Province Invests in Wetlands Legacy Project
A provincial investment of $500,000 will help Ducks Unlimited Canada maintain structures that control water levels that are critical to the province's wildlife habitat.
The contribution to the organization's Wetlands for Tomorrow - Habitat Partnership Legacy was presented today, April 25, by Natural Resources Minister David Morse.
Mr. Morse said the province has enjoyed a strong partnership with Ducks Unlimited Canada for nearly 40 years, resulting in more than $30 million in wetlands conservation projects. Projects include land acquisitions, waterfowl and wetland management, private land stewardship, and education.
"Ducks Unlimited Canada has undertaken more than 340 projects in Nova Scotia. These projects take place on 16,800 hectares of our province's land. And more than half of this is Crown land," said Mr. Morse. "These projects also provide significant ecological benefits to the environment and society in general."
The province's investment in the legacy fund will help Ducks Unlimited maintain aging infrastructure in some water-control structures. It also helps the province meet a goal in the Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act to prevent net loss of wetlands by helping revitalize these projects.
"Successful partnerships are essential to reaching these environmental goals," said Mr. Morse. "Nova Scotia is blessed with an abundance of natural resources, including wetlands, and we are pleased to work with a partner like Ducks Unlimited to help ensure long-term sustainability of these resources."
Tom Duffy, Ducks Unlimited Canada's manager of provincial operation for Atlantic Canada, agreed that partnerships are key to conservation.
"This provincial contribution is welcome news in our continuing efforts to secure resources needed to reinvest in provincially significant wetlands across Nova Scotia," said Mr. Duffy.
Ducks Unlimited Canada works with government, industry, private landowners and other conservation organizations to ensure wetland habitats remain a part of Nova Scotia's landscape, ensuring a healthy future for waterfowl, wildlife and a fresh, clean water supply for people.
More information on Ducks Unlimited Canada and its Wetlands for Tomorrow - Habitat Partnership Legacy is on the groups's website at www.ducks.ca .