Island Nature Trust to use $600,000 from Ottawa for land protection

The forest habitat to be protected is home to 13 endangered bird species.

The Island Nature Trust (INT) will soon be receiving funding from the federal government to assist in its land protection work.

The trust will receive $600,000 from Ottawa through the federal government's $27 million Enhanced Nature Legacy, which is funding 67 projects across Canada.

The forest habitat to be protected is home to 13 endangered bird species.

With the funding secure, work can now be carried out to set up protective measures for these birds, including regular maintenance of the sites and longer lasting natural infrastructure. It also helps to meet the trust's goal of preserving 10 per cent of the province of P.E.I.

The funding will mean that INT can provide resources and support to private landowners looking to protect their land, while enhancing potential to acquire and protect ecologically sensitive land for the benefit of both the public and wildlife, said Bianca Mcgregor, executive director for INT said in a federal news release on Nov. 25.

“With the effects of biodiversity loss and climate change now plain for all to see, we are supportive of the Government of Canada’s meaningful stance on protecting biodiversity and habitat for species at risk,” she said.

The initiative to protect species at risk is also giving funds to the Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action and the Abegweit Conservation Society.

"P.E.I. has diverse wildlife and a vibrant natural landscape. It is vital that we protect and preserve it for generations to come," said P.E.I. MP Heath Macdonald in the same release.