Government of Canada Partners With Nature Conservancy of Canada to Preserve Bayer’s Island
Published June 24th, 2009
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Defence and Minister of Atlantic Gateway, on behalf of the Minister of the Environment, the Honourable Jim Prentice, today joined representatives from the Nature Conservancy of Canada to announce the future conservation of 31 hectares of important land on Bayer’s Island, located within Musqodoboit Harbour about 30 kilometres northeast of Halifax. The purchase marks another achievement under the Government of Canada’s $225-million Natural Areas Conservation Program.
“The Government of Canada is proud of the results achieved through the Natural Areas Conservation Program since its inception two years ago, because they greatly benefit our country’s biodiversity,” said Minister Prentice. “Prime Minister Harper announced the creation of a partnership with non-government conservation organizations such as the Nature Conservancy of Canada in 2007. Today, as part of this partnership, we celebrate yet another important conservation project that will continue to provide a vital home for species such as osprey, bald eagles and great blue herons.”
Situated off the eastern tip of Martinique Beach, Bayers Island is a continuation of the Beach’s tidal, cobble beach and dune habitat complex. The Island’s coastal forest of spruce and balsam fir is ideal for bird species such as osprey, bald eagle and great blue heron, while its surrounding mudflats and eelgrass beds support vast numbers of staging waterfowl.
“Today’s announcement is just one more example of how our Government is taking real action to protect Canada’s natural treasures with the help of partners like the Nature Conservancy of Canada,” said Minister MacKay. “The lands of Bayer’s Island will continue to provide a healthy habitat where species can thrive.”
The Government’s Natural Areas Conservation Program is an important on-the-ground initiative that takes real action to preserve Canada’s environment and conserve its precious natural heritage for present and future generations. Since its inception in 2007, the Program has allowed the conservation of over 336 properties totalling 103 hectares, protecting habitat for over 74 species at risk.
