The Department of Environment and Conservation, in partnership with the Western Newfoundland Model Forest, will hold a provincial Species at Risk Stewardship and Education Working Group workshop in St. John�s this week, on October 25-26.

"Stewardship programs developed by the department have been recognized internationally as innovative and successful, and are being used as models for current activities related to the recovery of species at risk," said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Environment and Conservation. "My department is responsible for the administration of the Endangered Species Act; however, we all have a responsibility to conserve our natural heritage. The Provincial Government needs the support of local stewards to ensure that species do not become at risk and that recovery plans are in place for those that are at risk."

The working group consists of stewardship practitioners and representatives from various non-government conservation organizations, and federal and provincial government agencies that have programs directed towards the recovery of species at risk. The workshop agenda includes sessions about Aboriginal involvement in species at risk stewardship and education, partnership and funding opportunities, and working with the media to effectively deliver messages to the public.

The workshop will provide an opportunity for persons involved in species at risk stewardship and education to present updates on their activities, review progress, address common issues and concerns, and share ideas on how to move forward as a group in the future.

The minister also acknowledged two community stewards attending the workshop. "I would like to congratulate Neil Dollard and Terrance Downey, both of Stephenville Crossing, who are recipients of the Lieutenant Governor�s Greenwing Conservation Award," said Minister Jackman. "Mr. Dollard and Mr. Downey have a long history of supporting wetland stewardship, and are also champions for the endangered piping plover that nest on the beaches within their community."

The Greenwing Conservation Award is an annual award sponsored by Ducks Unlimited that recognizes the efforts of those who champion the conservation of Newfoundland and Labrador�s wetlands.

The public is invited to attend an open house on Thursday, October 25, at the Fluvarium (Nagle�s Place, St John�s) from 7:30 - 9:30 p.m., to view displays about various programs and activities taking place throughout the province. Workshop participants will be available to discuss their programs. Angelina Payne, an interpreter from Gros Morne National Park, will perform the program "Stayin Alive" at 7:30 p.m. This program includes songs, stories and skits about species at risk that need help, and answers questions like: what is being done, how you can help, and how disco has helped.

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