A conservation initiative in Delta that helps protect species at risk and their habitats got a financial boost last week.
Delta MP Carla Qualtrough was on Westham Island Friday presenting $120,000 in funding for the Delta Farmland and Wildlife Trust. She also presented $57,054 in funding for Bird Studies Canada.
The funding for Delta Farmland and Wildlife Trust will allow the organization to establish grassland habitat on farmland for species at risk, while Bird Studies Canada will work to prevent invasive mammals from impacting breeding seabirds on B.C.’s coast.
“Environmental protection is a key priority for the people of Delta,” said Qualtrough. “Our government recognizes the unique conservation needs of this community and is investing in local projects to protect species at risk and their habitat. I am proud of the steps we are taking to protect and preserve Canada’s natural legacy for our children and grandchildren to experience, enjoy and learn from.”
Delta Farmland and Wildlife Trust program manager Drew Bondar said the funding is $40,000 a year for the next three years.
“We have been doing research on this grassland habitat since the start of the program – 20 years now,” said Bondar. “This is our first of multi-year funding. We apply every year, but securing a multi-year funding agreement is much more beneficial in terms of having a better idea of how many acres we have enroll in the program every year. Having that funding secured versus thinking we may get it just provides more certainty for us.”
The projects are two of 93 that received funding under the federal Habitat Stewardship Program and the Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk. In all, more than $9 million will be granted over a three-year period.
