News Release

Harper Government and Nature Conservancy of Canada Conserve Valuable Habitat in East Kootenay, British Columbia

SPARWOOD, B.C. -- September 13, 2011 -- David Wilks, Member of Parliament for Kootenay-Columbia, today announced on behalf of Canada’s Environment Minister, the Honourable Peter Kent, the Nature Conservancy of Canada's successful acquisition of the Marion Creek Benchlands, 204 hectares of land between the towns of Fairmont Hot Springs and Canal Flats, British Columbia. The project was secured in part with funding from Environment Canada's Natural Areas Conservation Program.

“This acquisition marks another achievement under our government's commitment to conservation. We continue to take real action to protect our ecosystems and sensitive species for generations to come,” said Minister Kent.

“We are pleased to be working with dedicated partners, such as the Nature Conservancy of Canada, for the long-term conservation of the biological diversity of Canada's natural treasures,” said the MP Wilks. “The Marion Creek Benchlands property represent ecologically significant areas that provide habitat for several rare and endangered species, including the Badger and White-scaled Sedge.”

The Marion Creek Benchlands is made up of mixed forest and grassland west of Columbia Lake and it contains ecologically-sensitive native grasslands and wetlands. The property borders three conservation properties, including: the NCC Thunderhill Ranch covenant; the NCC Thunderhill Ranch Conservation Area; and the Nature Trust's Columbia Lake West Property.

“It is so rewarding to complete this project which bridges two existing conservation areas, one owned by Nature Conservancy of Canada and one owned by the Nature Trust of BC. By linking these properties, we are creating an unbroken natural corridor that spans more than 30 square kilometres and contributes to a conservation legacy of provincial significance,” said Linda Hannah, the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s Regional Vice President for British Columbia.

The Government of Canada's $225-million 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 for present and future generations. It is through the ongoing contribution from all donors that we can ensure the protection of natural areas in Canada. As of March 2011, the Natural Areas Conservation Program has protected 160,796 hectares, almost three times the size of Quebec City, which includes habitats for 101 species at risk.

Related document:

Natural Areas Conservation Program [Backgrounder 2011-06-20]

For more information, please see the attached backgrounder or contact:

Melissa Lantsman
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441

Media Relations
Environment Canada
819-934-8008

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