Gypsum operation makes commitment to wetland preservation

A 30-year agreement between Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) and CGC Inc. will protect 200 acres of wetland and associated habitat.

DUC will provide technical assistance to CGC Inc.'s Windsor Plant (formerly Fundy Gypsum Company) to maintain four sites known locally as Meadow Pond, Belmont Beaver Pond, Upper Beaver Ponds and Miller's Creek Duck Pond.

“We see this as a long-term partnership with common goals,” says Deanne Meadus, DUC's Atlantic Manager of Conservation Programs. “Therefore, we look forward to assisting CGC with their plan to conserve and improve wetland habitat on their properties.”

This partnership began in 2006 when Fundy Gypsum invited conservation staff on a tour of the existing wetlands on their quarry sites near Windsor. Fundy Gypsum recognized the quality of waterfowl habitat on their property and wanted some advice on how to better manage the wetlands.

On the tour, DUC confirmed that the wetlands in their present state were a good wildlife habitat, with usage by a variety of birds such as black ducks, ring-necked ducks, green-wing teal, great blue herons and bald eagles among others.

“Realistically, Fundy Gypsum had managed their habitat well by not impacting the existing wetlands and by conserving the restored wetlands,” Meadus said. “The best option for improving wildlife habitat was to ensure their long-term conservation.”

DUC proposed that a wetland stewardship agreement be signed covering all four wetlands, which would protect the 50 acres of wetland and 187 acres of upland buffer.

“Ducks Unlimited is a long-established and well respected conservation organization,” says Mike Bishop, manager of the Windsor Plant. “We recognize the importance of wildlife habitat and see this as an excellent opportunity to partner with a group that specializes in habitat development and conservation. These sites have formed as a result of past mining activities and recent reclamation practices, and this agreement ensures they will remain in place for future generations to enjoy.”