WILDLIFE HABITAT STAMP COMMITTEE: by J. Dan MCASkill 
     
    
   
   
    
     Just over 2.5 years ago, this coalition effort commenced work to create 
     
     a new fund to assist with the implementation of the many conservation 
     
     initiatives across the Island. Most groups found that they could find a 
     
     variety of projects which assisted with the hiring of staff albeit at low 
     
     wages but few which would supply money for wage top-up or materials, supply, 
     
     or travel. The group included representatives of the Island Nature Trust, 
     
     the P.E.I. Wildlife Federation, Morell River Management Co-op, P.E.I. 
     
     Federation of Fly Fishers, P.E.I. Trapper's Association, P.E.I. Atlantic 
     
     Salmon Foundation, Public Advisory Committee and the Natural History Society. 
     
    

    
     The representatives researched the concept as it was applied in other 
     
     provinces and, over a series of meetings, produced a proposal for the 
     
     creation of the fund. The possibilities ranged from the compulsory purchase 
     
     and placement of a stamp on licenses for fishing, hunting, and trapping to 
     
     sales of a voluntary stamp. The proposal included purchasers checking off 
     
     the area in which they wished the money invested. These ranged from 
     
     fisheries enhancement to natural areas acquisition. 
     
    

    
     The concept evolved as negotiations proceeded. The new government of 
     
     the Hon. Pat Binns was supportive but also had its priorities which included 
     
     finding a way to keep the Cardigan Fish Hatchery open. In the end, consensus 
     
     was achieved to create a $13 annual fee applied once only per year for the 
     
     first fishing, hunting, or trapping licence purchased by an individual. The 
     
     monies would be placed in a new fund called the Wildlife Conservation Fund. 
     
     Of the approximately $150,000 which is anticipated annually, during the next 
     
     four years, $60,000 will be going each year to the operation of the Cardigan 
     
     Fish Hatchery. 
     
    

    
     A Board composed of representatives of non—government conservation 
     
     groups will set priorities for the fund, accept applications, and recommend 
     
     where money should be spent. The Minister will review these recommendations 
     
     and make the awards. Work is underway on the program and the first awards 
     
     will hopefully be made later this year. 
     
    
   
   
    
     THE OX THAT GORES: 
     
     RIPARIAN BUFFER ZONES AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY by David Cairns 
     
    
   
   
    
     Brief to the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, and Environment 
     
     Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island 23 February 1998 
     
    
   
   
    
     if it is known that the ox was previously in the habit of 
     
     goring, yet its owner has not confined it, he shall surely pay 
     
     Exodus ch. 21 v. 36. 
     
    
   
   
    
     The Natural History Society of PEI has as its objective the protection 
     
     of the natural heritage of our Island. In this brief we will tell you why 
     
     riparian buffers are important to our natural heritage, and why the 
     
     obligation to protect them flows naturally from fundamental principles of law 
     
     and social responsibility.