Species at Risk Conservation Funding Available

People who work on projects relating to species at risk in Nova Scotia have a new source of financial support.

The Department of Natural Resources is seeking applications for projects dealing with the conservation and recovery of species at risk. Successful applicants will receive financial support from the Species at Risk Conservation Fund.

"Many individuals and groups in the province are committed to enhancing the conservation of species at risk," said David Morse, Minister of Natural Resources. "The Species at Risk Conservation Fund will help support their valuable conservation work."

Established under the Nova Scotia Endangered Species Act, the fund has collected more than $70,000, largely through the sale of special conservation licence plates. The conservation licence plates feature a piping plover, one of 36 species of plants and animals protected in the province under the Nova Scotia Endangered Species Act.

The project proposals will be evaluated by Nova Scotia Species at Risk Working Group. These scientists, who are experts in species at risk, will make funding recommendations to the minister of natural resources.

Priority for funding will be based on the overall quality of the proposal and the extent that the project addresses priority species and activities outlined in the application information.

Submission guidelines and forms can be obtained from Department of Natural Resources offices, or via the website at www.gov.ns.ca/natr/wildlife/sarfund .

Submissions must be received by May 31.

For information on the purchase of conservation licence plates see the website at www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/rmv/registration/conservationplate.asp or visit an Access Nova Scotia office.