Helping Ontarians Protect Species At Risk

For Immediate Release
October 07, 2009

Helping Ontarians Protect Species At Risk
Bulletin

Ontarians can once again get support from the Species at Risk Stewardship Fund for voluntary projects that protect and recover species at risk and their habitat.

Applications are now being accepted from individuals and groups for the fourth year of the fund. The deadline is November 16, 2009.

Over the last three years, stewardship projects supported by the Ontario government have made a significant difference for species at risk.  More than 300 community projects provincewide have helped protect over 200 different species.

Projects completed in the first two years restored 425 hectares of vital habitat for these vulnerable plants and animals - an area the size of about 600 soccer fields. During this time, the fund generated short-term job opportunities for almost 600 Ontarians.  In addition, 3,200 volunteers contributed an estimated 33,000 hours to different projects. These numbers continue to grow with more than 100 projects from year three that are still underway.

Projects include protecting nesting sites for at-risk birds, improving habitat for turtles and snakes, cleaning up river wetlands, and monitoring and tracking species at risk to get a better understanding of their habitat requirements.  Outreach activities such as interactive shows have reached more than 140,000 children and adults.

QUICK FACTS

• The Species at Risk Stewardship Fund is providing $18 million to eligible projects over four years (2007-2011).
• The Species at Risk Stewardship Fund is available to individuals and groups, including landowners and farmers, Aboriginal communities, academic institutions, industries, municipalities, conservation organizations and stewardship councils for eligible protection and recovery activities.
• Ontario is home to more than 30,000 species, of which more than 180 are currently identified as being at risk.

For More Information

Jason Travers, Species At Risk, 705-755-1754

Media Desk, Communications Services Branch, 416-314-2106

General Enquiries

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