SHEDIAC, N.B. -- June 21, 2011 -- Canada's Minister of the Environment, the Honourable Peter Kent, today announced the Nature Conservancy of Canada's successful acquisition of a third donated property from Dr. Roland Maurice near the Town of Shediac, Westmorland County, New Brunswick. This 0.74 hectare project was secured in part with funding from Environment Canada's Natural Areas Conservation Program.
"This acquisition marks another achievement under our government's Natural Areas Conservation Program. With this investment, we are taking real action to protect and conserve our ecosystems and sensitive species for present and future generations," said Minister Kent. "Your actions today will help to protect the abundance and variety of life that will constitute an integral part of our natural heritage tomorrow."
This property is part of the New Brunswick Northumberland Strait Natural Area which is home to some of the most ecologically significant coastal habitats in the Maritimes. The sand dunes, salt marshes, waterways, coastal bogs, and islands found here provide ideal habitat for a number of waterfowl and shorebirds. The dune system provides nesting sites for Common and Arctic Terns, as well as the endangered Piping Plover, while waterfowl such as the American Black Duck, the Great Blue Heron and the Osprey frequent the wetlands.
"I wish to recognize Environment Canada for its invaluable partnership along with Dr. Maurice for his continued generosity and latest donation towards our conservation efforts in Barachois," said Linda Stephenson, Regional Vice President for the Nature Conservancy of Canada in the Atlantic Region. "We are working diligently to protect the natural qualities of this coastal landscape for every one of us and the generations to follow."
The Government of Canada's $225-million 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. It is through the ongoing contribution from all donors that we can ensure the protection of natural areas in Canada. As of December 2010, the Natural Areas Conservation Program has protected 151,278 hectares of habitat, which includes habitat for 101 species at risk.
Natural Areas Conservation Program [Backgrounder 2011-06-20]
For more information, please see the attached backgrounder or contact:
Melissa Lantsman
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441
Media Relations
Environment Canada
819-934-8008
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