Conservation Licence Plates Making a Difference

Twelve conservation projects will receive $82,000 from the Nova Scotia Species at Risk Conservation Fund. Most of the project funding was raised through the Nova Scotia Conservation Licence Plate Program.

"Through the purchase of conservation licence plates, Nova Scotians have supported these important projects," said David Morse, Minister of Natural Resources. "This program will help protect and reduce the risk to some of the most threatened species of plants and animals in the country."

Over the next year, these projects will address conservation concerns for more than twelve species at risk and a number of other species that are a priority for conservation.

Some of these research and stewardship initiatives will aim to define and protect habitat for the piping plover, mainland moose, Plymouth gentian, Bicknell's thrush, eastern ribbon snake, Blanding's turtle and American marten. Other projects will address poorly known species like wood-dwelling beetles, long-eared bats and saltmarsh butterflies in an effort to collect information on their conservation needs.

The individual awards range from $5,000 to $10,000 and will contribute to the ongoing efforts of scientists and conservation groups to improve the situation for species at risk in the province. A title and brief description of each of the twelve projects can be found at: www.gov.ns.ca/natr/wildlife/sarfund/sarcfprojects08.htm

Currently, the Nova Scotia Endangered Species Act lists 42 species at risk.

"The act provides legal protection against killing and disturbing these species, however, their futures are tied to improving our awareness and understanding," said Mr. Morse. "It requires our commitment to limiting our activities that impact these and other wildlife species."

The Nova Scotia conservation licence plate was established in 2002 by the Department of Natural Resources and Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations to increase awareness and provide support for species at risk. The plate features the colour graphic of a piping plover and the message "Conservation - Species at Risk" and can be purchased at any Access Nova Scotia Registry of Motor Vehicles offices: http://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/rmv/registration/conservationplate.asp