PEI has two Canadian Heritage River systems; one in the Hillsborough River area and the other in the Three Rivers area of Cardigan, Brudenell and Montague. The river systems have been recognized for their rich cultural history. Brudenell Point was the site of an early French settlement (now Roma at Three Rivers)and the birthplace of one of PEI's Fathers of Confederation, Andrew A. MacDonald. The Hillsborough River offers a varied set of experiences, from insights into the rich oyster fishery to the wildlife and birds of the river system, to the historical and cultural features of the area.
As a small island province, Prince Edward Island depends on the land and the sea as the basis for its three primary industries-farming, tourism and the fishery. All three of these industries are interdependent, and all are contingent on a healthy environment where crops flourish, shellfish thrive, and visitors reap the scenic benefits. The residents of PEI are aware that all this hangs in a delicate balance, and the provincial government and the Island community are taking measures to protect what they believe to be a special and magical place.
The Prince Edward Island Government is taking the lead in implementing a Sustainable Resource Policy. Some of the programs and legislation currently in place include:
- legislation relating to crop rotation and riparian buffer zones.
- the Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program that provides support to communities to enhance streams and forests.
- support for the Island Nature Trust, which protects and manages natural areas.
- land use and land ownership controls such as limitations to land ownership by residents, corporations and non-residents by the L.M. Montgomery Land Trust.
Save a piece of endangered land as a green gift, green memorial or carbon offset. To learn more, visit the Trees in Trust website www.treesintrust.com.
Public Natural Areas and Wetlands
Our Island is rich in public lands which are open to the public for hiking, biking, tours, outdoor education, hunting and fishing, where permitted. 33,000 hectares are set aside and managed for a combination of economic, social and environmental goals.
Within the Public Lands, approximately 60 natural areas have been set aside to conserve and protect sensitive ecological sites. These sites may contain rare or threatened plant species, critical habitats for birds or animals, or unique ecological features.
We are also very proud of the almost 100 ponds and wetlands that are both natural and man-made habitats, rich in terms of biodiversity and critical to the survival of many species.
For more information call (902) 368-6450.
Leave the Firewood Home
Throwing a few pieces of firewood into the trunk of the car before a trip might seem like a good idea, but those logs could destroy a forest.
Firewood can carry small but harmful hitchhikers hidden in the wood. The damage caused by invasive species such as the emerald ash borer can expand exponentially when they get a free ride. In fact, the emerald ash borer has killed millions of ash trees across Canada. Animals and birds lose their habitat.
The solution is easy: leave your firewood at home and pick some up locally instead. For more information call (902) 368-4711.