NLIS 3
April 12, 2000
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

The following statement was issued today by Kevin Aylward, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

National Wildlife Week - Provincial habitat conservation initiatives

I would like to bring to the attention of the house that this is National Wildlife Week (April 9-15). Accordingly, I would like to speak to initiatives in this province which are promoting the concepts of partnerships and stewardship in wildlife habitat conservation.

One of the shining programs pioneered in this province have been the stewardship programs which inform residents and corporations about the value of wildlife habitats in and around their homes and workplaces, and, encourage them to commit to conservation beyond that of normal legislative requirements. I am pleased to inform this house that the response to this initiative by Newfoundlanders and Labradorians has been so positive over the past 10 years that our stewardship programs are now being used as a model by other provinces. Newfoundland and Labrador is considered to be �on the cutting edge� of stewardship concepts in Canada.

The task of promoting wildlife conservation in this province has also been supported by municipalities, community organizations and the corporate community.

Several municipalities through the Eastern Habitat Joint Venture have entered into an agreement with government which sees them supporting a variety of stewardship initiatives aimed at habitat conservation. Included among these are Whitbourne, Spaniard�s Bay/Bay Roberts, Come by Chance, Gander, Carmanville, Grand Falls-Windsor, Stephenville Crossing, Winterland and Torbay.

I would also like to acknowledge important work being done by the Codroy Valley Area Development Association supporting stewardship practices being carried out in the Grand Codroy Estuary. Efforts here have resulted in 300 acres of islands and important marshlands being purchased for long term protection in this estuary. In addition, over 2,000 acres of other private lands surrounding the estuary have been signed voluntarily by the landowners for stewardship commitments. This area has been designated as a Wetland of International Importance; the only wetland in this province granted such a distinction.

We have promoted corporate stewardship agreements as well. For example, Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Limited came forward with the idea of an agreement in 1992 for the Birchy Basin area of the Upper Humber. This area has been identified by the Canadian Wildlife Service to be the most productive known waterfowl nesting area on the island. Such an initiative demonstrates their recognition and commitment to habitat conservation.

Important work is also being done in Labrador. For example, a total of 38 tiny islands have been identified as important nesting habitats for the common eider duck. Accordingly, these areas have been set aside by Crown land designation as areas to rebuild duck populations.

More wildlife conservation challenges are mounting every year. To meet these challenges, government is providing resources, where possible, to support these initiatives. Last year the Inland Fish and Wildlife Division was given a new senior biologist with expertise in habitat enhancement, stewardship and developing partnerships. One of our partners, Wildlife Habitat Canada, has provided two biologists to assist with our provincial programs. Starting next year we will be implementing a coastal stewardship program in Labrador for a variety of species including those which are endangered. Stewardship agreements are being pursued with more communities and municipalities as well.

We are convinced that stewardship of our wildlife resources has been progressive because the people of this province recognize that, in these times of economic growth and development, our natural heritage is an irreplaceable treasure which should be passed along in good condition to future generations. This is the essence of stewardship and the motivation for doing it.

These are challenging times for wildlife management and conservation. I am confident we are meeting this challenge. I assure the House that during this National Wildlife Week the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will continue to put every effort into protecting and conserving our natural heritage.

2000 04 12                                                         4:25 p.m.