Environment Minister Jim Prentice Announces Investment for Wildlife Conservation Projects in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick

Canada's Environment Minister Jim Prentice today announced an investment from the Government of Canada's Habitat Stewardship Program in four conservation projects in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick that will protect important wildlife and their habitats.

"We have awarded funding to four Maritime organizations for special habitat stewardship initiatives because wildlife conservation remains a top priority for the Government of Canada during the current tough economic period," said Minister Prentice

"Today's announcement demonstrates our Government's continuing commitment to conserving and protecting our environment for the benefit of all Canadians" said Minister Prentice.

The Nova Scotia Nature Trust is receiving $170,000 for a project to secure and protect critical habitat areas for species at risk in southwest Nova Scotia. The Governors of Acadia University are receiving $135,000 for various initiatives to protect the Blandings turtle and the eastern ribbon snake. The Nature Trust of New Brunswick is receiving $123,000 for conservations efforts regarding the Peregrine falcon. And the Canadian Sea Turtle Network in Halifax is receiving $110,000 for a project for the conservation of the leatherback sea turtle. All of the species the four projects will help conserve are currently listed as endangered, threatened or "of special concern". This represents a total federal contribution of $538,000.

To date this fiscal year the Government of Canada has committed $11.3 million in funding to 205 projects in communities across Canada through the Habitat Stewardship Program. The Program contributes to the recovery of endangered, threatened and other species at risk while also preventing species from becoming a conservation concern. It is a partnership-based conservation initiative managed by Environment Canada, Fisheries & Oceans Canada and Parks Canada.