New protections for Species at Risk on Agricultural Lands announces MP McLeod

British Columbia Cattlemen’s Association to plan, coordinate and initiate a pilot program

Lewis Woodpeckers, a species at risk, are frequently seen in the Exlou and Louis Creek area.

Lewis Woodpeckers, a species at risk, are frequently seen in the Exlou and Louis Creek area.

Last week, Member of Parliament Cathy McLeod, on behalf of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council, announced an investment of $120,000 over the next two years for a new project in Kamloops, British Columbia, as part of the Species At Risk Partnerships on Agricultural Lands (SARPAL) initiative.

This SARPAL project provides support to the British Columbia Cattlemen’s Association to plan, coordinate and initiate a pilot program to fund Beneficial Management Practices for species at risk on agricultural land, specifically for the Lewis’s Woodpecker and Yellow-breasted Chat.

The Government of Canada is funding the project as part of the National Conservation Plan, which includes $50 million over five years to support voluntary actions to restore and conserve species and their habitats.

Investments under SARPAL go towards projects that are focused on working with the agricultural community to conserve habitat that supports species at risk.

“Our Government is pleased to support the conservation efforts of the British Columbia Cattlemen’s Association. This investment will encourage partnerships and improved coordination in conservation for species at risk,” concluded McLeod.

 

Barriere Star Journal