The Federal government has announced a new funding program that will help to preserve private lands for conservation purposes across the country.
It is called the Natural Heritage Conservation Program or NHCP.
The Nature Conservancy of Canada’s Paula Noel says this is a huge funding deal.
”We are very excited by the announcement with Environment and Climate Change Canada, a commitment to $100-million over the next four years invested in private land conservation in this country,” says Noel.
The NHCP is expected to conserve more than 200,000 hectares of land over four years.
NCC will oversee the program and will be working hard with other groups such as Ducks Unlimited Canada and Wildlife Habitat Canada to match the funding.
The NCC’s Program Director in Nova Scotia, Craig Smith, says matching funds could make it challenging.
“And, that’s why we ask everyone to consider making a contribution to the Nature Conservancy of Canada or one of its land conservation partners to help ensure that we can maximize the opportunity the Government of Canada has created here.”
However, Smith adds the new program will help them conserve more land faster and says that’s very important.
He says they are currently focusing on local areas including Tusket, Weymouth, and Port Joli and hopes this announcement will lead to further results in those locations.
Reported by: Nick Yorston
Twitter: @NickYorston
E-mail: yorston.nick@radioabl.ca
