Public and Private Collaboration Secures Long-Term Protection of Empire Avenue Wetlands
St. John’s, NL – November 8, 2024 – Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is celebrating a significant conservation victory in the heart of St. John’s, Newfoundland. The organization has secured the acquisition of a vital 12-acre urban wetland habitat, thanks to a collaborative effort involving the Government of Canada’s Natural Heritage Conservation Program, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and the generous support of residential developer Nosegard Holdings Ltd.
The Empire Avenue wetland, located upstream from the beloved Mundy Pond, was identified as a critical conservation area by the Stewardship Association of Municipalities. Recognizing the importance of this natural resource, Brian Noseworthy, owner of Nosegard Holdings, approached DUC in 2020 with a desire to see the wetland protected.
DUC, in partnership with the National Heritage Conservation Program, was able to purchase a portion of the land, while Nosegard Holdings generously donated the remaining acreage. This joint effort ensures the long-term integrity of the wetland, safeguarding its vital ecological functions for generations to come.
The Empire Avenue wetland will not only serve as a refuge for diverse wildlife species, including the green-winged teal, but also play a crucial role in the city’s infrastructure. Its natural filtration system will help maintain clean water, while its capacity to manage flooding will become increasingly important as urban development continues to expand.
“Newfoundland and Labrador is renowned for its remote wetlands that support vital wildlife populations,” said Adam Campbell, Manager of Provincial Operations for Atlantic Canada. “However, it is our urban habitats that offer the greatest benefit to local communities. Wetlands act as natural flood mitigation systems and are essential for clean water.”
Campbell highlighted the significance of the public-private partnership in achieving this conservation milestone. “Thanks to the vision of Brian Noseworthy and the support of the National Heritage Conservation Program, the people of St. John’s will reap the numerous benefits of the ecological services provided by wetlands like Empire Avenue.”
Brian Noseworthy, Managing Director of Nosegard Holdings Ltd., echoed Campbell’s sentiment. “I am thrilled to partner with Ducks Unlimited Canada to create this valuable green space. We must prioritize the protection of land like this for the enjoyment of all. This property also complements and enhances the adjacent greenbelt, which is owned and protected by the City of St. John’s.”
The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, lauded the project as a significant step towards achieving Canada’s conservation goals. “Through the Natural Heritage Conservation Program, the Government of Canada is making progress toward its target of conserving 30 per cent of land and water in Canada by 2030. By collaborating with organizations like Ducks Unlimited Canada, we are working to safeguard the natural environment in Newfoundland and Labrador and across the country.”
The Minister emphasized the importance of a holistic approach to conservation. “Protecting this urban wetland is crucial in halting and reversing biodiversity loss. It safeguards habitat for waterfowl while serving as a vital piece of natural infrastructure for the city. Only by engaging in a whole-of-society approach can we achieve our conservation goals.”
About the Natural Heritage Conservation Program
The Government of Canada’s Natural Heritage Conservation Program (NHCP) is a unique partnership that supports the creation and recognition of protected and conserved areas through the acquisition of private land and private interest in land. Since its inception, the Government of Canada has invested over $500 million in the Program. This investment has been matched by over $1 billion in contributions raised by Nature Conservancy of Canada, Ducks Unlimited Canada, and the country’s land trust community, leading to the protection and conservation of over 840,000 hectares of ecologically sensitive lands.
About Ducks Unlimited Canada:
Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is a registered charity and the leading force in wetland conservation across Canada. DUC collaborates with governments, industry, non-profit organizations, Indigenous Peoples, and landowners to protect and restore wetlands that are essential for waterfowl, other wildlife, and the overall health of the environment. To learn more about DUC’s innovative environmental solutions and services, visit www.ducks.ca.
