News from Groups
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The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission hearings for the operating license to restart Lepreau are this week in Saint John. They can also be seen live through webcasting. The Saint John chapter of the Conservation Council has been working hard getting ready for these hearings and their intervention is available. Click here for more information and additional files.
- Category: News - Nouvelles
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The report of the Crown Land Task Force, chaired by Norm Betts, has been been released to the public by the Department of Natural Resources. The Department is inviting the public to make comments with a deadline of January 13. Click here for the report.
- Posted by Emily M
- Category: News - Nouvelles
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Sheila Watt-Cloutier, Inuit cultural and human rights advocate, will be presenting at Mount Allison University on November 29. This talk will be taking place on the evening of the second day of COP 17 in Durban, South Africa.
- Posted by Emily M
- Category: News - Nouvelles
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The lecture is entitled “Not the Time to COP Out”, and will coincide with the second day of the COP-17 negotiations in Durban, South Africa. If you cannot be in Sackville, we hope to have you virtually attend. The lecture will be streamed live on the IsumaTV website, http://www.isuma.tv/, and it is our hope to organize satellite viewings in groups, or you may view from your home computer. It promises to be an exceptional and engaging lecture, and we would like to share it as widely as possible across Canada.
If you have any questions or comments, please e-mail Emily Mann at ermann@mta.ca.
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New Brunswick is a rich province; this is not captured by our provincial Gross Domestic Product, because we are rich in life sustaining resources. Allen Curry's article, “Address NB's environmental debt”, highlights that NBers are incurring environmental debt hand over food -something seldom discussed but Curry clearly shows a conversation about this debt is needed.
- Category: News - Nouvelles
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Environmental Trust Fund applications being accepted for 2012-13
Media release - Environmental Trust Fund applications being accepted for 2012-13
Environmental Trust Fund website
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Mining Watch Canada video which uses excerpts from the diary of a negotiator to reveal the difference between the oral negotiations and the final written treaty in Northern Ontario.
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Hot off the Press!
Climate Change Action Plan Progress 2010-11 Report
Climate Change Action Plan Progress 2010-11 Report Summary
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October 25, 2011
This past weekend three environmental awards were presented to New Brunswick citizens and environmental groups in honour of exemplary service to their community. The prizes, awarded by the New Brunswick Environmental Network (NBEN), recognize significant efforts by citizens and citizen groups toward the protection and restoration of New Brunswick’s environment.Sabine Dietz, a director of the board of Nature NB and a member of many other non-profit groups, was the recipient of the Samaqan Award. Dietz is currently working at the provincial level as coordinator for the Regional Adaptation Collaborative which involves many types of agencies and governments and is focused on a number of projects that evaluate areas of concern, identifying infrastructure at risk, mitigation, and adaptation. According to Mary Ann Coleman, Executive Director of the NBEN, “Sabine is being given this award in recognition of her determined and steadfast devotion to building a collaborative movement to protect New Brunswick coasts and coastal communities from the impacts of climate change”.
Photo 1: Left to right – Sabine Dietz, Nature NB, winner of Samaqan Award, Mary Ann Coleman, Executive Director, NBEN, Stephanie Merrill, Conservation Council of NB, winner of the Gaia Award.
The Gaia Award was presented to Stephanie Merrill, Freshwater Program Coordinator with the Conservation Council of New Brunswick. According to Coleman, “Stephanie has poured her heart and soul into working with community groups across the province.” The prize recognizes “her inspirational and stalwart effort to build a province-wide movement dedicated to protecting New Brunswick communities from the perils of shale gas fracking.”
The Phoenix Award is dedicated to those who have been through the fire. “In this province, the community of Penobsquis has been in the public eye for the past few years.” said Coleman. “They lost their well water due to industrial activity and, since then, have had to fight many battles on many fronts in search of compensation for their loss.” The 2011 Phoenix Award was presented to the Concerned Citizens of Penobsquis “in recognition of their unfaltering commitment to defending their community and home from the environmental impacts of industrial expansion in the face of a multitude of obstacles.”
The awards were presented at the 20th anniversary of the NBEN which was held during the Annual General Assembly in New Maryland on October 22, 2011. During the assembly, member groups of the NBEN attended various workshops, discussions and field trips in the area. As well, in celebration of the 20th anniversary, participants enjoyed a local food buffet and the music of the Fredericton band, Weak Size Fish.
The New Brunswick Environmental Network is a non-profit communication network of over 90 citizen environmental groups from across the province. The goal of the Network is to encourage communication among groups and between groups, government and other sectors.
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We have truly appreciated all the support and letters that come forward since Environment Canada announced they were pulling their core funding. A Facebook group and a petition have been set up at. Please visit and add your support.
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Yesterday’s announcement by Environment Canada that is withdrawing its financial support of the Canadian Environmental Network (RCEN) after 30 years, is a blow to the New Brunswick Environmental Network (NBEN). With five staff and an office in Moncton, the NBEN depends on the modest core funding of $22,000/year it receives through the CEN as the nucleus around which it builds its annual budget. The money supports services to environmental and conservation groups across the province, including communication among member groups, communications between member groups and government departments, democratic decision-making, caucus work and working bilingually.
Over 90 New Brunswick citizen based groups are members or associates of the New Brunswick Environmental Network. These groups include large groups with a national focus and small grass-roots groups who meet around a kitchen table. For a complete list of groups visit http://www.nben.ca/en/about-us/nben-members-and-associates .
According to Randy Nason, Grand Lake Watershed Guardians and NBEN chairperson, “It’s a sad day when the federal government withdraws funding from a truly national institution such as the RCEN and its affiliates right across the country. When the Grand Lake Watershed Guardians began our work to protect Grand Lake, it was the NBEN who linked us up with other organizations interested in watershed protection to help us hit the ground running,” said Nason.
“The New Brunswick Environmental Networks and it national counterpart, the Canadian Environmental Network, provide a valuable service to environmental groups and citizens. At a time when Canadians are demanding more environmental protection in a changing climate, it is unfathomable that this core funding would be eliminated”, says Simon Mitchell of the Meduxnekeag River Association and Chair of the NBEN Programs Committee.
The Canadian Environmental Network was established more than 30 years ago by the handful of provincial environmental organizations, including the Conservation Council of New Brunswick. The objective was to provide the necessary national infrastructure to help citizen-based groups collaborate across the country and link them with decision-makers in Ottawa.
“Our organizations have spent decades building a uniquely Canadian institution that reaches from the grassroots and local communities to the halls of power in Ottawa, the provincial capitals and the United Nations itself,” said David Coon, Executive Director of the Conservation Council of New Brunswick, and a past Chair of the Canadian Environmental Network. It is a sad day for Canada, but we will do our best in New Brunswick to ensure that the New Brunswick Environmental Network gets through this crisis so it continues to play the pivotal role it plays in the life of our province,” said Coon.r
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Media Contacts:
Randy Nason, Grand Lake Watershed Guardians, NBEN Chairperson, (506) 339-5448
David Coon, Conservation Council of New Brunswick, (506) 466-4033, (506) 461-1023
Simon Mitchell, Meduxnekeag River Association Inc., NBEN Programs Committee Chairperson (506) 328-8227, (506) 449-2009
Michel Desjardins, Post Carbon Greater Moncton, (506) 389-8221, (506) 381-1580
Dan Stote, Centre culturel et sportif de Cormier Village - EcoParc, NBEN representative to the RCEN, (506) 532-3625, (506) 532-3014
Mary Ann Coleman, New Brunswick Environmental Network, (506) 433-6101
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St. Andrews…..The Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF) reports that farmed salmon escapees are entering the MagaguadavicRiver in southwest New Brunswick and the DennysRiver in downeast Maine. “This indicates that another unreported sea cage breach has occurred in the Bay of Fundy,” said Jonathan Carr, ASF’s Director of Research and Environment.
Mr. Carr continued, “Recently, farmed salmon in the same size range are showing up in these rivers, which suggests that the fish are all part of the same escape event. None of the sizes match up with the last three breaches of containment that were reported by the industry late last fall.”
There have been ten farmed escapees caught at the fish ladder on the MagaguadavicRiver, weighing on average 5.4 kg (12 lbs,) and three escaped fish each weighing around 6 kg (13 lbs.) caught in the weir on the DennysRiver. “Fish of that size category are currently being grown in Passamaquoddy Bay, indicating that this is where the breach has occurred,” continued Mr. Carr.
Whereas escaped salmon can be captured and removed on the Magaguadavic and Dennys rivers, there is no way of doing this in many other rivers in the Bay of Fundy and Gulf of Maine. There is a Government of New Brunswick regulation that requires the aquaculture licensee to notify the Registrar of Aquaculture within 24 hours of a confirmation of a breach of containment of 100 salmon or more, and to have a containment management plan in place within 48 hours.
Mr. Carr continued, “Government needs to take a leadership role in monitoring, reporting and enforcement to ensure transparency and accountability regarding escapes. As it stands now, the onus is on ASF to monitor escapees on the MagaguadavicRiver and to report to government and the public on escapes. In view of the dangers farmed escapees present to wild populations, government needs to be much more proactive in enforcing the regulations that do exist.”
When escapees interbreed with the few endangered wild salmon that remain in the Bay of
Fundy, the fitness and survival of these wild Atlantic salmon populations can be harmed. On September 8, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) confirmed the endangered status of the wild populations of the inner and outer Bay of Fundy. The COSEWIC report noted that:
“ …growth of the Canadian aquaculture industry has coincided with severe decline in wild populations in the nearby rivers in the Bay of Fundy.”
“In North America, farm-origin salmon have been reported in 87% of the rivers investigated within 300 km of aquaculture sites.”
“Even small percentages of escaped farmed salmon have the potential to negatively affect resident populations, either through demographic or genetic changes…There have been many reviews and studies showing that the presence of farmed salmon results in reduced survival and fitness of wild Atlantic salmon.”
These statements by COSEWIC emphasize the need to keep farmed and wild salmon apart.
Mr. Carr concluded, “The continuation of escapes into the wild underscores the need for closed containment systems such as the one ASF and the Conservation Fund Freshwater Institute of Shepherdstown, West Virginia, are working on together. Our pilot research is providing information that will determine the feasibility of closed containment as an important alternative to open sea cage culture.”
The Atlantic Salmon Federation is dedicated to the conservation, protection and restoration of wild Atlantic salmon and the ecosystems on which their well being and survival depend.
ASF has a network of seven regional councils (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Maine and Western New England). The regional councils cover the freshwater range of the Atlantic salmon in Canada and the United States.
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ASF Contact: Muriel Ferguson, Communications 506 529-1033 or 506 529-4581
- Posted by Tracy Glynn
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The proposed Sisson Tungsten/Molybdenum/Copper mine near Stanley, New Brunswick, has the potential to create significant negative impact on, and catastrophic risk for:
• Atlantic salmon habitat vulnerable to changes in the hydrologic regime and heavy metal deposition.
• The Nashwaak Watershed, a valuable economic and ecological resource, currently one of the post pristine watersheds in New Brunswick.
• Wetland habitats.
• Extensive areas of economically valuable hardwood and mixedwood Acadian Forest, a forest type under stress.
• Human health and safety in the Nashwaak Watershed, and in the open-pit itself, due to an unacceptable level of risk of failure of the extensive and high tailing dams.
• Human and ecological health due to air emissions of dust with elevated levels of arsenic and lead in an extensive area of the projected dust plume of this mine.
Take action and intervene on the Environmental Assessment process and demand the greatest assessment and protection here.
Please feel free to copy/adapt the materials in your letters to government.
Deadline for this action alert: October 3, 2011.
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STRENGTHENING ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS:
An Environmentalists’ Tool Kit
Published by the New Brunswick Environmental Network Revised 2011
(Original Publication 1994)
Cette publication est aussi disponible en français
INTRODUCTION
New Brunswick is blessed with extensive forest lands, great rivers, beautiful coastlines, and closely-knit communities. In every community, there are committed citizens working for the protection and restoration of these precious resources. This commitment is reflected in the rapid growth of the environmental movement: from the twenty founding groups of the New Brunswick Environmental Network (NBEN) in 1990 to 87 member groups in 2011.
The work of these citizen groups is valuable to their communities. This work is often difficult. It demands a commitment of time and energy, and it takes its toll on the people and on the organizations. A major role of the NBEN is to support environmental groups in their work, and, to this end, the Environmentalists’ Tool Kit was developed. The tools in this kit are intended to help strengthen organizations. They consist of practical tips on strategizing, organizing, working with other people, and on taking care of yourself.
The kit was designed to be a reference, something that could be pulled off the shelf to find needed information quickly and easily. The sections stand alone and can be easily printed for circulation within an organization. In this way, members of a group can work together to address the challenges that they face as an organization.
Part 1: Environmental Issues: From Problem to Solution
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The public has until October 3, 2011 to comment on the Sisson Brook Mine Draft Terms of Reference. Review the linked documents and then vocalize your opinion!!
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Civil disobedience takes root when governing party’s actions are influenced by a few and the general citizens’ power and ability to influence is removed…is that where New Brunswick and Canada is now?
Canada says oil, gas industry organized PR strategy for oilsands, The Gazette
Shale gas protesters to end blockade, CBC News
Un barrage contre le gaz de schiste près de Fredericton, Radio Canada- Posted by Kennebecasis Watershed Restoration Committee
- Category: News - Nouvelles
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DATE: August 9, 2011
TOPIC: Thompson Brook Restoration Project Complete
DETAILS: The Kennebecasis Watershed Restoration Committee (KWRC) recently completed a habitat assessment and restoration project on Thompson Brook. This project was carried out with the cooperation of Jeff and Marta Floyd and support from our funding partners. The Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment, the New Brunswick Wildlife Trust Fund, New Brunswick Environmental Trust Fund and, the Sussex Fish and Game Association provided the KWRC with sufficient funding to assess 2.3km of Thompson Brook and enhance 1647m2 of riparian and aquatic habitats through native tree stock along degraded riparian areas and through restricting cattle access to the stream. KWRC staff worked through the summer of 2009 and 2010 installing fencing, planting trees, and monitoring the sites ecological health. The site now possesses a flourishing riparian area and provides greater fish habitat thanks to the efforts of the past two years.
Thompson Brook is located just east of Apohaqui, New Brunswick. It is not a large stream but it plays an important role in the overall health of the Lower Kennebecasis Watershed. As a cold spring fed stream it buffers the warmer temperatures of the main river during the warm summer months. This helps maintain water quality and fish health and with this small stream now in a healthier state, so to is the Kennebecasis River.
RESOURCES: http://www.kennebecasisriver.ca
PHOTO: (Thompson Brook sign panel)
The KWRC and its partners have been posting signs like this at each of their restoration sites so that funding partners are recognized and so that the public recognize a habitat restoration project.
(TB Restoration Efforts)
Throughout the planting seasons of 2009-2011 KWRC staff erected and maintained restrictive riparian zone fencing and planted over 450 potted coniferous and deciduous trees.
CONTACT: Ben Whalen, Project Manager, KWRC
(506)433-4394
Ben.whalen@kennebecasisriver.ca
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Between last month's cuts to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency and this week's loss of 776 jobs at Environment Canada, environmental groups are concerned.
700 Environment Canada jobs on the chopping block, The Star
Cuts to gut environment watchdog, Montreal Gazette
- Posted by Tracy Glynn
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The Rural Community of Upper Miramichi, Central NB Woodmen’s Museum and the Conservation Council of New Brunswick are proud to present the Upper Miramichi Forest Festival on Sunday, August 21st from 11am-4pm at the Woodmen’s Museum and Upper Miramichi Community Park (6342 Route 8, Boiestown). The first ever forest festival will also mark the official opening of the Upper Miramichi Community Park.
The forest festival will feature:
Morning run with the Miramichi River Runners
Wild blueberry pancake brunch
Vendors displaying wild berry jams & jellies, fiddleheads, crafts, wreaths and soaps.
A “Taste of Metepenagiag Tour” with berry teas and a demonstration of sealing a birch bark canoe with spruce gum.
Learn how to make cedar shingles, inoculate logs for shitake mushrooms and make soap.
Laugh out loud at a play by the The Saplings Theatre Production.
Join a forest scavenger hunt designed for all ages and learn how to identify the variety of flora and food in our forest.
Enjoy a game of horseshoes or washers, face-painting, tours of the Museum grounds and forest games for kids.
Learn about Upper Miramichi’s community forest initiatives. Check out a showcase of maps of Upper Miramichi’s forest produced by Mojo Mapping, Fundy Model Forest, the Rural Municipality of Upper Miramichi & the Conservation Council. Videos and literature on community forestry initiatives will be on hand for you to check out.
Enjoy a great day with family and friends and discover the many wonders and opportunities that our forest provides.
For more information, visit Upper Miramichi Community Forest Partnership at http://www.uppermiramichicommunityforest.org/
Detailed schedule coming soon!
- Posted by Tracy Glynn
- Category: News - Nouvelles
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Check out submissions by the Conservation Council of New Brunswick and the Canadian Wildlife Federation on the proposed elements of the New Brunswick Species at Risk Act on July 15, 2011.
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Every day, local businesses, not-for-profit organizations and thousands of individuals volunteer their time, energy and skills to improve the well-being of families and communities across the country. They help make Canada stronger by creating change and inspiring hope.
The Prime Minister's Volunteer Awards is a new program that has been created to celebrate these Canadians who make a difference. A total of 17 awards will be given at both the regional and national level. Recipients will be eligible to identify a not-for-profit organization to receive a grant for $5,000 (regional award) or $10,000 (national award).
Those chosen for the awards must be nominated. The first call for nominations opened on July 12 and will close on September 9, 2011. Award recipients will be recognized at an award ceremony to be held in early 2012.
Do you know an individual or group, a business or not-for-profit organization that is making a difference in your community? Recognize their contributions and show your appreciation by submitting a nomination.
To learn more about the Prime Minister's Volunteer Awards, please visit http://www.pm.gc.ca/awards or call 1-877-825-0434.
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The Canadian Rivers Institute has released a comprehensive report on the Saint John River. Read the report at
http://www.unb.ca/research/institutes/cri/_resources/pdfs/criday2011/cri_sjr_soe.pdf" http://www.unb.ca/research/institutes/cri/_resources/pdfs/criday2011/cri_sjr_soe.pdf
News articles about it can be found at
http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/search/article/1422474
- Posted by Brenna
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- Posted by Vera
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Atlantic Provinces Urged to Increase Climate Change Action
Halifax, Nova Scotia – July 8 2011 - A coalition of Atlantic Canadian environmental groups have released report cards outlining the progress Atlantic Provinces have made on their commitments under the 2001 Climate Change Action Plan of the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers (NEG-ECP). The annual NEG-ECP meeting is being held in Halifax July 11-13.
The Atlantic Canada Sustainable Energy Coalition (ACSEC) has monitored the progress of NEG-ECP members toward their objectives since 2001. ACSEC is a coalition of non-governmental organizations comprised of the Ecology Action Centre, Sierra Club Canada – Atlantic, the Conservation Council of New Brunswick, and the Environmental Coalition of Prince Edward Island.
“The NEG-ECP Climate Change Action Plan has provided the framework for the region’s provincial and state policies on energy and climate change over the past decade,” explains Catherine Abreu, ACSEC’s Regional Facilitator.
Each of the Atlantic Provinces, except for PEI, fell short of achieving the 2010 milestone of reducing emissions to 1990 levels. In 2009, the last year for which data are available, greenhouse gas emissions in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland were 9.5%, 15.4% and 2.7% above 1990 levels, respectively. Provinces revised their commitment to reducing to 1990 levels by 2012.
ACSEC members agree that more aggressive regional greenhouse gas emissions reductions targets are required to avoid destabilizing the global climate. To support Atlantic Provinces meeting their 2012 goal and reducing emissions further by 2020, a second phase of the NEG-ECP Climate Change Action Plan must be implemented.
ACSEC urges the NEG-ECP to adopt a scientifically relevant target of 25% below 1990 GHG levels by 2020 in a second commitment period of the regional Climate Change Action Plan.
NB
NL
NS
PEI
Overall Grade
B
D-
B
B
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
A
C+
B+
A
Energy Efficiency
A
D-
A
B-
Renewables
B
F
B
B+
Transportation
D
F
D
D
Regional Policy Integration + Cooperation
A-
A-
A-
A-
Overall, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island received mid-range grades on their progress. Newfoundland and Labrador received a failing grade. Regional cooperation and energy efficiency are areas where the Atlantic Provinces have made significant strides. More aggressive action on renewable energy and greenhouse gas emissions reductions is required in each of the Provinces. Reducing emissions from transportation is an area that receives very little attention in the region.
“The glaring gap in Atlantic Canada’s efforts to do its share to fight global warming is in the area of transportation,” says David Coon of New Brunswick-based Conservation Council. “Emissions from transportation are on the rise in every province,” adds Tony Reddin of the Environmental Coalition of Prince Edward Island. While PEI’s total emissions are down from 1990 levels, road transportation emissions have risen 22%. “Priority must be placed on creating public transportation infrastructure in the Atlantic Provinces and developing an integrated sustainable transportation plan for the region,” concludes Reddin.
“The creation of an Atlantic public transportation authority to develop and operate public transportation for the region is required. If we can have a regional lottery organization to coordinate gambling, we should be able to do the same for public transportation,” says ACSEC Coordinator, Catherine Abreu.
Newfoundland and Labrador is the only province that has not yet implemented policies mandating increased electricity generation from renewable sources. Gretchen Fitzgerald of Sierra Club’s Atlantic Canada chapter says continued and increased support for renewables is essential. “The Provinces can do a better job of developing complementary policies that enhance the role of renewables in Atlantic Canada. Investing in provincial and regional grid systems and moving away from large-scale, centralized electricity production will help us get there.”
New Brunswick and Nova Scotia lead the way in the area of efficiency. Both provinces have Energy Efficiency Agencies. “Energy efficiency and conservation are the most economical ways to simultaneously reduce emissions and save rate payers money,” says Brennan Vogel of Nova Scotia-based Ecology Action Centre. “Further establishing aggressive and innovative efficiency programs and services for all fuel types, including home heating fuels, can transform energy use and reduce emissions in the region.”
“We’ve seen unprecedented cooperation between the Atlantic Provinces on energy issues in recent years,” observes Abreu. ACSEC members agree that regional initiatives like the Atlantic Energy Gateway and NEG-ECP are vital, especially in the absence of strong Federal-level guidance on energy and climate change policy. “We emphasize that such initiatives must include representation from all levels of concern in Atlantic Canadian communities. ACSEC also cautions against losing sight of the ultimate goal – reducing emissions and turning the tide on climate change.”
ACSEC would like to see the NEG-ECP improve regional communities’ abilities to adapt as they confront the already extensive impacts of climate upheaval.
In 2007 an interim review of the Climate Change Action Plan suggested regional governments focus their efforts on four priority areas. ACSEC has graded each of the Atlantic Provinces on their progress in these areas as well as their emissions reductions.
For copies of the Nova Scotia Report Card and more information, contact:
Catherine Abreu
Regional Coordinator
ACSEC
902 442 0199
acsec@ecologyaction.ca
Brennan Vogel
Energy Coordinator
Ecology Action Centre
902 442 0199
energy@ecologyaction.ca
For Newfoundland, New Brunswick, & PEI, Contact:
Gretchen Fitzgerald
Director
Sierra Club Canada – Atlantic Canada Chapter
902 444 3113
gretchenf@sierraclub.ca
David Coon
Executive Director
Conservation Council of New Brunswick
506 458 8747
dcoon@conservationcouncil.ca
Tony Reddin
Energy Coordinator
Environmental Coalition of Prince Edward Island
902 675 4093
ecopei.project@gmail.com
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The power of networks is shown by these eleven groups who collaborated together on a media release as a way to voice a shared opinion - their release speaks for itself, enjoy.
July 7, 2011
Shale Gas Community Groups in New Brunswick Express Concern
New Brunswick - The Citizens for Responsible Resource Development's (CRRD) media conference announcing support for the continued development of the shale gas industry in New Brunswick does not express nor represent the views of many of the community based groups that have been formed to address the issues of this relatively new and highly controversial industry in our Province.
Many New Brunswicker's are still unaware and unfamiliar with this complex industry. We, the undersigned, are looking forward to continuing to work in our communities and with each other to educate and inform residents of the potential impacts of a shale gas industry in New Brunswick.
Hampton Water First
Harvey Environmental Action Team (HEAT)
Maliseet Grand Council
Our Environment, Our Choice
Quality of Life Initiative
Concerned Citizens of Penobsquis
Friends of Mount Carleton Provincial Park Inc.
Corn Hill Area Residents Association
Ban Fracking NB
Council of Canadians
Action Memramcook
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I will be taking a break from the NBEN for a year-long maternity leave. My last day in the office will be June 30.
My husband and I are very excited to welcome our new family member into the world. I am looking forward to spending a year at home with the little one.
Never fear, I will still keep in touch with the NBEN and all the environmental goings-on in the province, via the NBEN’s new website of course! I look forward to returning to work next summer.
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Plan, Do, Check, Improve - Check out Environment Canada's first
Federal Sustainable Development Strategy Progress Report Environment Canada has just released its first Progress Report on the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS). The Report describes actions taken to implement the requirements under the Federal Sustainable Development Act since the tabling of the FSDS. It outlines the 'plan, do, check, and improve' approach to reporting on sustainable development by focusing on progress made on setting up the systems needed to implement the FSDS. The Report also lays the foundation for future reporting by outlining how results will be measured and shared.
Some of the key accomplishments to date include:
The FSDS, tabled in Parliament in October, 2010, sets out sustainable development goals, targets, and implementation strategies organized under four priority themes:
I. Addressing climate change and air quality;
For more information, check out the 2011 FSDS Progress Report here! II. Maintaining water quality and availability; III. Protecting nature; and IV. Shrinking the environmental footprint - beginning with government |
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Atlantic Salmon Federation
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First of Its Kind Study on Value of Wild Atlantic Salmon Underway
For immediate release
June 15, 2011
St. Andrews…. The Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF) has engaged Gardner Pinfold Consulting Economists Ltd. to carry out the most comprehensive study of the economic benefits of wild Atlantic salmon to eastern Canada ever undertaken. The results are expected by mid summer with a September media launch.
ASF has long-term plans to share the study’s findings with the general public, anglers, First Nations, community leaders, elected officials and politicians, government officials, Legislative Committees, fisheries critics, and internationally, through the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization (NASCO).
The study is a past, present, and future analysis, the scope of which includes the worth of wild Atlantic salmon to recreational fishing, First Nations, tourism, conservation and education, and the existence and other non-use values of the species.
Bill Taylor, President of ASF, said, “Federal funding for the restoration of wild Atlantic salmon has collapsed. Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s priority appears to be towards developing commercial ventures, such as the salmon aquaculture industry, rather than to restore wild Atlantic salmon. This is driven by the view that the aquaculture industry has measurable contributions that appeal to elected officials and communities. Government needs to understand that the recreational and First Nations food fisheries for salmon are important industries that provide economic benefits, jobs, and have significant cultural importance. We hope that the data that Gardner Pinfold provides will convince government to put more money into conservation and restoration of this species, and we will embark on a long-term plan to convince government leaders to do so.”
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) publishes economic surveys on the value of all recreational fishing in Canada, including Atlantic salmon, every five years. “The Gardner Pinfold study may provide additional data that gives a fuller picture, resulting in a higher value for the recreational salmon fishery than is reported by DFO, ” continued Mr. Taylor, “but the trend that the DFO reports portray, regarding a loss of benefits from the recreational salmon fishing industry since 1995, is alarming and cannot be ignored.”
The 1995 DFO survey indicated that the revenues from recreational salmon fishing in Quebec and Atlantic Canada at that time was $191 million. That value had decreased to only $62 million by 2005, according to the DFO survey. This is a 68% drop in the value of the recreational salmon fishery in terms of today’s dollars.
According to the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), recreational salmon catches in Canada were about 30% higher in 1995 than in 2005. “It is reasonable to conclude that even restoring salmon runs to 1995 abundance will help restore about $100 million in annual revenues through recreational fishing alone,” said Mr. Taylor. He continued, “Other benefits to First Nations and the general public reinforce the need for attention to wild salmon.”
The study components are a review of existing data and literature, two surveys (one of anglers and one of the general public), and interviews with key informants such as First Nations, private camps, and non government organizations. It also includes case studies of the local salmon economies of four rivers: the Grand CascapediaQC, the Miramichi NB, the Margaree NS, and the Exploits NL. The study will take into account the value of the conservation movement and restoration activity by volunteers and the corporate sector, and provide a value for salmon fisheries when salmon populations are restored.
Mr. Taylor concluded, “ASF expects the study to provide valuable information on the true worth of the species now and when restored, information that should help strengthen government policy and actions to conserve wild Atlantic salmon.”
The Atlantic Salmon Federation is dedicated to the conservation, protection and restoration of wild Atlantic salmon and the ecosystems on which their well being and survival depend.
ASF has a network of seven regional councils (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Maine and Western New England). The regional councils cover the freshwater range of the Atlantic salmon in Canada and the United States.
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ASF Contact: Muriel Ferguson, Communications 506 529-1033 or 506 529-4581
- Posted by Tracy Glynn
- Category: News - Nouvelles
- Hits: 15540
"We are concerned that changing the law to require the Minister to compensate forest companies opens the door wide open to pay pulp and paper companies for reductions in their wood allocations. Would this mean that we would be forced to pay companies for loss of revenue for environmental protection measures? Would this mean that the forest management requirement for wildlife habitat zones in which only selection cutting is permitted would make the licensee eligible to be compensated for the difference in cost between clearcutting and selection cutting? Would it mean that forestry companies could be compensated for the value of wood fibre unavailable to it?" stated David Coon, CCNB's Executive Director.
The Department of Natural Resources will be reducing the annual allowable cut for softwoods and hardwoods on Crown lands in 2012 as the amount of softwood plantations were supposed to yield by now has not materialized, while hardwoods have been overcut.
"It is rare that legislation actually removes the discretion of a Minister in New Brunswick, but that is what replacing the word 'may' with 'shall' accomplishes," stated Tracy Glynn, CCNB's Forest Campaigner. "What is the justification for this?" Glynn asked. "We need to know what regulations are being contemplated."
"Compensation is the holy grail that the Irving's have been seeking since they and other licensee's wrote the Minister demanding compensation back in 2001, which we obtained and leaked to the media. The resulting public outcry was deafening," added Coon. "Now we see compensation being written into the Crown Lands And Forest Act itself."
Half of New Brunswick's forest is Crown land. The right to manage New Brunswick's 3.4 million hectares of publicly-held forests has been transferred to mostly multinational companies including J.D. Irving Ltd., Fornebu Lumber Company, Twin Rivers (formerly Fraser Papers) and AV Group (AV Nackawic/AV Cell).
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David Coon, 458-8747
Tracy Glynn, 458-8747
- Posted by Tracy Glynn
- Category: News - Nouvelles
- Hits: 19181
“The amount of wood cut from Crown land in 2006-2007 was double what was cut in 1966-1967. We have seen the amount of wood cut from Crown lands on a five-year average increase by roughly 80% over the past 40 years from 2.7 million cubic metres per year in the late 1960’s to almost 5 million cubic metres in the past decade ,” said Coon. “The bottom line is we have overcut the public forest so wood quotas have got to be reduced in 2012,” he said. “The good news is private woodlot owners across this province have plenty of wood to sell that can make up the difference and create work at the same time,” said Coon.
Half of New Brunswick’s forest is found on Crown land, while 30% of the forest is owned by private woodlot owners.
Five Year Average // Volume of Wood Cut from Crown Land (millions of cubic metres)*
1967-1972 2.7 million cubic metres
1972-1977 3.7 million cubic metres
1977-1982 3.1 million cubic metres
1982-1987 3.5 million cubic metres
1987-1992 4.4 million cubic metres
1992-1997 4.4 million cubic metres
1997-2002 4.9 million cubic metres
2002-2007 8.0 million cubic metres
*Data from DNR’s Timber Utilization Survey
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Contact: David Coon, 458-8747
- Category: News - Nouvelles
- Hits: 58349
- Posted by Raissa Marks
- Category: News - Nouvelles
- Hits: 13156
INVITATION
“Water is a gift of life”
The Maliseet Grand Council is calling people together from throughout the territory, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal alike, to council with one another; to honour the sacred gift of water, and give voice to growing concerns. You are asked to bring water from the area where you live, and speak on behalf of that which has no voice of its own. We are responsible today for what we leave to our children and grandchildren.
WHERE: At the old Burial Grounds next door to the Government House on the Woodstock Road, in Fredericton, NB
WHEN: July 09, 2011
HOW: Ceremony
- First Light; Sunrise ceremony
- Breakfast
- 10:30 am Gather around the sacred fire at the old burial ground (next door to Gov. House)
- 11:00 am - Introductions & Opening Ceremony
- 12:00 Noon - Luncheon & refreshments
- 1:00 pm Talking Circle( people are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to sit on)
- 4:30 pm Supper ( pot luck – bring your own plate, cup, & utensils )
- Talking circle
- Elders: lighting of the sacred pipes
Elders: Closing statements
- Water is returned to the River, Land & Sea
WHY:
Water is a gift of life. Our rivers, lakes, brooks, streams, and clean fresh water supplies are at risk.
The health and well being of our children, & grandchildren; (including those yet unborn) is not for sale or short term gains to benefit a few.
- Posted by Raissa Marks
- Category: News - Nouvelles
- Hits: 8941
Rivers to Oceans Week, beginning World Oceans Day June 8 and encompassing Canadian Rivers Day June 12, is fast approaching and the Canadian Wildlife Federation is celebrating with the Water's Worth It! video contest. The contest is your opportunity to celebrate the water that makes Canada special and to make a real difference in the health of your local water body.
Send us a one-minute video telling us what’s so special about your local body of water and why it’s worth conserving. If you win, CWF will contribute $2,000 in funding towards a water-conservation project in your area. Our contest has been extended and we are now accepting entries until June 20, 2011, with online voting to choose the winner at RiverstoOceans.ca, from Canada Day until July 7.
You can also visit RiverstoOceans.ca for a variety of water-related resources including lesson plans, water ecology videos and information about Canadian aquatic species. Does your group or organization have a Rivers to Oceans Week event you want to promote? Email RiverstoOceans@cwf-fcf.org to list it on our Rivers to Oceans Week Event Map. Check back often to find out about water-related events and activities happening across the country.
Together, we can make water conservation mainstream.
- Category: News - Nouvelles
- Hits: 12672
I’ve been reading the April issue of New Internationalist – it’s all about labour in China and it’s mind boggling. I can’t distinguish the difference between that situation and slavery. Often workers live in dormitories at their workplace, away from their family and friends, they are not allowed to strike, wages are low and conditions are arduous. Some people resort to suicide as a form of labour protest.
- Category: News - Nouvelles
- Hits: 10079
- Category: News - Nouvelles
- Hits: 30360
For immediate release May 26, 2011
Editor’s Note: For a backgrounder to this press release click document below:
http://asf.ca/docs/media/2011backgrounder-may15.pdf
St. Andrews, NB ….. At an international treaty conference in Ilulissat, Greenland from June 4 to 6, the Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF) will fight to save thousands of large Atlantic salmon from being killed in Greenland and Canadian fisheries.
The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), in its recently-released scientific advice to the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization (NASCO), states there should not be any harvest of wild Atlantic salmon in the ocean at Greenland and in the Labrador Sea. Mostly large egg-bearing females, these salmon are of prime importance to the seeding of the rivers of Labrador, the Maritimes, Quebec, and Maine.
These two-sea-winter (2SW) salmon are threatened with harvest throughout their long migration, not only at Greenland, but also along the coast of Labrador and in various Canadian rivers. Bill Taylor, President of ASF, said “Despite advice provided by ICES every year for the past ten, that the total number of 2SW salmon in the ocean is well below the number required to meet minimum North American conservation requirements, they continue to be killed in gill net fisheries in Greenland, Canada, and St. Pierre and Miquelon.”
NASCO has been successful since 2003 in reaching agreement with Greenland to limit its salmon fishery to internal consumption only, but the number of salmon this fishery killed ballooned from 12 tonnes in 2003 to 43 tonnes in 2010. ICES states that 80% or 10,000 of the large salmon killed at Greenland in 2010 were of North American origin.
In addition, ICES estimates an unreported harvest at Greenland of 10 tonnes (another 2,500 salmon). Some of these salmon are from endangered populations, protected under national legislation in the United States and populations that have been recently designated as endangered, threatened or of special concern by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC).
Canada continues to allow the kill of large salmon in recreational fisheries in Quebec and First Nations fisheries in all provinces and a resident food fishery in Labrador. “Measures taken by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to stop the retention of large salmon in the recreational fishery in Labrador and allow one less tag for salmon caught as by-catch in the resident food net fishery in Labrador are welcome, but do not go far enough”, said Mr. Taylor.
DFO reported a kill of 7,800 large salmon in Aboriginal and 3,200 in recreational fisheries in 2010. “This significant harvest weakens Canada’s negotiations at NASCO to reduce the Greenland harvest,” continued Mr. Taylor. In addition, significant numbers of Atlantic salmon are taken illegally in Canada, and this unreported catch has been estimated by Canada to be at least 18.4 tonnes and would include many large salmon.
Returns of 2SW salmon in 2010 decreased from 2009 by 65% in Labrador, 51% in Newfoundland, and 14% in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Decreases in populations in Canada that are designated as endangered amounted to 11% along the coast of Nova Scotia and in the Bay of Fundy and 2% in the United States, where all remaining wild Atlantic salmon are listed as endangered. There was an increase of large salmon in Quebec of 7%. The estimated abundance of 2SW salmon in North American rivers was 12% lower than the estimated average abundance of the previous ten years, and was the second lowest of the last 40 years.
Mr. Taylor concluded, “In view of these sobering numbers, it is astonishing that Canada still allows the kill of large Atlantic salmon. It is of paramount importance for international negotiations that Greenlanders see that Canada is doing its utmost to conserve its salmon in home waters.”
ASF urges Canada to comply with the NASCO-agreed precautionary approach in fisheries management, and to implement management plans for all salmon fisheries that end the killing of large spawners, especially in rivers that are not even meeting minimum conservation targets. ICES estimates that, last year, only 62,470 2SW salmon returned to North American rivers, and this was before further harvests took place by in-river fisheries. Canada’s leadership is required at NASCO to strengthen negotiations with Greenland towards maintaining a zero commercial quota and reducing Greenland’s internal consumption harvest of wild Atlantic salmon.
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Contact: Muriel Ferguson, St. Andrews, NB:: 506-529-1033 (direct); 505-529-4581 (switchboard) and e-mail mferguson@asf.ca
NASCO is similar to a United Nations of wild Atlantic salmon, comprised of countries that have a population of the species spawning in their rivers and/or migrating through their jurisdictions. These signatory nations are Canada, the United States, Norway, Denmark representing Greenland and Faroe Islands, the European Union, and the Russian Federation. At the annual NASCO conferences, these nations are represented by their federal governments for agreement negotiations and resolutions to conserve and restore wild salmon populations across the North Atlantic.
The Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF) is dedicated to the conservation, protection and restoration of wild Atlantic salmon and the ecosystems on which their well being and survival depend. ASF is an international, non-profit organization with headquarters in St. Andrews, NB and regional offices in Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, PEI, Newfoundland and Maine. It has a network of Regional Councils in the five eastern provinces and in Maine and Western New England and 125 affiliated river organizations. ASF is represented at NASCO as one of 34 accredited non governmental organizations from North America and Europe and on the Canadian and US delegations.
- Posted by CCNB Action
- Category: News - Nouvelles
- Hits: 13928
Concours de poésie et chanson
2011 est l`année internationale de la forêt et CCNB Action organise un concours de poésie et chanson avec thème « Dans les Bois ». Les poèmes et chansons peuvent être en français, anglais ou malécite. Cette compétition est pour les étudiants des écoles élémentaires, secondaires et pour les adultes de tous les âges. CCNB Action planifie de publier un rapport des meilleurs poèmes et chansons après que les prix seront distribués en Septembre. Il y aura un tarif pour participer que couvera les coûts d`imprimante et quelques uns des prix.
La date limite est le 21 Juin et tous les détails et formulaires d`inscriptions se retrouvent sur notre site web : www.ccnbaction.ca
Pour plus d`information par rapport à l`année internationale des forêts, rendez-vous sur Youtube et visionner le vidéo de Yann Arthus Bertrand sur les forêts de la terre.
Français : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOUsOoTqx_U
- Posted by CCNB Action
- Category: News - Nouvelles
- Hits: 13703
Poetry and song lyric competition
2011 is « The International Year of Forests », and CCNB Action is organising a song lyric and poetry competition with the theme « Into the Woods » . Entries can be made in English , French and Maliseet.
This competition is for participants from elementary schools, high schools and adults, and we plan to publish an anthology of the best poems and lyrics in the fall after the prize giving in September . There is a small entry fee for hig schools tudetns and adults which will cover printing costs, and some of the prizes.
Closing date is June 21st , and all details and entry forms are on our website : www.cccnbaction.ca.or contact Alison at 506 - 458 8747 .
For more about the International Year of Forests – go to YouTube and watch Yann Arthus Betrand’s captivating short film on the world’s forests, commissioned by the United Nations.
- Category: News - Nouvelles
- Hits: 7626
- Posted by Raissa Marks
- Category: News - Nouvelles
- Hits: 9428
Stephanie Merrill, Freshwater Protection Program: 458.8747
Raphael Shay, French media contact: 458.8747
- Category: News - Nouvelles
- Hits: 17812
- Category: News - Nouvelles
- Hits: 12952
Some new information about shale gas environmental impacts was recently released. Read the Cornell University study, Methane and the Greenhouse-Gas Footprint of Natural Gas
from Shale Formations. This is important information for New Brunswickers to know during this time of discussion and debate around the development of the industry.
Mnister of Environment, Margaret Ann Blaney, responds to the report in a CBC news article providing insight to NB government's stance on the issue.
- Category: News - Nouvelles
- Hits: 14852
Dear NBEN members and associates,The NBEN is organizing a briefing with the Department of Natural Resources for member and associate groups. The goal of the briefing will be to fully understand the proposed changes for the 2012-2017 Crown lands management plans. These changes will reduce the existing level of conservation forest (30.4%) to either 23% or 25%. The new level of conservation forest, slated to begin in 2012, was a decision taken by the last government, but the current government is considering whether to proceed with these changes or not. There is strong opposition to the changes as the conservation forest includes stream buffer zones, deer wintering areas and old growth forest habitat.
The briefing will take place on Tuesday, May 10, 9-11 a.m. in Fredericton. Mike Sullivan and Steve Gordon will represent the Department of Natural Resources. If you are interested in participating, please advise the NBEN by Thursday, May 5. Thank you, Mary Ann
- Category: News - Nouvelles
- Hits: 9952
Nominations are now open for the 2011 Environmental Leadership Awards. The deadline is Friday, May 27.
There are six award categories this year:
● Lifetime achievement: any individual with at least 15 years of outstanding contribution to protecting the environment;
● Individual youth: any youth younger than 18;
● Youth group: any group, class or school whose members are younger than 18;
● Individual: any individual 18 or older;
● Business: any private-sector enterprise; and
● Communities, groups and organizations: any city, town, village, local service district, not-for-profit organization or group whose members are 18 or older.
For more info.
- Category: News - Nouvelles
- Hits: 13860
Interesting news from California!
Check out this article: "California faces future risk with carbon gold rush"
Mary Ann
- Posted by Raissa Marks
- Category: News - Nouvelles
- Hits: 25472
- the need to encourage renewables and green jobs in our region (but we need to tell folks WHAT renewables to support and HOW MUCH to support them);
- the need to fix our fisheries by reforming Department of Fisheries and Oceans;
- support for cleaning up Boat Harbour was across the board, except in Peter MacKay's response (somewhat ironic because the site is located in his riding!);
- the need for better regulation of hydraulic fracturing for natural gas ("fracking"), with many Green Party candidates calling for a ban; and
- support to repeal the change in the Fisheries Act that would allow Sandy Pond (and lakes and rivers across the country) from becoming waste dumps.
- Conservative received an "F" in our Sierra national grading on climate change, and their lack of support for renewables and green jobs hurts our region. Their support for the Lower Churchill mega-project while wiping out support for renewables (wind, solar, etc.) will leave many communities unable to participate in our green energy future;
- Individual Liberals said they would protect Sandy Pond from becoming a waste dump for mines, but their party's commitment to do so was vague;
- shutting down Point Lepreau nuclear power plant (Conservatives, Liberals did not agree to do so) while the NDP want reforms and no more subsidies to nuclear and fixing regulations but made no commitment to shut down the plant; and
- protecting the Gulf of St. Lawrence for oil and gas development (only the Green Party agreed to protect the Gulf from oil), while the Liberals and NDP want better regulation and thorough review.
1. Support for Renewables
2. Protect the Gulf of St. Lawrence fro Oil and Gas
3. Point Lepreau Nuclear Power Plant Decommisssioning
4. Save Sandy Pond
5. Fix Our Fisheries
6. Take Action on Fracking
7. Clean Up Boat Harbour
If you would like to see what candidates in your riding or province answered, please go here.
- Posted by Raissa Marks
- Category: News - Nouvelles
- Hits: 10648
CCNB will present its annual Milton F. Gregg Conservation Awards in Fredericton Saturday night at the Spring into Action fundraiser.
The award for lifelong achievement will be presented to Robena Weatherley from Cambridge-Narrows. Elizabeth McLaughlin of Moncton will receive the award for environmental activism. Concerned Citizens of Penobsquis will be recognized for its organizational achievement and Hampton-based Dave’s Produce Packs will receive the business achievement award.
The recipients will be honoured on the evening of Saturday April 30th at the Conservation Council’s annual Spring into Action fundraiser to be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Fredericton.
http://www.conservationcouncil.ca/Aboutus/miltonfgregg_awards.aspx.
Tickets to the event are available from the Conservation Council at 180 St. John St, Fredericton, 458-8747, info@conservationcouncil.ca or can be purchased at Westminster Books and True Food Organics.
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CCNB’s 2011 Milton F. Gregg Conservation Award Recipient Biographies
Lifetime Achievement - Robena Weatherley, Cambridge-Narrows
Robena is a forest ecologist by training, one of the first women in that field. Robena and her husband Alan are the driving forces behind the Washademoak Environmentalists, a group committed to preserving the Lake, and the Canaan-Washademoak Watershed Association. Robena has undertaken scientific studies of the watershed , and successfully tackled siltation caused by bad forestry practices and shoreline erosion from home and cottage developments.
Environmental Activism – Elizabeth (Beth) McLaughlin, Moncton
Elizabeth McLaughlin, who worked as a teacher for years, is an effective environmental organizer and motivator. She organized opposition to the Jaakko Poyry forestry recommendations and has worked tirelessly to make people aware of the dangers of nuclear power. Beth is passionate about building sustainable communities and operates a business with this focus.
Organizational Achievement - Concerned Citizens of Penobsquis
The 60-plus member Concerned Citizens of Penobsquis have been fighting for justice in their community where 40 families lost their drinking water and many have suffered property as a result of industrial activity in the area. Potash mining and natural gas production both occur within the community. The group has conducted research, media interviews, public outreach, meetings with government officials, tours for politicians, and intervened in public tribunals on behalf of their community.
Business Achievement - Dave’s Produce Packs, Hampton area
Situated on the outskirts of Hampton, along the Kennebecasis River, Dave’s Produce Packs provides one hundred plus families in the greater Saint John area with fresh, local, organic produce on a weekly basis. Dave Wolpin, Sydney Bliss, Dan Aurell and Alex Thomas are the team of eco-conscious market gardeners who operate this business enterprise which also provides local fruits, free range eggs, and locally baked bread to their customers.
- Category: News - Nouvelles
- Hits: 10327
Quand : mardi le 10 mai à midi
Ou : L’Assemblée législative à Fredericton
Le plan de 50 ans pour la gestion forestière du gouvernement du
Nouveau-Brunswick déterminera le sort de notre faune.
S'il vous plaît, joignez vous à nous le mardi 10 mai à Fredericton pour
envoyer un message clair que nous ne voulons pas que nos zones de
protection des habitats coupées à blanc. Au lieu, nous voulons un plan
de 50 ans qui protège et restaure la riche diversité d'animaux, plantes,
arbres, rivières et cours d'eau dans notre forêt.
De la partie, des orateurs et une bannière 318 pieds de long appelant à
la fin de la coupe à blanc de nos forêts signées par des milliers de
personnes à travers les Amériques. La bannière a visité de nombreux
endroits d'Hawaï à Ottawa et est maintenant au Nouveau-Brunswick.
La Nouvelle-Écosse s'est engagée à ne plus financer l'épandage
d’herbicides sur leurs forêts. Ils vont également réduire de moitié la
superficie de coupe à blanc. Le Québec a interdit les épandages
d’herbicide il y a plus de 10 ans. Le Nouveau-Brunswick devrait suivre
l’exemple de ses voisins et abandonner la foresterie destructive.
Si vous souhaitez faire du covoiturage, contactez Tracy au
forest@ccnbaction.ca
Pour plus d'informations sur les habitats fauniques, visitez le site:
http://www.conservationcouncil.ca/fr/Acadian-Forest-Action/Wildlife_Habitat_Alert.aspx
- Category: News - Nouvelles
- Hits: 14041
When: 12 noon on Tuesday, May 10
Where: New Brunswick Legislature, Fredericton, NB
The government of New Brunswick's 50 year forest management plan will
determine the fate of our wildlife.
Please join us on Tuesday, May 10 in Fredericton to send a strong
message that we don't want our habitat protection zones clearcut,
instead we want a 50 year plan that protects and restores the rich
diversity of animals, plants, trees, rivers and streams in our forest.
The rally will include speakers and a 318 foot long banner calling for
an end to the clearcutting of our forest signed by thousands of people
from across the Americas. The banner has visited many locations from
Hawaii to Ottawa and is now in New Brunswick.
Nova Scotia is committed to reducing the area of clearcutting by half
and no longer funding the herbicide spraying of their forest. Quebec
banned herbicide spraying of their public forest a decade ago in 2001.
New Brunswick should follow our neighbours into the 21st century and
abandon destructive forestry.
Interested in carpooling? Contact Tracy at forest@ccnbaction.ca
For more information on wildlife habitat, visit:
http://www.conservationcouncil.ca/Acadian-Forest-Action/Wildlife_Habitat_Alert.aspx
- Category: News - Nouvelles
- Hits: 7942
If you know a group who has the environment at heart, don’t hesitate to invite them to become a member or associate of the NBEN.
- Category: News - Nouvelles
- Hits: 27171
On the election front, many environmental groups are trying to bring attention to environmental issues. The Sierra Club of Canada just released its election report card, which grades the five major parties based on their platforms. Closer to home, the Petitcodiac Riverkeeper surveyed candidates in ridings surrounding the river and was delighted by the support from most parties.
Renee Beaulieu will be finishing her contract with the NBEN this week. We would like to thank her for the great work she’s done for the NBEN and we wish her the best in her future endeavours!
Back in March, the NBEN hosted a province-wide conference on education focused on sustainability. The final report from the conference is now available.
The ETF award list for this year has been announced. See http://www.gnb.ca/0009/0373/0002/ETFAwards.pdf.
- Category: News - Nouvelles
- Hits: 17831
MONCTON, April 20, 2011 - Like for every federal election, Petitcodiac Riverkeeper submitted a
survey to candidates of ridings surrounding the river, which are Beauséjour, Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe
and Fundy Royal. The Riverkeeper is delighted by the support received, despite the lack of understanding
that seems to exist with the conservative candidates over the issue.
The first question was about their support for the Petitcodiac River Restoration Project. All candidates
support the Petitcodiac River Restoration with the exception of conservative candidates, Rob Moore of
Fundy Royal and Evelyn Chapman of Beauséjour. Without a clear answer, Robert Goguen, Conservative
Party candidate in Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe, wants to wait until the monitoring phase is over " to
evaluate when and how to proceed with the next phase."
The second question concerned the candidates' commitment to ensure that the federal government
financially contributes at least half the cost of the Petitcodiac River Restoration Project. Candidates of the
Liberal Party, NDP and Green Party have responded positively to this question. While the liberal Dominic
LeBlanc believes that “the restoration project of the Petitcodiac River must be completed", conservative
Robert Goguen will ensure federal funding only "if it is the wish of the residents of Moncton-Riverview-
Dieppe and the other levels of government."
According to the Riverkeeper, the Conservative candidates’ position is disappointing. "The federal
government has been a partner in the restoration project since the beginning. Its continued participation is
expected; almost all candidates recognize that” says Marco Morency, executive director of Petitcodiac
Riverkeeper. "We're at the end of a long process that involved the most comprehensive environmental
impact assessment ever conducted in New Brunswick. The federal government is engaged in this process
and it has to remain engaged until the project is completed "he adds.
As for the positions taken by the Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe Conservative candidate, Robert Goguen,
Marco Morency highlights that since the causeway gates were open in April 2010, preliminary results
exceed expectations of all observers and restoration receives the support of four out of five voters in the
region. Petitcodiac Riverkeeper carries out a survey for each federal election since 2000.
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INFORMATION:
Marco Morency | Tel. 388-5337 | Cel. 863-5114 | marco.morency@petitcodiac.org
BACKGROUND
The Petitcodiac River causeway was built between 1966 and 1968. Since then, it has altered the river’s
tidal bore, the socio-economic activities that existed along the waterway, and the ecosystem. This
includes negatively affecting aquatic species native to the river, most notably the now endangered inner
Bay of Fundy Atlantic salmon.
The Petitcodiac River causeway was declared illegal in March 2001 by former federal Minister of
Fisheries and Oceans, Herb Dhaliwal, following the tabling of the Niles Report. This triggered a
comprehensive joint federal-provincial environmental impact assessment in 2002, completed in 2005,
which recommended the construction of a partial bridge to completely restore fish passage and comply
with the Federal Fisheries Act. The federal-provincial agreement of 2002 stipulated that the federal and
provincial governments would share the costs of the Petitcodiac River Restoration Project equally.
The Petitcodiac River Restoration Project, valued at approximately $70 million, was initiated in July 2008
and comprises of three phases: preparation (Phase 1, completed in March 2010), the opening of the
causeway gates and monitoring (Phase 2, which will continue until 2012) and the construction of a partial
bridge, which should normally start in spring 2012. You can read the project description at
www.petitcodiac.com for further details.
RESULTS SUMMARY - see attachment
- Category: News - Nouvelles
- Hits: 12857
2010, the federal government still has to confirm its intentions in regards to the Petitcodiac River
Restoration Project. In the context of the federal elections, Petitcodiac Riverkeeper sent a
questionnaire to each regional candidate to know their positions.
The Petitcodiac River causeway was declared illegal in March 2001 by former federal Minister
of Fisheries and Oceans, Herb Dhaliwal, following the tabling of the Niles Report. This
triggered a comprehensive joint federal-provincial environmental impact assessment in 2002,
completed in 2006, which recommended the construction of a partial bridge to restore the river’s
ecosystem and allow fish passage to comply with the Federal Fisheries Act. The federalprovincial
agreement of 2002 stipulated that the federal and provincial governments would share
the costs of the Petitcodiac River Restoration Project equally.
“The Petitcodiac River Restoration Project, valued at approximately $70 million in total, was
initiated in July 2008 and comprises of three phases: the last phase, the construction of a partial
bridge, should normally be completed in 2013 or 2014. Our federal representatives’ must
commit to do their share” insists Marco Morency, the Petitcodiac Riverkeeper.
The organisation sent the short questionnaire to all candidates of riding covering the Petitcodiac
watershed. The results will be released publicly in the coming weeks. In the last
elections, almost all applicants argued that the federal government should contribute at least 50%
towards the cost of the restoration project.
- Category: News - Nouvelles
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Does your group have resources that you’d like to get out to teachers? The Sustainability Education Alliance will have a booth at the Anglophone high school teachers’ council day on May 6. If you have English-language resources appropriate for high school teachers that you would like to display, please let Raissa know before the end of the month.
- Category: News - Nouvelles
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Liz Smith, long-standing delegate to the NB Pesticides Working Group, has submitted a report of the Working Group’s recent meeting. Of note: the provincial pesticide act is now open for revision. If you want to read Liz’s full report, please let us know.
Are you wondering how groups across Canada can better harness their collective work on water protection? Well, the Canada Rivers Network is wondering this, and they’re asking you to fill out a survey to help them help you!