The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment is seeking public input on a proposal to establish a new Wildlife Management Area in Portage.
Minister Chester Gillan said Wildlife Management Areas play an important role in protecting wildlife habitat and ensuring biodiversity conservation in the province.
"These properties allow us to conserve wildlife habitat for the benefit of both wildlife and people," the Minister said. "By providing public access to wildlife resources, we cultivate a greater appreciation of our natural resources."
The public meeting will be held at Foxley River Parish Hall Monday, April 2, beginning at 7:30 pm.
The proposed area encompasses 408 acres of land in West Prince. Primarily forested with Black Spruce, Aspen, Red Maple and Alder, the land also includes fresh water wetlands, some bog area and beaver flowage. The Confederation Trail runs through the property in one area allowing for public access for recreational opportunities.
"Designating the land as a Wildlife Management Area provides an opportunity to work with the community in the management of the site," added Minister Gillan.
The province currently has approximately 13,500 acres of land designated as Provincial Wildlife Management Areas. They are Mount Stewart, St. Chrysostome, Dingwells Mills, Martinvale-Corraville, Grovepine-Big Brook, Forest Hill, Dromore, Mount Hope, Southampton, and Glenfinnan.
The Wildlife Management Areas contribute to the government's commitment to protect seven percent of lands in the province as part of the World Wildlife Fund Endangered Spaces Challenge.
For further information on the proposed Wildlife Management Area in Portage or the April 2 public meeting, contact the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment, Fish and Wildlife Division, at 368-4683.