13 Properties Protected Along the Rideau

Important Federal Recognition of Rideau Waterway Land Trust Properties

Elgin – The Rideau Waterway Land Trust (RWLT) and Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network (FABN) are pleased to announce that 13 properties representing over 143 hectares of wildlife habitat
within the 200 km long Rideau Corridor were recently assessed and found to meet the pan-Canadian standards as Protected Areas.

“Rideau Waterway Land Trust aims to protect the Rideau Corridor’s biodiversity and ecological heritage, so achieving federal recognition for these properties is significant! We are grateful for our partnership with FABN because collaboration is pivotal for protecting our region’s natural landscape and wildlife. We are working toward our collective goal of meeting Canada’s 30×30 target,” Caroline Spang, Land Stewardship Manager, RWLT.

The newly recognized Protected Areas include Covington Cottage, Kate’s Island, Jack’s Island, Warren, Island 296, Mosquito Lake Islands, Islands in the Bog, MacDonald’s Wetland, Lady Kingsmill, Sherwood Bay, Edward’s Wetlands, Island 8, and Van Niel Woodlands. All 13 locations are located within the UNESCO Frontenac Arch Biosphere Region, which is recognized internationally, nationally, and provincially for its exceptional natural and cultural value. These Protected Areas are situated on the shared territory of the Haudenosaunee and Algonquin Anishinaabeg.

Expanding the network of lands with Protected Area status would not be possible without the invaluable partnership and collaboration between RWLT and FABN, as well as generous funding support from Kawartha Credit Union and the City of Brockville. In 2022, FABN received funds from Environment and Climate Change Canada to work with local conservation groups to assess and report areas meeting the pan-Canadian standards to count towards Canada’s biodiversity targets. The most recent targets include the international commitment to protect 30% of land and water by 2030 in Canada, or “30×30”.

Land and water protection measures in the Rideau Corridor are essential not only for the enjoyment of area residents and visitors, but for the Northern Map Turtle (Graptemys geographica), Eastern Ribbonsnake (Thamnophis sauritus), Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor), Gray Ratsnake (Pantherophis spiloides), and Butternut (Juglans cinera) – which are all species at risk of extinction. Additionally, the preservation of these lands contributes to greater habitat connectivity for migratory species.

Christine Grossutti, Conservation Project Manager at FABN, says, “RWLT should be commended for the care and attention they give to the lands entrusted to them. It’s been a pleasure working with them to achieve international recognition for their contributions to conserving our region’s biodiversity.”

FABN is currently seeking new areas to assess, such as lands owned by municipalities that benefit wildlife in the long term. Municipalities and other organizations are encouraged to contact FABN if they have sites that they feel would be eligible for assessment. A full list of all Canadian Protected and Conserved Areas can be seen on the online map.