The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) has secured two properties consisting of a total of 1,352 acres (541 hectares) of natural habitat near Whitemouth, Manitoba. This important habitat contains mixed and coniferous forests, wetlands and peatlands, and has been designated by NCC as one of 10 Gifts to Canadians announced this week in celebration of Canada’s 143rd birthday.
These properties are located in the Whitemouth River Watershed. They contain a diverse mix of forest, including aspen, paper birch and white spruce trees in the higher elevations, with dense black spruce, open canopy larch and sphagnum peatlands in the lower, wetter regions. This diverse habitat supports an extremely rich assortment of rare and common plants, including Labrador tea and northern pitcherplant, along with mosses, lichens and many species of birds and other animals such as bald eagle, great grey owl, wolf, black bear and white-tailed deer.
Partnership is at the heart of NCC’s work. The Federal Government and NCC supporters, Jean Britton and Ransom Slack, have worked with the Nature Conservancy of Canada to protect these two properties.
Funding for the acquisition of these properties and costs related to their purchase were provided to NCC through the Government of Canada’s Natural Areas Conservation Program. This unique public-private partnership helps non-government organizations secure ecologically sensitive lands to ensure the protection of our country’s diverse ecosystems, wildlife and habitat. This year, all 10 NCC Gifts to Canadians (one in each province) were made possible through that program.
Ms Britton and Mr. Slack donated funds to NCC equivalent to 15 percent of the cost of the two properties, to be used as a contribution to NCC’s long term stewardship endowment fund. That fund is maintained by NCC to ensure that revenue will be available to care for the lands that it owns, in perpetuity.
QUOTES
“In the Manitoba Region, NCC is working hard to protect irreplaceable habitat and the plants and animals that it supports. In this way, we can ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy its natural beauty," said Ursula Goeres, vice president in the Manitoba Region.
"Our generation is doing great damage to the environment and our grandchildren will ask us what role we played in these disasters. We want to we be able to say that we sought solutions. We have limited our consumption and the money saved by our simpler lifestyle has accumulated to the point where we can also make significant contributions to NCC’s efforts in protecting sensitive land in Manitoba," said NCC supporters Jean Britton and Ransom Slack of Winnipeg.
“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. “Your actions, large or small, will help to protect the abundance and variety of life that is part of our natural heritage.”
FACTS
- The Manitoba Region has now conserved more than 35,000 acres (14,100 hectares) of our natural heritage for future generations.
- The 1,352 acres (541 hectares) of natural habitat within the Whitemouth River Watershed supports an incredibly diversity of life. More than 25 species of mammals, including northern flying squirrel, wolf, lynx, moose and black bear, live here.
- The variety of habitats found on the properties attracts a large number of bird species. Larch, aspen, paper birch and spruce trees provide nesting opportunities for cavity-nesting birds such as woodpeckers, songbirds and some species of owls and waterfowl. Wetlands and creeks provide habitat for shorebirds and waterfowl.
- The Whitemouth River Watershed is located in southeastern Manitoba near the Agassiz Provincial Forest and the Whiteshell Provincial Park.
- The 10 Gifts to Canadians cover 12.5 square kilometres (more than three times the size of Stanley Park), and protect habitat for many species at risk.
- Since its inception in 2007 the Natural Areas Conservation Program has helped NCC to conserve more than 342,500 acres (138,600 hectares), protecting habitat for more than 79 species at risk.
LEARN MORE
The Nature Conservancy of Canada is the nation’s leading private land conservation organization, working to protect our valuable natural areas and the plants and animals they sustain.
Since 1962 NCC and its partners have helped to protect more than 2 million acres (800,000 hectares), coast to coast and more than 36,00 0acres (14, 500 hectares) in Manitoba. By investing in conservation we are ensuring that our natural world remains a home for wildlife, a haven for recreation and a vital resource that cleans the air we breathe and the water we drink. Through strong partnerships NCC works to safeguard our natural areas so that our children and grandchildren will have the chance to enjoy them.
To learn more visit: www.natureconservancy.ca
The NCC-Government of Canada Natural Areas Conservation Program is a $225-million investment to assist non-profit, non-government organizations secure ecologically sensitive lands. This ensures the conservation of our diverse ecosystems, wildlife and habitat. In order to use the funding available, these organizations will provide matching funds for each federal dollar received. As of September 2009, under the Natural Areas Conservation Program more than 342,500 acres (138,600 hectares) have been secured, protecting habitat for more than 79 species at risk.
Learn More
Visit: www.natureconservancy.ca
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