By Cecilia Nasmith
Northumberland-Peterborough South MPP David Piccini was joined in Baltimore Tuesday morning by Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Jeff Yurek for the announcement of a four-year $20-million investment in the Greenlands Conservation Partnership to help secure land of ecological importance and promote healthy natural spaces – in Northumberland County and across the province.
This funding will enable the Nature Conservancy of Canada and the Ontario Land Trust Alliance to conserve, restore and manage such natural areas as wetlands, grasslands and forests. These projects will help mitigate the effects of climate change while increasing the number of conserved natural spaces for all to enjoy.
One project that will receive support is the Rice Lake Plains initiative to foster the return of native grasses and wildflowers, along with native species including grassland birds and insects.
“Now more than ever, it's important that government and our partners step up our conservation efforts, given the worsening impacts of climate change,” Piccini said in the press release.
“The Conservation Partnership investments will play an important role in preserving our natural diversity by conserving ecologically important natural areas, including right here in Northumberland County.”
The Nature Conservancy of Canada and the Ontario Land Trust Alliance will get a boost to the important work they are doing in Ontario to protect the environment and safeguard the province's lands and water, as they can use private donations and funds from other non-provincial sources to match the $20-million provincial investment to secure new privately owned natural areas in order to restore and manage this acreage.
This expansion of green space not only helps preserve the environment, Yurek commented, but also promotes such physical activities as hiking and improving our mental health. He predicted the investment will leave a magnificent legacy for future generations.
Nature Conservancy of Canada Regional Vice-President for Ontario Mike Hendren said his organization is pleased to work with the Government of Ontario and the other partners and donors that are ensuring the province's special places are protected and conserved.
“Through this partnership, we are helping to ensure the province's natural areas remain a home for wildlife, a haven for recreation and a vital resource that cleans the air we breathe and the water we drink,” Hendren said.
“This support will provide real measurable benefits to highly sensitive, highly biodiverse threatened habitats and ecosystems such as those found in Southern Ontario,” Ontario Land Trust Alliance Alison Howson added.
“The support shown by the province will help to provide big wins for nature, and community connection to nature, across Ontario.”
