November 3, 1997
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

Town of Winterland establishes 2,000 hectare Wetland Stewardship Zone

Kevin Aylward, minister responsible for wildlife, is pleased to announce the signing of a Wetland Stewardship Agreement with the Town of Winterland for the establishment of a 2,000 acre Wetland Stewardship Zone.

Judy Foote, MHA - Grand Bank, and Mayor Fred Collins signed the agreement during a wild game dinner and art auction held in support of the Winterland Ecomuseum. The Town of Winterland has developed the "Winterland Ecomuseum", a living museum that provides an important opportunity for visitors to the area to increase their awareness of both the natural and cultural heritage of the area.

Ms. Foote commented: "The designation of this stewardship zone is an important complement to the resources being developed in the Winterland Ecomuseum. Visitors to Winterland will be able to take advantage of the interpretation of the natural setting surrounding the museum, as well as enjoy the exhibits and programming offered at the museum."

On behalf of the Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, Ms. Foote also presented a silver pin from the North American Waterfowl Management Plan to Forest Conservation Officer Blair Barnes, for his contribution towards wetland conservation. Mr. Barnes was instrumental in focusing attention on the Winterland wetlands, and recognized the value of the area as a site for teaching wetland and wildlife conservation to groups such as the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides.

Wetland stewardship is an initiative of the Eastern Habitat Joint Venture (EHJV) whose mandate is the protection and conservation of critical wetland habitat and waterfowl populations in Eastern Canada. The EHJV is one of a number of joint ventures set up to implement the policies of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP) an international agreement signed between the governments of Canada, the United States and Mexico.

The Municipal Wetland Stewardship Program focuses on increasing local awareness of the importance of the wetlands located within the jurisdiction of municipalities. Municipalities with significant wetlands are encouraged to sign stewardship agreements with the province thus pledging to protect the wetlands from adverse development. Eight other towns have signed stewardship agreements; Whitbourne, Carmanville, Come By Chance, Gander, Stephenville Crossing, Torbay, Bay Roberts and Spaniard's Bay. The Stewardship Association of Municipalities (SAM) was established to foster the exchange of ideas between the towns and to allow for joint funding proposals.

Contact:

Derek Osborne or Gerry Yetman, Eastern Habitat Venture Program, Forest Resources and Agrifoods, (709) 729-2547, Anna Buffinga Communications Forest Resources and Agrifoods (709) 729-3217