PROTECTING SPECIES AT RISK AND THEIR HABITATS

For Immediate Release
July 23, 2008

PROTECTING SPECIES AT RISK AND THEIR HABITATS
McGuinty Government Supports Local Stewardship Projects

NEWS

More than $260,000 in funding will support 10 volunteer stewardship projects in south central Ontario this year under the province’s Species at Risk Stewardship Fund.

Proposals to take a species-at-risk display on the road to 50 schools in southwestern Ontario,  protect wood turtle habitat by rerouting a recreational trail, document the presence of a globally rare dragonfly, and help landowners restore habitat on their land are among the projects being funded.

The $18-million, four-year Species at Risk Stewardship Fund is part of the Ministry of Natural Resources’ stewardship-first approach to species protection, and is available to landowners, farmers, Aboriginal peoples, academic institutions, industries, municipalities, conservation organizations, stewardship councils and others across the province for eligible protection and recovery activities.

QUOTES

“I’m impressed with the leadership and commitment shown by the organizations, groups and individuals who are volunteering their time to protect and recover our most vulnerable species and their habitats,” said Natural Resources Minister Donna Cansfield.  “Working together we can reverse the rate of species decline in Ontario and ensure future generations enjoy and benefit from a healthy and diverse natural environment.”

“We are pleased to participate in the ongoing work to protect the province’s species at risk,” said Laurie Schutt, Executive Director of the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre.   “The contribution from the Species at Risk Stewardship fund to groups such as the Friends of the Wye Marsh will help move that work forward.”

QUICK FACTS

• In 2008-2009, 108 projects will receive close to $5 million in funding through the Species at Risk Stewardship Fund focussing on outreach, recovery and inventory and monitoring surveys.
• Ontario is home to more than 30,000 species, of which more than 180 are currently identified as being at risk.
• In 2007, the first Hine’s Emerald – a globally rare dragonfly – to be reported in Canada was found in the Minesing Swamp in Simcoe County.

LEARN MORE

• Find out more about Species At Risk in Ontario

Related Information

Backgrounder: LOCAL STEWARDSHIP PROJECTS RECEIVE FUNDING FOR SPECIES AT RISK PROTECTION

For More Information

Media Enquiries

David Bauer, Minister’s Office, 416-314-2212

Rick Winston, Communications Services Branch, 416-314-2123

ontario.ca/natural-resources-news

General Enquiries

Natural Resources Information Centre
1-800-667-1940
TTY 1-866-686-6072 (Hearing Impaired)