Kamloops, B.C. – Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops-Thompson–Cariboo, on behalf of Canada’s Environment Minister Jim Prentice, today joined the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) in announcing the donation of the Rattlesnake Bluff property as an Ecological Gift.  The 4 hectares of ecologically sensitive land near Kamloops, British Columbia was generously donated by Phil and Arlene Thiemer.
 
“The Ecological Gifts Program represents an investment that will help to ensure a healthy future for habitats and species at risk.  Such programs demonstrate the productive relationship between the Government of Canada, the Nature Conservancy of Canada, and other partners working to conserve and protect the environment and wildlife”, said Cathy McLeod.

“Rattlesnake Bluff is an excellent example of federal funds and incentives helping to create a strong stewardship partnership that will conserve important landscapes and protect habitat for our species at risk. With this investment, we are taking real action to protect and conserve our ecosystems and sensitive species for present and future generations. We are grateful for the Thiemers generosity and dedication to help protect one of Canada’s natural treasures,” said Minister Prentice.

In 2006, the Thiemers purchased this small but important land, located southeast of the Lac du Bois Grasslands Provincial Park, to prevent development of a rock quarry on the property. The property, a popular wildlife viewing area for local naturalists, has rugged cliffs and dry sagebrush steppe that provide a vital habitat to an impressive number of species at risk including Bighorn Sheep, Western Rattlesnake, and Great Basin Gophersnake.
 
“Rattlesnake Bluff is a fantastic addition to NCC’s burgeoning grassland conservation work in and around Kamloops. This project was a success because of strong partnerships--from the Thiemers, who initiated the project, to local naturalists, who rallied behind it, to the governments and foundations who allocated much needed funds. Our thanks go out to all who helped protect Rattlesnake Bluff,” said Barb Pryce, NCC’s Okanagan Project Manager.

The Ecological Gifts Program provides tax incentives to private land-owners that donate ecologically sensitive land, or partial interest rights to the land, to eligible charitable organizations or government bodies that in turn protect the land in perpetuity.  In Budget 2006, ecological gifts were made 100-percent exempt from capital-gains tax.