Vanderhoof, B.C., March 8, 2010—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. Ranching is common in the area and unmanaged use of the wetlands led to the need for conservation.

“Due to intense cattle grazing, the meadow has deteriorated, limiting its value as wildlife habitat,” says Bob Clark, B.C. provincial chair for DUC. “With on-the-ground assistance from the Vanderhoof Fish & Game Club, we plan to restore the site to a more natural state that will encourage the return of birds and other wildlife.”

Historically, DUC has been very active in and around Vanderhoof, having 15 conservation projects within a 50 km radius. Unfortunately, wetlands continue to be lost or degraded due to unmanaged agriculture and development. DUC’s purchase at Redmond Flats ensures this highly visible property will be restored to its former, productive state.

Over the long-term, the plan is to manage it as a natural wildlife reserve within the Municipality of Vanderhoof, incorporating agricultural use as well as educational opportunities.

For more information, contact:

 

Wendy Thatcher, w_thatcher@ducks.ca
Marketing and Communications
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Phone:  604-312-4632