Minesing Wetlands declared a national treasure

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is marking Canada Day with the protection of the Minesing Wetlands, an internationally significant wetland habitat. It is one of the largest and most diverse wetland complexes in southern Ontario and is ranked in importance alongside Florida's Everglades by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

The latest addition to Minesing Wetlands is was announced at a celebration event took place Thursday at the Edenvale Conservation Area.

Minesing Wetlands is home to several significant wildlife species such as Blanding's Turtle and Eastern Prairie Fringed-orchid, as well as the largest and oldest Blue Heron colonies in the province. This biodiversity hotspot also plays an important role with flood control, water quality improvement, fish habitat and recreation.

The wetland is crossed by two major rivers - the Nottawasaga and Mad, with the associated Willow and Coates creeks.

"What better way to celebrate Canada Day than with the protection of this incredible natural heritage site," said NCC Ontario's Regional Vice President, Donna Stewart. "Minesing Wetlands represents one of our most successful collaborations. Working with a diversity of groups and individuals, the ongoing protection of this truly unique natural area is a remarkable achievement for conservation in Canada."

NCC has collaborated with the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority, Eastern Habitat Joint Venture partners - including Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment Canada's Canadian Wildlife Service, Ducks Unlimited Canada, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Friends of the Nature Conservancy of Canada - and other supporters to protect two properties totalling 114 acres (46 hectares). Since 1974, NCC and its partners have protected over 11,000 acres (4,452 hectares) of this 15,000-acre (6,070-hectare) wetland.

Minesing Wetlands is expertly managed through a partnership agreement with the NVCA, with NCC assisting in stewardship of the area through long-term monitoring arrangements.

This long-standing partnership greatly enhances the ability to expand and protect this internationally significant wetland.

"The NVCA works with many partners in, and outside of our watershed to achieve our goals," said Byron Wesson, Director of Land and Water Stewardship Services with the NVCA.

"Our partnership with the NCC has helped us to protect the world-class Minesing Wetlands and we all benefit from the mutual support and exchange of expertise that the partnership facilitates."

Much of Minesing Wetlands has been conserved under the Eastern Habitat Joint Venture (EHJV). Established in 1989 as an international partnership under the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, the recent property acquisitions at Minesing Wetlands are also part of NCC's new partnership with the Government of Canada -- a matching funds initiative to conserve ecologically significant lands across southern Canada.

"Canada's new government is proud to support the efforts of communities across the country to protect ecologically sensitive lands and the species that inhabit them," said the Hon. John Baird, Minister of the Environment.

"The protection of 114 acres of land in the Minesing Wetlands is an excellent example of what we can achieve when we work together to protect Canada's natural treasures."