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“In 1990, 749,000 metric
tonnes, or about 20,000,000 bales of peat were sold by Canadian producers.
This volume of peat harvested each year is small in comparison to the
estimated 50 million (50,000,000) tonnes or more of peat that accumulate
naturally each year in Canada. On a volume basis, there are an estimated
three trillion (3,000,000,000,000) cubic metres of peat deposits in Canada.
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“Canada’s
vast wetland and peatland resources are gradually being subjected to
increased development pressure. Wetland conservation due to urbanization,
industrial development, and agricultural practices has been substantial ,
exceeding 20 million hectares since the early 1800’s. "
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“The need to protect
natural resources and to ensure wise, sustainable us of the environment is
greater today than perhaps at any point in our history. Like natural
resource sectors, the harvesting of peat moss around the world has
attracted the interest of concerned environmental groups in government and
the public. “At present less than 16,000 hectares of Canada’s 111 million
hectares of peatlands are being used for peat or peat moss harvesting. The
majority of companies involved in this industry, through their association
with CSPMA (Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss Association), has articulated a
policy for environmentally-sensitive peatland use and for site restoration
or reclamation after use. "
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The industry, in association
with government and non-government interests, environmental groups, and
universities is developing a national peatland research strategy to promote
awareness of peatland restoration technology and restoration. On-going
research indicates than new and many existing sites will revert to
functioning peatlands with proper site management during and after use. Other
older sites can also be reclaimed to valued agricultural, forestry, or
wildlife habitat uses.”
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Extracts from a report prepared by David Keys of Maritime
Groundwater Inc. for the Secretariat to the North American Wetlands
Conservation Council (Canada). “Sustaining Wetlands – Issue Paper, No. 1992-3.”
Copies of this report are available free of charge from:
Secretariat,
North American Wetlands Conservation Council (Canada)
Suite 200
1750 Courtwood Crescent,
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K2C 2B5
-or-
Canadian Peat Moss Association,
4 Wycliff Place,
St. Albert, Alberta, Canada T8N 3Y8.
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