The Ontario government has earmarked $20 million to protect species at risk, but it’s unknown if any of the money will filter down to Chatham-Kent.
Announced by the province in the GTA recently, the money is to be spent on 46 community-led projects to protect the environment and preserve biodiversity. Monarch butterflies, Blanding’s turtles and butternut trees are among the species to be protected.
“Under the new Species Conservation Program, Ontario has quadrupled its investment in species conservation, expanding the impact of community‑driven projects in every corner of the province,” said Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, in a media release. “By making strategic investments to support experienced conservation leaders, we are taking action to restore habitat, support species recovery efforts and protect Ontario’s rich biodiversity for generations to come.”
Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority chief executive officer Mark Peacock said he hasn’t been made aware of local projects targeted in the funding.
