News Release St.Clair Lake and Marsh Complex Joins International Network of Important Bird Areas (IBA) Saturday April 01, 2000 For Immediate Release St.Clair Lake National Wildlife Area, ON --The St. Clair Lake and marsh complex received international recognition today as a globally significant Important Bird Area (IBA), joining BirdLife International's global network of IBA sites. The site dedication is part of the first annual St. Clair Waterbird Festival celebrations at the St. Clair National Wildlife Area. "I am delighted that the community of St.Clair is taking part in Natural Legacy 2000, which receives a contribution of $10 million nationally through the Government of Canada's Millennium Partnership Program," said the Honourable Herb Gray, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister responsible for the Government of Canada's Millennium Initiative. "By identifying sites of national importance to Canadian bird populations, the Canadian Nature Federation, through the Important Bird Areas program, is engaging communities to protect birds and their habitats for the new millennium," said Mr. Jerry Pickard, on behalf of the Honourable Herb Gray. The Important Bird Areas program is being delivered in Canada by the Canadian Nature Federation and Bird Studies Canada, and in Ontario by the Federation of Ontario Naturalists. As part of the Natural Legacy 2000 initiative, the program has received $1.25 million from the Canada Millennium Partnership Program (CMPP). The partnership program funds up to one third of the eligible costs of projects that meet its criteria, giving people in the community and in the private sector the opportunity to participate in projects by providing at least two thirds of the financial assistance. CMPP-supported projects promote our history, our youth, our arts and culture, our environment and the development of our communities. "Lake St. Clair is recognized as one of the most significant staging areas for waterfowl on the Great Lakes." said Caroline Schultz, Director of Conservation Programs at the Canadian Nature Federation. "The St.Clair marshes also support significant populations of breeding birds. One of the largest breeding concentrations of Black Terns in Ontario is present, along with over 3.5 percent of the estimated North American Forster's Tern population". Also recorded is the largest known Canadian population of King Rails, a nationally endangered species in Canada. Nature and wildlife enthusiasts, along with the curious from surrounding communities are turning out for the Festival, which is located half an hour from Chatham, south of Mitchell's Bay. "It's a chance for the whole community to get out and celebrate the migration of waterbirds and the local heritage of the area." says Larry Cornelis, President of the Sydenham Field Naturalists. Displays, viewing station locations and bird checklists will be available at the St. Clair National Wildlife Area. The Festival is a joint initiative of the Sydenham Field Naturalists, the Canadian Wildlife Service, Stewardship Kent, and Ducks Unlimited Canada. Ted Cheskey, Important Bird Areas Community Conservation Planner for the Federation of Ontario Naturalists is working with local communities to develop IBA conservation plans for a number of Important Bird Areas in the province, including the St.Clair Lake and marsh complex. Cheskey says that the local Important Bird Areas Steering Committee would like to see the festival become an annual event to "celebrate one of the greatest natural spectacles around". The Federation of Ontario Naturalists, the Canadian Nature Federation and Bird Studies Canada will continue to work with the surrounding communities to develop appropriate action strategies to ensure that bird populations remain healthy into the next millennium. Presentation of the St. Clair Lake IBA dedication plaque will take place at 11:00 am this morning at the St. Clair National Wildlife Area. –30–