Hal Perry, the forestry critic for P.E.I.'s Progressive Conservative Opposition, is calling on the province to protect all the 200-year-old hemlocks along the planned route for a Trans-Canada Highway realignment.

Forestry critic Hal Perry wants part of the new Trans-Canada Highway route protected under the Natural Areas Protection Act. (CBC)

Perry told CBC News Tuesday the province should place the area under the Natural Areas Protection Act, just as it did for an area of forest off the Souris Line Road. According to 2002 figures, it's estimated only a little more than one per cent of P.E.I.'s forests have trees that are as old as those hemlock.

"Even if we take one tree out of that forest it's a huge loss to Island forests," said Perry.

"It's disheartening to know they will go in and just clear-cut trees just to provide a new route for transportation, and give no consideration to these trees that have, you know, a very biodiverse and unique habitat. This would give that forest an opportunity to live as is."

In July, the Department of Transportation altered the new route to reduce the number of old hemlock trees that would have to be cut down. The department says between two and eight trees will be cut down.

Forestry Minister George Webster declined to comment on Perry's suggestion, saying the Department of Environment decides what areas to approve for protection.

CBC News is still waiting for the Environment Department's response.

Work on the highway project was approved by the Environment Department early last week, and construction started Thursday. It has regularly been disrupted by protestors on the site.