REGINA , Saskatchewan, February 29, 2008 - Canada's Environment Minister John Baird, was joined by Saskatchewan Environment Minister Nancy Heppner, and Lyle Saigeon from the Nature Conservancy of Canada where they announced the protection of important habitat on the Big Valley Property in the Qu'Appelle Valley region of Saskatchewan. Today's announcement is part of the Government of Canada's $225 million Natural Areas Conservation Program.
"The Government of Canada is taking real action to protect Canada's natural treasures," said Minister Baird. "Prime Minister Harper committed $225 million to support the work of the Nature Conservancy of Canada and other conservation organizations in preserving precious parts of our great country. Today's announcement to set aside lands in the environmentally significant Qu'Appelle Valley region is just another example of how our government is taking action to protect and preserve our natural heritage."
The Big Valley Property, totaling 136 hectares (336 acres) and worth more than $490,000 is home to one of Saskatchewan's most diverse plant and animal communities. The property is adjacent to a large marsh listed by the provincial Conservation Data Centre as a major concentration site for migratory birds.
"Saskatchewan is filled with great natural spaces, and protecting this land in the Qu'Appelle Valley is priceless in terms of the benefit it provides to our species at risk and their habitat," said Agriculture and Agri-foodMinister for Saskatchewan Gerry Ritz. "Through our Natural Areas Conservation Program, the federal government is playing a lead role in conserving and protecting our environment for the benefit of all Canadians."
Ducks, geese, swans, pelicans and gulls can all be found in large numbers in both spring and fall. Several nationally and provincially listed species at risk, including the Northern Leopard frog, the Monarch butterfly, the Burrowing Owl and the Sprague's Pipit, have been recorded in southern Saskatchewan.
"The Government of Saskatchewan is pleased to partner with the Government of Canada and the Nature Conservancy of Canada to preserve this environmentally significant land in the Qu'Appelle Valley," said Minister Heppner. "This demonstrates our commitment to protect and conserve our natural resources across the province."
The Natural Areas Conservation Program is an important on-the-ground initiative that takes real action to preserve Canada's environment and conserve its precious natural heritage for present and future generations. The Program is expected to result in the long-term protection of more than 200,000 hectares, or half a million acres, of ecologically sensitive land across southern Canada.
"Thanks to the Government of Canada's generous contribution, in concert with tremendous ongoing support from Saskatchewan's Ministry of Environment and our many corporate and private donors, achievements like Big Valley continue to build on our conservation successes across Canada," remarked Lyle Saigeon, Regional Vice President for NCC in Saskatchewan.
Eric Richer
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
613-286-6064
Environment Canada
Media Relations
(819) 934-8008
1-888-908-8008
SaskatchewanEnvironment
Media Relations
Art Jones
(306) 787-5796
