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Landowners—Canada’s Habitat Heroes

16,000 landowners saving habitats for people and wildlife with Ducks Unlimited Canada

Oak Hammock Marsh, Man., August 12, 2003 — In celebration of 65 years of wetland conservation in Canada, Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is recognizing its habitat heroes—landowners who voluntarily participate in DUC habitat conservation programs to improve wildlife friendly habitat and the sustainability of land use. In each province across Canada, DUC is recognizing individuals who are part of a national network that is 16,000 landowners strong.

“The land-use decisions made by Canadian landowners will determine the success of wetland and wildlife conservation efforts in this country,” said Gord Edwards, DUC’s executive vice-president. Edwards’ first position with DUC 27 years ago saw him partnering with southern Alberta landowners on conservation projects. “By choosing to work with us, our partner landowners have made a conscious decision to use their land in a sustainable way and to be key players in the conservation of Canada’s natural areas.”

To date, DUC and its partner landowners have saved 1.6 million hectares (4 million acres) of land through management agreements, conservation easements and sustainable land use programs. That’s close to the size of Lake Ontario.

“We’ve tried to provide programs in Canada’s key waterfowl habitats that are both economically rewarding to landowners and environmentally rewarding in terms of habitat gains,” said Dr. Brian Gray, DUC’s national director of conservation programs. “The fact that so many landowners have voluntarily agreed to partner with our organization proves that sustainable land use is an attainable goal.”

Gray pointed out that the benefits of conserved lands far exceed improved habitat for wildlife. Conservation of wetlands and associated lands improves water quality and quantity, provides better protection from severe floods and droughts, mitigates climate change and offers greater natural diversity in plants and animals.

“Naturally functioning, healthy environments benefit all Canadians,” Gray said. “This is the reward that our landowners give us when they choose to conserve habitat on their land. Landowners in turn should be rewarded for practicing good stewardship. Indeed, landowner support is essential if Canada wishes to continue down a path of sustainable land use.”

Announcing the 65th anniversary Habitat Hero campaign is recently appointed national president of DUC, Jack Messer. Messer, a landowner himself, operates a grain farm near Tisdale, Sask.

“I believe that Canada’s private landowners recognize the role they play in conserving habitats that benefit society,” Messer said. “I join with the staff and partners of DUC to thank those who, on their own accord, have taken action to work with DUC to conserve their land.”

Landowner Profiles

The following individuals are being profiled through this campaign as provincial representatives of DUC’s national landowner network:

In British Columbia, DUC is profiling Abtar Singh, a farmer near Delta who was the first to sign an on-farm planning agreement with DUC that will see his agricultural lands managed for long-term sustainability.
In Alberta, Gordon Johnston of Stony Plain has agreed to keep his wetland for wildlife and looks forward to DUC’s support in preserving his land from future development.
In Saskatchewan, farmers like Tom Leader of Wadena are participating in an innovative tax credit program offered by DUC and two Rural Municipalities. Farmers receive payment for natural lands they own and agree to safeguard from other land use for the next year.
In Manitoba, Kendall Heise of Isabella is one of 35 hand-picked winter wheat growers in the province who are sharing their production expertise to encourage fellow landowners to grow wildlife friendly crops.
In Ontario, Judi Brouse with the District Municipality of Muskoka is being recognized for her work encouraging the DM to partner with DUC and others to map wetlands. From this map, wetlands can then be evaluated for Provincial Significance in an effort to better evaluate development proposals in this rapidly expanding summertime retreat area.
In Quebec, Allen Lafranchise of Aylmer continues to enjoy the wildlife in the wetland he worked with DUC to stabilize over 20 years ago. Lafranchise was one of the first landowners to partner with DUC in a wetland restoration project in the province.
In New Brunswick, Philip Boucher of Bas-Caraquet has encouraged 30 landowners to agree to conserve salt marshes along the Acadian Peninsula. He has also provided DUC-generated wetland maps to 11 municipalities in order to assist them in planning development.
In Nova Scotia, vegetable farmers Vernon and Neva Saunders of Aylesford now have an irrigation pond for the operation and three large ponds on marginal land with the assistance of the Province and DUC.
In Prince Edward Island, livestock owner John Sutherland of St. Peters Bay worked with DUC to restore small wetlands on his property. Sutherland wanted to do something for the environment and found a willing partner in DUC.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, Steve Way of Glovertown works with DUC and local citizens to place eider duck nest shelters along the rocky shoreline. These shelters protect eggs from gulls and ravens. Eider populations in Newfoundland and Labrador have seriously declined from as many as 150,000 breeding pairs to 12,000.

With representation in Canada, the United States and Mexico, Ducks Unlimited is North America’s leading private, charitable non-profit wetland conservation organization. Since 1938, Ducks Unlimited Canada has been conserving wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people.