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Calgary Policy Plugs Wetland Loss Due to Urban Development 
Calgary, May 18, 2004 — Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) joined with Calgary’s city leaders today to celebrate the wetland conservation plan that was passed unanimously yesterday by City Council. This policy makes Calgary the first city in Canada to define priorities and best practices for wetland conservation.
To recognize the city’s environmental leadership, DUC chairman Mel Belich presented Calgary mayor Dave Bronconnier with a sculpture of a mallard hen and brood. The presentation took place at Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, a City Natural Area and Interpretive Centre where the City of Calgary and DUC work together to deliver wetland education to Calgarians.
“Today is a great day for wetland conservation in Calgary, and in Canada. We applaud the city for its progressive approach to balancing its need for growth with the need for environmental sustainability,” said Belich. “This new policy will ensure that wetlands’ environmental significance will be taken into consideration prior to development occurring. We’re pleased to see Calgary lead the conservation charge.”
DUC started working with the City of Calgary’s Parks in 1999 to map and classify existing wetlands and watersheds on the city's fringe. Wetlands and surrounding upland habitats provide essential wildlife habitat. They also serve as natural water filters that remove impurities from water before it flows downstream or into pipes that carry it to homes.
“It is estimated that we have lost as much as 90 per cent of Calgary's wetlands since pre-settlement times,” Bronconnier said. “Wetlands are a vital part of our open space system. They play a critical role in protecting our environment and providing for education and recreation in the City. The Wetland Conservation Plan will be an important tool to help protect important wetlands in a growing city.”
The timing of the announcement coincides with the opening of Ducks Unlimited’s international convention in Calgary. More than 1,200 Ducks Unlimited delegates from throughout North America will be in the city for the next five days.
The new wetland policy can be viewed at www.calgary.ca.
Since 1938, DUC (www.ducks.ca) has been conserving, restoring and managing wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people. To date in Alberta, DUC has conserved about 2.2 million acres of habitat and established 1,700 projects with the help of more than 5,200 landowners.
For more information:
Lauralou Cicierski, l_cicierski@ducks.ca
National Media and Public Relations Coordinator
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Tel: (204) 467-3252
Trish Ritthaler
Manger, Marketing & Communications
Prairie Region
cell: (780) 906-9935
Chris Manderson, chris.manderson@calgary.ca
Natural Parkland Management Specialist
City of Calgary Parks,
(403) 268-5212
