Sites were recommended by our conservation partners, scientists, Indigenous Nations, hunting and fishing clubs, naturalists, recreation organizations and individual citizens.

The wide variety of perspectives enriched the pool of submissions, making it apparent that there are many areas worthy of protection throughout the province.

Sites having a high diversity of species and/or habitat features were reviewed for conflicting land uses and cultural significance by a multi-disciplinary government team.

How did the conservation process work?

1. NOMINATED SITES:

Areas worthy of protection throughout the province were nominated by Indigenous Nations, Conservation leaders, rights holders, stakeholders, and citizens.
  

2. CANDIDATE CONSERVED AREA:

Over 400,000 ha of Candidate Conserved Areas were created through the examination of species and habitat records, existing land uses, and from received nominations. The opportunity to share feedback on these Candidate Conserved Areas was provided to Indigenous Nations, our Conservation partners, land managers, stakeholders and interested citizens.
 

3. PROTECTED AREAS:

Following consideration of all available information, 384,789 ha of our Candidate Conserved Areas were established as Nature Legacy protected areas, bringing us to our goal of 10% protected area in New Brunswick.