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Notice Board ---------------------------- August 20, 2009 DRY FOREST CONDITIONS CAUSE CONCERNS The High Fire Weather Index in eastern and central Prince Edward Island is causing concerns for forest fire managers. All burning permits are now invalid and provincial fire officials are asking Islanders to be extremely careful with any outdoor flames. "The forecast is for a continuation of this warm and dry weather over the next few days," said Dan McAskill, Forest Fire Manager with the Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry. "Most fires are caused by people burning brush and other debris. If these fires escape, they can endanger homes, properties and lives, and limit the ability of firefighters to respond to other emergencies." He also noted the cost to suppress these fires can be tens of thousands of dollars and can result in civil suits and charges being laid. From March 15 to December 1, people are required to have a burning permit before conducting any outdoor burning. This permit is only valid when used under the proper conditions. Normally when the Fire Weather Index is moderate or higher and wind speeds exceed 10 km/hr, the burning permit is no longer valid. Mr. McAskill emphasized that it is the responsibility of the permit holder to check the forecast and have accurate Fire Weather Index information before initiating any fire. Burning permits are only valid for the materials specified on the permit. Garbage, old tires, plastics, treated lumber, and other such materials cannot be burned legally under the permit and must be disposed of through other legal methods. As well, most Island towns and cities restrict or prohibit outdoor burning of any material, so these permits do not allow the holder to violate local requirements. Fire Weather Index information is available from any forest district office, online at www.gov.pe.ca/go/fwi, or by calling (902) 368-4800 after hours to hear an automated Fire Weather Index recording. -30- For more information, contact Dan McAskill, Environment, Energy & Forestry by email at Dan McAskill or phone (902) 368-6730. ----------------------------- August 10, 2009 SICK AND DYING BIRDS IN YOUR YARD Over the past two summers, the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre (CCWHC), Atlantic Region has received numerous reports of sick and dying birds around bird feeders and water baths in people's yards throughout the Maritimes. The primary species affected are purple finch and American goldfinch, and a microscopic parasite, Trichomonas gallinae, causes their illness which is known as trichomoniasis (trichomonosis). This summer has been no different with widespread mortality of finches occurring throughout the region around people's homes. The CCWHC is interested in tracking this emerging disease problem to better understand its impact on wild bird populations and would like to examine as many of the dead birds as possible. The CCWHC cannot advise or encourage members of the general public to handle dead birds. However, if an interested individual was inclined to collect a specimen, the following procedure should be practiced: 1. Place a plastic bag over hand and pick up the dead bird with hand covered by the plastic bag. Biologists, conservation officers and wildlife technicians have busy schedules and limited freezer space so it is up to their discretion to facilitate a request to hold a dead bird for submission. Therefore, in Nova Scotia (NS) and Prince Edward Island (PEI), it is advisable to call the office prior to handling a dead bird to obtain their consent to cooperate. All submitted samples should have the following information included with them: 1. Submitter's name, address, telephone number and e-mail address (if available). Unfortunately, at this time, New Brunswick (NB) Department of Natural Resources is unable to participate in this targeted surveillance program. As a result, we would appreciate you recording any mortality that might occur in NB by completing a Garden Bird Health Survey found on the CCWHC, Atlantic Region website http://atlantic.ccwhc.ca/. At a date later in the Fall 2009, the CCWHC will pick up the birds that have been submitted in NS and PEI and examine them. Subsequently, a full diagnostic report will be sent to the person who submitted the bird(s) as well as the agency that held the specimen(s). This work would not be possible without public participation and the involvement of provincial and federal wildlife agencies so the CCWHC greatly appreciates your assistance. If you require any further information about this project or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us directly at 902-628-4314 or e-mail Drs. Scott McBurney Scott McBurney or Maria Forzan. ----------------------------- April 14, 2009 ANGLING SEASON OPENS WEDNESDAY CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI Trout angling season officially begins two hours before dawn April 15. Richard Brown, Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry announced today that the 2009 angling season will include several new measures aimed at preserving the long-term health of fish stock and of the sport fishery. "Angling is a way for Islanders to see the natural beauty of their home province, to spend some quiet hours with family and friends or just to be alone with their thoughts and the sounds of water," said Minister Brown. "This year, we are making some changes to angling regulations in order to encourage new people to take part in the sport and in order to make sure the fishing stays good for future generations." For the 2009 season: The Department's 2009 Angling Summary is available online at www.gov.pe.ca/photos/original/2009fishsum.pdf. Angling licenses are available at numerous retailers but can also be purchased online at www.gov.pe.ca/envengfor/index.php3?number=1021616. -30- For more information, contact Ron Ryder, Environment, Energy & Forestry by email rrryder@gov.pe.ca or phone (902) 368-5286. It's that time of year again! It's time to nominate someone for the Lieutenant Governor's Greenwing Conservation Award, sponsored by Ducks Unlimited Canada. I have attached the nomination form and criteria for the award. Please consider nominating someone for this award or forwarding this to a person or group who may be a potential nominee or have their own nominee. If you know someone who has demonstrated leadership in a project or activity that has contributed significantly to the public awareness of the value of wetland conservation, given outstanding volunteer service to assist an organization or community-based program or project which benefits wetland conservation, or demonstrated leadership in an education project or activity which has increased the public's awareness and understanding of the values of wetland ecosystems and their benefit to waterfowl, wildlife and people please take the time to nominate them for this award. Lieutenant-Governor's Greenwing Conservation Award Nomination Criteria The Lieutenant Governor's Greenwing Conservation Award is intended to recognize outstanding leadership, dedication, commitment and achievement by individuals or organizations. The following nomination criteria shall apply: The deadline is APRIL 15, 2009. The forms are in PDF format and must be printed off to be completed. As long as the requested information is included, and the nomination is clearly labeled in your subject line, we will accept e-mail submissions that are not on the PDF form provided. Thanks for your assistance; I look forward to seeing many great and worthy nominations! Kelly MacDonald Active by nature. EcoLiving 101 for Busy People If you are - Learn what changes you can make around your home and in your life that will lessen environmental impact, improve your quality of life and save money by attending this four week course presented by Rod Dempsey of Atlantic EcoWorks. March 4, 11, 18 and 25 Free Course Sponsored by the New Horizons for Seniors Program Registration Required Please call Judy at 357-7225 ----------------------------- NEWS RELEASE ----------------------------- February 13, 2009 ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT STUDENT ART CONTEST OPEN CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI -30- For more information, contact by e-mail Ron Ryder, Environment, Energy & Forestry or by phone (902) 368-5286. February 6, 2009 For immediate release Public Consultation Planned on Proposed Designation of 13 Parcels of Land as Protected Natural Areas Environment, Energy & Forestry The Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry, the Honourable Richard Brown announced today that the provincial government will hold public consultations for 13 parcels of public land, totaling 341.2 hectares, to be designated as Natural Areas under the Natural Areas Protection Act. "Protecting our ecosystems and natural landscapes is something this government is committed to doing," Minister Brown said. "We recognize the importance of these areas and the need to ensure we protect them for future generations," he said. In 1988, the province enacted the Natural Areas Protection Act to protect recognized natural landscapes. In 1991, the province approved the Significant Environmental Areas Program (SEAP) and has approved over 100 sites for inclusion in this program. Sites in it are eligible for designation under the Natural Areas Protection Act. Since the creation of the Act, 6403.64 hectares (15,823.2 acres) have been designated. This latest amount brings the total to 6744.8 hectares (16,666.3 acres). Prince Edward Island's commitment is to protect seven percent of the Island's land base or 97,843 acres as Natural Areas. The lands which were acquired by the province and are recommended for designation include: In January of this year, the province designated four parcels of private land totaling more than 80 hectares. "Protected areas have a tremendous positive impact on our various habitats," Minister Brown said. "They can provide safe areas for endangered species, enhance trout habitat, support Atlantic salmon and safeguard our wetlands. As a government, we have to make sure we continue to protect our sensitive environmental areas," he added. The Natural Areas Protection Act was amended in 2005 to require public consultation prior to designation or de-designation of public land. January 23, 2009 For immediate release Buffer Zone Fact Sheet Available Online Environment, Energy & Forestry A landowner's and farmer's guide to complying with Prince Edward Island's new buffer zone regulations is now available online, Richard Brown, Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry, announced today. "Last year, our government acted to change the Environmental Protection Act in order to improve the buffer zones that protect our waterways and wetlands. New requirements make the buffer zone system simpler to follow at the same time as they improve protection of our soil and water. Anyone who lives, works or builds on land near a watercourse should take the time to make sure they are following Prince Edward Island's buffer zone requirements," said the minister. Copies of the Buffer Zones Fact Sheet - in English and French - will be available on the Environment, Energy and Forestry web page at www.gov.pe.ca/enveng. Under the new regulations, buffer zones 15 metres wide must be maintained next to all watercourses and wetlands. The regulations also require the planting of 10-metre-wide grassed headlands at the end of all row of crop land that end within 200 metres of a watercourse or wetland. "On Prince Edward Island we live and work in close proximity to our natural areas. Through protection measures such as our system of buffer zones, our government intends to make sure that the land can be worked at the same time as water resources are protected," said Minister Brown. Copies of the buffer zone fact sheet will be available at Access PEI service centres in the near future.  Copyright Souris Branch of the P.E.I. Wildlife Federation All pictures appearing on this site or its associated flickr account are the property of the photographers and the Souris & Area Branch of the P.E.I. Wildlife Federation.
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