April 4, 2022
LONDON, ON – Thames Talbot Land Trust (TTLT) is thrilled to announce that sixteen TTLT nature reserves, 694 hectares, were recognized and added to the Canadian Protected and Conserved Areas Database in December 2021. TTLT worked with the Ontario Land Trust Alliance to have TTLT lands evaluated against comprehensive pan- Canadian standards for Protected Areas in Canada. The evaluation was completed by staff at the Protected Areas Section of Ontario Parks and TTLT lands met all criteria. This is the first time that lands held by TTLT and several other land trusts across Ontario will be included in the Canadian Protected and Conserved Areas Database. In an area like southwestern Ontario where there are few national and provincial parks, land protection by land trusts and other conservation organizations is critical to protecting biodiversity.
“We are proud to contribute to Canada’s goal of protecting 25% of terrestrial lands by 2025 and thrilled that our protection efforts are recognized and counted towards the goal” said Daria Koscinski, Executive Director of TTLT. “We are actively working to protect more nature in Canada’s most biodiverse region”. TTLT will be celebrating the protection of three new nature reserves this year, bringing the total to 23. Several new nature reserves are yet to be added to the Canadian Protected and Conserved Areas Database as TTLT’s work grows each year. “Land trust properties are an important part of Ontario’s vast network of protected and conserved areas, helping to ensure that Ontario’s natural areas remain protected now and for future generations,” said David Piccini, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “I would like to extend a sincere thanks to Thames Talbot Land Trust and the Ontario Land Trust Alliance for your significant contributions to nature conservation in Ontario, and all your hard work in protecting our land. Congratulations on achieving this recognition.”
- Canada is working to increase nature protection to 25% of terrestrial lands by 2025
- Thames Talbot Land Trust is a local land trust protecting natural lands in the London area since 2000 but land trust lands have never counted towards Canada’s Protected Areas goals
- In December, sixteen Thames Talbot Land Trust nature reserves, 694 hectares, were recognized and added to the Canadian Protected and Conserved Areas Database
- Thames Talbot Land Trust nature reserves now count towards the 10.7% of Ontario lands that are protected
GET INVOLVED – TTLT is working on land conservation projects every day. You can help ensure nature in our community is protected by supporting TTLT’s efforts through financial contributions, land stewardship, sharing stories or volunteering. Find out more at www.thamestalbotlandtrust.ca.
Thames Talbot Land Trust is a registered Canadian charity with a mission to protect, conserve, and restore nature within Elgin, Middlesex, Oxford and Perth counties, contributing to a stable climate, human wellbeing, and healthy habitats for all species. Our vision is to create a network of permanently protected areas that are rich in biodiversity, sustain life and nourish a sense of wonder and inspiration for all people.
Press contact: Daria Koscinski
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 519-858-3442