Midwestern

Hullet Friends Get American Woodcock Protection Money

$11,000 in federal funding will help the Friends of Hullet restore and enhance the habitat of the American Woodcock.

Huron Bruce MP Ben Lobb made the announcement at the wildlife area in Huron County yesterday.

He says the project will enhance Canada's biodiversity and protect wildlife.

The money will go toward the purchase of a large industrial flex wing mower to improve and maintain breeding habitat.

The number of American Woodcocks has been declining since 1968 as old fields naturally become forested.

The Hullet Provincial Wildlife Area is a natural migratory stop for the birds.

The Friends of Hullet will manage over 1,200 acres of old field habitat that are made up of grassland, shrub land and early succession forest.

"The funding provided by Environment Canada (EC) will allow the FOH to purchase a large industrial flex-wing mower to improve and maintain American Woodcock breeding habitat while also benefitting a wide range of other species. This funding forms an EC partnership along with financial support from FOH, Huron Fish and Game Association, Ontario Bird Dog Conservation Association and the Municipality of Central Huron," says Scott Austin, a fish and wildlife technician who manages the HPWA for the Friends of Hullett.

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