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MINISTER DION ANNOUNCES PROJECT TO ENHANCE AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS HEALTH IN LA MAURICIE NATIONAL PARK OF CANADA
SHAWINIGAN (QUEBEC), August 8, 2005 -- The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, today announced a $2.5 million project to enhance the health of La Mauricie National Park of Canada’s aquatic ecosystems.
“This initiative from the Government of Canada will allow several lakes in La Mauricie National Park to return to their natural state,” said Minister Dion. “Through the removal of logs and other debris that have accumulated over the years, as well as the re-introduction of indigenous fish species, we will contribute to present these sites, which are part of our natural heritage.”
The ecological rehabilitation project is being undertaken through Parks Canada’s Ecological Integrity Priority Themes Fund, which was made possible by the new ecological integrity funding that the Agency received in the 2003 and 2005 federal budgets. It will help the Agency to gain a better understanding of the current state of 12 lakes in the park, restore the water levels of six lakes, reintroduce or rehabilitate natural fish populations, rebuild or remove flawed structures and dams to restore natural water flows, improve the condition of riparian habitats, and increase public awareness of the state of the lakes.
Created in 1970, La Mauricie National Park includes many lakes that cover approximately seven per cent of its surface. Close to 200,000 people come to visit the park annually.
La Mauricie National Park of Canada is part of Parks Canada’s network of national parks, national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas in Quebec, which offer visitors first class services and exceptional heritage experiences.
Information:
Brigitte Caron
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
(819) 997-1441
Marie Lavoie
Superintendent La Mauricie Field Unit
Parks Canada
(819) 536-2630
“This initiative from the Government of Canada will allow several lakes in La Mauricie National Park to return to their natural state,” said Minister Dion. “Through the removal of logs and other debris that have accumulated over the years, as well as the re-introduction of indigenous fish species, we will contribute to present these sites, which are part of our natural heritage.”
The ecological rehabilitation project is being undertaken through Parks Canada’s Ecological Integrity Priority Themes Fund, which was made possible by the new ecological integrity funding that the Agency received in the 2003 and 2005 federal budgets. It will help the Agency to gain a better understanding of the current state of 12 lakes in the park, restore the water levels of six lakes, reintroduce or rehabilitate natural fish populations, rebuild or remove flawed structures and dams to restore natural water flows, improve the condition of riparian habitats, and increase public awareness of the state of the lakes.
Created in 1970, La Mauricie National Park includes many lakes that cover approximately seven per cent of its surface. Close to 200,000 people come to visit the park annually.
La Mauricie National Park of Canada is part of Parks Canada’s network of national parks, national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas in Quebec, which offer visitors first class services and exceptional heritage experiences.
Information:
Brigitte Caron
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
(819) 997-1441
Marie Lavoie
Superintendent La Mauricie Field Unit
Parks Canada
(819) 536-2630
Backgrounder associated with this News Release.
