Feds Help Conserve Nova Scotia’s South Shore

August 13, 2008

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia – Canada’s Environment Minister, John Baird, today joined Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament for South Shore – St. Margaret, representatives from the Nature Conservancy of Canada, and residents of Nova Scotia’s South Shore in announcing the successful conservation of important lands in Deep Cove, Nova Scotia. This is an achievement under the federal Government's Natural Areas Conservation Program.

“Today’s announcement demonstrates our Government’s commitment and aggressive action in to protecting Canada’s natural treasures,” said Minister Baird.   “Prime Minister Harper and our Government believe so strongly in protecting these precious lands that we have committed $225 million to support the work of the Nature Conservancy of Canada.”

The lands, located near Chester, Nova Scotia, total more than 3.6 square kilometres, and encompass a wide range of habitat types, including mature coastal forest and wetlands. Wetlands help maintain water quality and provide habitat for amphibians and a variety of migratory birds such as the green-winged teal, black duck and common loon. It is also home to one of the largest stands of natural Jack Pine in Nova Scotia, as well as a number of plant species uncommon to the province, such as Mountain Sandwort.

“Through the Natural Areas Conservation Program, our Government is playing a lead role in conserving and protecting our environment for the benefit of Nova Scotians and all Canadians,” said Mr. Keddy.  “Areas like this land in Deep Cove provide irreplaceable habitat for important species such as Barred and Great Horned Owls.”

The 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.  As of July 2008, over 71 properties totaling more than 640 square kilometers had been acquired coast to coast, resulting in the protection of habitat for over 59 species at risk.

Natural Areas Conservation Program

In March 2007, as part of our commitment to conserve and protect Canada's natural environment, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the Government of Canada will invest $225 million in the new Natural Areas Conservation Program.  The Program helps non-profit, non-government organizations secure ecologically sensitive lands to ensure the protection of our diverse ecosystems, wildlife, and habitat.

As of July 2008, 71 properties had been acquired through the program, resulting in the conservation of more than 640 square kilometres -- or an area nearly six times the size of Vancouver -- and protecting habitat for 59 species at risk.

In order to carry out the objectives of the Program, the Government of Canada entered into an agreement with the Nature Conservancy of Canada. As part of that agreement, the Nature Conservancy of Canada will partner with non-government conservation organizations such as Ducks Unlimited Canada and other qualified land trusts.  These organizations must provide matching funds for each federal dollar received.

Using a science-based process, the Nature Conservancy of Canada and its partners work to acquire ecologically sensitive lands through donation, purchase or stewardship agreements with private landowners.

Under the Program, priority is given to lands that are nationally or provincially significant, that protect habitat for species at risk and migratory birds, or that enhance connectivity or corridors between existing protected areas such as National Wildlife Areas, National Parks and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries.

The Natural Areas Conservation Program complements the Government's other important conservation initiatives and investments, including:

• $110 million over 2 years for the work under the Species at Risk Act;
• $15 million for the Northwest Territories Protected Areas Strategy;
• $30 million for the Great Bear Rainforest;
• $3 million for Stanley Park in Vancouver and Point Pleasant Park in Halifax;
• the Habitat Stewardship Program, which has invested $19M for the last two years to support over 350 local projects for the protection of species at risk and their habitat;
• Government of Canada's Protected Areas Network, made up of 51 National Wildlife Areas and 92 Migratory Bird Sanctuaries; and
• the Ecological Gifts Program, which provides tax incentives to land owners who donate land title or place a conservation easement on ecologically sensitive land.  In its May 2006 budget, the Government of Canada increased the incentive for land donations by reducing the taxable capital gains inclusion rate for certified ecological gift donations from 25 per cent to zero.
  

The Natural Areas Conservation Program is an important on-the-ground initiative that takes real action to preserve our environment.  It is expected to result in the long-term protection of up to more than 2,000 square kilometres of ecologically sensitive land across Canada.