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Over $870,000 Going To Local Projects To Protect At-Risk Species

Three projects in Hastings-Lennox and Addington counties are receiving a big boost from the provincial government. 

On Wednesday, the Ontario government announced it is investing up to $4.5 million to help protect and recover plants and animals in danger of disappearing in the province.

The funding will be given to non-profit organizations, Indigenous communities and other groups through the Species at Risk Stewardship Program for projects that help preserve at risk species and their habitats.

“Our area is known for its natural beauty and wildlife which makes it a magnet for tourism,” MPP Daryl Kramp said. “These excellent investments recognize and fund the commitment of groups in our communities to sustain and preserve our surroundings, including at-risk birds, butterflies and turtles.”

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In 2020-21, over 80 projects have been approved for funding through the program.

Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Jeff Yurek says the province’s community partners play a pivotal role in ensuring the environment is protected. 

“Through the Species at Risk Stewardship Program, we have funded over 1,100 local projects since 2007 that have helped protect and recover species at risk in Ontario,” Yurek said. “This on-the-ground work is extremely important to preserving the biodiversity of our province for future generations, and I am proud to continue this program.”

Here is how the money will be spread through the community: 

  • Marmora in Hastings County is one of 7 Ontario communities in which Natural Resource Solutions Inc. will support the recovery of at-risk butterflies over 3 years with a grant of $80,847.
  • Cloyne in Lennox and Addington County is one of 2 Ontario communities in which the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre will mitigate threats to at-risk turtle populations through rehabilitation, education, headstarting, field studies, research and data-sharing over 3 years using a grant of $522,000.
  • Greater Napanee in Lennox and Addington County is one of 7 Ontario communities in which Wildlife Preservation Canada will implement a recovery strategy for Eastern Loggerhead Shrike over 3 years using a grant of $269,471.29.

Applications for funding for the program are now open.  

Those interested in applying have until 3 p.m. on February 9th to do so. 

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