The Nature Conservancy of Canada is looking to double the size of the Salmonier Nature Reserve.
The additional 230 hectares of wilderness—at the mouth of the Salmonier River—would add to the reserve’s 177 hectares that protect the forest, which features balsam fir, black spruce and the easternmost population of yellow birch in North America.
Photo credit: Mike Dembeck/NCC
The organization launched the Keep the Rock Rugged campaign, seeking the public’s help to raise funds to keep the area a thriving place for wildlife and to maintain the traditional use of the land.
Program Director Piers Evans says this “little hotspot of diversity” is also home to a number of at-risk species.
Evans says the NCC is trying to tackle the twin crisis of climate change and rapid biodiversity loss. Evans says the richness of species that makes the world so interesting is right here in our backyard.
Photo credit: Mike Dembeck/NCC
The NCC has purchased the new property but they are looking to raise $300,000 dollars to fill in the gaps and ensure its long-term stewardship and protection. Evans says they received a commitment from the Maple Cross Foundation to match funds raised up to $150,000 dollars.
He says the long-term vision of the NCC is to see other properties in the area come under protection so the intact wilderness, remains intact.
More information can be found on the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s website.
