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New Brunswick Habitat Heroes Recognized as Ducks Unlimited Canada Celebrates 65 Years

Fredericton, New Brunswick, August 12, 2003—Philip Boucher looks over some of the last remaining salt marshes along New Brunswick’s Acadian Peninsula and he knows that because of his work, these critical wetland habitats are safe.

With funding from the New Brunswick Environmental Trust Fund, Boucher works with Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) to improve people’s understanding and protection of coastal wetlands. Over the past nine months, Boucher has worked tirelessly to secure more than 3,000 hectares (7,400acres) of wetland habitat. He has been contacting private landowners, governments and municipalities in the hopes of securing the protection of critical coastal habitat along the northeastern coast.

“Here, on the north shore of New Brunswick, we have what others want,” said Boucher, a 20-year DUC member. “We have salt marshes that are the most productive ecosystems on earth. Fostering an improved understanding and appreciation for the protection of coastal wetlands is in my heart. With every signature, I know there will be wildlife habitat secured for future generations.”

This year marks 65 years of conservation for DUC. In celebration of this anniversary, DUC is featuring the support of landowners who agree to save habitat that is critical to the survival of waterfowl and other wildlife. Ever since DUC started conserving habitat in 1938, it has recognized that people’s land use decisions influence the extent and quality of wildlife habitat. DUC’s habitat conservation programs for landowners are targeted to important waterfowl areas and designed to minimize habitat loss, maximize sustainability and reward landowners for adopting habitat friendly land uses.

“Conserved lands provide all of us with improved water quality, better protection from severe floods and droughts, mitigation of climate change and greater natural diversity in plants and animals,” says Andrew MacInnis, DUC program leader and habitat biologist. “These contribute to our enjoyment of the outdoors. They are the rewards landowners give us when they choose to conserve habitat on their land. Landowners in turn should be rewarded for practicing good stewardship if we wish to continue down a path of sustainable land use.”

Over 30 per cent of New Brunswick’s remaining salt marshes can be found along the Acadian Peninsula in an area stretching from Miramichi Bay to Caraquet. Preservation of these coastal wetlands is one of DUC’s highest priorities. Encouraging residents and tourists to embrace coastal wetland protection results in improved water quality that benefits fishing and seafood, and the majestic waterfowl and other wildlife that will be seen for generations to come.

Since DUC started working in Atlantic Canada, more than 1,400 landowners have voluntarily participated in its sustainable land use programs. To date, 18,571 hectares (45,892 acres) of habitat have been conserved in New Brunswick through DUC programs. DUC’s national landowner network is over 16,000 people strong and has conserved a total of 1.6 million hectares (4 million acres) of Canadian habitat. Ducks Unlimited Canada conserves, restores and manages wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people.