The Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Environment and Conservation, together with MHA Felix Collins and Whitbourne Mayor Lloyd Gosse, were in Whitbourne today for the launch of an initiative to enhance the habitat of the Common Goldeneye waterfowl species.

The Common Goldeneye Nest Project, administered by the Eastern Habitat Joint Venture under the Wildlife Division, focuses on the natural value of wetland areas in the region and encourages public participation and action in the protection of wetland habitat. The project involves seven wetland stewardship communities across the province distributing and installing a total of 300 Common Goldeneye nest boxes.

The history of the Wetland Stewardship Program dates back to 1986 when North American waterfowl populations were recognized as being at an all-time low. In response, the governments of Canada and the United States signed the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP), with the goal of returning waterfowl populations to levels of the 1970s through active conservation and management of wetland and associated upland habitat. The Common Goldeneye Nest Project is designed to help increase waterfowl populations in this province.

Community members assume ownership of the nest boxes in their area and follow the progress of the Common Goldeneye hen and, hopefully, her brood. Monitoring information is collected to give an overall sense of nest box usage and whether or not nest boxes are an effective habitat enhancement.

"Distribution and installation of these nest boxes is being made possible by the volunteer involvement of committed community interest groups, town council members and members of the general public," said Minister Johnson. "Additionally, community members will follow up the installations by monitoring nest box occupancy. These individuals and groups continue to demonstrate a keen interest in enhancing wetland and upland habitat for cavity dwelling waterfowl like the Common Goldeneye, an important migratory game bird in the province."

"Congratulations to the Town of Whitbourne for taking part in the distribution and installation of nesting boxes," said Felix Collins, Placentia-St. Mary�s MHA . "It is impressive to see the people of Whitbourne take action to ensure the natural wetland habitat areas are protected. I encourage other communities to get involved as this program draws its strength from the commitment made by municipalities."

The Municipal Wetland Stewardship program is a unique, locally-developed approach to wetland and waterfowl conservation and is recognized internationally as an innovative and successful conservation program. The program draws its strength from the commitments made by individual municipalities to conserving wetlands and waterfowl across the province.

The Eastern Habitat Joint Venture is a partnership among the Department of Environment and Conservation, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service, Wildlife Habitat Canada and the Nature Conservancy of Canada.

- 30 -