NLIS 6
September 5, 2001 
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)
 

Municipal Stewardship Agreement signed with the Town of Springdale

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, announced the signing yesterday of a Municipal Stewardship Agreement with the Town of Springdale.

"In partnership with the Eastern Habitat Joint Venture, the Town of Springdale has agreed to responsibly manage the wetlands in this area," said Minister Aylward. "The signing of this agreement joins Springdale with an international network of communities working together to protect North American wetlands and the wildlife that depend on them. As a cultural value, wetlands have their own unique identity which is tied to the local area through folklore and traditional usage."

The Eastern Habitat Joint Venture concentrates on habitat conservation in the six eastern provinces of Canada, and its goals are to immediately secure, enhance and restore important wetlands. It does this through partnerships between communities, governments, landowners and businesses. Through its Municipal Stewardship Program, the Newfoundland and Labrador chapter of the Eastern Habitat Joint Venture works with communities to conserve important wetlands within our province.

As a result of this agreement, Springdale will act as a steward of all wetlands within its boundaries, including Indian Brook Arm Estuary, and its bordering wetlands, Lower Burnt Berry Bog and Upper Berry Bog. The signing of this agreement joins Springdale with an international network of communities working together to protect North American wetlands and the wildlife that depend on them.

The staff of the Eastern Habitat Joint Venture will start to prepare a habitat management plan specific for Springdale now that a Municipal Stewardship Agreement has been signed. This plan will provide detailed inventories of wildlife located within the protected areas, as well as give recommendations and advice for protecting and enhancing the wetland habitats.

Media contact: Catherina Kennedy, Communications, (709) 729-0928.

2001 09 05                                          2:00 p.m.