With new signage going up at some of the province's wildlife management areas, Minister of Environment Chester Gillan hopes more Islanders will be encouraged to use these public lands to enjoy nature and wildlife.
In cooperation with communities and local conservation groups, the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment's Fish and Wildlife Division manages nine provincially-owned wildlife management areas. The lands total 5,023 hectares (12,412 acres) and include a variety of forest cover and fresh and salt water wetlands.
"Designating lands as wildlife management areas allows us to protect wildlife habitat for the benefit of both wildlife and people," said Minister Gillan. "By providing public access, we cultivate a greater appreciation of our rich natural resources in Prince Edward Island."
Current wildlife management areas include Dingwells Mills, Dromore, Forest Hill, Grovepine - Big Brook, Martinvale - Corraville, Mount Hope, Mount Stewart, Southampton, and St. Chrysostome. The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment works with community groups to develop management plans for these areas. While the ultimate goal is to enhance wildlife habitat, Minister Gillan said the plans also reflect community goals for recreation, and local eco-tourism opportunities.
The department has been working this past year with the Community of Mount Stewart to develop a management plan for the Mount Stewart Wildlife Management Area. Featuring diverse wetlands including salt marshes, dyked marshlands and fresh water ponds, the 477-acre site boasts a new gravel-base trail named Pigot's Trail, recognizing the previous longstanding ownership by the Jay and Pigot families and the special efforts of local conservationist Bruce Pigot. Pigot's Trail connects to the Confederation Trail and takes a route along Allisary Creek.
"The trail is a tremendous resource for eco-tourism. In addition to the scenic beauty, trail users can view many species of wildlife, and the area is particularly noted for its excellent birding," said Minister Gillan. "I know the community has been making good use of the property for a wide variety of recreational activities."
A project carried out this summer saw staff of the Fish and Wildlife Division and youth hired through Human Resources Development Canada remove garbage, enhance wildlife habitat, construct the trails and boardwalks, and erect boundary signage. In addition to the Community of Mount Stewart, the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment partnered with several other groups to develop the Mount Stewart Wildlife Management Area including the local community development committee, Ducks Unlimited Canada, the Department of Development and Technology and community volunteers.
A management plan is also in place for the Forest Hill Wildlife Management Area, and the department is working on a plan for the St. Chrysostome Wildlife Management Area with community residents as well as representatives from Holland College who use the site as a research and training area for students of the renewable resource management technology program.
For more information on any of the province's wildlife management areas, contact the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment at (902) 368-4683.