For immediate release but not later than Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008

Information contact: Judy Buehler – (613) 326-0106;

Species at risk in our area

By Judy Buehler

Rideau Valley Field Naturalists

The controversial Endangered Species Act came into effect on June 30, 2008. Species at risk are plants or animals that are threatened by extinction and these species can be important indicators that something has changed to upset the balance within our natural environment. On Sunday, Sept. 7, Marie-Andree Carriere, Species at Risk Biologist with the Ministry of Natural Resources, will speak to the Rideau Valley Field Naturalists (RVFN) about the Act.

The Act has been widely hailed as the best piece of endangered species legislation in the country. It is the first to combine science-based listing of endangered species with mandatory habitat protection and mandatory recovery planning. It also offers flexibility mechanisms such as permits and agreements to encourage stewardship and accommodate certain land uses that do not jeopardize the survival or recovery of endangered species.

Marie-Andree will provide examples of species at risk in our area and provide tips on how to identify a few of these species. She will also examine the threats that cause some species to become at risk. What does the Act mean for local landowners and naturalists?

The general public is invited to join the RVFN for this meeting at 2 p.m., Sun., Sept. 7, in the All-Purpose Room at the Perth and District Indoor Swimming Pool on Wilson Street at Sunset Boulevard. There is a small admission fee of $5.00 for non-members.

For more information about the RVFN, contact Judy Buehler at 326-0106.