Canada to save largest peat bog on north coast of America

Burns Bog, which covers 3,000 hectares of the Fraser River delta, will be part of a new national park in British Columbia’s southern Gulf Islands which will protect a key portion of the Straight of Georgia Lowlands, one of the last remaining natural regions in southern Canada not yet protected within a park. The bog is home to a variety of rare insect species and more than 200 species of bird, including the threatened greater sandhill crane, as well as a variety of reptile, amphibian and mammal species.

“This joint federal-provincial commitment to acquire lands in British Columbia for conservation demonstrates remarkable foresight,” said Environment Minister, David Anderson. “Together with our partners we are ensuring that the unique biodiversity of Canada is preserved and enriched for future generations to enjoy,” he said, describing the purchase as an investment, which future generations would applaud.

“The new national park in the Gulf Islands will protect of the most at-risk ecosystems in Canada,” said Canadian Heritage Minister, Sheila Copps. “The pressures on this region are immense, and it’s important that we move quickly to maintain its ecological integrity as a top priority. We received clear support for the park during public consultation completed last spring. Islanders and all Canadians want to get on with the job of making Gulf Islands National Park Reserve of Canada a reality.”