Some people risk $25,000 fine to reach Nova Scotia's nude beach
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Two days after Nova Scotia closed woods trails for wildfire season, some folks were a little confused.
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'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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The ban will remain in place until mid-October or weather improves, and violators face fines of $25,000.
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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.
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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.
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'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.'
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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.
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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.'
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