Ten parcels of land encompassing 527 acres of wildlife habitat have been designated for inclusion in the province's Forest Hill Wildlife Management Area. Barry Hicken, Minister of Environmental Resources noted that this expansion includes one private property and crown lands recently secured through a donation by Newsco Investments Ltd. and acquisition through a wetland land conservation program, the Eastern Habitat Joint Venture.
The original designation of the Forest Hill Wildlife Management Area, made in 1985, included 1300 acres. Mr. Hicken noted that the expansion of the designated area supports the Department's efforts to identify crown lands that are particularly valued as wildlife habitat. The Forest Hill Wildlife Management area includes two of the province's largest freshwater wetlands, Whitlock's Pond and Doc's Marsh, and the associated watercourses. The remaining lands are in varying states of woodland succession.
Mr. Hicken noted that the area will continue to be managed to the benefit of wildlife and to provide public access to wildlife habitat. The site is already a popular area for such outdoor recreational pursuits as fishing, hunting, trapping, canoeing, bird watching, hiking, and snowmobiling .
In addition, Mr. Hicken noted, "the area will be supported by a management plan that will promote sustainable use and enjoyment. This designation demonstrates Government's commitment to manage fish and wildlife and their habitats to the benefit of public use and access, and to maintain biodiversity within the province now and in the future," concluded Mr. Hicken.
The additional acreage designated will also contribute to the World Wildlife Fund Endangered Spaces Program. The province has committed to protecting seven percent of its land by the year 2000 as part of this national effort.
Forest Hill Wildlife Management Area is designated under authority of the province's Fish & Game Protection Act.