Province allocates $500,000 to species at risk

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Two organizations with roots in Norfolk County have received funding from the Species at Risk Stewardship Fund.

ALUS Canada will receive $385,200 to work with farmers and local community partners to create, enhance, restore and manage on-the-ground habitat conservation projects. The national charitable organization promotes the concept farmers can use their land in an alternative way to benefit the ecosystem.

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Province allocates $500,000 to species at risk Back to video

“We are pleased to receive this important support that recognizes the important role that farmers are able to provide in creating, managing and maintaining habitat important for species in Ontario,” Bryan Gilvesy, CEO of ALUS Canada, said in a press release.

Birds Canada, formerly known as Bird Studies Canada, will receive funding for two projects. There is $71,825 allotted to implement and evaluate habitat stewardship and mitigation techniques for at-risk insect-eating birds.

“Southern Ontario is home to some of the greatest diversity of birds and other wildlife in Canada,” Steven Price, president of Birds Canada, said in the release. “These provincial funds help us advise and encourage landowners who are keen to conserve their valuable forests, wetlands and grasslands.”

The second Birds Canada project will fund innovative approaches to increase stewardship and improve conservation for Southwestern Ontario’s most at-risk bird and trees species and the forest ecosystems on which they depend. A maximum of $62,900 was allocated to this project.

“The north shore of Lake Erie is prevalent with for at-risk species,” said Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett. “It is appropriate that more than a half-million dollars is being allocated to this area through the Species At Risk Stewardship Fund.”

The fund was created under the provincial Endangered Species Act as a way to proactively and collaboratively protect and recover Ontario’s species at risk, said the release. Money is provided to communities, organizations, landowners, Aboriginal communities/groups, industry and academics across Ontario to implement activities that benefit species at risk and their habitats.