Harper Government Creating Opportunities for Canadians to Connect with Nature at Alaksen National Wildlife Area

DELTA, BC, Nov. 12, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, P.C., Q.C., Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for Delta—Richmond East , announced today that the Government of Canada is improving public access to the Alaksen National Wildlife Area. 

The Government of Canada will be investing a total of $8 million over five years and $725,000 on an ongoing basis in 10 National Wildlife Areas across Canada that have been selected as suitable for increased public access. Consultations are currently underway. This initiative plays an important part in the National Conservation Plan, which was launched by Prime Minister Stephen Harper earlier this year.

Funding will focus on connecting Canadians to nature by: improving basic infrastructure to make sites more accessible; creating new or expanded trails and viewing platforms; providing on-site programs delivered through collaborative partnerships, and supporting a variety of low-impact public uses, such as hiking, canoeing, kayaking, skiing, snowshoeing, or wildlife observation and photography.

The Alaksen National Wildlife Area is located on Delta's Westham Island, where it overlaps with the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary. Alaksen is recognized as an important migration stop-over and wintering area for large numbers of migratory birds. In fact, the area was the first part of the Fraser River estuary to be recognized as a wetland of international importance because of the number and variety of birds and wildlife that occur within its boundaries.

Quick Facts

• A key pillar of Canada's new National Conservation Plan is to connect Canadians with nature.
• Since 2006, we have added an area nearly twice the size of Vancouver Island to the network of federal protected areas. This includes establishing 3 National Wildlife Areas, bringing the total to 54 across Canada.
• National Wildlife Areas are owned by the federal government and are an effective tool for promoting biodiversity and protecting habitat for species at risk.
• More than half of the National Wildlife Areas provide a home for species at risk.
• The Great Blue Heron, Western Painted Turtle, and Barn Owl are just a few of the threatened species that make Alaksen's 299 hectares home.
• In the fall, thousands of snow geese use the Alaksen National Wildlife Area as a stop on their migratory route.

Quotes
"Our Government is committed to connecting Canadians to our country's rich, natural heritage. This initiative plays an important part in our Government's National Conservation Plan. By providing Canadians the opportunities to experience nature, we will foster an appreciation for the outdoors and build a 'community of stewards' among Canadians of all ages."

– The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council.

"The National Conservation Plan represents our Government's commitment to conserve and restore Canada's lands and waters while connecting Canadian families to our natural spaces. Improvements to the Alaksen National Wildlife Area will enhance public access while protecting this area's unique natural heritage."

 – The Honourable Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for Delta—Richmond East

Related Product
For more information and to view a backgrounder on this announcement, please visit the Web site of Environment Canada.

Associated Link
Learn more about the National Conservation Plan.

SOURCE: Environment Canada

Ted Laking, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of the Environment, 819-997-1441; Media Relations, Environment Canada, 819-934-8008, Environment Canada's Twitter page, Environment Canada's Facebook page