“These conservation initiatives will focus on caring for and protecting our natural resources,” said Minister Brown. “Investing in clean air, clean water and healthy soil will help our environment, our economy and will improve our quality of life.”

The Prince Edward Island Wildlife Conservation Fund was created in 1998 to support fish and wildlife conservation projects in Island communities. Money for the fund is raised through a $20 yearly contribution from licensed anglers, hunters and trappers.

The funds are collected by the province and allocated by the Wildlife Conservation Fund (WCF) Committee. The committee is made up of representatives of conservation groups, including hunters, anglers, trappers, other recreational users and watershed groups. The program is administered by the Island Nature Trust.

“This fund is important because wildlife enthusiasts are able to contribute directly to conservation initiatives,” said Bruce Smith, chair of the WCF committee. “Although we have more projects than we are able to fund, we are extremely pleased with the level of interest in conservation in our Island communities.”

The projects approved for 2011 total $120,000 and include the following:

1. PEI Wildlife Federation – Salmonid Stock Enhancement

2. PEI Chapter of Pheasants Forever – Re-introduction of Pheasants to PEI

3. Lot 11 and Area Watershed Management Group – Restoration of West Branch Foxley River

4. Morell River Management Co-op – Habitat Restoration and Enhancement of St. Peter’s Lake and St. Peter’s Bay

5. Friends of Covehead-Brackley Bay – Assessing Watersheds for Wildlife

6. Roseville/Miminegash Pond Enhancement Committee – Sediment Management and Improving Slipway

7. Bird Studies Canada, Atlantic Region – PEI Nocturnal Owl Survey

8. Trout Unlimited Prince County Chapter – Brae Salt Marsh Enhancement

9. West Point Community Enhancement Committee – Watershed Activities

10. Ducks Unlimited Canada – Project Webfoot Wetland Education Program

11. Souris & Area Branch of PEI Wildlife Federation – Wildlife Enhancement Project

12. Hillsborough River Association Inc. – East River Watershed

13. Kensington North Watersheds Association – Habitat Enhancement

14. PEI Chapter Delta Waterfowl – Youth Waterfowl Workshop

15. Central Queens Wildlife Federation – West River Watershed Enhancement

16. Hunter-Clyde Watershed Group – Watershed Project

17. Canadian Rivers Institute UPEI – Establishment of Rainbow Trout on PEI: Examining Distribution Patterns and Steelhead Migration

18. Wright’s Creek Watershed Environmental Committee – Development of Charlottetown Area Youth Fishing Facility

19. PEI Wildlife Federation – Becoming an Outdoors Woman Workshop

20. PEI Trappers Association – Pisquid River Enhancement Project

21. Black Pond Watershed Group – Black Pond Stream Improvements

22. Bedeque Bay Environmental Management Association – Measuring/Enhancing Habitat Landscapes

23. Richmond Bay Watershed Association – Watershed Restoration

24. Winter River-Tracadie Bay Watershed Association – Watershed Project