T he Bonnell Cove Foundation has committed a $1,000.00 US contribution to the Bras d'Or Stewardship Society to create a handbook for taking care of the Bras d'Or. The Bonnell Cove Foundation is a charitable entity committed to supporting initiatives promoting safety at sea and the environment of the sea.

T he Baddeck and Area Tourist Association has generously donated $1,000.00 to the Bras d'Or Stewardship Society. This money has remained from the October 1992 Baddeck International Countryside Exchange. It was agreed that the funds should be used to sustain environmental projects. Much gratitude is owed to the Baddeck and Area Business Tourist Association for this most generous contribution.

I n May of 1997, a meeting was held with participants from the 1995 Bras d'Or Lake Commission and members of the Provincial Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources. The reason for the meeting was to explore why government had not responded to the document "Taking Care of the Bras d'Or".

I n August of 1997, a conservation easement was placed on a 170 acre parcel of property at the entrance of the Washabuck River. The easement was conveyed through the Nova Scotia Nature Trust. This is a first significant conservation easement protecting an important piece of shoreline property within the Bras d'Or watershed.

O n March 12, 1997, a workshop was held in Orangedale by the Eskasoni Fish and Wildlife Commission to debate the current status of the shellfish fishery in River Denys Basin. The Commission has issued a report which provides important pollution data and the current threat to oyster harvesting in the area concerned. A must read for anyone concerned.

I n September 1997, a two day meeting was held at the Gaelic College to discuss environmental concerns. The main issue concerning the participants was protection of the Bras d'Or Lake. Regional meetings have been held throughout to assess citizen's environmental concerns. Such efforts are necessary and informative.