New Brunswick nearing announcement for 26 km of moose fencing, newspaper reports

FREDERICTON A New Brunswick newspaper is reporting that a plan to install wildlife fencing along 26 kilometres of highway to keep moose off the road is expected to receive approval this fall.

The stretch of road on Route 7 was among the so-called moose hot spots the province announced would see fencing installed to protect drivers from hitting the large animals.

But the plan was delayed because the highway runs through federally owned property near Canadian Forces Base Gagetown, which meant the province had to complete an environmental impact assessment to meet federal regulations.

The New Brunswick Telegraph Journal is reporting that the assessment has been complete and provincial officials are in discussions with federal counterparts to finalize an agreement.

The newspaper also quoted an unnamed spokesman for the base who confirms an agreement will be finalized this fall.

However, a timeline for full installation is not expected to be set until next springs provincial budget.

The fencing would represents a major milestone for Cathy McCollum, who has been campaigning to have the province install such fencing since her daughter, Carrie, survived a collision with a moose more than a year ago.

But the McCollum, who lives in Clarendon, N.B., is not ready to claim victory yet.

"Im satisfied," McCollum said. "Im not jumping up with joy yet, but Im close."

The province plans to begin clearing land next month for 3.5 kilometres of fencing it has already announced, and will put a construction bid out to tender soon after.

A recent study conducted by the province found moose-vehicle collisions caused 500 injuries and 20 deaths between 1995 and 2000.

The study also concluded that additional wildlife fencing would save the provinces economy $14 million a year by preventing deaths, lost productivity and other associated costs.

McCollum said she does not understand why the government has take so long to make progress, though she welcomes any signal that steps are being taken to prevent accidents that nearly killed her daughter.

Its been a long road and its not over yet, she said. I am so determined that its going to happen and I have faith in our government that they will make it happen. I just cant wait, and when the fence goes up, Im going to be there to celebrate.

McCollum has been critical of the Liberal government for not putting up the fencing, which was a key election promise.

(New Brunswick Telegraph Journal)





18:16ET 23-09-07