A Nova Scotia man has been slapped with a fine worth more than $28,000 after deliberately violating the province's ban on woods travel, a move he says was necessary to challenge the provincial proclamation in court.

In an effort to prevent wildfires in the midst of a drought, the Nova Scotia government has imposed a ban on anyone entering the woods — including hiking, fishing and camping — until Oct. 15 or until conditions improve. There is also a ban of open fires.

The fine for violating the proclamation under the Forests Act is $25,000. A victim surcharge and HST also apply to the fine, bringing the total to $28,872.50.

Last Friday, Jeff Evely of Coxheath, N.S., arrived at the Department of Natural Resources office just outside Sydney and declared he would be walking into the woods

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