Support for Miramichi Salmon Project on the Bartholomew River

BLACKVILLE (GNB) – The provincial government is contributing $175,000 towards the Miramichi Salmon-Bartholomew River project, the largest private land conservation project in the province’s history.

“We are pleased to partner with the Nature Conservancy of Canada on this project,” said Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister Bill Fraser. “This partnership will result in the long-term protection of one of New Brunswick’s natural treasures.”

Fraser spoke on behalf of Health Minister Victor Boudreau, who is also minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation.

Funding provided through the Regional Development Corporation and the province’s Environmental Trust Fund will be used towards the project on the Bartholomew River near Blackville. Once completed, the project will enlarge the recently-expanded provincial natural protected area.

“We want to thank the Government of New Brunswick for its vision and support in assisting with this landmark project,” said Paula Noel, program director for New Brunswick with the Nature Conservancy of Canada. “Allowing the forests to grow and age on this land will provide a home for all of the wildlife that relies on forests. Protecting the forest will also improve the water quality and regulate the water temperature of the river, which helps the salmon and other fish.”

The Miramichi Salmon project involves the donation and purchase of five properties totaling more than 853 hectares (2,106 acres) of key forest and salmon habitat near Blackville. It features 5.3 kilometres of river frontage.

The Bartholomew River is considered an important tributary for salmon production within the Miramichi watershed, which is world-renowned for Atlantic salmon and trout fishing.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada has $75,000 remaining on its goal of completing the $1.3 million project and ensuring the protection of these properties. The conservancy encourages individuals and businesses to help this project get across the finish line by the end of November.

Photo – From left: Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister Bill Fraser; Paula Noel, program director for New Brunswick with the Nature Conservancy of Canada; Don Floyd, Atlantic board chair, Nature Conservancy of Canada; and Blackville Mayor Andrew Hawkes.