of a drought-driven woods ban in Nova Scotia say it's an instance of government overreach.

Provincial officials say the ban — which came into effect Tuesday and prohibits hiking and camping in the forest — is necessary given hot, dry conditions throughout the province and the heightened risk of wildfires.

"I don't think it's reasonable to restrict people from going into the woods at all. I don't think that it's reasonable to put a blanket ban on outdoor activity, especially activities that don't pose a fire risk," Julissa Stewart of Louisdale, N.S., told CBC News in an interview on Thursday.

"You know, it's one thing for somebody to go outside and light up a cigarette and throw a butt on the ground. It's another thing for somebody to want to take a hike in the woods."

Stewar