HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA -- (Marketwire) -- 01/13/10 -- On behalf of Canada's Environment Minister, the Honourable Jim Prentice, Gerald Keddy, Parliamentary Secretary for International Trade and Member of Parliament for South Shore - St. Margaret's, today announced the Nature Conservancy of Canada's successful acquisition of the Atlantic Coastal Plain Project property, which is 3,668 acres (1,484 hectares) of land near Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. This project, securing ecologically-sensitive land, was acquired in part through funding from Environment Canada's Natural Areas Conservation Program, and is valued at over $4.5 million.

"With this significant financial investment in Nova Scotia from our Natural Areas Conservation Program, we are taking real action to protect and conserve our ecosystems and sensitive species for present and future generations. Some of the world's largest and least disturbed populations of Atlantic Coastal Plain Flora can be found here. We are committed to conserving biological diversity and to working with partners, such as the Nature Conservancy of Canada, to protect Canada's natural treasures," said Minister Prentice.

"Today's announcement shows our Government's commitment to conserving and protecting our environment for the benefit of all Canadians," said Mr. Keddy. "The lands of the Atlantic Coastal Plain Project will continue to provide a healthy habitat where species can thrive and survive.

"This announcement represents the largest private land conservation effort in Nova Scotia to date and is a prime example of what we can accomplish when we work together. The area will protect significant habitat for the Atlantic Coastal Plain Flora, which occur no where else in Canada," says John Lounds, President and CEO, of the Nature Conservancy of Canada.

The Atlantic Coastal Plain Project is located 30 kilometres north-east of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. This property represents an ecologically significant area that provides habitat to the red maple, black spruce, American Black Bear and Bobcat. Species at risk on the property include the Plymouth Gentian and the Long's Bulrush.

This property acquisition marks another achievement under the Government of Canada's $225-million Natural Areas Conservation Program. The 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. As of September 2009, under the Natural Areas Conservation Program over 302,880 acres (122, 576 hectares) have been secured, protecting habitat for over 79 species at risk. It is through the ongoing contributions from all donors that we can ensure the protection of natural areas in Canada.

For more information and to view a backgrounder on this announcement, please visit: www.ec.gc.ca.

Egalement offert en francais