EDMONTON - The SUNCOR ENERGY FOUNDATION has pledged $1.5 million to DUCKS UNLIMITED CANADA (DUC) to boost efforts aimed at preserving wetlands in the western boreal forest.
This marks the start of a five-year partnership to enhance best management practices for oil and gas operations that protect and maintain the ecological health of wetlands and watersheds. Work will include gathering and sharing examples of best practice, co-ordinating research efforts, and raising awareness of the importance of wetlands. Wetlands act as natural water filters, mitigate the effects of floods and droughts, provide recreational opportunities and sequester carbon as well as providing habitat for waterfowl.
Canada's boreal forest stretches from British Columbia to Quebec and into the Northwest Territories and the Yukon, and represents approximately 58% of Canada's land mass. Thirty per cent of the western boreal forest is covered by wetlands consisting of bogs, fens, marshes, an estimated 1.5 million lakes, and some of the country's largest river systems including the Athabasca, Peace, Slave and Mackenzie systems.
Anyone wishing to join Ducks Unlimited should go to www.Ducks.ca.
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