TRADITIONAL TERRITORY OF WABANAKI PEOPLES/FREDERICTON, N.B. – The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – NB Chapter (CPAWS New Brunswick) is very happy to see increased nature protection included as a priority in today’s Speech from the Throne.
Roberta Clowater, Executive Director of CPAWS New Brunswick says, “We appreciate Premier Holt and her team for acknowledging the important link between nature and climate protection. CPAWS New Brunswick remains committed to providing objective, science-based advice to help NB increase protected areas to 15% of the province’s land, and work on a plan to protect 30%.”
“The Premier and her team understand that Increasing protections for land and ocean in New Brunswick is good for everyone. New tourism and recreation opportunities can boost economic activity and create good jobs. Protecting the forests, wetlands and coastal areas that safeguard us from extreme weather caused by climate change secures our homes and businesses and can help lower our insurance rates. And increased green space allows people to improve their mental and physical health.”
TRADITIONAL TERRITORY OF WABANAKI PEOPLES/FREDERICTON, N.B.— Four prominent nature organizations in New Brunswick, the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – New Brunswick Chapter, Conservation Council of New Brunswick, Nature NB, and Nature Trust of New Brunswick sent a survey to party leaders to learn more about their plans to champion conservation efforts if elected. To date, three of the party leaders have responded: David Coon (Green Party of New Brunswick), Susan Holt (New Brunswick Liberal Association), and Alex White (New Brunswick New Democratic Party).
“We know that voters have a lot of concerns going into this election,” said Vanessa Roy-McDougall, Executive Director of Nature NB. “There’s room for nature, too, because without a healthy and climate-resilient environment in New Brunswick, our health, economy, and cost of living all suffer. We hope that voters will remind candidates of just that, and that party leaders keep nature as a priority.”
In the survey, party leaders were asked if they would match the federal commitment to protect 30 percent of lands and oceans by 2030, if they would modernize the Crown Lands and Forests Act and other outdated environmental legislation, and if they support the creation of new Indigenous-led protected and conserved areas. As answers to these questions are received, they are posted on a joint web page (here) to help inform voters’ decisions when they go to the polls in October.
“Voting for nature has a positive effect on the other issues that are troubling voters,” said Roberta Clowater, Executive Director of Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – NB Chapter. “Increasing protections for land and oceans in New Brunswick is good for everyone. New tourism and recreation opportunities can boost economic activity, nature-based solutions can help us become more resilient in the face of extreme weather caused by climate change, and increased green space allows people to improve their mental and physical health.”
New Brunswickers head to the polls on October 21, 2024 to elect New Brunswick’s 61st Legislative Assembly. Until that time, these four nature organizations continue to encourage voters, candidates, and party leaders to vote for nature. More information can be found on the websites of each of the organizations, as well as a pledge that citizens and candidates can take and distribute.
Contacts:
Roberta Clowater, Executive Director
Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – New Brunswick Chapter
TERRITOIRE TRADITIONNEL DES PEUPLES WABANAKI / FREDERICTON, N.-B. – Quatre importants organismes de protection de la nature du Nouveau-Brunswick, la Société pour la nature et les parcs du Canada – Section Nouveau-Brunswick, le Conseil de conservation du Nouveau-Brunswick, Nature NB et la Fondation pour la protection des sites naturels du Nouveau-Brunswick ont envoyé un sondage aux chefs de parti afin d’en savoir plus sur leurs plans pour défendre les efforts de conservation s’ils sont élus. À ce jour, trois chefs de parti ont répondu au sondage : David Coon (Parti vert du Nouveau-Brunswick), Susan Holt (Association libérale du Nouveau-Brunswick) et Alex White (Nouveau Parti démocratique du Nouveau-Brunswick).
« Nous savons que les électeurs ont de nombreuses préoccupations à l’approche de cette élection », a déclaré Vanessa Roy-McDougall, directrice générale de Nature NB. « Il y a aussi de la place pour la nature, car sans un environnement sain et résilient au climat au Nouveau-Brunswick, notre santé, notre économie et notre coût de la vie en souffrent. Nous espérons que les électeurs rappelleront cela aux candidats et que les chefs de parti feront de la nature une priorité. »
Dans le sondage, les chefs de parti devaient indiquer s’ils comptent respecter l’engagement fédéral de protéger 30 % des terres et des océans d’ici 2030, s’ils prévoient moderniser la Loi sur les terres et forêts de la Couronne et d’autres lois environnementales désuètes, et s’ils appuieraient la création de nouvelles zones protégées et conservées dirigées par des Autochtones. Les réponses à ces questions sont publiées au fur et à mesure sur une page web commune (lien ici) afin d’éclairer les décisions des électeurs lorsqu’ils se rendront aux urnes en octobre.
« Voter pour la nature a un effet positif sur les autres questions qui préoccupent les électeurs », a déclaré Roberta Clowater, directrice générale de la Société pour la nature et les parcs du Canada – section du Nouveau-Brunswick. « Le fait d’accroître la protection des terres et des océans au Nouveau-Brunswick est bénéfique pour tout le monde. De nouvelles possibilités de tourisme et de loisirs peuvent stimuler l’activité économique, les solutions fondées sur la nature peuvent nous aider à devenir plus résilients face aux conditions météorologiques extrêmes causées par les changements climatiques, et l’augmentation des espaces verts permet aux gens d’améliorer leur santé mentale et physique. »
Les Néo-Brunswickois se rendront aux urnes le 21 octobre 2024 pour élire la 61e Assemblée législative du Nouveau-Brunswick. D’ici là, ces quatre organisations de protection de la nature continuent d’encourager les électeurs, les candidats et les chefs de parti à voter pour la nature. Vous trouverez plus d’informations sur les sites Web de chacune des organisations, ainsi qu’un engagement que les citoyens et les candidats peuvent signer et distribuer.
Contact :
Roberta Clowater, directrice générale
Société pour la nature et les parcs du Canada – Section du Nouveau-Brunswick
Are you looking to help make a difference in our provincial parks and have fun doing it? Join us at the Barnaby Head trailhead for a guided nature walk and trail cleanup. This event is a part of the Nature Trust of New Brunswick’s Great Fundy Coastal Cleanup.
Saturday August 17th between 10am – 1 pm
Barnaby Head Trail (New River Beach Nature Trail, 29 Carrying Cove Rd, New River Beach, NB E5J 1J3)
The beautiful coastal views along the Barnaby Head trail in New River Beach Provincial Park make for a scenic walk full of the native plants and wildlife we all love. The best part about this event is doing your part to keep our beaches and coastal trails clean for future generations.
Free and perfect for all ages. Park entry fees apply.
Be sure to bring sturdy shoes, lots of water, sunscreen, lunch and snacks, appropriate clothing for the weather, and bug spray.
No prior experience is needed to join.
All materials needed for the cleanup will be provided.
—
Cherchez-vous à aider à faire une différence dans nos parcs provinciaux et à vous amuser à faire ? Rejoignez la SNAP N-B le samedi 17 août au début du sentier Barnaby Head pour notre marche guidée and nettoyage des sentiers dans le cadre du le grand nettoyage annuel de la côte de Fundy par la Fondation pour la protection des sites naturels du Nouveau-Brunswick !
Samedi 17 août pendant 10h00 à 13h00
Sentier Barnaby Head (New River Beach Nature Trail, 29 Carrying Cove Rd, New River Beach, NB E5J 1J3)
Les belles vues de la côte le long du sentier Barnaby Head au parc provincial New River fais une promenade pittoresque plein de plantes locales et d’animaux sauvages que nous aimons tous. La meilleure partie de l’évènement est que vous ferrez vos parts pour garder nos plages et océan propres pour les prochaines générations.
Gratuit et parfait pour tous les âges. Les droits d’entrée sont toujours applicables
Assurez de porter des chaussures robustes, beaucoup de l’eau, crème solaire, les collations, les vêtements adaptés à la météo et d’insecticide.
Aucune expérience est nécessaire.
Tous les matériaux nécessaires pour le nettoyage sera fourni.
On the beach near the Mobi-mat, located in the middle of the beach, near the playground.
Meet us on the beach to explore the habitats along the coast and meet the critters that call Parlee Beach home! Our Get outside staff will be there to share their knowledge and love for the plants and animals that we share the beach with. These hands-on activities are perfect for all ages!
All activities are FREE! Park entry fees still apply.
Be sure to bring a hat, water, and sunscreen!
All ages are welcome
No prior experience is needed to join
—
Rejoignez l’équipe d’Au Grand Air au parc provincial de la plage Parlee le 8 et 9 août pour les activités « explorer le rivage » !
Jeudi 8 août : 15h00 à 17h00
Vendredi 9 août : 10h00 à 12h00
Sur la plage près du Mobi Mat, situé au milieu de la plage, près du terrain de jeux
Rejoignez-nous sur la plage pour explorer les habitats le long de la côte et rencontrer les créatures qui habitent sur la plage Parlee ! Le personnel d’Au Grand Air sera là pour partager ses connaissances et son amour des plantes et des animaux avec lesquels nous partagerons la plage. Ces activités pratiques sont parfaites pour tous les âges !
Toutes les activités sont GRATUITES ! Les droits d’entrée au parc restent applicables.
N’oubliez pas d’apporter un chapeau, de l’eau et de la crème solaire !
Join CPAWS New Brunswick at Johnsons Mills for a nature walk to explore the land and seascape of the Chignecto Isthmus located beside the beautiful Bay of Fundy!
Explore the Shorebird Reserve and learn more about the wildlife that depend on this important area!. CPAWS NB and Nature Conservancy of Canada staff will share insights into work that is being done to protect important habitats connecting from the headwaters to deep waters in the area. We will also discuss how you can get involved in helping the natural areas that matter most to you!
Family friendly event, ALL ages are welcome;
Nature walk will take place on a trail and along pebble/rocky beach;
This will be a slow-paced walk, perfect for all outdoor experience levels;
This is a FREE activity;
Please note, there is no potable water or washroom facilities on site. There is a compost toilet located near the interpretive center
Please bring along with you:
At least 2 liters of water (please bring one water bottle to carry with you, and one to leave in your car).
A hat and sunscreen,
Sturdy shoes for walking along the trail and on the beach,
Optional: Binoculars and camera (with a telephoto lens)
Every summer thousands of shorebirds migrate through the Bay of Fundy and a perfect place to see them is the mudflats and beaches of Johnsons Mills Shorebird Reserve! This internationally recognized shorebird preserve provides habitat for lots of wildlife, so come join us while we discuss the wonders of the Chignecto Isthmus and the Bay of Fundy!
Directions
From Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island: Trans-Canada Highway – Bridge St., Sackville, NB. Exit #506 Route 106 W for 16 km to Dorchester Route 935, 8 km to Centre.
From New Brunswick: Trans-Canada Highway – East Memramcook, NB. Exit #488 follow Route 106 E for 15 km to Dorchester Route 935, 8 km to Centre.
Survey conducted for ASF and CPAWS-NB shows consensus among all voters, young people and our older population, and both official Languages
TRADITIONAL TERRITORY OF WABANAKI PEOPLES/FREDERICTON, N.B. – A full two-thirds of New Brunswickers want the next provincial government to set new targets for protected areas to help Canada meets is 30×30 protected area targets. The results come from a bilingual survey conducted earlier this month of 400 New Brunswickers on behalf of the Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF) and the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – New Brunswick Chapter (CPAWS-NB).
“Heading into the New Brunswick Day long weekend, and on the eve of a provincial election, it’s clear that people are united in their love for nature and want more of it protected,” said Roberta Clowater, executive director of CPAWS in N.B. “New Brunswickers expect provincial leaders to work with all levels of government and do even more to protect the rivers, forests, and coastal waters that support communities and wildlife.”
This is the third in series of surveys on nature conducted by ASF and CPAWS-NB since 2020. Results have remained consistent over time and the most recent survey illustrates how broad support for wildlife and protected areas is in New Brunswick.
“When you look at our polling results, you see that nature protection is consistently supported across all demographics for New Brunswickers. Whether they are young voters or older citizens, French or English speaking, as one voice, they come together, overwhelmingly, in favour or more protection,” added Clowater.
With more than 60,000 kilometres of rivers and streams and over 2,500 lakes, New Brunswick provides ample opportunities for canoeing, swimming, and angling. The survey shows that people are deeply connected to fish with 81% of respondents saying it is important to protect habitat for cold-water species like trout and salmon.
“New Brunswick’s waterways are under pressure from deforestation, climate change, and other threats. The best way to keep water cold, clean, and healthy for fish is by protecting the most important places in our watersheds,” said Kristen Noel, communications director for the Atlantic Salmon Federation. “Forests, rivers, and fish are interconnected.”
Canada’s 30×30 targets are a Canada-wide commitment to protect 30% of land and freshwater, and 30% of the country’s territorial seas by 2030. There are processes underway to add significant new coastal protections in the Bay of Fundy, something the survey shows New Brunswickers want.
Eighty nine percent of respondents believe the health of coastal nature is important, especially to protect us from storms and tidal surges, and help wildlife.
Un sondage mené pour la FSA et la SNAP-N-B révèle un consensus chez les électeurs jeunes et moins jeunes, anglophones et francophones
TERRITOIRE TRADITIONNEL DES WABANAKI/FREDERICTON, N.-B. – Les deux tiers des Néo-Brunswickois veulent que le prochain gouvernement provincial établisse de nouvelles cibles en matière d’aires protégées pour aider le Canada à réaliser sa cible de 30 x 30. Ce résultat a été révélé par un sondage bilingue mené plus tôt ce mois-ci auprès de 400 Néo-Brunswickois pour le compte de la Fédération du saumon atlantique (FSA) et la Société pour la nature et les parcs du Canada – Section du Nouveau-Brunswick (SNAP-N-B).
« À l’approche de la longue fin de semaine de la Fête du Nouveau-Brunswick, et à la veille d’élections provinciales, il est clair que les Néo-Brunswickois sont unis par leur amour pour la nature et veulent qu’elle bénéficie d’une protection accrue, affirme Roberta Clowater, directrice générale de la SNAP-N=B. Les Néo-Brunswickois s’attendent à ce que les chefs provinciaux collaborent avec tous les ordres de gouvernement et fassent davantage pour protéger les rivières, les forêts et les eaux côtières qui soutiennent les communautés et la faune. »
Il s’agit du troisième d’une série de sondages sur la nature menés par la FSA et la SNPC-NB depuis 2020. Les résultats sont demeurés stables dans le temps, et le plus récent sondage révèle que la faune et les aires protégées bénéficient d’un soutien généralisé au Nouveau-Brunswick.
« Lorsque vous examinez les résultats du sondage, vous constatez que les Néo-Brunswickois de tous les groupes démographiques sont en faveur de la protection de la nature. Que ce soient les électeurs jeunes ou plus âgés, les francophones ou les anglophones, ils s’expriment d’une seule voix pour réclamer à l’unanimité une protection accrue de la nature », ajoute-t-elle.
Avec plus de 60 000 km de cours d’eau et plus de 2 500 lacs, le Nouveau-Brunswick offre d’innombrables possibilités pour la pratique d’activités de plein air comme le canot, la natation et la pêche. Le sondage révèle que les gens ressentent un lien d’attachement profond envers les poissons, 81 % des répondants ayant indiqué qu’il est important de protéger l’habitat des espèces d’eau froide comme le saumon de l’Atlantique et l’omble de fontaine.
« Les cours d’eau du Nouveau-Brunswick sont soumis à de fortes pressions, telles que le déboisement, le changement climatique et d’autres menaces. La meilleure façon de garder l’eau froide, fraîche et saine pour les poissons est d’assurer la protection des endroits les plus importants dans nos bassins versants, ajoute Kristen Noel, directrice des communications à la Fédération du saumon atlantique. Les forêts, les rivières et les poissons sont étroitement liés. »
La cible 30 x 30 est l’objectif que s’est donné le Canada pour protéger 30 % de ses terres et de ses eaux douces ainsi que 30 % de ses eaux territoriales d’ici 2030. Des démarches sont en cours pour ajouter d’importantes nouvelles mesures de protection côtière dans la baie de Fundy, chose que veulent les Néo-Brunswickois selon le sondage.
Quatre-vingt-neuf pour cent des répondants croient que la santé des milieux côtiers est importante, non seulement pour nous protéger contre les ondes de tempête et la montée des marées, mais pour protéger la faune.
Pour voir les résultats détaillés du sondage, cliquer ici.
Pour les entrevues en français ou en anglais, communiquer avec Kristen Noel
Summer is in full swing, and we are excited to welcome two new summer students to the CPAWS NB team! These students will be working to bring our Get Outside! NB events to a park near you! Introducing Lakshita and Jesse!
What first sparked your interest in the environment?
Jesse: It’s hard to pinpoint where my interest first began in the environment, but growing up around the nature in Canada, it is hard not to get enticed by what it has to offer. I have fond memories from nature hikes with my family, filled with moments where I learned about the need for conservation in our province. I hope to share my interest in conservation by teaching others about our need for nature and how to respect the wildlife around us.
Lakshita: My passion for the environment grew from my love for animals and wildlife. When I was younger, I volunteered most summers in Sariska, Rajasthan, and bugged my parents to travel only to places that offered wildlife safaris. Watching National Geographic documentaries about animals was one of my favorite pastimes.
Ever since then, I have always wanted to work closely with wildlife. As I became more aware of environmental issues and their effects on habitats, I developed a strong desire to contribute meaningfully to conservation: advocating for policy changes, creating awareness, and promoting habitat protection and restoration to create a better world for animals. This drive led me to study environmental management at university and eventually brought me to work with CPAWS.
What are your favorite ways to enjoy the nature NB has to offer?
Jesse: The number of places to see and things to do to enjoy the nature in New Brunswick is truly endless, but some activities for me personally are very special. Waking up at the crack of dawn and wading out into the water on the gorgeous Miramichi river to fish for coveted Atlantic Salmon is so serene I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else in the world! Another way I like to enjoy the nature around me is with my trusty kayak. Paddling on still lakes or swift rivers helps me see how beautiful our province is.
Lakshita: Outdoor activities in New Brunswick have been a refreshing change from what I experienced in India. There are so many things that I got to try for the first time, such as skiing in the snowy winters and canoeing during the summers. Hiking along the beautiful trails has become one of my favorite activities these days. The camping experiences I’ve already had through this job have also been very memorable. Every moment spent in nature here makes me feel so happy and calm, and I look forward to more of these moments while I am here.
What part of working for CPAWS NB are you most looking forward to?
Jesse: One of the many things I am excited for during my time at CPAWS NB is to be able to help build people’s connections to nature through various Get Outside! NB activities across the province. Through these activities, like our Seashore Explore events at different parks, I hope to show people how to be stewards of the natural areas around them and demonstrate why conservation is so important to all of us on the CPAWS NB team.
Lakshita: I am looking forward to participating in the CPAWS Get Outside program. I’ve noticed that in the environmental field, it’s fairly common to feel discouraged when facing all the challenges, but the Get Outside program takes a refreshingly positive approach. It builds a strong community of stewardship, by emphasizing the importance of nature and fostering a deep connection to it. Being surrounded by like-minded people and rekindling my own love for nature while helping others, is very fulfilling for me.
What makes the conservation of NB nature important to you?
Jesse: Growing up influenced by our vast natural spaces, makes me want to protect and fight to conserve nature for future generations. The need for conservation is vital to continue doing the things we love, and it is so very important to educate the public on what they can do to help conserve our natural spaces.
Lakshita: Growing up in a busy city in India to experiencing the beautiful nature New Brunswick has to offer, I feel the difference it has made in my life. I want everyone to be able to experience the peace and serenity from being around nature, and not be disconnected from it while living in urban surroundings. I would never want to return to living in a concrete jungle, nor do I want places to become like that in the future. I want there to be places where people can coexist with nature, and that is what makes conservation important to me.
Jesse and Lakshita, along with the rest of our CPAWS NB Team, hope to see you out in nature this summer at one of our many events. Be sure to check out our Get Outside! NB summer programming for details on all of our activities.
TRADITIONAL TERRITORY OF WABANAKI PEOPLES/FREDERICTON, N.B. – The New Brunswick Chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS-NB) enthusiastically welcomes the public release of the draft Marine Conservation Network Plan for the Scotian Shelf – Bay of Fundy Bioregion, by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO).
This draft plan identifies areas that are significant for conservation in the Scotian Shelf – Bay of Fundy Bioregion. DFO is encouraging public input on the draft plan.
“The Bay of Fundy is important to all New Brunswickers,” says Roberta Clowater, Executive Director of CPAWS-NB. “Yet the Bay is facing increasing industrial pressures and is warming due to climate change faster than other parts of the ocean. The Bay has been woefully unprotected for too long. It’s good news that the federal government has identified areas in the Bay that need to be conserved for wildlife and to support coastal communities. We have a responsibility to take care of the ocean that supports us, and we need strongly protected Marine Protected Areas in all these sites. This is a good beginning, but we believe more areas need to be added to the marine conservation network.”
The draft Marine Conservation Network Plan identifies six areas of high conservation value in the New Brunswick part of the Bay of Fundy. These sites include habitats for rare and endangered species such as the North Atlantic Right Whale and the Inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic salmon, saltmarshes and mudflats that are internationally important stopovers for millions of migratory shorebirds each year, and hotspots for whales, seabirds and fish nurseries.
Each of the sites identified in the Bay of Fundy will be part of a full consultation process in the future with Indigenous peoples, industries that use the Bay, local communities, and the public, once the draft plan is finalized. This is only the first step of a long process before final decisions will be made.
Canada has committed to protect 30% of the ocean around the country by 2030. This is consistent with the international target to protect 30% of the world’s ocean by 2030, as part of global efforts under the Biodiversity Convention. In the Bay of Fundy, there is currently only one small Marine Protected Area in the Musquash Estuary.
CPAWS-NB is reviewing the draft Marine Conservation Network Plan closely and will submit input to DFO. The public consultation process runs until June 29th.
CPAWS NB encourages the public to provide input to DFO using this online survey:
“We know that voters have a lot of concerns going into this election,” said Vanessa Roy-McDougall, Executive Director of Nature NB. “There’s room for nature, too, because without a healthy and climate-resilient environment in New Brunswick, our health, economy, and cost of living all suffer. We hope that voters will remind candidates of just that, and that party leaders keep nature as a priority.”
Jesse: One of the many things I am excited for during my time at CPAWS NB is to be able to help build people’s connections to nature through various Get Outside! NB activities across the province. Through these activities, like our Seashore Explore events at different parks, I hope to show people how to be stewards of the natural areas around them and demonstrate why conservation is so important to all of us on the CPAWS NB team.