Most people in Sally's Cove have had to give up their animals as well. There is not enough pasture land for grazing in the community. Animals are banned from the meadow lands in the park. The Laings had to get rid of their sheep a few years ago. That meant giving up making their own wool and having a nice supply of lamb and mutton. Instead of increasing their wealth, local people like the Laings say the park has taken away their freedom. It has come close to taking away their ability to support themselves as well.
Two young men up the road have been banned from the park for two years. Clarence and Malcom Roberts refused to give up their chainsaw during an investigation. Wardens said Clarence and Malcom were cutting trees in the park to build their new boats. Clarence and Margaret Laing have known the young men since they were born. They are angry they've been charged for doing something the Laings believe they should be allowed to do.
Clarence knows another man who was charged by park officials. The
man was convicted of hunting moose in the park. Clarence calls the man
an Margaret doesn't like all this talk about breaking the law. She is
a quiet and gentle woman. But she says the park forces people to become
poachers. Up the road from Sally's Cove is a fishermen's information centre. It was set up by the park to show tourists how fishermen used to live. The Laings find the exhibit insulting. Besides, tourists are always down on the beach in the summer. They come to watch the Laing family at work. They take their pictures and ask questions. The Laings don't mind talking to tourists. They have nothing against tourism. They have nothing against nature parks. The Laings see themselves as part of the natural world around them. They say it is their survival which is endangered. Their way of life is now against the law. |
Previous Page | Table of Contents | Next Page |