Ontario Protecting Species at Risk in Windsor
Provincial investment supporting environmental stewardship and partners to protect and recover species and their habitats
NEWS February 09, 2023
Windsor — The Ontario government is providing $423,580 in funding through the Species at Risk Stewardship program to Wildlife Preservation Canada to undertake on-the-ground work to protect species at risk at the Ojibway Prairie.
The Species at Risk Stewardship Program promotes strong environmental stewardship by providing funding for species at risk protection, recovery and research projects by individuals, communities and groups across the province.
“Among the most striking aspects of the Ojibway Prairie Complex is its tremendous diversity of vegetation and animal life. That’s why protecting species at risk through community stewardship is essential, as we continue to ensure that the Ojibway Prairie Complex remains a cornerstone of our community for generations to come.” said Windsor-Tecumseh MPP Andrew Dowie. “These funds will support important conservation efforts within the Ojibway Prairie habitat by helping species such as the endangered Massassauga Rattlesnake survive and thrive in Southwestern Ontario.”
Led by Wildlife Preservation Canada (WPC), the project aims to recover the Ojibway Prairie population of Massasaugas, an endangered rattlesnake species, by protecting, enhancing and connecting habitat and testing and evaluating population management techniques.
“WPC works to save critically endangered species whose numbers in the wild are so low that hands-on action is needed to save them from extinction. Endangered species recovery requires a multi-faceted approach, including research, habitat management, monitoring, threat mitigation, and public outreach. Although this project will target the Massasauga, arguably the most at-risk reptile locally, our work will also benefit other species at risk reptiles and plants such as the Blanding’s Turtle and Dense Blazing Star” says Jonathan Choquette, Lead Biologist with WPC. “Every day dedicated local and community organizations across Ontario demonstrate their commitment to protecting and recovering plants, insects, animals and their habitats,” said David Piccini, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “Our government is proud to partner with grassroots organizations across Ontario to make a real impact. The 2023-24 projects continue Ontario’s track record of strong environmental stewardship, preserving the rich biodiversity of our province for future generations.”
Quick Facts
- Since 2018, the Species at Risk Stewardship Program has supported over 200 projects. The projects have contributed to the restoration of over 13,590 acres of habitat for species at risk, equal to the size of 31,160 hockey rinks combined. The program has also engaged approximately 8,000 volunteers in conservation efforts and created over 1,000 jobs.
- Ontario is home to more than 30,000 species of plants, insects, fish, and wildlife.
Paul Synnott
Executive Assistant Andrew Dowie, MPP
Windsor-Tecumseh
Ph: 519-251-0437 Cell: 226-724-6978
Email: paul.synnott@pc.ola.org