Barrie, Ont., February 26, 2010—Work has begun to renew and preserve seven provincially-significant wetland conservation projects in Southern Ontario.  Ducks Unlimited Canada (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 including the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP).

These key wetlands are located all across southern Ontario and will be identified as regulatory approvals are received to allow work to begin.  Included in this priority list is Oshawa Second Marsh. Because of its urban setting, Oshawa Second Marsh is a visible example of a vitally important coastal wetland within a large urban centre. It is one of the last remaining coastal wetlands in the GTA and provides critical benefits to waterfowl and other wildlife as well as the millions of people that live in the GTA and surrounding areas.

Wetland projects at Kings Mill Conservation Area in Belleville, Brighton Provincial Wildlife Area, Point Petre Provincial Wildlife Area in Prince Edward County, Tiny Marsh and Matchedash Bay in Simcoe County and Hullett Marsh in Huron County have also received all the necessary approvals for restoration.

“Ducks Unlimited Canada maintains an extensive inventory of publicly-accessible wetland projects across Ontario,” said Jim Brennan, DUC’s Ontario Manager of Provincial Operations. “Partnerships with all levels of government have been critical to the conservation of Ontario wetlands. This important federal funding initiative enables DUC to repair and maintain vital wetland areas and is a major step forward to restoring biodiversity and preserving these natural heritage resources for Ontarians.”

In November, 2009, the federal government made a commitment of up to $3 million for wetland project renewal through the Southern Ontario Development Program delivered by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).  DUC is contributing an additional $1.3 million to this project, resulting in a $4.3 million investment in natural habitats that will benefit Ontario’s communities and the people that live there for years to come. These investments will help DUC repair infrastructure to maintain, protect and restore provincially-significant wetland projects throughout southern Ontario. The renovation and repair of wetlands will provide immediate economic stimulus to local communities through job creation, material procurement and project supervision.

Wetland protection is an investment in issues that Canadians care about: clean water, carbon sequestration and storage, air quality, erosion control and wildlife habitat. Wetlands also aid in times of weather fluctuations, helping to mitigate the effects of droughts, floods and climate change. In addition to the numerous direct benefits to the environment, wetlands provide beautiful natural areas for recreation year-round.

Ducks Unlimited Canada conserves, restores and manages wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people. DUC has been committed to wetland conservation for 70 years.

For more information, contact:

Lynette Mader, l_mader@ducks.ca
Marketing and Communications
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Tel: 705-721-4444