Healthy Lakes and Wetlands For Tomorrow - Species at Risk

STEWARDSHIP
Stewardship is an ownership of responsibility for the environment. It means caring for the land in
a responsible way to ensure that healthy ecosystems are passed on to future generations. Habitat
stewardship for species at risk involves land use practices that maintain or recover the quality and
amount of habitat required by rare species. Anyone who contributes to the health of the world
around them, and takes action to look after it, is a steward.
WHY IS STEWARDSHIP IMPORTANT
Habitat loss is typically the main reason why species are put at risk. Activities such as lake shoreline
modification, road building, forestry practices, cottage development, agricultural practices, and
wetland alteration result in large-scale habitat loss and can negatively impact wildlife species.
Cottage development has more than tripled in some areas of Nova Scotia in the past 50 years and
is continuing to increase today.
As the amount of undisturbed land continues to dwindle, it becomes even more important to
consider the way that our practices modify the land. By following the actions in this guide, you
will help the species that share your land with you, and help to maintain the native biodiversity in
our province. You will also receive benefits such as a healthy environment for you and your family,
clean drinking water, and increased property values. There has never been a better time to get
involved, become a steward, and make a difference for species at risk and our natural heritage.
M. Crowley
We often think of endangered species as animals such as the panda bear and
tiger, but species at risk are in our own backyards and we can help them.
M. Crowley
There are many ways to enjoy your land - some are harmful to the environment, while others can be
quite helpful. It is up to each of us to decide whether we will live as a part of nature, or apart from it.
M. Crowley
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