News Releases

SARNIA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - June 22, 2012) - Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC), the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority (SCRCA) and Enbridge Pipelines Inc. have teamed up to improve the infrastructure that maintains the thriving wetland at Wawanosh Wetlands Conservation Area near Sarnia, Ontario. As part of Enbridge's investment in Canadian wetlands, DUC has refurbished the Wawanosh Area to ensure that it remains a healthy and vibrant habitat for years to come. Wawanosh Lake, originally the site of a large inland marsh and lake environment, was drained in the 1800s so that it could be used for agriculture. Then, in the 1980s, DUC, SCRCA and Lambton Wildlife Incorporated formed a partnership to conserve the wetland and surrounding habitat. In 1988, the McKenzie and Blundy Funeral Home and the City of Sarnia began supporting tree planting at Wawanosh. In 2011, Enbridge committed to including Wawanosh under its $215,000 investment to restore wetlands in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario.

"The portion of our total investment that we earmarked for the Wawanosh project will help DUC refurbish the area's water management system, earthen berm, trail network and signage," said Ken Hall, senior advisor, community relations, Enbridge. "We have invested in DUC since 1986, as we strongly believe in the conservation and education initiatives that it champions across Canada. Our support of Wawanosh is part of a greater partnership we have with DUC and other partners to support the remediation of the entire Great Lakes watershed."

"The Wawanosh project is a great example of the work DUC is undertaking to conserve and restore wetlands throughout Ontario," said Mark Gloutney, director of regional operations - eastern region, DUC. "Wawanosh is located within the Mississippi and Atlantic Flyways. It is a major migratory route for many different waterfowl including the Ring-necked Duck, Ruddy Duck, Redhead, Canada Goose and Mallard to mention a few. They depend heavily on wetlands like this one to serve as a refueling station on their long journey south, and again in spring when they return home. Thanks to the support of Enbridge, DUC recently made some much-needed repairs to Wawanosh's water management structure and surrounding earthen berm, ensuring it continues to function effectively for the next 40 years."

Like wetlands in other parts of Ontario, the Wawanosh wetland provides Ontario residents with a wide range of ecological benefits, which include cleaning our air and drinking water, recharging ground water supplies and easing the effects of flooding and droughts.

The SCRCA maintains ownership and management of Wawanosh, including its walking trails, viewing towers, public access and parking that support outdoor recreation and education. An excellent spot for bird watching and other nature activities, Wawanosh will be refurbished with new interpretive signs to help visitors find out more about wetlands and how we depend on them.

"Wawanosh is a tremendous asset for our region," Andy Bruziewicz, chair of the SCRCA said. "We very much appreciate the support of Enbridge and work of Ducks Unlimited Canada to help us ensure Wawanosh remains a beautiful natural treasure for our community."

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is the leader in wetland conservation. A registered charity, DUC partners with government, industry, non-profit organizations and landowners to conserve wetlands that are critical to waterfowl, wildlife and the environment. Learn more at www.ducks.ca.

Enbridge Inc., a North American leader in delivering energy and one of the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations, operates the world's longest crude oil and liquids transportation system. The Company also has a significant and growing involvement in natural gas, power transmission, and renewable and alternative energy generating capacity including wind and solar energy, geothermal and hybrid fuel cells. Enbridge employs approximately 7,000 people, primarily in Canada and the U.S. and is ranked as one of Canada's Greenest Employers, and one of the Top 100 Companies to Work for in Canada.

Through investments in partnerships and human capital, Enbridge supports organizations such as DUC that contribute to the economic, environmental and social well-being of communities near their operations. For more information, visit www.enbridge.com.

The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority (SCRCA) implements programs to reduce the risk to life and property from flooding and erosion; water and land stewardship; forestry; wildlife habitat creation and outdoor recreation.