Ontario Partnering with ALUS Canada to Protect Species at Risk in Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston

Provincial investment helping recover at-risk species and their habitats

NEWS                                                                                                  August 21, 2023

Smiths Falls — The Ontario government is providing a total of $283,352, through the Species at Risk Stewardship program, to the Canadian Wildlife Federation in Lanark and Frontenac counties and the City of Kingston to assist in preserving and protecting turtle populations.

Monte McNaughton, MPP for MPP for Lambton—Kent—Middlesex and Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, was joined by David Piccini, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks at the Crump Family Farm to make the announcement.

“The Species at Risk Stewardship Program promotes strong environmental stewardship by providing funding for species at risk, protection and research,” said MPP John Jordan, Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston. “We thank the dedicated individuals, communities and groups across the province that work diligently to conserve Ontario’s wildlife and habitats.”

As part of the Species at Risk Stewardship Program, since 2015 Ontario has provided $2,289,554 to support ALUS Canada in their important work to produce, enhance and maintain ecosystem services on agricultural lands. The new funding builds on this longstanding support and investment. This is one of many on-the-ground projects, funded through the Species at Risk Stewardship Program, that benefit a wide diversity of species at risk and their habitats across the province, including plants, insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles and birds. 

“Everyday, dedicated local and community organizations across Ontario demonstrate their commitment to protecting and recovering plants, insects, animals and their habitats,” said Minister Piccini. “Our government is proud to partner with grassroots organizations across the province to make a real impact. The 2023-24 projects continue Ontario’s track record of strong environmental stewardship and preserving the rich biodiversity of our province for future generations.”

Just over $63,000 will assist the Canadian Wildlife Federation with projects in eastern Ontario, including Lanark and Frontenac counties. The funding will go toward increasing habitat protection and improving reproductive success of Blanding’s Turtles, while $220,000 will assist the City of Kingston in turtle crossing mitigation measures, including road-side exclusion fencing.

MPP John Jordan Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston

613-284-1630

www.johnjordanmpp.ca

Facebook: John Jordan, MPP Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston

Twitter: @johnjordan_lfk