SIMCOE, Ont. --October
4, 2009 --Diane Finley, Minister of Human
Resources and Skills Development Canada
and Member of Parliament for Haldimand-Norfolk,
on behalf of Canada’s Environment Minister
Jim Prentice, today announced
the Nature Conservancy
of Canada's successful acquisition of the
Monroe Landon Woods – 53 hectares of land
near Simcoe, Ontario, secured in part with
funding from Environment Canada's Natural
Areas Conservation Program. As one of the
major contributors, the Government of Canada
invested $467,000 in this project.
“The Natural Areas Conservation
Program represents an investment that will
help to ensure a healthy future for habitats
and species at risk,” said Minister Finley.
“Such programs demonstrate the productive
relationship between the Government of Canada,
the Nature Conservancy of Canada, and other
partners working to conserve and protect
the environment and wildlife.”
Monroe Landon was a
self-taught naturalist and conservationist.
He bought this parcel of land in 1937, and
he and his family have left it largely untouched
for more than 72 years. With the support
of his family, the Monroe Landon Woods is
one of the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s
newest conservation achievements.
“This acquisition marks
another achievement under our government's
$225-million Natural Areas Conservation
Program. With this investment, we are taking
real action to protect and conserve our
ecosystems and sensitive species for present
and future generations,” said Minister Prentice.
“The Monroe Landon Woods is located within
one of the most biologically diverse regions
in Canada and is one of the two areas containing
the highest densities of species at risk
in the country. We are committed to conserving
biological diversity and to working with
partners, such as the Nature Conservancy
of Canada, to protect Canada’s natural treasures.”
"We are inspired
by the Landon family who have stewarded
this land for generations," said John
Lounds, President and CEO, Nature Conservancy
of Canada. "They have left a legacy
and a remarkable example of conservation
for generations to come."
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
for present and future generations. It is
through the ongoing contribution from all
donors that we can ensure the protection
of natural areas in Canada. As of March
2009, under the Natural Areas Conservation
Program more than 336 properties totaling
more than 103,660 hectares had been acquired,
protecting habitat for over 74 species at
risk.
Frédéric Baril
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
+ More
Government Appoints
Members to the National Round Table on the
Environment and the Economy
OTTAWA, Ont. -- October
7, 2009 -- Minister of the Environment Jim
Prentice today announced two appointments
to the National Round Table on the Environment
and the Economy (NRTEE).
The new appointment
of Robert Mills and re-appointment of Pauline
Browes are effective immediately.
"The knowledge
and talent that these individuals have will
greatly advance the progress the Round Table
has made on issues of concern to Canadians,"
said Minister Prentice. "Their experience
will assist the Round Table in the challenge
of balancing economic prosperity with environmental
conservation."
NRTEE's members are
drawn from distinguished leaders in business
and labour, universities, environmental
organizations, Aboriginal communities and
municipalities who offer different perspectives
on issues of environmental concern. They
are appointed for up to three years.
The Round Table undertakes
research based on sound knowledge, advises
governments and stakeholders on key issues
and promotes practices on sustainable development.
Results of their research and discussions
are disseminated both nationally and internationally.
Frédéric Baril
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
