Main River Natural Areas Strategy receives funding

Budget 2001-2002 provided $130,000 to support the resource management activities for the Natural Areas Strategy for Main River.

"Government has worked diligently to obtain Canadian Heritage River Status for Main River, " said Kevin Aylward, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, whose department is responsible for natural areas. "This investment will allow for the development of the management plan for Main River to support the criteria necessary to secure this designation."

"The plan includes a stewardship agreement, a monitoring program and an annual public consultation process. This is one of the projects government has undertaken as part of a larger plan to secure and protect distinct ecological regions in the province."

The provincial government has made its proposal to the Canadian Heritage River Systems Board. The proposal emphasizes a balanced solution between continued forest harvesting and protection of the river, the pine marten and the old growth forest. Minister Aylward said his department is working closely with federal officials to ensure heritage designation by the federal Canadian Heritage Minister Sheila Copps.

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

2001 03 22               4:40 p.m.