Photo Workshop

photo by Fred Cheverie

Photography is an activity that encourages individuals to engage the outdoors and explore the world around them. The Souris and Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation recognizes the potential in this hobby to promote an enthusiasm for the environment while gaining an appreciation for the aesthetic qualities of the Souris area. In addition, photography is an ever-evolving pursuit that allows participants to continually learn and improve their skills. In response to popularity of the Souris Wildlife 2008 Photo Contest, the Souris and Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation is holding a free Photo Workshop on May 24th from 10 am – 4 pm at the Souris Ski Lodge. Hosted by Waldron Leard, this event will feature discussions on diverse topics such as technique, digital camera choices, and photo editing software, with an emphasis on wildlife and scenic photography. This workshop will also give individuals an opportunity to share experiences among fellow photographers, and participants are invited to bring some samples of their work for others to enjoy. Lunch will be provided by the Souris Wildlife Branch, and the event is open to all ages. Those with cameras are welcome to bring them along, but participants are not required to have their own camera. For more information or to pre-register, contact Waldron Leard at . The Souris Wildlife Branch encourages all wildlife photography enthusiasts to attend so they can learn to perfectly capture their priceless moments!

April 24, 2008

For immediate release

Alternative Land Use Services Program Announced

Environment, Energy & Forestry

Landowners and farmers who take steps to preserve the environment will be recognized and rewarded under a new Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) program announced today by the Government of Prince Edward Island.

George Webster, Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry, and Neil LeClair, Minister of Agriculture, joined a group representing farmers, watershed protection groups and environmentalists to announce a revolutionary system that will pay farmers for the ecological goods and services that all Islanders receive from a properly-managed landscape. There has been $750,000 allocated to this program in the current provincial budget.

“Properly managed land produces clean air, generates oxygen, traps carbon and filters the groundwater that all Islanders rely on for drinking. The problem has been that farmers and other landowners have never been properly rewarded for the services they provide through proper land use,” said Minister Webster.

“For too long we have worried about the environmental impact of land use without providing a real benefit to those people who make the commitment to use land in a sustainable way.

The ALUS system will help to correct that problem by investing our efforts where our needs are. We all depend on our rural landscape to provide Islanders with clean drinking water and pure healthy air; ALUS is a way to reward the farmers and landowners whose decisions make Prince Edward Island a healthier province in which to live.”

Under the ALUS program announced Thursday, a broad-based committee of stakeholders will design a program of incentives that would reward farmers for land use that provides Prince Edward Island with clean air and pure water. Incentives could include financial payments, tax measures or special considerations.

“Prince Edward Island farmers have been working hard to protect and enhance the quality of our soil, air and water resources through the adoption of sustainable production practices,” said Mr. LeClair. “This program, by providing rewards and recognition for those efforts, will further strengthen sound stewardship practices that will benefit all Islanders.”

April 10, 2008

For immediate release

Minister Calls for Nominations for 2008 Environmental Awards

Environment, Energy & Forestry

Islanders will have the chance to honour the environmental leaders of their community with a nomination for the 2008 Prince Edward Island Environmental Awards, Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry George Webster announced. The awards, to be presented during Environment Week in June, recognize those who work to protect and enhance the Prince Edward Island environment.

“This awards program has been very successful in recognizing people and groups who do so much for our Island environment. Now this year we’re adding to the awards with a new category – the St. Teresa’s Environmental School Challenge – to honour those schools and classes who make environmental stewardship part of the learning experience for young Islanders,” Minister Webster said.

“I invite every Islander to nominate someone they know who is making a difference in the awareness of and protection of Prince Edward Island’s precious environment.”

The deadline for nominations for the 2008 Environmental Awards is May 1. Nominations will be assessed by members of the PEI Environmental Advisory Council. To be eligible for an award, nominees must have been instrumental in:

• identifying, reducing, solving or avoiding an environmental problem;

• demonstrating consistently responsible environmental management practices; and/or

• promoting public awareness, understanding and active concern for the enhancement and protection of the environment.

The review committee will also consider the nominee’s long-term service and commitment, voluntary contributions and innovative approach.

Last year's award recipients included:

• Patrick Ross’ Grade 5/6 class at St. Teresa’s Consolidated School, for spearheading a project to save electricity, heat, water and paper in the school.

• Dave Biggar, in recognition and in memory of his outstanding contribution to our Island environment.

• Waldron Leard, for sharing his passion and respect for our environment with countless others through his website – Eastern Kings, PEI, Meeting Place.

• Gary Fournier, for his commitment to protecting and enhancing the Winter River watershed through his work with the Winter River Environmental Committee.

• Students and staff of Southern Kings Consolidated School, for their hard work and dedication in the development of the Southern Kings Nature Trail.

Nomination forms for the PEI Environmental Awards are available online at www.gov.pe.ca/go/award, or by calling the Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry at (902) 368-6920.

March 12, 2008

For immediate release

Water Testing Clinics Continue - 2500 Households Already Tested

Environment, Energy & Forestry

After a tremendous show of interest by Islanders in having their drinking water tested, the Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry has added two new opportunities for water testing.

Testing clinics will be offered at the PEI Provincial Home Show at the Charlottetown Civic Centre, April 4 to 6, and at the Summerside Showcase at the Marine Terminal Transit Shed in Summerside, April 19 and 20.

Since November, nearly 2500 Island households have had their water tested at 11 clinics held across Prince Edward Island. The sites included Souris, Pooles Corner, New London, Elmsdale, Kinkora, Murray River, Fort Augustus, Covehead, Miscouche, Richmond and Hampshire. The work of volunteer watershed groups has been instrumental in promoting and facilitating the clinics.

Anyone wishing to have their water tested is to bring one cup of water from their well to the clinic site and it will be tested, at no charge, for its nitrate level.

Six percent of the samples to date exceeded the Health Canada Canadian Drinking Water Guideline for Nitrates. The safe level of nitrates in drinking water is 10 milligrams per one liter (10mg/L) of water. An additional 12 per cent of samples were advised to retest their water after testing showed eight mg/L or more of nitrate in the water sample .

Water testing was an early recommendation by the Commission on Nitrates in Groundwater chaired by the Honourable Armand DesRoches. The Commission will report to the Premier by June 2008.

January 25, 2008

Recreational Fisheries Consultations

Anglers, recreational fisheries groups and others with an interest in the development of a Recreational Fisheries Policy for Prince Edward Island are invited to offer their ideas and concerns at a public meeting at Rollo Bay Inn on Jan.29/2008. This meeting is your opportunity for input. If weather is inclement the meeting will be rescheduled for Jan. 31st. This meeting begins at 7:00 pm and expected to be terminated no later than 9:00 pm. For further information contact Fred Cheverie (902) 687-3436.

January 21, 2008

Public Survey

Early in 2008 almost every home in the Souris Regional High School District will receive a survey in the mail. This survey will require approximately 20 minutes to complete and was prepared by a research team that has been hired by the Souris & Area Wildlife Branch. This survey is part of the PEI Ecological Goods And Services Pilot Project, which the Souris Branch is sponsoring.

The purpose of this survey is to gather information on the views of the public about management of our environment, with special emphasis on the Souris River Watershed. I realize that everyone is busy and filling out surveys is not everyone's favourite hobby. I would however, encourage everyone to give this particular survey a honest effort as it could have an effect on future policies across this our Island. Unfortunately, by not filling it out you also could have an effect on future policies across our Island.

Please give this survey your best consideration.