Large tract of at-risk species of trees being protected in northern N.S.

PUGWASH, N.S. -- A forestry company is donating a large tract of land that includes at-risk species of trees in northern Nova Scotia.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada says Bonnyman and Byers Ltd. is turning over 167 hectares of forested land near the Pugwash River in Cumberland County.

The swath includes Eastern White Cedar and Black Ash trees, two species at risk in the province, with the cedar forest one of the largest stands in the Nova Scotia.

The conservation group says Eastern White Cedar is listed as vulnerable and Black Ash is listed as threatened under the province's Endangered Species Act.

The donation was completed through a federal program that provides enhanced tax incentives for certain land donations.