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2010 Provincial News Releases

DUC supports peatlands conservation strategy

The importance of boreal peatlands is immense, especially when it comes to storing freshwater and carbon, and Ducks Unlimited Canada is hoping these significant areas will eventually be protected by the development of a peatlands conservation strategy for Manitoba.

DUC-supported researcher wins prestigious honours

Julie Labbé, a graduate student of the Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue, has been awarded one of the most prestigious awards a student in a Canadian educational institution can receive – the Governor General’s Academic Gold Medal for achieving the highest academic standing at a graduate level.

Producer group promotes sustainable agriculture practices

A group of volunteers dedicated to promoting sustainable agricultural practices is being recognized for their hard work with the 2010 Lieutenant Governor's Greenwing Conservation Award. His Honour the Honourable Dr. Gordon L. Barnhart, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, presented The North Moose Mountain Creek Agri-Environmental Group Plan Inc. (NMMC) with the award during a ceremony at Government House in Regina.

Help Ducks build a wetland education legacy with the click of a mouse

Vote in the Pepsi Refresh Project and give kids a natural place to get their feet wet.

Lieutenant-Governor visits local farm

Over the years, the Verstratens have had a lot of visitors to their Lorneville, NS, farm. The hosts of an annual antique tractor show, they traditionally have about 300-400 people visiting the 1000 acres they call home. Recently, the Verstratens hosted a very special guest: Nova Scotia’s Lieutenant-Governor, the Honourable Mayann E. Francis, decided to pay a visit.

Government and First Nation efforts to protect The Five Fish Lakes mark positive step towards conservation in the Northwest Territories

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) congratulates the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Honorable Bob McLeod, minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, for the decision to sponsor The Five Fish Lakes (also known as Łue Túé Sųlái) as a Candidate Cultural Conservation Area

Oak Hammock signs sister marsh agreement

Manitoba and Israel recently signed an agreement making Oak Hammock Marsh a sister marsh to the Hula Valley wetland in Israel. This new partnership agreement will link environmental experts working to preserve and enhance both the Hula Valley wetland and Oak Hammock Marsh.

Celebrating a major achievement in wetland conservation in Saskatchewan

Industry, government, and other guests were treated to a unique experience as they were virtually transported to the Lightning Creek landscape of Saskatchewan to experience wetland conservation first-hand. Thanks to a major contribution from Alliance Pipeline, Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) will be able to make a significant investment in this important area of Saskatchewan for waterfowl and other wildlife.

DUC honoured with Grand River Watershed Award

2010 Grand River Watershed Awards were recently presented to groups and individuals who have undertaken projects to enhance the natural environment in the Grand River watershed of southern Ontario. Ducks Unlimited Canada was recognized for its work over more than three decades to return lost wetland habitat to the watershed.

Nova Scotia conservation group honoured by Lieutenant Governor

The Honourable Mayann E. Francis, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, presented the Lieutenant Governor’s Greenwing Conservation Award to Friends of the Cornwallis River Society for their contribution to wetland conservation. The society is renowned for its dedication and commitment to the restoration and protection of the aquatic habitats of the Cornwallis River watershed.

Salt marsh restoration project launched in New Brunswick

Efforts are underway to use nature’s own habitat to protect stretches of agricultural lands close to the New Brunswick-Nova Scotia border from being eroded away by the Bay of Fundy tides.

Manitoba family honoured for conservation agreement on their land

The Johnson family of Elkhorn, Man. recently signed a conservation agreement with DUC, protecting 1,040 acres of habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife in perpetuity. An official dedication ceremony hosted by Tundra Oil and Gas Partnership and DUC celebrated this important project on the Johnsons’ bison ranch.

Olympic gold medalist Jon Montgomery teams up with Ducks Unlimited Canada

He’s a fast sliding, fast talking Canadian hero who’s stepping up to make a difference in the health of the environment by saving wetland habitat. Crowned an Olympic champion for his speed on the skeleton track, gold medalist Jon Montgomery will also be a champion for wetland conservation, sharing his gift of the gab at DUC’s upcoming fundraising dinner and auction in Calgary.

New report shows wetland loss in Ontario continues at an alarming rate

DUC has released a report indicating 72 per cent of southern Ontario’s large inland wetlands have been lost or converted to other land uses and this loss continues at an alarming rate. The decline to the wetland base has been most drastic in southwestern Ontario, parts of eastern Ontario, Niagara and the greater Toronto area.

DUC supports ECO’s call to protect Ontario’s wetlands

DUC supports Environment Commissioner Gord Millers’ call for comprehensive protection of Ontario’s wetlands and other critical natural heritage systems. DUC believes that increased protection for Ontario’s most vulnerable ecosystems through an integrated watershed management approach is crucial to stopping the alarming trend of continued wetland loss in Ontario.

Province expands Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park

The Alberta government is expanding one of its legacy parks to further preserve an internationally significant bird sanctuary. With the addition of 378 new hectares of land, Lois Hole Centennial Park, which honours Alberta's late Lieutenant Governor, will grow to nearly 1800 hectares in size. DUC will be building an interpretive wetland on the new park lands to educate visitors about the sensitive ecology in the area.

Cable Head couple honoured by Lieutenant Governor

Today at Government House, The Honourable Barbara A. Hagerman, Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island, presented the Lieutenant Governor’s Greenwing Conservation Award to Charles H. Perret and Gloria McKinnon Perret for their contribution to wetland conservation.

DUC urges participation in Alberta Land-use Framework public consultations

Development impacts on wetlands and water quality are key issues on the minds of Albertans these days. That’s why the public consultation sessions for the Alberta Land-Use Framework, Lower Athabasca Regional Plan (LARP), couldn’t have come at a better time. DUC encourages Albertans to voice their support for wetland conservation in the Lower Athabasca, a region experiencing rapid developmental growth.

Harris Conservation Project Dedication in honour of Yorkton conservationist

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) has officially dedicated the Harris Conservation Project in honour of Don Harris. This highly productive marshland is located on the edge of Yorkton and highly accessible to the public. Yorkton’s Don Harris has been a tireless volunteer for DUC.

Town of Kentville and DUC celebrate Miner’s Marsh

After many years of hard work, DUC and the Town of Kentville, N.S. are celebrating the grand opening of Miner’s Marsh. This project, funded by numerous community supporters, has resulted in a 1.5-kilometre walking trail, a new bridge, a viewing platform and interpretive signage. Now, visitors can get closer to see a broad variety of waterfowl and wildlife

Brian Burke hosts “Ducks on the Deck” in Saint John

Canada is proud to announce an exciting “Ducks on the Deck” event at the Saint John Ale House in Saint John, New Brunswick, on September 16, 2010.

Wetlands touted as a solution to Lake Winnipeg woes

DUC scientist Pascal Badiou explains the link between wetland loss and the blue-green algae blooms on Lake Winnipeg on CJOB radio’s Richard Cloutier Reports.

DUC urges participation in Manitoba Water Council’s public consultations on wetlands

July 29 - Manitoba

Water management and water quality issues are at the top of mind for many Manitobans these days and that’s why the Government of Manitoba announcing public consultations on wetlands couldn’t have come at a better time. This is the last chance for Manitobans to share their concerns about wetland loss in the province.

Kids and ducks benefit from Saskatoon Wildlife Federation’s conservation leadership

July 23 - Saskatchewan

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is pleased to announce a generous $10,000 donation from the Saskatoon Wildlife Federation (SWF). The cheque presention is a part of the SWF’s ongoing $100,000 commitment to DUC and the Hyde Wetlands in Saskatoon.

Conditions dry but ducks in B.C.’s Interior resilient

July 20 - British Columbia

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) biologists took to the skies in late April to survey duck, swan and goose populations for the year. Reports just released indicate waterfowl populations remain strong with a moderate two per cent increase over 2009 or an estimated total of half a million breeding waterfowl counted during the aerial survey across much of B.C.’s central Interior.

Pioneer in wetland education receives prestigious award

July 9 - British Columbia

Premier Gordon Campbell presented the Province of British Columbia and Ducks Unlimited Canada Conservation Award to Kamloops resident Dave Sharpe for his dedication and commitment to wetland conservation in his community, in particular his efforts in leading wetland education programs for B.C. youth.

Significant investment helps renew natural habitat in Simcoe County

June 23 - Ontario

Thanks to the generous financial support from the Government of Canada, DUC has conducted extensive wetland renovations within Simcoe County’s Tiny Marsh Provincial Wildlife Area and Matchedash Bay Provincial Wildlife Area in Ontario. Seven wetlands received investments totaling more than $600,000 to repair infrastructure that will sustain their health and productivity for many years to come.

Rewarding excellence in wetland conservation

June 14 - Prince Edward Island

With summer around the corner, it’s a perfect time to recognize Prince Edward Island’s wetland conservationists. DUC is looking for these people so they can be rewarded for their hard work with the P.E.I. 2010 Lieutenant Governor’s Greenwing Conservation Award.

RBC supports DUC wetland research in Saskatchewan

June 11 - Manitoba

DUC has been announced as RBC’s newest Blue Water Project partner and is receiving a RBC leadership grant of $400,000 over the next four years for research on water and wetland-related issues in Saskatchewan.

DUC supports public consultations on Manitoba wetlands

June 4 - Manitoba

Water management and water quality issues are at the top of mind for many Manitobans these days and that’s why the Government of Manitoba announcing public consultations on wetlands couldn’t have come at a better time. DUC encourages people to participate and ensure the development of a wetland policy that includes financial incentives for landowners to protect and restore wetlands across the province.

Completed Piper Pond a gift to the environment

June 1 - British Columbia

This Environment Week, DUC is proud to announce the completion of the Piper Pond wetland restoration project near Dawson Creek. Located among some of the most productive waterfowl and wildlife habitat in B.C., this gift to the local environment is made possible with support from Encana and the Piper family.

Special dedication honours Dr. George Merry’s commitment to conservation

May 28 - Ontario

Family and friends of Wolfe Island’s Dr. George Merry joined other special invited guests today at the highly visible Collins Creek wetland project at the corner of Highways 401 & 38 to take part in a special dedication event to honour Dr. Merry’s commitment and contribution to conservation.

Nova Scotia libraries first recipients of popular wetland educational resources

May 19 - Nova Scotia

For the first time in Canada, Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is providing popular environmental educational resources to public libraries.

CFB Gagetown signs 15-year conservation agreement

May 14 - New Brunswick

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.

Prince Edward Island makes major investment in wetland conservation

May 14 - Prince Edward Island

The Government of Prince Edward Island has taken a major step towards ensuring the sustainability of PEI’s most valued wetlands by investing $100,000 annually for three years towards the Wetland Sustainability Fund as part of the Atlantic Habitat Partnership Initiative, a partnership between the federal government, the Atlantic provincial governments and DUC.

Conservation Partners Working to Restore the Okanagan River

May 7 - British Columbia

The Nature Trust of BC and Ducks Unlimited Canada along with partners of the BC Trust for Public Lands and Habitat Stewardship Program are pleased to announce that 2.25 hectares on the banks of the Okanagan River near Oliver have been conserved as part of a restoration plan to restore original oxbows to the river.

Cariboo family transfers Disputed Lakes' water rights to Ducks

May 7 - British Columbia

Through the generosity of a local ranching family, the ducks in 100 Mile House have something to quack about. Last year the Doman family agreed to transfer their water rights for Disputed Lakes to Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) in order to preserve the area’s habitat for waterfowl and wildlife.

Regina’s Lewvan Interchange: economic growth and environmental conservation

April 28 - Saskatchewan

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) applauds the Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure for compensating for wetland loss during the construction of the Lewvan Interchange along the Trans-Canada Highway in south Regina.

Investing in wetlands along the shores of Lake St. Francis

April 27 - Ontario

As a result of financial support from the Government of Canada, Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) has been conducting extensive wetland renovations within the Charlottenburgh Marsh Conservation Area and the Cooper Marsh Conservation Area.

Ducks Unlimited Canada benefits from Quesnel family’s generosity

April 9 - British Columbia

Rick and Debbie Sales gave a very important gift to wetland conservation in the Cariboo last year – their land. Through Environment Canada’s Ecological Gifts Program, the Sales donated 40 acres of shoreline habitat on Dragon Lake to Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC).

Investing in Essex County’s wetlands

April 6 - Ontario

As a result of financial support from the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) and the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) has been conducting extensive renovations within Hillman Marsh Conservation Area, the beautiful and provincially significant area located along the northern shore of western Lake Erie, in Essex County.

Partnership helping DUC make conservation strides in Atlantic Canada

April 5

DUC is making important progress to protect and conserve provincially-significant wetlands across Atlantic Canada, thanks to the Atlantic Habitat Partnership Initiative (AHPI). To date, DUC has invested over one million dollars in wetland conservation projects impacting nearly 49,000 hectares in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, P.E.I. and in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Flowers Cove principal recognized with prestigious award

March 24 - Newfoundland and Labrador

Today, His Honour, the Honourable John C. Crosbie, The Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador, presented The Lieutenant Governor’s Greenwing Conservation Award to Geneva Woodward for her conservation and leadership efforts in her community.

Shell commits to conservation legacy in Alberta

March 22-Alberta

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is receiving some big funds for its Big Lake project. DUC is proud to be one of four recipients of the Shell Environmental Fund Major Grant. The $100,000 donation will support the John E. Poole Conservation Fund and Wetland Interpretive Site located adjacent to Big Lake, just north of Edmonton, Alberta.

DUC aims to restore Vanderhoof wetland

March 8—British Coumbia

Late in 2009 Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) purchased 93 acres of wet meadow and grassland near Redmond Pit. Located four kilometres west of Vanderhoof, the property, renamed Redmond Flats by Ducks Unlimited, is on the floodplain of Stoney Creek.

Work begins on conservation projects throughout Southern Ontario

February 26—Ontario

DUC is now undertaking a program of wetland project renewal and restoration made possible through an investment from the Government of Canada and the critical support of other partners. Work has begun to renew and preserve seven provincially-significant wetland conservation projects in Southern Ontario, including Oshawa Second Marsh, one of the last remaining coastal wetlands in the Greater Toronto Area.

Ducks Unlimited Canada delivers wetland education to the classroom

February 25—Saskatchewan

Swift Current students are learning about wetlands and wetland species thanks to a partnership between SaskPower and DUC. Through hands-on activities and interactive lessons, students and their teachers discover fascinating facts about an ecosystem that is just as vital and diverse as the rainforest, but is just outside their back door.

Ontario conservationist honoured, local landmark conserved

February 4—Ontario

Bill Mortlock has spent a good portion of his life gazing out upon southern Ontario’s Rice Lake and the surrounding wetland area known as Jubilee Point. But last fall, the familiar sights and sounds had a slightly different feel. DUC had purchased the Jubilee Point property to establish a special project to conserve the valuable habitat – and were dedicating the project in his honour.

Conservation is par for the course at Royal Ashburn

January 21—Ontario

Public places and green spaces can thrive together, thanks to conservation-minded organizations like the Royal Ashburn Golf Club near Whitby, Ont. The club recently unveiled a wetland on its grounds and hosted a successful fundraising golf tournament and dinner in support of DUC’s education program, Project Webfoot.