COURTENAY, B.C. -- February
2, 2011 -- The Honourable Peter Kent, Minister
of the Environment, today announced that
the Government of Canada is contributing
$1.13 million towards the conservation of
wetlands in the new Bear Creek Nature Park
and Shelter Point Farms on Vancouver Island
as part of its continued commitment to preserve
Canada's natural heritage. This achievement,
made through Environment Canada's Natural
Areas Conservation Program (NACP) in partnership
with Ducks Unlimited Canada, includes a
$300,000 financial contribution from the
Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) and
a generous property donation totalling $1.12
million from the Evans Family, for a total
value of $3 million.
"Our investment
in support of this worthy endeavour is an
opportunity for us to take tangible steps
towards conserving sensitive ecosystems
and protecting migratory birds and species
at risk for the benefit of present and future
generations," said Minister Kent. "We
are delighted to support the good work of
Ducks Unlimited to preserve and protect
the rich biodiversity of the Bear Creek
Park and Shelter Point Farms. We also commend
the generosity of the Evans Family and the
contributions of the Comox Valley Regional
District."
"It is rewarding
that such a critical area on Vancouver Island
will now be protected thanks to a very worthwhile
effort. The Oyster River and its estuary
are among the most important habitats for
migratory birds and other wildlife on the
BC coast," said the Honorable John
Duncan, Member of Parliament for Vancouver
Island North and Minister of Indian Affairs
and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor
for Metis and Non-Status Indians.
"Thanks to the
Evans family and with financial support
from the Government of Canada, the Comox
Valley Regional District and many others,
we have taken an important step to ensuring
this farmland and wetland habitat remain
an integral part of the Vancouver Island
landscape and continue to provide agricultural
and ecological value to the waterfowl, fish
and other wildlife who find shelter here,"
said Les Bogdan, provincial manager of Ducks
Unlimited Canada.
The protected 210 hectares
(518 acres) represent two properties on
the Oyster River, near Courtenay, B.C. A
conservation covenant on the Lower Oyster
property (144 hectares) was purchased under
the NACP and the Upper Oyster property (66
hectares) was donated to Ducks Unlimited
Canada with a $300,000 cash contribution
from the CVRD. These properties, now named
the Bear Creek Nature Park and Shelter Point
Farms, provide habitat for a variety of
species at risk, and are used by a number
of migrating and wintering waterfowl, including
Trumpeter Swan, Mallard, American Wigeon,
Great Blue Heron, Teal and Wood Duck.
The Government of Canada's
Natural Areas Conservation Program is an
important on-the-ground initiative that
takes real action to preserve Canada's environment
and conserve its precious natural heritage.
As of July 2010, over 142,000 hectares of
private land have been conserved, protecting
habitat for more than 100 species at risk.
The Ecological Gifts
Program, for which the Evans Family donation
is eligible, complements other national
initiatives, such as the Natural Areas Conservation
Program and the Habitat Stewardship Program,
by facilitating enhanced income tax benefits
to Canadians who generously donate properties
that protect ecologically sensitive land.
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Experience The "Wild
About Nature" Adventure at the Biosphère
From February 26 to
March 13
MONTRÉAL, QC -- February 9, 2011
-- From February 26 to March 13, 2011, the
Biosphère Environment Museum is the
place for youth and their families to have
a spring break full of discovery and adventure
with the "Wild about Nature" program.
Indoors and out, they are invited to come
have fun while discovering some secrets
about biodiversity.
Discovering winter biodiversity
with Pehr Kalm
In 1749, botanist Pehr
Kalm was astounded by the variety of species
living on Île Sainte-Hélène.
Come and join him at the Biosphère
and let yourself be guided in an outdoor
adventure in which you are the hero! The
clues you uncover will help you acquire
the combination to his precious treasure
chest and see what's in it! Duration of
the activity: 30 minutes.
Biodiversity treasure
hunt
Partake in a treasure
hunt with the magnificent giant photos of
the Tightly Knit exhibition as a starting
point. You will discover fascinating aspects
of Canadian biodiversity and increase your
knowledge of certain species that are highlighted
during the activity. Duration of the activity:
15 minutes.
Also scheduled for this
very busy week:
•The scientific presentation
Wanted: Pollinators presents the role of
bees, birds and other pollinating insects
in maintaining biodiversity.
•The film Man and His World
•The Water Wonders exhibition presents eight
interactive modules that involve many games,
experiments and challenges, such as solving
the mystery of the Bermuda Triangle, creating
energy and even walking on water.
•The exhibition ONE | Outfits from a New
Era will astound both youth and adults,
with its 16 spectacular outfits fashioned
from products of mass consumption, accompanied
by art videos and soundtracks taken from
the Canadian music scene.
Entrance to the Biosphère is free
for those aged 17 and under (does not apply
to organized groups). Exceptionally, the
museum, located on Île Sainte-Hélène
in Montréal, will be open on Monday,
February 28 and Monday, March 7. Visit ec.gc.ca/biosphere
for complete information on our programming
and opening hours.
As an environment museum,
the mandate of Environment Canada's Biosphère
is to encourage everyone to take action
on environmental issues. In addition to
presenting exhibits and special events,
the Biosphère develops educational
and awareness-raising products for a diverse
clientele across Canada and is a recognized
clearinghouse for environmental information.
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Registration for the
Greater Snow Goose Fall Hunt at Cap Tourmente
National Wildlife Area
QUÉBEC, Que.
-- February 15, 2011 -- Environment Canada
wishes to inform waterfowl hunters that
they can register starting today for the
unique experience of hunting Greater Snow
Geese next fall at the Cap Tourmente National
Wildlife Area. Entry forms for the random
draw must be received by our office no later
than April 29, 2011, for the hunt that will
take place between October 4 and 22, 2011.
The hunting package
includes two half-days of hunting for a
party of four hunters, at a cost of $430,
taxes included. Hunters will have access
to a variety of services, including an information
session on hunting techniques, electronic
callers, decoys, high-tide blinds, transport
of equipment to and from the hunting grounds
by all-terrain vehicle, and goose storage.
Entry forms for the
draw can be downloaded from the Environment
Canada website at http://www.ec.gc.ca/nature,
under the Highlights menu. Additional information
can be obtained by calling 418-827-3776,
Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m to 4:00
p.m, or by sending an email to chasse-hunt.captourmente@ec.gc.ca.
Registration fees are
$8 and are non-refundable. Only one registration
per person will be accepted. To increase
their chances of winning the draw, hunters
should make sure that all members of their
party have registered. Don't delay. Register
now for this unique experience in an exceptional
natural setting. The winning hunters will
be contacted by telephone in mid-May in
the order in which their names were drawn.
The Cap Tourmente National
Wildlife Area is located on the north shore
of the St. Lawrence River, 50 km east of
Québec City.It is part of the 54
National Wildlife Areas across Canada dedicated
to conserving critical habitat for wildlife
species, including species at risk.
