Quebec, the second to do so, established a similar act in 1974, and New Brunswick in 1975. Other provinces have since enacted similar legislation, or use other legislation such as Land, Park and Museum Acts for designation of natural areas. A full-time ecological reserves coordinator was hired in 1974, regulations related to use and protection of the reserves were enacted in 1975, and a volunteer warden program put into effect in 1980. Their Benefits Ecological reserves are established for the maintenance of biological diversity. They assist in developing and promoting an environmental consciousness and provide outdoor laboratories and classrooms for studies concerned with the natural environment.
Ecological reserves are benchmarks against which environmental changes can be measured.
As many ecological processes are as yet poorly understood, today's scientists cannot predict some of the questions that will require research in unaltered ecosystems. Ecological reserves keep our options open for the future. Their Role Ecological reserves contribute to the maintenance of biological diversity and the protection of genetic materials. Appropriate research and educational functions are the primary uses of ecological reserves. They are not created for outdoor recreation and should not be confused with parks or other recreational areas.