The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – New Brunswick Chapter (CPAWS NB) has submitted recommendations to the provincial government calling for a modernized Clean Water Act that reflects the realities of climate change, biodiversity loss, and growing pressures on the province’s watersheds.
“Protecting nature is protecting water,” said Roberta Clowater, Executive Director of CPAWS NB. “The wetlands, forests, rivers and peatlands that shape New Brunswick’s landscape are the foundation of clean drinking water, climate resilience, and healthy communities.”
In its submission, CPAWS NB urges the province to strengthen protections for wetlands and peatlands, implement watershed-based planning across the province, align the Clean Water Act with other conservation laws, and establish stronger safeguards for coastal ecosystems facing increasing climate risks.
The organization also recommends greater transparency and monitoring of water quality and watershed health, as well as stronger alignment between water protection and New Brunswick’s conservation and climate commitments.
“Modernizing the Clean Water Act is a critical opportunity to ensure that water protection, nature conservation, and climate resilience move forward together,” Clowater said. “Healthy watersheds are natural infrastructure that protect communities, support biodiversity, and secure drinking water for generations to come.”
Join CPAWS NB and the Restigouche Naturalists Club in Campbellton at the Campbellton Centennial Library to explore how strong forest and river protection helps keep your community healthy, safe, and thriving.
In New Brunswick we have a rare opportunity right now – the provincial government has promised to increase protected areas to reach 15% of the province! With this opportunity, we can work together to protect the forests, rivers, and wild spaces you love as a part of that promise
This will be a bilingual presentation and light refreshments will be served. All are welcome!
Rejoignez la SNAP N.-B. et le Club des naturalistes du Restigouche à Campbellton, à la Bibliothèque du centenaire de Campbellton, pour découvrir comment une protection forte des forêts et des rivières contribue à la santé, à la sécurité et à la prospérité de votre communauté.
Au Nouveau-Brunswick, nous avons actuellement une occasion rare : le gouvernement provincial a promis d’augmenter les zones protégées pour atteindre 15 % de la province ! Grâce à cette opportunité, nous pouvons travailler ensemble pour protéger les forêts, les rivières et les espaces sauvages que vous aimez dans le cadre de cette promesse.
CPAWS NB invites you to our Thanks to Nature event on Thanksgiving Saturday, at Mactaquac Provincial Park! Join us to spend time outside, enjoy the beautiful fall colours, and say thank you to nature.
Thanks to Nature is an opportunity to celebrate nature and give thanks for all it provides us. Whether you are thankful for nature’s resources, the beauty of the forest, or the health benefits it provides, join us for Thanks to Nature to share gratitude and be a part of a new holiday tradition.
This event includes a self-guided nature walk with on-trail interpretation and activity stations. Our CPAWS staff and volunteers will be on trail with answers to your questions about nature, offer opportunities for reflection, and a chance to slow down and appreciate the beautiful nature around you.
Participants are welcome to join anytime between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM and can walk along the trail at your own pace. The selected trail is an accessible route that is approximately 1.3 kilometers long and perfect for all outdoor experience levels. A Hippocampe all-terrain wheelchair can be requested for use.
What should I bring?
Please come prepared with water and sturdy shoes to walk in. Dress accordingly to the weather on the day.
Is the event free?
Yes, our event is free for participants. There will be refreshments available on the trail. Participants will be entered to win exciting prizes.
La SNAP N.-B. vous invite à notre évènement Grâce à la nature le samedi de l’Action de grâce, au parc provincial Mactaquac ! Venez passer du temps dehors avec nous, apprécier les magnifiques couleurs de l’automne et dire merci à la nature.
Grâce à la nature est l’occasion de célébrer la nature et de la remercier pour tout ce qu’elle nous offre. Que vous soyez reconnaissant pour les ressources naturelles, la beauté de la forêt ou les bienfaits qu’elle apporte à la santé, rejoignez-nous pour Grâce à la nature afin de partager votre gratitude et de prendre part à une nouvelle tradition festive.
Cet évènement comprend une randonnée naturelle autoguidée avec des stations d’interprétation et d’activités le long du sentier. Notre personnel et nos bénévoles de la SNAP seront présents tout au long du sentier pour répondre à vos questions sur la nature, vous offrir des occasions de réflexion et vous permettre de ralentir et d’apprécier la beauté du monde naturel qui vous entoure.
Les participants sont les bienvenus entre 11 h et 14 h et peuvent parcourir le sentier à leur rythme. Le sentier sélectionné est un parcours accessible d’environ 1,3 kilomètre, idéal pour tous les niveaux d’expérience en plein air. Il est possible de demander un fauteuil roulant tout-terrain Hippocampe.
Que dois-je apporter ?
Veuillez-vous préparer en apportant de l’eau et des chaussures robustes pour marcher. Habillez-vous en fonction de la météo du jour.
L’évènement est-il gratuit ?
Oui, notre évènement est gratuit pour les participants. Des rafraîchissements seront disponibles sur le sentier. Les participants seront inscrits pour gagner des prix amusants.
The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – New Brunswick Chapter (CPAWS NB) has submitted comments to the Federal Impact Assessment Agency opposing the proposed Centre Village natural gas plant in Tantramar, due to its location in a critical wildlife corridor.
“The Chignecto Isthmus is one of the most important ecological corridors in Atlantic Canada,” said Melanie Jellett, Conservation Manager with CPAWS NB. “Placing a fossil-fuel power plant in the middle of this migratory route risks further fragmenting important wildlife habitat, harming wetlands, and threatening the species at risk that rely on this landscape.”
CPAWS-NB’s submission highlights risks to migratory birds along the Atlantic Flyway, nearby wetlands and waterways connected to the Tantramar River watershed, and species of conservation concern including the Common Nighthawk, Rusty Blackbird, and Olive-sided Flycatcher.
The organization is urging the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada to reject the proposal as currently planned and to apply a precautionary approach to development in this globally significant ecological corridor.
“At a time when Canada must reduce emissions and halt biodiversity loss, building new fossil-fuel infrastructure in such a sensitive ecological area moves us in the wrong direction,” Jellett said.
Our staff will lead a guided nature walk around the Beaver Pond Trail, where participants can experience nature in a comfortable way while learning more about the plants & animals that call the park home. The critter dipping activity allows participants to get up close with the wildlife of the pond.
We are looking forward to seeing you at the Beaver Pond!
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Rejoignez l’équipe de la SNAP N.-B. au parc provincial Mactaquac le 23 juillet, de 16 h à 18 h, pour une promenade en nature et une activité de trempage de bestioles !
Notre équipe mènera une promenade guidée autour du sentier de l’étang des castors. Les participants peuvent découvrir la nature d’une façon confortable et en apprendre plus sur les plantes et les animaux qui vivent dans le parc. Pendant l’activité de trempage des bestioles, les participants chercheront la faune et la flore de l’étang.
Nous avons hâte de vous retrouver à l’étang des castors !
CPAWS New Brunswick is excited to welcome two new additions to our staff! We are excited to share Laura MacKinnon has taken on the role of Conservation Engagement Assistant as a full-time staff member. Sarah Sheppard will be our Summer Conservation Assistant before heading back to school in the fall.
Get to know Sarah and Laura more below!
Sarah- Hi everyone! My name is Sarah Sheppard, and I am from St. Stephen, New Brunswick. I am so excited to work with CPAWS NB this summer! I finished my Bachelor of Science in Biology-Chemistry at the University of New Brunswick this spring and I will be attending Dalhousie Medical School this fall. I have a strong passion for community outreach & education. My experience with science outreach led me to purse a position where I can help spread knowledge about nature and conservation in New Brunswick. Aside from work and school, I also enjoy gardening, biking, hiking, and enjoying time with my two cats.
Laura- My name is Laura MacKinnon, and I’m so excited to be joining the CPAWS NB team! I was born and raised in Fredericton, New Brunswick and have been so lucky to experience all the natural beauty the province has to offer throughout my life. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a concentration in Wildlife, Ecology, and Conservation. I have a strong passion for wildlife with a special interest in Ethology (the study of animal behavior). I have recently become a bird enthusiast, so in my spare time I love to explore New Brunswick while adding new birds to my life list!
Laura MacKinnon
What first sparked your interest in the environment?
Sarah- Growing up in rural New Brunswick near the Southern coast, I was always surrounded by nature, and the Bay of Fundy was only a short drive away. My favourite memories growing up were learning all about the plants and animals of New Brunswick and how we can respect them while enjoying the land and water. I feel privileged to have been able to experience a dynamic perspective on both the forests and oceans of New Brunswick. Being able to experience nature during my youth created a lifelong interest in the environment and a need to conserve these areas for the future generations.
Laura- My interest in the environment started at a young age, sparked by sightings of wildlife during trips on the Fundy Rose Ferry across the Bay of Fundy. Over time, my interest in marine wildlife grew into an appreciation for all aspects of nature. It was during my undergraduate studies that I particularly became interested in conservation and environmental work. I wish I could say conservation and environmental stewardship have been lifelong passions of mine, but I’ve come to learn it’s never too late to be curious, get outside, and start making a meaningful impact.
What are your favourite ways to enjoy nature in New Brunswick?
Sarah- I am grateful to live in such a beautiful province, so I like to enjoy nature in as many ways as possible. I enjoy hiking all year round on the local trails in my area. Over the summer, I love to travel to the different parks around the Maritimes to hike new trails. When the weather is nice, I also enjoy biking with friends on the outskirts of our city. Biking allows me to get further out of the city on a daily basis, while also being able to slow down and experience nature.
Sarah Sheppard
Laura- One of the ways I love to enjoy nature is by going for walks at local parks and hiking various trails around the province. I particularly enjoy birdwatching, as it allows me to slow down and take in all aspects of nature! I really enjoy photography as well, so I love to bring my camera with me for these adventures in hopes of capturing some photos of wildlife. I really love camping and look forward to exploring more of New Brunswick every summer by planning camping trips.
What part of working for CPAWS NB are you most looking forward to?
Sarah- I am most excited to work on the Get Outside program. I am looking forward to inspiring folks interested in protecting nature, by sharing about New Brunswick’s natural areas and what they have to offer. I believe the program is important to teach residents and visitors of New Brunswick how to enjoy nature while also taking care of it. I hope that I can help people take action to protect nature by encouraging them to get outside!
Laura- I am most looking forward to learning from the amazing CPAWS NB staff who have been dedicated to conservation work for many years. I’m also looking forward to being a part of campaign work to protect the wilderness we all love and need. Another highlight for me is supporting the Get Outside! NB program in parks, where I hope to help foster meaningful connections to nature with people of all ages. I’m thrilled to be involved in the conservation efforts happening here in New Brunswick and hope to share my enthusiasm for our work with others.
Laura and Sarah are so excited to get to work on Get Outside! NB events and other projects. Keep an eye out for the CPAWS NB team at your local parks this summer. We cannot wait for you to Get Outside with us!
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
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.
“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.”