Prince George, British Columbia – Dick Harris, Member of Parliament for Cariboo-Prince George, on behalf of Canada’s Environment Minister, the Honourable Jim Prentice, today announced funding from the Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk. In total, $16,750 in federal funding will support environmental action focusing on and protection of species at risk and their habitats, helping to conserve Canada’s .

“As part of the International Year of Biodiversity, funding announced today will help protect and promote the recovery of the endangered Nechako white Sturgeon,” said Member of Parliament Dick Harris. “Education and outreach are essential components to assist species at risk and today’s funding will address their decline.”
“Community projects like the one announced today will help the declining species by working with the public, stakeholders, and First Nations communities,” said Minister Prentice. “Encouraging public engagement promoting awareness and actionable initiatives means these projects will help protect Canada’s rich biodiversity for generations to come. The Government of Canada is proud to support The Nechako White Sturgeon Recovery Initiative through the Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk.”

“We are very excited to receive today’s funding,” said Carla Wainwright of the Nechako White Sturgeon Recovery Initiative. “This contribution means our organization can continue to help the declining White Sturgeon species. Getting out into the community and spreading awareness will help us achieve our goals.” The goal of the Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk is to contribute to the recovery and protection of species listed as endangered, threatened or of special concern under the Species at Risk Act. 

National projects that will receive funding this year include stewardship actions to conserve habitat for plant species at risk, negotiations with to develop voluntary Land Care Agreements, targeted educational outreach to reduce the entanglement of species at risk in fishing gear, and enhancement of water quality and aquatic habitat on private lands to benefit aquatic species at risk.  They will be undertaken with many partners such as agricultural producers, private landowners, and commercial fishers.  These projects will benefit many species at risk, including the North Atlantic Right Whale, the Steller Sea Lion, the Swift Fox, and the Small White Leek.
       
The Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk administered by Environment Canada and managed cooperatively with Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Parks Canada Agency.

As we celebrate the International Year of Biodiversity, we encourage Canadians to seek opportunities this year to take action on biodiversity. Your actions, large or small, will help to protect the abundance and variety of life that is part of our natural heritage.

More information on the Species at Risk Act and the Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk can be found on the Internet at: www.sararegistry.gc.ca or http://www.ec.gc.ca/hsp-pih/default.asp?lang=En&n=59BF488F-1