Newfoundland and Labrador has signed a Municipal Stewardship Agreement with the Town of Centreville-Wareham-Trinity to protect wetlands around the community and coastal habitat.
A ceremony held in the community on Friday marked the official signing of the agreement and was attended by Derrick Bragg, Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries and Land Resources, and Councillor Samuel Gibbons, Town of Centreville-Wareham-Trinity.
“The efforts of the Town of Centreville-Wareham-Trinity to conserve valuable wildlife habitat located within the heart of the community is a great example of how environmental stewardship can enrich our communities,” said Bragg. “The proactive efforts by residents and the town council will play a vital role in conserving sensitive wetlands, seabirds, and other wildlife.”
This agreement will help provide for enhanced protection of nesting and staging habitats for ducks and other waterfowl as well as adding another layer of protection for land located around the municipal water supply.
“Entering into this Municipal Habitat Stewardship Agreement is a significant accomplishment for the Town of Centerville-Wareham-Trinity,” aid Gibbons. “This agreement recognizes our community’s focus on environmental stewardship and provides us with the tools and knowledge to incorporate environmental sustainability in the municipal planning process.”
The Municipal Habitat Stewardship Program is unique to Newfoundland and Labrador and encourages municipalities to recognize the value of wildlife habitat found within and near municipal planning boundaries and to take an active stewardship role in maintaining their value and integrity.
The Town of Centreville-Wareham-Trinity is the 40th community in the province to enter into a Municipal Habitat Stewardship Agreement with the Provincial Government. A complete list of communities in the province that have committed to protecting wetlands is available on the province’s website.