In recognition of Earth Day, the Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment has announced the designation of seven parcels of land as natural areas under the Natural Areas Protection Act.
"This designation is an important means of protecting both rare and diverse Island habitats for the benefit of Islanders today and for future generations," Minister Gillan said in making the announcement in the Legislature today.
The designation includes provincially-owned properties in Malpeque, St. Chrysostome, Coleman, and Roseville; as well as a parcel of land on Morell River, owned by James and Barbara Munves, long-time supporters of conservation in Prince Edward Island; and property in Nail Pond owned by Island Nature Trust, which is well-known for its dedication to protection and management of Natural Areas.
The properties include woodland, sand dunes, cliffs, marshland and riparian areas.
"This new designation of 310 acres of land brings the total designation under the Natural Areas Protection Act to 15,172 acres," said Minister Gillan. "This is another step in our commitment to protect seven percent of lands in the province as part of the World Wildlife Fund's Endangered Spaces Challenge."
The Minister reminded Islanders that they can help protect Prince Edward Island's natural heritage through the designation of land under the Natural Areas Protection Act.
"This is one significant means by which Island citizens contribute to protecting our environment. As Earth Day approaches, I invite Islanders to take this opportunity to reflect on other actions they can take throughout the year to help make every day Earth Day," said Minister Gillan.
For information on designating land under the Natural Areas Protection Act, contact the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment at 368-4807.
BACKGROUNDER on the newly-designated Natural Areas:
Morell River - The 52-acre property, owned by James and Barbara Munves, consists of coniferous woodland, regenerating old fields (formerly wet pasture) and riparian area. It will be recognized as the Barbara P. Parsons Natural Area.
Nail Pond - Owned by the Island Nature Trust, this 100-acre parcel of land consists of dunes and marsh.
Malpeque - The property consists of salt marsh with a woodland buffer and some bog. It is 58.7 acres.
St. Chrysostome - This 21.7-acre property contains an extensive stand of Eastern White Cedar, as well as wetland and coastal scrubland.
Coleman - The property consists of 21.1 acres of woodland and riparian area as core and seven acres of wet pasture which is buffer to the core natural area.
Roseville - There are two separate properties, totalling 56.3 acres. They are recognized for the high cliffs and also form the boundary of Roseville (Little Miminegash) Pond.