November 28, 1996
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

Renewed Stewardship Agreement signed with Carmanville

Beaton Tulk, minister responsible for wildlife, will be in Carmanville on Friday,November 29 to address the Stewardship Association of Municipalities . He will also sign a renewed Municipal Stewardship Agreement with the community of Carmanville which will add 75 more acres of wetland to their project. "It gives me great pleasure to be here to sign a renewed agreement at the community's request." said the minister "The success of the habitat management planning process in Carmanville should be an inspiration to community conservation projects across this province. Newfoundlander's are not just hunters and gatherers, we are stewards of our natural resources too."

Mr. Tulk will also be making a presentation to two students of Carmanville in recognition of their efforts under the "Adopt a Goose Program." Wendy and Kayla Eastman will receive plaques for their care of two geese which were adopted by the community under this program. "The dedication shown by these two girls in having the motivation and commitment to carry out the responsibilities of their `adoption' is commendable," said the minister.

Carmanville signed their first Stewardship Agreement on January 16, 1995 for 2,062 acres. The new extension will allow for the enhancement of abandoned beaver ponds through the installation of small water control structures. Beaver ponds are some of the most productive waterfowl breeding habitats in Newfoundland. In Carmanville, there are four separate stewardship zones. Three of these encompass inland freshwater wetlands that provide nesting and brood raising habitats for black ducks, ring-necked ducks, green-winged teal, etc. This is also important habitat for muskrats, green frogs, bats and beaver. The fourth stewardship zone encompasses a portion of coastline in Middle Arm which is an important marine staging habitat for black duck, Canada goose, green-winged teal, pintail duck, scaup and scoter. Middle Arm is also important for terns, shorebirds, osprey and bald eagles.

The Habitat Management Plan for Carmanville will be completed in the new year. This plan will describe wetland conservation and enhancement strategies for the area and provide a description of the wildlife and habitat within the stewardship zones.

Both the Wetland Stewardship Agreement initiative and the Canada Goose Adoption Project were made possible through the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP) which was signed in 1986 between Canada and the United States in response to the dramatic decline of waterfowl populations. To implement the policies of NAWMP, 14 joint ventures were established. These joint ventures consist of partnerships between individuals, corporations, conservation organizations, and local, provincial and federal agencies. Most of the activity in Newfoundland is funded through the Eastern Habitat Joint Venture (EHJV). The major partners in the EHJV are the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canadian Wildlife Service, Wildlife Habitat Canada, and Ducks Unlimited Canada.

Other communities which have signed Wetland Stewardship Agreements include, Whitbourne (4,800 acres), Come by Chance (10,092), Gander (4,400), and Stephenville Crossing (11,565 acres). Other programs include a partnership of the Canadian Wildlife Service and Ducks Unlimited Canada in an intensive eider enhancement program, and the completion of a major restoration project on the Upper Humber Wetlands which contain the highest inland breeding duck density in Newfoundland.

• Contact:

  Michael Cahill
  Chief of Conservation and Habitat
  Wildlife Division (709) 729-2548

  Gerry Yetman
  Wildlife Division
  (709) 729-8590