Municipal Hall

October 30, 2007 / 12:00 AM

The District of Maple Ridge has learned that one of its environmental projects has picked up another prestigious award. The British Columbia Landscape Nursery Association (BCLNA) will be presenting the District with its 2007 Environmental Stewardship Award at its upcoming Convention and Annual General Meeting on November 2 in Abbotsford. The District's EcoNeutral Reforestation Initiative, a joint program between the District and Ecosystem Restoration Associates (ERA), will be the centre of attention at the convention for its innovative approach to reducing carbon dioxide, the dominant greenhouse gas in our atmosphere contributing to global warming. ERA is a Lower Mainland company that works with forward-looking communities, ethical companies, and local governments interested in playing a role in climate change mitigation.

An excerpt from the judges' comments included the following: "This project can serve as an example for other governments and groups to get involved in taking practical steps in working towards a better living environment." Maple Ridge has had a string of environmental awards in the past including national recognition for its stream mapping initiative and its Smart Growth on the Ground project. "We should all be extremely proud of the achievements accomplished in our community whether it be for leading the pack in sustainable practices or outstanding performance in sports and financial management," said Mayor Robson. "Certainly Council and District employees are working hard to make Maple Ridge a highly recognized community for best practices in several areas including environmental management."

The Ecosystem Restoration Initiative is an urban restoration project developed by Ecosystem Restoration Associates and the District of Maple Ridge with the support of the Alouette River Management Society and the Kanaka Education and Environmental Partnership Society. At no cost to the taxpayer, this program provides multiple benefits including support for biodiversity conservation and invasive species management. The program was fully implemented in 2006 and over the next five years will see approximately 250,000 new trees planted in Maple Ridge.