News Release

The Government of Canada and Ducks Unlimited Canada Partner to Conserve Valuable Habitat in the Oyster River area of Vancouver Island

COURTENAY, B.C. -- February 2, 2011 -- The Honourable Peter Kent, Minister of the Environment, today announced that the Government of Canada is contributing $1.13 million towards the conservation of wetlands in the new Bear Creek Nature Park and Shelter Point Farms on Vancouver Island as part of its continued commitment to preserve Canada’s natural heritage. This achievement, made through Environment Canada’s Natural Areas Conservation Program (NACP) in partnership with Ducks Unlimited Canada, includes a $300,000 financial contribution from the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) and a generous property donation totalling $1.12 million from the Evans Family, for a total value of $3 million.

“Our investment in support of this worthy endeavour is an opportunity for us to take tangible steps towards conserving sensitive ecosystems and protecting migratory birds and species at risk for the benefit of present and future generations,” said Minister Kent. “We are delighted to support the good work of Ducks Unlimited to preserve and protect the rich biodiversity of the Bear Creek Park and Shelter Point Farms. We also commend the generosity of the Evans Family and the contributions of the Comox Valley Regional District.”

“It is rewarding that such a critical area on Vancouver Island will now be protected thanks to a very worthwhile effort. The Oyster River and its estuary are among the most important habitats for migratory birds and other wildlife on the BC coast,” said the Honorable John Duncan, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Island North and Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Metis and Non-Status Indians.

“Thanks to the Evans family and with financial support from the Government of Canada, the Comox Valley Regional District and many others, we have taken an important step to ensuring this farmland and wetland habitat remain an integral part of the Vancouver Island landscape and continue to provide agricultural and ecological value to the waterfowl, fish and other wildlife who find shelter here,” said Les Bogdan, provincial manager of Ducks Unlimited Canada.

The protected 210 hectares (518 acres) represent two properties on the Oyster River, near Courtenay, B.C. A conservation covenant on the Lower Oyster property (144 hectares) was purchased under the NACP and the Upper Oyster property (66 hectares) was donated to Ducks Unlimited Canada with a $300,000 cash contribution from the CVRD. These properties, now named the Bear Creek Nature Park and Shelter Point Farms, provide habitat for a variety of species at risk, and are used by a number of migrating and wintering waterfowl, including Trumpeter Swan, Mallard, American Wigeon, Great Blue Heron, Teal and Wood Duck.

The Government of Canada’s Natural Areas Conservation Program is an important on-the-ground initiative that takes real action to preserve Canada’s environment and conserve its precious natural heritage. As of July 2010, over 142,000 hectares of private land have been conserved, protecting habitat for more than 100 species at risk.

The Ecological Gifts Program, for which the Evans Family donation is eligible, complements other national initiatives, such as the Natural Areas Conservation Program and the Habitat Stewardship Program, by facilitating enhanced income tax benefits to Canadians who generously donate properties that protect ecologically sensitive land.

Related Document:

The Government of Canada Invests in Major Land Securement Project on Vancouver Island [Backgrounder 2011-02-02]

For more information, please contact:

Media Relations
Environment Canada
819-934-8008
1-888-908-8008

Environment Canada's Twitter page: http://twitter.com/environmentca

Environment Canada's Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/environmentcan