PROTECTING SPECIES AT RISK AND THEIR HABITATS

For Immediate Release
November 13, 2008

PROTECTING SPECIES AT RISK AND THEIR HABITATS
McGuinty Government Supports Farm Incentive Program

NEWS

Ontario’s new Species at Risk Farm Incentive Program will encourage greater protection and conservation of species at risk and their habitats on privately owned agriculture lands across the province.

Natural Resources Minister Donna Cansfield signed a multi-partner agreement with Ontario Federation of Agriculture President Geri Kamenz to launch the cost-share pilot program supporting volunteer stewardship activities on eligible farms.

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture will administer the program’s funding, and the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association will lead its implementation.  The new program builds on the Canada-Ontario Environmental Farm Plan which was established in 1993 to help Ontario farmers adopt more environmentally sustainable practices.

Examples of projects eligible for funding through the incentive program include controlling the spread of invasive plants, protecting or restoring habitats for at-risk species, managing erosion damage along riverbanks, and improving pest management.

QUOTES

“Ontario farmers have been volunteering for years to protect essential habitats and support species recovery programs on their lands,” said Natural Resources Minister Donna Cansfield.  “This new partnership recognizes the value of their ongoing contributions, and provides incentives for even greater protection of species at risk.”

“Farmers are natural stewards of the environment.  Improving the quality of land, air and water does, however, come at a cost to the farmer.  This incentive program helps farmers maintain ecological goods and services from which all society benefits,” said Ontario Federation of Agriculture President Geri Kamenz.

QUICK FACTS

• The Ministry of Natural Resources will provide $800,000 in funding toward a pilot cost-share program for eligible farms registered under the Canada-Ontario Environmental Farm Plan.
• Ontario is home to more than 30,000 species, of which more than 180 are currently identified as being at risk.
• Ontario’s new Endangered Species Act took effect on June 30, 2008, making the province a North American leader in species at risk protection and recovery.

LEARN MORE

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

For More Information

Ivan Langrish, Minister’s Office, 416-314-2212

Barry Radford, Communications Services Branch, 416-314-2123

General Enquiries

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