Fisheries and Environment Minister, the Honourable Kevin J. MacAdam today advised the Legislature that Prince Edward Island has received a "B," the highest grade in the country, from the World Wildlife Fund Canada (WWF) for activities that protect natural areas. "Prince Edward Island has consistently scored well in this area, and Islanders should be proud of the progress made to date," said Mr. MacAdam.
Under the Endangered Spaces Program, Prince Edward Island has a goal to protect 7 percent of the Province by the Year 2000. Minister MacAdam stressed that the continued improvement in protecting PEI's natural areas is a testament to the interest and concern, not only of government, but of Island landowners. "Like all provinces PEI has constraints to overcome when dealing with this issue. Our main ones include the fact we have little Crown land and PEI is a heavily settled province. Despite these constraints we continue to make progress. I attribute this to the hard work and commitment of individual Islanders and organizations working in cooperation with government departments to protect natural areas," noted Minister MacAdam.
The Minister singled out the ongoing contribution of the Island Nature Trust to the Endangered Spaces Program. "Without their expertise, hard work and determination we would have a much more difficult time as we work toward achieving our goal of protecting 7 percent of the Province by the year 2000. Thank you to Kate MacQuarrie, Executive Director of the Island Nature Trust, her very capable staff and all the Trust volunteers," said Mr. MacAdam. The Minister also recognized the ongoing efforts of Rosemary Curley, the Natural Areas Coordinator in the Department of Fisheries and Environment. "The Technical Review Committee, chaired by Ms. Curley, provides the essential coordination and diligence required to ensure new protected areas are established in the province," said Minister MacAdam.
Cited in the WWF Report as activities that have significantly contributed to the high grade are 10 new sites recognized under the Natural Areas Protection Act, a proposal for a system of Provincial Forests, and work toward the creation of an expanded system of Wildlife Management Areas.
"Prince Edward Island has currently achieved a little over a third of our 7 percent goal. Despite having received the highest grade in Canada, we are aware there is still work to be done," noted Mr. MacAdam. "We will continue to work hard to achieve the 7% goal by the year 2000."