News Release

Government of Canada and Nature Conservancy of Canada conserve valuable habitat on the southwest coast of Newfoundland

ST. GEORGE’S, N.L. -- June 22, 2011 -- Canada’s Minister of the Environment, the Honourable Peter Kent, today announced the Nature Conservancy of Canada's successful acquisition of three properties totalling approximately six hectares on Sandy Point, an island near the Town of St. George’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. These projects were secured in part with funding from Environment Canada's Natural Areas Conservation Program.

“This acquisition marks another achievement under our government's Natural Areas Conservation Program. With this investment, we are taking real action to protect and conserve our ecosystems and sensitive species for present and future generations,” said Minister Kent. “Your actions today will help to protect the abundance and variety of life that will constitute an integral part of our natural heritage tomorrow.”

These properties are part of the Southwest Newfoundland Natural Area, one of the most unique and diverse natural regions in the province. The sandy beaches and dunes also provide habitat for the endangered Piping Plover. Migratory birds such as Canada Geese and Blue-Winged Teal can also be found here, along with the first North American record for Black-headed Gull and the first provincial record for Willet. Sandy Point is also home to 11 rare plants all on Nature Conservancy of Canada's properties.

“Each of these properties is important to protect the fragile and uncommon beach and dune habitat,” said Linda Stephenson, Nature Conservancy of Canada’s Regional Vice President for Atlantic Canada. “These acquisitions bring the number of protected Sandy Point properties to 9, for a total of over 28 hectares”.

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 December 2010, the Natural Areas Conservation Program has protected 151,278 hectares of habitat, which includes habitat for 101 species at risk.

Related Document:

Natural Areas Conservation Program [Backgrounder 2011-06-22]

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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