Mess returns with campers at Trout Lake

Campers have returned to the public beach at Trout Lake, leaving a mess and cutting off access to the boat launch in the process.

Jim and Ann Veinot said they have no issue with people using the beach, located on three acres of Crown land at the north end of the lake, but want them to treat the area as if they owned it.

“It’s just a sin. … It’s a beautiful beach,” Ann said. “Just respect the land … (and) leave it the way you found it.”

The Veinots, who live down the lake from the beach, spoke to the Annapolis Valley Register this spring about the situation they encountered last summer.

Some of the issues were detailed in a request for information from the provincial government that was made available online earlier this year. The documents showed multiple campsites, a handful of make-shift toilets sitting at ground level, toilet paper, some bottles and garbage.

Services, like washrooms and running water, are not provided because it is not a public campground.

Earlier this month, the Veinots returned to the beach and discovered a new makeshift toilet, two fire pits full of liquor bottles and cans, a large bag full of garbage torn and scattered, broken bottles and fireworks wrappers. A tent was on the site, but no one was around.

“It looks almost like it’s going to be a repeat (of

2021),” Ann said. “No steps have been taken yet to deter it.”

A frying pan was attached to a tree with a clothesline and there were empty propane cylinders.

“It’s like they claimed little camping sites,” Ann said. “The last couple of times, we noticed that they’re cutting down trees, smaller trees …

we presume for a campfire.”

Cutting trees on Crown land in Nova Scotia is not allowed without a permit.

There was also a Winnebago and van parked at the boat launch.

“It completely blocked off any access to anyone trying to launch a boat,” Ann said.

The Veinots returned a few days later, and the area had

been cleaned up. They would like to see the area designated for no overnight camping.

Department of Natural Resources and Renewables officials are aware of the situation. They attended the area last year, but no concerns were raised other than for best practices.

“The site is being patrolled by conservation officers,”

communications advisor

Erin Lynch said in a prepared statement on June 24. “Signs will soon be posted to address best practices, including safe burning and no garbage.”

She said while the department doesn’t encourage camping on Crown land, except in provincial park campgrounds or wilderness areas, it isn’t illegal.