Parks Canada and partners work to restore ecological connectivity in northern Ontario
November 22, 2024
(Wawa, ON) –Parks Canada and its partners today announced $1.4 million in funding to restore ecological connectivity in Pukaskwa National Park. The funding will support the Pukaskwa Ecological Connectivity Restoration Project, a multi-year initiative to improve the movement of wildlife across the park and surrounding landscape.
The Pukaskwa Ecological Connectivity Restoration Project will focus on three key areas:
- Restoring riparian areas: Riparian areas are the lands along rivers and streams that are important for wildlife habitat, water quality, and flood control. The project will restore riparian areas in Pukaskwa National Park by planting native trees and shrubs, controlling invasive species, and improving stream crossings.
- Creating wildlife corridors: Wildlife corridors are areas of land that allow animals to move safely between different parts of their habitat. The project will create wildlife corridors in Pukaskwa National Park by removing barriers to movement, such as fences and roads, and by planting native vegetation.
- Engaging local communities: The project will engage local communities in the restoration efforts by providing training and opportunities to participate in volunteer activities. The project will also work with local landowners to improve ecological connectivity on private lands adjacent to the park.
This is a major investment in Pukaskwa National Park and the surrounding region. This project will help to protect wildlife and their habitats, improve water quality, and make the park more resilient to climate change.
The Pukaskwa Ecological Connectivity Restoration Project is a partnership between Parks Canada, the Government of Ontario, the Mississaugi River Provincial Park, and the Pukaskwa National Park Foundation. The project is expected to be completed by 2029.
Quotes:
“This project will help to restore the ecological integrity of Pukaskwa National Park and to ensure that wildlife have the space they need to thrive,” said the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. “It is a testament to the importance of collaboration and partnerships in protecting our natural heritage.”
“The Pukaskwa Ecological Connectivity Restoration Project is a great example of how we can work together to protect our environment and create a better future for all Canadians,” said the Honourable David Piccini, Ontario’s Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “This project will help to ensure that Pukaskwa National Park remains a healthy and vibrant place for generations to come.”
“The Mississaugi River Provincial Park is proud to be a partner in the Pukaskwa Ecological Connectivity Restoration Project,” said Kelly Chevrette, Superintendent of Mississaugi River Provincial Park. “This project will help to connect our two protected areas and ensure that wildlife have the space they need to move freely.”
“The Pukaskwa National Park Foundation is grateful for the funding that will support the Pukaskwa Ecological Connectivity Restoration Project,” said John Kenward, Chair of the Pukaskwa National Park Foundation. “This project will help to protect the park’s natural values and ensure that it can continue to be enjoyed by visitors for generations to come.”
Background:
Pukaskwa National Park is a 1,878 square kilometre park located on the north shore of Lake Superior in northern Ontario. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including wolves, moose, black bears, and over 200 species of birds.
Ecological connectivity is the ability of wildlife to move freely across the landscape. It is important for wildlife survival because it allows animals to find food, mates, and new habitats.
Climate change is one of the biggest threats to ecological connectivity. As the climate changes, the ranges of many species are shifting, and they are finding it more difficult to move across the landscape.
The Pukaskwa Ecological Connectivity Restoration Project is one of many projects that Parks Canada is undertaking to restore ecological connectivity in its national parks.
Media contacts:
Media Relations Parks Canada 819-421-1015 [email protected]
Parks Canada and partners work to restore ecological connectivity in northern Ontario
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