FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
23 June 2008

A Birthday Present Big Enough for a Nation

Nature Conservancy of Canada protects 1,100 acres at Elbow Lake as a Gift to Canadians

Kingston, ON - The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is proud to announce the protection of an ecologically significant property on the Frontenac Arch, just north of Kingston. Together with Environment Canada, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR) and private donors NCC has secured a critical wildlife corridor between Frontenac Provincial Park and the Queen’s University Biological Station. The spectacular property is also part of NCC’s annual Gifts to Canadians program.

The very successful and long-standing NCC-OMNR Greenlands partnership also provided funds to ensure the protection of this incredible land which showcases Ontario’s natural heritage.

A tour was held to view the Frontenac Arch property following the presentations (photo by NCC)

"It is wonderful to have our partners here to celebrate with us today," remarked Donna Stewart, NCC Ontario’s Regional Vice President. "It is the power of partnership that enables us to accomplish incredible conservation feats like protecting this important property, making sure that places like this will stand forever."

The 1,100 acre (445-hectare) property has been secured with support from the Government of Canada under the Natural Areas Conservation Program. This program, launched in April 2007, is a $225 million investment by the Federal government towards conservation across Canada. The bulk of these funds are being used to advance NCC’s land conservation work across Canada, and NCC is committed to matching the federal dollars, delivering an overall investment in conservation of $500 million.

"Conserving Canada’s natural heritage is a priority for Canadians and for this Government," said Canada’s Environment Minister John Baird. "Last year Prime Minister Stephen Harper committed $225 million to support the Nature Conservancy of Canada and other conservation organizations in preserving Canada’s natural legacy. Today's announcement is a concrete example of real results and another major accomplishment for our environment."

The very successful and long-standing NCC-OMNR Greenlands partnership also provided funds to ensure the protection of this incredible land which showcases Ontario’s natural heritage.

Natural Resources Minister Donna Cansfield looks out over Elbow Lake as she addresses the crowd at the 2008 Gifts to Canadians event (photo by NCC)

"Ontario's valued partnership with the Nature Conservancy of Canada has resulted in the permanent protection of some of the province’s most ecologically significant areas," said Ontario Minister of Natural Resources Donna Cansfield. "Securing this property, with its rare habitat and species at risk, is another important step forward in our efforts to conserve and restore Ontario's rich diversity of plants, animals and ecosystems."

The property includes 6 kilometres of shoreline on Upper Rock Lake, Elbow Lake, and Spectacle Lake. These waters drain into the Cataraqui River, part of the recently dedicated Rideau Waterway World Heritage Site. The lands are part of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve, designated by UNESCO in recognition of this unique landscape where natural heritage and human development coexist. The property contains numerous wetlands and supports Canadian species at risk such as Eastern Ratsnake, Common Musk Turtle, Cerulean Warbler and Butternut trees.

This is the seventh year that NCC has marked Canada Day with the presentation of 10 conservation Gifts to Canadians - one from each province. These precious landscapes represent NCC’s ongoing work to conserve the country’s biodiversity from coast to coast, and to leave a lasting natural legacy. This year’s Gifts, including the Frontenac Arch property, total approximately 33.5 square kilometres. Each provides habitat for rare species, and once a property is secured NCC develops detailed land stewardship plans to ensure that the site’s natural integrity is protected for the long term.

These Gifts to Canadians have been made possible by the support of thousands of concerned individuals, corporations, foundations and other conservation organizations across the country. Many of the properties have been conserved in partnership with other organizations, whose work NCC gratefully acknowledges. NCC’s partners on this project in Ontario include the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Canada.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada is a national non-profit conservation organization that works with landowners to protect Canada’s natural habitats. Its plan of action is to build partnerships and develop creative conservation solutions with individuals, corporations, community groups, conservation groups and government bodies. Since 1962, NCC and its supporters have helped to protect nearly 2 million acres (809,371 hectares) of ecologically significant land across Canada.

For more information please visit www.natureconservancy.ca.

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Stunning photos available upon request.

For more information:

Laura Mousseau
Communications Coordinator, Ontario
Telephone (Toll Free): 1-877-343-3532 x235
Mobile: 519-830-7770
E-mail: ontario@natureconservancy.ca

Gary Bell
NCC Program Manager, Eastern Ontario
Telephone: 613-321-3559
Mobile: 613-862-3331
E-mail: ontario@natureconservancy.ca