Nature Conservancy of Canada Acquires Nationally Significant Wildlife Habitat in the Qu'Appelle Valley
CRAVEN, SK, Feb. 29 /CNW/ - The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) today announced the acquisition of the Big Valley Property in Saskatchewan's Qu'Appelle Valley. The 336-acre (136-hectare) Big Valley Property is nestled within the Qu'Appelle Valley and is adjacent to the Valeport Wildlife Management Unit. The Valeport Wildlife Management Unit is a major concentration site for migratory birds. Several nationally and provincially listed Species at Risk including the northern leopard frog, bigmouth buffalo fish, burrowing owl and Sprague's pipit, can be found in the area.
NCC was approached by the landowner, Mr. David Ash, who had made the decision to conserve the property for future generations. The purchased lands will enhance the area for wildlife and protect it from further development.
"The protection of the Big Valley Property is a key part of NCC's larger conservation plan for the Qu'Appelle Valley Natural Area. It is an ambitious community-based plan to conserve the lands that are the most critical to maintaining the area's biodiversity," remarked NCC's President John Lounds. "NCC is committed to managing this natural area for the long term. The conservation investment made today will maintain globally significant habitats and species for years to come."
The project was made possible with support from the NCC-Government of Canada Natural Areas Conservation Program, the Province of Saskatchewan and the local community. The NCC-Government of Canada Natural Areas Conservation Program is a matching funds initiative established to conserve ecologically significant lands across southern Canada over the next five years. As part of this program, the Federal government is investing $225 million to support the work of NCC and other conservation organizations to preserve priceless parts of our great country.
"Conserving our ecologically significant land and protecting the wildlife species that live there is a priority for Canadians and for this government," said Canada's Minister of the Environment John Baird. "That's why our Government has committed $225 million to support the Nature Conservancy of Canada and other conservation organizations in preserving Canada's natural treasures. Today's announcement is just one more example of our commitment to protect Canada's natural legacy."
The provincial government also played a key role in acquiring the Big Valley Property.
"We are pleased to be working with the federal government and Nature Conservancy Canada, a major environmental stakeholder in our province", said Saskatchewan's Minister of Environment, Nancy Heppner. "Saskatchewan's share of the money used to buy this important area comes from the Fish and Wildlife Development Fund. The money in the Fund is raised by collecting a portion of all hunting and angling licenses sold in the province. The Fish and Wildlife Development Fund is a clear demonstration of the commitment Saskatchewan's hunters and anglers have to protecting valuable habitat."
The Nature Conservancy of Canada is a national, non-profit conservation organization that works 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 close to two million acres (809,371 hectares) of ecologically significant land across Canada.
For more information visit www.natureconservancy.ca/saskatchewan.
Lyle Saigeon, Regional Vice President, Nature Conservancy of Canada, Saskatchewan Region, Office: (306) 347-0447, Ext. 224, Cell: (306) 684-0291, lyle.saigeon@natureconservancy.ca; Bob Santo, Director of Development and Communications, Nature Conservancy of Canada, Saskatchewan Region, Cell: (306) 222-8112, bob.santo@natureconservancy.ca
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