An innovative pilot project aimed at enhancing the natural environment around Island roads was officially launched today.
The Highway Naturalization Pilot Project is aimed at enhancing the natural environment around Island roads and rights-of-way through tree plantings and other related enhancement measures. In the first phase of the project, staff from the Department of Transportation and Public Works are providing tree planting services along the Arterial Highway utilizing design work supplied by CADC. The Highway Naturalization Pilot Project is a cooperative partnership of the Departments of Transportation and Public Works, Agriculture and Forestry, CADC, the Sir Andrew MacPhail Woodlot and the PEI Arbor Society.
"The Arterial Highway is one of the busiest sections of road in the province for both local and tourist traffic. By undertaking this pilot project, my department is hoping to address a number of environmental and community issues such as reducing sound pollution and improving the overall aesthetic of the highway in this area. The Highway Naturalization Pilot Project is another example of how government is developing effective community partnerships to respond to community needs," said Transportation and Public Works Minister Don MacKinnon in announcing the new project.
Staff at the J. Frank Gaudet Tree Nursery are supplying tree seedlings and training services for the Highway Naturalization Pilot Project with other selected stock being provided by the Sir Andrew MacPhail Woodlot. The tree seedlings being planted along the Arterial Highway are primarily native Island species such as Oak, Spruce, Pine, Maple and Hemlock varieties. Agriculture and Forestry Minister Mitch Murphy welcomed the new pilot project. "The Highway Naturalization Pilot Project is yet another way in which government is contributing to ongoing reforestation in the Province which helps improve overall air quality. My Department is pleased to be a partner in this effort," noted Murphy.
PEI Arbor Society president Catherine Hennessey also welcomed the launch of the Highway Naturalization Pilot Project. "We're very excited to see steps being taken to improve the appearance of the Arterial Highway and increase the number of trees in the City area, which is of considerable environmental benefit. We certainly welcome the support of the Province in that regard," said Hennessey.
Gary Schneider of the Sir Andrew MacPhail Woodlot noted that efforts to increase environmental enhancement around Island roadways were a recommendation of the Round Table on Resource Land Use and Stewardship. "I'm pleased to see efforts being made to address another recommendation of the Round Table in a way that will benefit both present and future generations of Islanders by increasing our native species stock," said Schneider.
Staff from the Department of Transportation and Public Works began planting trees along the Arterial Highway in late May, beginning at the Upton Road intersection. It's anticipated that a planting to the Malpeque Road intersection will be completed by the end of June. Future plantings along the Arterial Highway will be subject to availability of financial resources.