Carp Hills wetland to be protected for years to come
Posted Apr 23, 2018 07:46:00 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Ducks Unlimited Canada, the City of Ottawa, the Government of Canada and several private donors have joined forces to ensure that a 178 hectare (440-acres) property, located in the southern portion of the Carp Hills landscape, will remain pristine now and into the future.
The property is a mixture of provincially significant wetlands and associated upland habitats of forest cover and grasslands, situated amidst unique Canadian Shield rock formations and surrounded by fertile agricultural lands. It is adjacent to existing conservation areas and is known for its high biodiversity of flora and fauna, including species at risk like the Blanding's turtle — a species listed as endangered under the Canada Species at Risk Act (SARA). The area is also a candidate for consideration as an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest provincially.
This is the largest natural area acquisition with the City of Ottawa since its amalgamation.
“As Ottawa grows and evolves, the conservation of large, pristine landscapes that provide essential ecological services, wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities is a high priority for the City and for the community,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “The Carp Hills acquisition adds to the overall protection of this environmentally important region.”
“Properties of this size with wetlands and adjacent undeveloped uplands near large urban areas are rare which is what makes this purchase so important and exciting,” said Mark Gloutney, Director of Regional Operations Eastern Canada, Ducks Unlimited Canada. “These vibrant habitats are often overlooked, long regarded by people as expendable, best developed into other land uses. Land development is intense in southern Ontario and it's a heavy load for the environment to carry. Pollution, climate change and competing land uses are affecting our forests, lakes and streams. Wetlands are a natural solution.”
Ducks Unlimited Canada will manage the land for its natural values with the Friends of the Carp Hills — the organization that is currently managing the adjacent Crazy Horse Trail, a popular community destination for hiking
and cross country skiing. The property will continue to be accessible for low-impact, public recreational use. In fact, the public is encouraged to be part of a town hall event scheduled for May 9 at 7:00 p.m. at Carp Memorial Hall.
The Carp Hills project is supported by funding from the Government of Canada's Natural Areas Conservation Program (NACP).
