Red Deer, Alb. -- September 8, 2011 -- Earl Dreeshen, Member of Parliament for Red Deer, on behalf of Canada's Minister of the Environment, the Honourable Peter Kent, today announced the Nature Conservancy of Canada's successful acquisition of the Boote Property - 39.55 hectares of Aspen Parkland near Red Deer, Alberta. This project was secured in part with funding from Environment Canada's Natural Areas Conservation Program.
"Funding from Environment Canada is helping to secure this important and ecologically-sensitive area. The conservation of this property in Pine Lake Region will continue to provide a healthy habitat where many species can thrive and survive. We are privileged to have such strong and committed public involvement in the conservation and protection of Canada's natural areas," said MP Dreeshen.
The Boote property is located in the Prairie Pothole Region of Canada, which is known for its highly productive wetlands and important breeding areas for migratory birds. The property is an ecologically significant area consisting of aspen shrublands and seasonal ponds and wetlands that are home to iconic species such as mule deer, moose, Red Tailed Hawk and Mallard Duck.
"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 an ecologically significant landscape in the Red Deer Natural Area. The Boote property is a great conservation success - 39.55 hectares, mostly wetlands, which countless species depend on," said Bob Demulder, Regional Vice President of the Nature Conservancy of Canada Alberta Region. "With the support of the Government of Canada and partners such as TransCanada Corporation, we can continue to conserve critical landscapes in Alberta."
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 March 2011, the Natural Areas Conservation Program has protected 160,796 hectares, almost three times the size of Quebec City, which includes habitats for 101 species at risk.
Related document:
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
