PROTECTING SPECIES AT RISK AND THEIR HABITATS

For Immediate Release
August 25, 2008

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

NEWS

More than $722,000 in funding will support 12 volunteer stewardship projects in northwestern Ontario this year under the province’s Species at Risk Stewardship Fund.

Proposals to increase understanding of Ontario’s woodland caribou populations and their habitats, compile traditional aboriginal knowledge about lake sturgeon, and help trappers test methods aimed at avoiding incidental catch of wolverines 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.

QUOTE

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

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.
  
• Ontario’s woodland caribou was formerly found throughout most of Northern Ontario, but its range has receded northward and today generally lies north of latitude 50 degrees – north of Sioux Lookout, Geraldton, Hearst and Cochrane.
  
• Although it belongs to the weasel family, the wolverine has a much larger body that is short and thick with a wide, round head, and short legs with five retractable claws on each foot.  Wolverines are classified as threatened in Ontario.

LEARN MORE

• Find out more about Species At Risk in Ontario (ontario.ca/speciesatrisk).

Related Information

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

For More Information

Carmelina Macario, Minister’s Office, 416-327-0654

  
Jolanta Kowalski, Communications Services Branch, 416-314-2106

General Enquiries

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