To: Chiefs of Ontario, Tribal Councils and PTOs
Dt: March 7, 2006
Fr: Sue Chiblow, Environment Coordinator
Re: Species at Risk

On December 12, 2002 the Species at Risk Act (SARA) received Royal Assent. The purpose of this type of legislation is to prevent wildlife species, that can be plants, animals or organisms found in the wild and native to Canada from becoming extirpated or extinct; as well as to provide the renewal of species that are extirpated, extinct or vulnerable to human activity; finally to manage the species of special concern.

A recovery strategy identifies listed species, their critical habitats, and activities that threaten or harm the species and the issues that need to be addressed. A competent minister must propose recovery strategies for endangered and threatened species according to SARA. It requires that the competent minister prepare a recovery strategy in collaboration with the Provincial minister where the species are found, and EVERY aboriginal organization the competent minister deems included in the recovery strategy. There are numerous strategies developed to implement SARA such as the Habitat Stewardship Program.

Further background information on SARA can be viewed at www.speciesatrisk.gc.ca. The names of species located on schedule 1, 2 & 3 can be viewed at www.sararegistry.gc.ca/species/default_e.cfm. This site also provides you with the criteria for adding a wildlife species to the schedules.