NEWS FROM ABOUT: compiled by Dan McAskill

The Institute Of Island Studies video production, Like the Back of My hand, had sold 239 copies by the end of December, 1994. Mr. Ian MacDonald, the Chair of the Institute, presented a donation of $ 476.81 to the Department of Alumni, Development, and Public Relations as a donation to the Geoffrey Hogan Honours Biology Scholarship Fund. This represents a royalty of 10% on the retail value. These funds support scientific studies by students enrolled in the Honours Biology program at U.P.E.I.

Sometimes fact is indeed stranger than fiction. In August, botanists searching a remote area of the Wollemi National Park in Australia's Blue Mountains, 200 kilometers west of Sydney, discovered a grove of 39 pines trees thought to have become extinct 150,000,000 years ago. These 40 meter high pine trees have been termed the Wollemi Pines. (adapted from the Guardian, December 15, 1994)

The 1994 Baillie Birdathon had 486 participants and raised $147,500 for bird conservation. One of the teams, the Lorne Lakers, raised $9,552.40 and won the most money raised while the Walsh Public School raised $3,223.03 and was awarded 25 pairs of Bushnell "Birder" binoculars (adapted from Long Point Observatory Newsletter 26:3, Fall 1994).

After many years of effort, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and the Act to Amend the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act were proclaimed into law on January 19th, 1995. The four key regulations, namely, the Law List, the Inclusion List, the Comprehensive Study List, and the Exclusion List have also come into effect. To obtain further information call the Transition Team at 819-997-1000.

To counter night poaching, Newfoundland’s Wildlife Division has equipped field staff with night vision equipment. These devices are similar to those used in the military and have diodes that provide infrared illumination in total darkness (adapted from Salar 13:4, Nov. 1994).

. The Common Loon was designated on June 23rd as Ontario's Avian Emblem. This culminates a campaign that started in 1987 when the Minister of Natural Resources asked 10 and 11 year olds to choose a bird and their favourite was the Common Loon (adapted from Long Point ‘<-_(f Observatory Newsletter 26:3, Fall 1994). ‘ ‘-—-———' f The Federation of Nova Scotia ‘E\\\1_____~pfl~’_ Naturalists News (4:3) reported that the Osprey had been designated the provincial avian emblem for Nova Scotia.

Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ plans to divest itself of hatcheries in Atlantic Canada seems to fly in the face of the much touted "cooperative programs" of federal departments. At a time when cooperation programs with local stream enhancement groups have reached an all time high and two very successful Atlantic salmon semi-natural rearing programs have been established, DFO has recommended the divestiture of the hatcheries to private operators.

Bring Back the Birds, a program initiated in 1992, was created to promote the conservation of migratory songbirds and their habitats. This

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