The Species at Risk Stewardship Fund has been established to encourage greater public involvement in species at risk protection by supporting recovery and conservation activities.
Through this fund, $3.0 million is available for species at risk stewardship projects for 2007-2008. Funds will be available through an application process and through direct grants to organizations already involved in stewardship activities. The deadline to apply for this year’s funding is August 20, 2007.
Funding across the province for species at risk actions is available to landowners, farmers, Aboriginal communities/organizations, academic institutions, industries, conservation organizations and others who undertake eligible protection and recovery activities.
The Species at Risk (SAR) Stewardship Fund is linked to the recently passed Endangered Species Act, 2007 and represents a commitment to a stewardship-first approach to species protection. This is the first year of a four year $18-million fund. The SAR Stewardship Fund is encouraging your involvement in a variety of initiatives aimed at reversing the rate of species decline in Ontario. By establishing this fund we will be able to enhance the great stewardship work individuals and organizations have been doing to date.
Initiatives eligible for funding include outreach and education, habitat enhancement and recovery, youth employment and research, and support for landowner efforts to protect species and habitat.
Ontario is home to more than 30,000 species – all important to the biological, social and economic vitality of the province. At present, more than 175 of these species are identified as being at risk, which means they may disappear from Ontario if their rate of decline continues.
Many of the province’s species that need protection are found on private land, making voluntary stewardship activities essential to reversing the rate of species decline that is now happening in Ontario.
Through your responsible and effective stewardship actions Ontarians will assist with the prevention and decline of species at risk. You may obtain information about the Stewardship Fund by contacting MNR @ 1-705-755-5340 (JJ Beechie) or by visiting our website at: http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/mnr/speciesatrisk/