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CFB Gagetown signs 15-year conservation agreement
Fredericton, N.B., May 14, 2010—Canadian Forces Base Gagetown has signed a 15-year wetland stewardship agreement with Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) to restore and conserve hundreds of acres of wetlands on the base. Early last year the Department of National Defence (DND) and DUC signed a Memorandum of Understanding, with the intended result of sound management practices for protecting waterfowl habitat on DND land across the country.
CFB Gagetown has been working with Ducks Unlimited Canada for approximately six years on wetland related projects. DUC assisted in the development of the CFB Gagetown Wetlands Management Plan and has undertaken a priority wetland analysis for wetlands at CFB Gagetown. As well, DUC has assisted with waterfowl monitoring; and has partnered with the development of wetland sedimentation ponds in order to reduce sediment reaching watercourses during restoration of previously disturbed sites.
“When DUC staff were initially called to help with the wetland prioritization project at the base, we recognized an opportunity to form a strong long term partnership that would help us reach our conservation goals in New Brunswick,” says Deanne Meadus, Manager of Conservation Programs, DUC. Since then, 95 acres have been restored in wetlands with a high waterfowl value, providing safe breeding grounds and habitat for numerous wetland species. Plans are underway to restore approximately 30 acres of wetland this summer. Meadus also states “The leadership of Commander Pearson has grown the initial concept into a very successful model that we hope other Commanders will implement on DND lands across the country.”
“We, at CFB Gagetown, take great pride in our training area,” says Colonel Michael Pearson, Commander of CFB Gagetown. "We have recently been investing heavily in the conservation and restoration of the environment and it’s been through working with partners such as Ducks Unlimited Canada that we can continue to manage and sustain the rich levels of biodiversity within it.”
Meadus adds that “this partnership substantiates the importance of the Government of Canada’s role in setting a good example of stewardship through DND by conserving wetlands on property under their management.”
For more information, contact:
Krista Elliot, k_elliot@ducks.ca
Communications Coordinator
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Phone: 902-667-8726
