This lake is unique whereas it has not yet been developed.  The Bedroom communities around and in Mount Uniacke have wrapped themselves like a serpent around all the othe rlakes in our area such as Lewis Lake and Cockscomb Lake.  There are many reasons as to why Long Lake should remain as it is ranging from recreational needs to a future need for local clean water.  Uniacke Lake is the only lake in the Mount Uniacke area that has public access.  All the other lakes have been developed on their shorelines by houses or cottages.  Long Lake hs no access either but we have been privileged to have been allowed access via a logging road owned by Star Forestry.  I am very thankful for this road which I have used many times to get my canoe to the lake.  The only portion of this lake bordere by government property is on the north-western end which has no rods to access the lake.  It is important to me and everyone I've talked to, that access to the lake be maintained, and is not shut out by any future buyers of the property around the lake.  There are very few other lakes in the area that are accessible by the public.  Long Lake is a very beautiful and pristine wilderness area and should be maintained as such for many reasons.  When on the lake a person cannot see any unnatural structures such as cottages, which is rare for a lake of its size.  Many times I have canoed from tip to tip observing the abundant wildlife such as loons, bald eagles, and snapping turtles.  The plant life on and around the lake is flourishing and it would be a shame for it to be harmed by construction of any kind.  Lng Lake is an enchanting place in which to experience the natural world in its natural form.  This pristine area is at an increased value to citizens, as our cities and towns are rapidly expanding and absorbing everything around them.  Besides the above reasons to protet Long lake, there is one more prudent reason.  Water.  In the modern world we are using the world's resources at an unsustainable rate.  Water is one resource we selfishly waste along with otheres, such as petroleum and wood products.  Canada is one of a few places in the world with clean, fresh water in an abundant amount.  As the world's need for resources increases, water is becoming a very valuable commodity.  It is inevitable that water will trump oil and gold in value in the future.  It has come to my attention that water tests done from this lake had very good results.  These test results indicate that Long Lake must remain as it is for a future water supply and be protected from future development.  Our planet cannot afford to lose any more valuable resources for a cause not worthy such as cottages or resorts, that only serve the purpose of making a developer money.  It is my hope that you take these reasons serious and take a clear deep look into Long Lake.  This is a habitat for many species of Nova Scotia and its water is a future resource that needs to be left as it is - a wonderful example of the natural resources our province has to offer.  The loss of Long Lake as a wilderness and recreational area will haunt us for generations ot come.  It is much too valuable to ruin.                                      Doug Smith

Editor's comments:  Many thanks Doug for sharing your thoughts and insight with our community.  I understand that you will be forwarding this letter onto government departments to assist our community in fighting this proposed development.  We can only hope that the members of Municipal Council read it, understand it, and give our community peace of mind knowing that we have averted another disaster in our community.  There is a group of people working diligently behind the scenes gathering pertinent information with which to oppose this development and hopefully secure freedom of Long Lake for generations to come.  This group has been in touch with various Provincial government departments and we are being steered towards the proper end.  This development is NOT only an East Uniacke fight.  It is a fight that the entire community of Mount Uniacke and Lakelands should fight together in order to preserve what little beauty we have left in our "little corner of paradise."                              R Bland