Salmon River Restoration Project Phase 2:     $32,934
Salmon River Salmon Association
Salmon River, Digby County, Nova Scotia

The Salmon River Salmon Association has had much success with the River and in the community. Past work has paid off, in terms of the return of wildlife, the involvement of local students and recognition. The challenge to restore the Salmon River is high as it was once excavated, its hydraulics were altered by man-made structures and its banks were logged on a section. This project includes restoring 36,000 m2 of habitat by installing rock sill, deflectors and digger logs. Areas affected to let machinery in will be restabilized, replanted and the vegetation will be mulched for recycling. The project will be captured on video to be made available to local groups and schools.

Cruising Toward Healthier Harbours:      $14,000
Bluenose Atlantic Coastal Action Program
Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia

Bluenose ACAP (BACAP) is dedicated to helping recreational boaters reduce their impact in terms of fecal and petroleum contamination on the beautiful Nova Scotia coast. BACAP established in 2000 a free of charge, pump-out facility in Mahone Bay. Unfortunately, many boaters do not have holding tanks on board. For at least 20 local boaters, BACAP will identify requirements for holding tank installation or refitting, and facilitate the work. To address the oil spill issues (which can have important cumulative effects), BACAP will provide some 50 boaters with a free absorbent bilge pad and some information about its necessity, use and proper disposal (soiled pads will be collected by BACAP). It will also make efforts to ensure the pads are available locally and to spread the good habits to other marinas of the region.

Wildlife Flushing Bar Program:      $10,000
Ducks Unlimited
Amherst, Nova Scotia (Nova Scotia and New Brunswick Agricultural Landscape)

Hayfields occupy about 150,000 ha of land in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Even though under forage crop management, these lands become home to various species of birds (for nesting and/or cover) and for other mammals (for food and/or cover). Modern agriculture allows for the fields to be cut up to three or four times a year by efficient, quick mowing equipment which can kill the animals. Ducks Unlimited proposes to address the problem by installing flushing bar devices in the front of the mowing equipment. These bars will flush out mammals and bird life. While the eggs of nesting birds will not be protected, the females will. In 2001, 20 flush bars will be installed, allowing for the protection of the wildlife found in some 1,240 hectares of fields.

Development of Wildlife Habitat:      $3,035
Heatherton Environmental Group
Heatherton, Nova Scotia

Parents, students and the Rev. H.J. MacDonald School team will be joining forces to develop and maintain a natural wildlife habitat on an area of the school property. Volunteers will plant more than 120 plants that include 25 species of trees and shrubs and work on the creation of a frog pond. The new natural area will serve to increase public awareness and understanding about the environmental benefits provided by trees, provide a learning opportunity for the school community and attract wildlife to the school.

Bird and Bat Habitat Restoration Project:     $11,153
Mineville Community Association (MCA)
Mineville, Nova Scotia

Mineville is experiencing a fair amount of residential development on lots which are currently heavily treed, some being also located on lakes. This project will address the associated loss of habitat for the displaced birds. The Mineville Community Association, dedicated to, among others, preserving community parkland and protecting the surrounding environment, will be building nesting boxes for a variety of birds and bats, which will be distributed throughout six parks (approximately 16 hectares) and on two large lakes. Species targeted include loons (8 platforms), wood duck (30 boxes), barred owl (10 boxes), bats (40 houses), other birds (40 varied houses) and osprey (4 platforms).

P2 - Nova Scotia Community College:      $19,972
ACAP Cape Breton
Sydney, Nova Scotia

Since 1993, ACAP Cape Breton has been involved in carrying out projects to improve its local environment. The organization led a very successful pollution prevention project at the Cape Breton Health Care Complex. ACAP Cape Breton plans to implement a similar program at the Nova Scotia Community College - Marconi Campus. Actively working with the students association, this project will establish a purchasing policy, collect 400 kg of alkaline batteries, 3 tons of recyclable material (paper and plastic), 150 ink cartridges and mercury from 500 fluorescent lights. The project will also conserve 1500 m3 of water, reduce chemical waste by 70 litres, make recommendations for energy efficiency, and publish a blueprint manual for the greening the Nova Scotia Community College's other facilities.

Sutherland Lake Clean Water and Community Improvement Society Project:      $7,870
Sutherland Lake Clean Water and Community Improvement Society
Londonderry, Nova Scotia (Sutherland Lake)

Residents of Sutherland Lake are concerned by the health of their lake. While industrial activity has ceased since the 1940's, the lake has been increasingly used as a recreational area. Increased urbanization, both permanent and seasonal, have caused the appearance and growth of algae and, to a lesser extent, of weeds. Residents have joined forces to eliminate the growth of those plants threatening the health of their lake. The Sutherland Lake Clean Water and Community Improvement Society will investigate septic tanks, gray water, fertilizer and pesticide use, and hold seminars on the issues to improve water quality for both humans and wildlife.

Cornwallis River Riparian Management Project:      $10,000
Friends of the Cornwallis River Society
Port Williams, Nova Scotia (Wolfville to Berwick, Kings County)

The Friends of the Cornwallis River Society is actively involved in taking action on the river system. This watershed of this Nova Scotian river currently has 42% of its land devoted to agricultural uses which necessitates irrigation, manure and pesticide applications and involves cattle access to streams. The lack of appropriate buffer zones and the unlimited cattle access to waterways constitute the main sources of problems within the watershed. The Society will work with the community in the Cornwallis River and Sharpes Brook to install 10 km of fences supported by an associated 5 m buffer zone (on average) in which some 400 trees will be planted. Local residents and youth will be highly involved through the organization of a River Day and some Volunteer Activity Days.