Environment and Climate Change
January 20, 2017
Caring for the Environment and Looking Toward the Future
Town of New-Wes-Valley Signs Agreement on the Conservation of Local Wetlands
The Town of New-Wes-Valley demonstrated its commitment to protecting valuable wetland habitat today by officially signing a new Municipal Habitat Stewardship Agreement with the Department of Environment and Climate Change. Signed by Derrick Bragg, MHA for Fogo Island-Cape Freels, on behalf of the Honourable Perry Trimper, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the agreement confirms a mutual commitment to the conservation of local wetlands and the wildlife supported by these important habitats.
“The protection and enhancement of this province's environment and management of wildlife, water, and parkland resources are vital to the preservation of Newfoundland and Labrador as an attractive place for residents, visitors, and newcomers. I congratulate the Town of New-Wes-Valley on signing this new Municipal Habitat Stewardship Agreement and for their commitment to the conservation of our wetlands. I also commend the other 36 communities who have signed the agreement for being a part of significant conservation efforts, ensuring that wildlife habitat – and wetlands in particular – are a part of municipal planning.”
- The Honourable Perry Trimper, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
The Municipal Habitat Stewardship Program, administered by the Department of Environment and Climate Change, is unique to Newfoundland and Labrador and was developed to encourage municipalities to recognize the value of wildlife habitat found in and near their municipal planning boundaries and then to accept a stewardship role in maintaining their integrity. The program provides an innovative approach to habitat conservation that recognizes and encourages local responsibility for the stewardship of natural resources, particularly those areas of importance to local wildlife populations.
“I am encouraged by the initiative that the New-Wes-Valley town council is demonstrating by seeking to conserve valuable wildlife habitat found right in the heart of the town. The attitudes and actions of local town councils and community members who share these areas with waterfowl and other wildlife play a vitally important role in the sustainability and conservation of the species that make their home there.”
- Derrick Bragg, MHA for Fogo Island-Cape Freels
The Municipal Stewardship Program serves as an important mechanism for protecting wildlife habitat located within municipal jurisdictions. In addition to New-Wes-Valley, 36 other municipalities have signed stewardship agreements. A full list of member communities can be found by visiting: www.env.gov.nl.ca/env/wildlife/stewardship/sam.html.
QUICK FACTS
- The Town of New-Wes-Valley demonstrated its commitment to protecting valuable wetland habitat today by officially signing a new Municipal Habitat Stewardship Agreement.
- Unique to Newfoundland and Labrador, the Municipal Stewardship Program was developed to encourage municipalities to recognize the value of wildlife habitat found in and near their municipal planning boundaries and then to accept a stewardship role in maintaining their integrity.
- In addition to New-Wes-Valley, 36 other municipalities have signed stewardship agreements. A full list of member communities can be found by visiting: www.env.gov.nl.ca/env/wildlife/stewardship/sam.html.
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Media contacts:
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Chrysta Collins Media Relations Manager Department of Environment and Climate Change 709-729-5783, 690-4436 chrystacollins@gov.nl.ca |
Dana Blackmore Constituency Assistant to Derrick Bragg MHA for Fogo Island-Cape Freels 709-536-2678 DanaBlackmore@gov.nl.ca |
2017 01 20 3:15 p.m.