December 15, 2006

For immediate release

New Public Land Atlas Available

Environment, Energy & Forestry

One of the action items in the new PEI Forest Policy released this fall, a Public Land Atlas for Prince Edward Island is now available.

Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry Jamie Ballem announced the release of the atlas in the provincial legislature today.

“Public lands have often been called the Island’s best kept secret. Our goal is to encourage more Islanders to visit these lands and see how government is managing them on their behalf,” said Minister Ballem. “This atlas will help us reach that goal by telling Islanders where their public lands are located.”

Prince Edward Island does not have large areas of Crown land. Unlike other provinces, the Island’s public lands tend to be scattered properties and clusters of properties which often blend into the general landscape. Over the years, efforts have been made to identify and promote these lands. Since 2000, the Provincial Forest program has been erecting the diamond shaped, green and yellow oak leaf signs where these properties intersect public roads. The new atlas identifies these and other public lands such as Wildlife Management Areas and Natural Areas – in total, about 1,500 properties across the Island.

Minister Ballem said PEI’s 34,000 hectares of public forests are managed for a wide variety of uses. They provide habitat for many plant and animal species, and they are areas where we can learn more about managing and conserving our natural capital.

“These lands serve as living classrooms to demonstrate stewardship and conservation concepts to school children, landowners, and the general public. They also produce high value forest products that support and strengthen our economy,” he said. “But perhaps their greatest value is that they are publicly owned and, therefore, they provide all of us with access to healthy outdoor pursuits such as fishing, hiking, hunting and birdwatching.“

The Public Land Atlas was developed by staff in the department’s Geographic Information Section who produce high quality maps for a wide range of purposes. The Minister acknowledged them for their dedication and excellent work.

The Public Land Atlas is available for sale at the J. Frank Gaudet Tree Nursery complex in Charlottetown and through Island Information Service for $30+GST.

June 7, 2006

For immediate release

Islanders Honoured for Environmental Efforts

Environment, Energy & Forestry

A group of Prince Edward Island citizens were honoured for their outstanding contribution to protecting and enhancing the environment as the 2006 Prince Edward Island Environmental Awards were presented Wednesday evening.

Part of Environment Week celebrations, the awards were presented by Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry Jamie Ballem during a special ceremony at Government House, hosted by Lieutenant Governor Léonce Bernard. Minister Ballem said the theme for this year's Environment Week, Taking Action for Our Environment, certainly describes this year's Environmental Award recipients.

“While their contributions are varied, these Islanders are not only doing their part to protect our environment, they are spreading their message to others in their communities. Through their words and the example they set, they are encouraging others to take action for our environment. They are truly making a difference and I want to thank them all for their efforts,” he added.

Following are this year's recipients.

Ruth Sturz:

Ruth Sturz has been the driving force behind a long-term plan to beautify the West Royalty Elementary School property through the planting of native trees and shrubs. Ms. Sturz has involved the entire school community, organizing planting parties each spring and fall for every class. Over the years, she has spent countless hours soliciting funding, materials and equipment, and professional expertise, to bring the West Royalty plan to fruition – not to mention the time she has devoted as chief labourer for the project. In her letter of support for the nomination, retired principal Barbara Foster noted that Ms. Sturz instilled, in a quiet manner, the importance of taking care of our environment. “That to me, is what is so important about what Ruth Sturz did for West Royalty School community. Her actions, I'm sure, impacted children's thinking and that lasts a lifetime,” she said.

PEI Model Forest Network Partnership:

The Prince Edward Island Model Forest Network Partnership includes industry members, landowners, environmentalists, academics, tourist operators and individual Islanders with an interest in public and private forests. These people have come together to create a forum where those with differing forest interests and values can work co-operatively to encourage and support research and education initiatives which promote forest stewardship across the Island. The Partnership has provided funding support for a wide range of projects including workshops on topics such as the benefits of community forests, basic research such as forest plant surveys, and school visits to Macphail Woods Ecological Forestry Project. However, its success in developing a new, positive working relationship among the many partners is cited as the Partnership’s greatest overall accomplishment.

Souris and Area Branch, PEI Wildlife Federation:

Active in environmental enhancement efforts in Eastern Kings since 1954, the Souris and Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation has been instrumental in bringing watershed planning to the Souris River. Recognizing that this is the most effective way to address water quality problems, the Branch secured funding from the Canada/PEI National Water Program to develop a watershed management plan for the river. Community involvement is the key to success in watershed planning and the Souris Area Branch has been very successful in getting the entire watershed community involved in the process. To date, a subcommittee has been formed to oversee the development of the plan; an assessment of the river was carried out; a series of public presentations were held to educate people about the issues that challenge the river; and community members have developed a vision statement, goals, objectives and strategies.

Bluefield High School Student Council:

This past school year, the Bluefield High School Student Council received one of 13 national grants to carry out a project to reduce greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to climate change. Called Youth Reduce: Control Our Consumption, the project took the form of a home room challenge. The students filled out an emissions-slashing checklist, deciding on which actions they felt they could take to reduce emissions. Reductions were tracked and the class with the highest average emission reduction won a pizza party and an ice cream cake. Student council members then gave presentations to various community groups, Eco-Net PEI, and the City of Charlottetown’s Environmental Committee, telling them about Bluefield’s experience and the importance of caring for our environment.

Nominations for the Environmental Awards were received from across the province. A selection committee comprised of members of the Minister's Environmental Advisory Council had the difficult task of reviewing the nominations and recommending the recipients. Minister Ballem thanked the selection committee and all Islanders who took the time to recognize the efforts of their friends and neighbours by submitting a nomination.

April 21, 2006

For immediate release

Minister Recognizes 100th Anniversary of Prince Edward Island Wildlife Federation

Environment, Energy & Forestry

Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry Jamie Ballem, presented a certificate of recognition and appreciation to Dave MacLellan, President of the Prince Edward Island Wildlife Federation. The presentation was made at Province House Friday to mark the federation’s 100th anniversary. Speaking in the Legislative Assembly, Minister Ballem thanked federation members for their tremendous contribution to wildlife conservation in our province. The Prince Edward Island Wildlife Federation has helped create an increased awareness and appreciation of wildlife and wildlife habitat in generations of Islanders, the Minister added.

April 7, 2006

For immediate release

Watersheds ... More than Just Water ... Explore Yours!

Environment, Energy & Forestry

Islanders are encouraged to explore their local watersheds and the wildlife that live there as they celebrate 2006 National Wildlife Week next week.

Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry Jamie Ballem says this year’s theme, Watersheds... more than just water... explore yours, provides an excellent opportunity for young Islanders to learn about their connection to watersheds. There are about 240 watersheds in PEI. Each watershed consists of all the land that water flows across or through on its way to a particular river or stream.

“Because the water resources within the watershed are interconnected, the actions of each and every individual living in the watershed combine to impact water quality,” said Minister Ballem. “Through National Wildlife Week, Island students will learn more about what they can do to protect their watershed and the wildlife that lives there.”

The Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry provides National Wildlife Week kits to approximately 850 Island teachers for use in the classroom. The kits, prepared by the Canadian Wildlife Federation, include lesson plans and resource materials focussing on the National Wildlife Week theme.

“Teachers play an invaluable role in spreading the conservation message,” said Minister Ballem. “I want to thank them for their continued support of National Wildlife Week and other ongoing efforts to teach our younger citizens about the importance of protecting our natural environment in Prince Edward Island.”

The Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry, in cooperation with the PEI Wildlife Federation is sponsoring a poster contest for elementary school students on the National Wildlife Week theme. Prizes will be awarded at the school level and Island Nature Trust is providing the grand prizes – participation in the Adopt-an-Eagle program for the winners’ school.

For more information on Island watersheds and wildlife, contact the Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry at (902) 368-4683. Information on National Wildlife Week is also available on the Canadian Wildlife Federation web site at www.cwf-fcf.org.

February 16, 2006

For immediate release

Island Anglers Asked to Participate in 2005 Recreational Fishing Survey of Canada

Environment, Energy & Forestry

Hundreds of anglers in Prince Edward Island are being asked to participate in a national survey on recreational fishing.

The 2005 Recreational Fishing Survey of Canada is being mailed out this week to a random sample of 1,500 residents and non-residents who purchased an angling licence in PEI in 2005. The most comprehensive assessment of recreational fishing in Canada, the survey is carried out every five years by the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans in co-operation with provincial and territorial departments including the PEI Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry.

The survey provides valuable information to managers and researchers on the importance and popularity of recreational fishing in Canada, as well as the economic contribution made by anglers. Survey recipients are asked questions such as what they fished; where and how often; how many fish they caught and how many they released; volunteer time spent in support of recreational fishing; their opinions on specific management issues; and the amount of money they spent on fishing activities.

Results of the 2000 survey showed an estimated 10,600 Islanders participated in the recreational fishery that year. The 2000 survey also demonstrated that the recreational fishery has a significant economic impact, accounting for approximately $3.6 million in direct spending in PEI.

Anglers who receive the 2005 survey in the mail are strongly encouraged to take a few minutes to complete it. Their co-operation is appreciated.