The Ontario Government announced it is investing up to $4.5 million to help protect and recover plants and animals in danger of disappearing in the province, including three projects in Hastings and Lennox and Addington counties.
In Greater Napanee, Wildlife Preservation Canada will implement a recovery strategy for the endangered Eastern Loggerhead Shrike, over three years with a grant of $269,471.
In Cloyne the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre will mitigate threats to at-risk turtle populations through rehibilitation, education, headstarting, field studies, research and data-sharing over three years with a grant of $522,000. Marmora in Hastings County is one of seven Ontario communities in which Natural Resource Solutions Inc. will support the recovery of at-risk butterflies over 3 years with a grant of $80,847.
Across the province, the Ontario Environment Ministry funding will be provided to non-profit organizations, Indigenous communities and other groups through the Species at Risk Stewardship Program for on-the-ground projects that help preserve species at risk and their habitats.
“Our area is known for its natural beauty and wildlife which makes it a magnet for tourism,” said Hastings-Lennox and Addington MPP Daryl Kramp. “These excellent investments recognize and fund the commitment of groups in our communities to sustain and preserve our surroundings, including at-risk birds, butterflies and turtles.”
“Our community partners play an important role in environmental stewardship,” Jeff Yurek, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks said in a release. “Through the Species at Risk Stewardship Program, we have funded over 1,100 local projects since 2007 that have helped protect and recover species at risk in Ontario. This on-the-ground work is extremely important to preserving the biodiversity of our province for future generations, and I am proud to continue this program.”
Applications for funding for the 2021-2022 Species at Risk Stewardship Program are now open. Individuals, communities and organizations have until 3 p.m. on Feb. 9, 2021 to apply.