For many years, I have dedicated my time to photographing New Brunswick's wildlife, exploring its forests and waterways, and advocating for the protection of our natural environment. Through that work, I have come to understand that our provincial parks are far more than places to camp or spend a summer afternoon—they are part of our shared natural heritage.
That is why the continued closure of North Lake Provincial Park concerns me.
This park has been a place where families have gathered, children have learned to appreciate nature, anglers have enjoyed the lake, photographers have captured the beauty of the region, and visitors have supported local businesses. It is also home to valuable natural habitat that deserves to be protected for generations to come.
In recent years, approximately $1 million in public funds was invested to improve North Lake Provincial Park. Those investments were made with the expectation that this park would continue to serve the people of New Brunswick. Today, much of that investment sits behind locked gates.
The provincial government has stated that low visitor numbers contributed to the decision to close the park. At the same time, local leaders have questioned whether those numbers accurately reflect the many people who visited the beach and other day-use areas without registering as campers. Regardless of where people stand on the issue, I believe New Brunswickers deserve transparency, open communication, and a clear long-term plan for the future of this public space.
I have also been encouraged to see local residents, businesses, and the Municipality of Lakeland Ridges step forward with ideas and a willingness to be part of the solution. That tells me this park matters. It matters not only to those who live nearby, but to everyone who believes our public lands should remain places where people can responsibly experience the outdoors.
As someone who spends countless hours in nature, I know firsthand that people protect what they know and love. Every child who catches their first fish, every family that spends time at the beach, every photographer who shares the beauty of our province, and every visitor who experiences our forests and lakes becomes another voice for conservation.
Closing parks should never become the easy solution.
Instead, we should be asking how we can protect these places while keeping them accessible. Conservation and responsible public access are not opposing ideas—they are strongest when they work together.
Today, I am asking fellow New Brunswickers to make their voices heard.
If you believe North Lake Provincial Park should have a future, speak up. Contact your local MLA. Write to the Minister responsible for provincial parks. Support local advocacy efforts. Attend community meetings. Share why our provincial parks matter to you and your family. Respectful public engagement can make a difference.
This is about more than one campground or one beach.
It is about how we value our public lands.
It is about supporting rural communities.
It is about inspiring future generations to appreciate and protect nature.
And it is about ensuring that places like North Lake Provincial Park remain part of New Brunswick's future—not just its past.
Together, we can encourage solutions that protect wildlife, strengthen our communities, and keep our public parks open for everyone to enjoy responsibly.
Keith Dennis Brewer
Wildlife Photographer | Nature & Wildlife Advocate
New Brunswick, Canada
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