ONTARIO, Can, Nov. 13, 2000 (Eastern Ontario AgriNews)—Wetlands are one of Ontario's most diverse and productive habitats. Wetlands are simply marshes, swamps, bogs or fens. Hundreds of plant and animal species depend on wetlands as do humans for quality water, flood control, economic products and recreation.
The Wetland Habitat Fund has been created to support and encourage land owners who conserve and enhance wetland habitat for wildlife. The Fund provides private land owners with financial assistance for projects that improve the ecological integrity of wetland habitats.
Wildlife Habitat Canada is a national not for profit organization based in Ottawa. Funds for conservation projects are generated through the Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp Program. Hunters of migratory waterfowl are required to purchase these conservation stamps when obtaining a Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit.
The Fund will favour project submissions with conservation plans that
- Contribute to the improvement or restoration of local wildlife habitat
- Address local wetland wildlife habitat issues
- Target specific wetland habitat issues but reflect the broader landscape ecology
- Lead to benefits that can be enjoyed either directly or indirectly by the general public
- Encourage partnerships and foster cooperation among landowners, interest groups and conservation agencies
- Provide evidence of permission from the landowners for any work proposed on private lands
Habitat projects that conform to the criteria may be eligible for funds to a maximum of 50% of the project cost or $5000 which ever is less. Projects of an exceptional nature may be funded with different ceilings.
Preference will be given to projects that use practical cost effective techniques to address habitat issues identified in a wetland conservation plan. Examples of techniques endorsed are: establishing, protecting or enhancing vegetative buffers around wetlands; building small water retention (control) structures; planting vegetation for wildlife; planting dense nesting cover plots; adding in wetland nesting sites; improving grassed waterways to control soil erosion into wetlands; restricting livestock access and alternative watering systems.
Applicants will complete a wetland conservation plan and an application form for funding. Applications are reviewed twice annually with deadline dates of July 31 and January 31.
© 2000 Etcetera Publications (Chesterville) Inc.
