News release

Habitat Conservation Fund Up and Running

Natural Resources (to July 2018)

Proposals for wildlife habitat projects are now being accepted by the Department of Natural Resources.

Funding for projects will be available through the Habitat Conservation Fund. Money for the fund is generated through the required purchase of a Wildlife Habitat Stamp on hunting licences. The fee for this stamp, as recommended by the Nova Scotia Federation of Anglers and Hunters, is $2.

"This government is committed to conservation and protection of the province’s wildlife," said Natural Resources Minister Ernest Fage. "This special fund was developed with the support of the hunting community and will ensure that all the moneys generated will be used specifically for habitat conservation programs."

The primary goal of the fund is to assist with programs that protect and enhance wildlife habitats. Projects will be funded up to 75 per cent on a cost-shared basis and must fall into one of four categories: purchase of land for the benefit of wildlife; habitat improvement, such as wooden duck boxes or wild apple-tree projects; wildlife habitat research; and related education programs.

"Projects will be selected on the basis of their individual merits and the level of support from other partners," said the minister. "There are priority activities outlined in the submission guidelines. Projects that are relevant to these activities will be considered."

A board of directors is being established to oversee administration of the fund and to recommend to the minister which projects to approve. The board will consist of members from the Department of Natural Resources, hunters, naturalists and academics.

Submission guidelines and forms can be obtained from any Natural Resources office or Access Nova Scotia Centre, or from the Web site at www.gov.ns.ca/natr/wildlife/habfund .

Applications must be received by the Wildlife Division by June 1. Successful applicants will be notified of funding decisions by Aug. 1.