|
Conservation Ontario
36 CA's means 36 watersheds
Conservation Authorities (CA's) were created through an Act of
the Ontario Legislature in 1946 to ensure proper use of Ontario's
water, land and natural habitats. They became responsible for
the conservation, restoration and management of lakes, rivers as
well as the surrounding land and life the watershed or ' on the
water you can walk on.'
Conservation Authority programs are to balance the needs of natural
environments with those of humans and the economy. This means protecting
life and property from natural hazards such as flooding and erosion
while providing opportunities for the public to enjoy, learn from
and respect Ontario's natural environment.
For close up details check out conservation-ontario.on.ca/find/index.html
Based on Ontario's system of watersheds, Conservation Authorities
are known globally for their stewardship of our rivers, lakes and
streams through the development and delivery of comprehensive science-based
programs that work with nature to protect, restore and effectively
manage Ontario's water resources. In addition to serving the public
and Ontario landowners, Conservation Authorities also provide advice
and counsel to all levels of government on the responsible management
of water.
Because what we do on land is reflected in our water, Conservation
Authorities develop programs to protect the urban and rural lands
that form part of the water cycle, including sustainable and accountable
agriculture, tourism and woodland industries. In addition, Conservation
Authorities improve our quality of life by actively providing open
space, as well as restoring and protecting aquatic and natural
habits.
Because they are efficient local delivery agents, Conservation
Authorities, in cooperation with local municipalities and the province,
play a significant role in the protection of life and property
from natural hazards though the development of programs that minimize
the impact of disasters such as flooding and erosion.
Conservation Authorities are professional agencies that develop
and deliver programs to ensure the healthy coexistence between
the community and it's environment. Through the lands they manage
and own, as well as the educational programs they deliver, Conservation
Authorities provide opportunities for our citizens to understand
the value of their natural environment and the economic and social
benefits of protecting that environment.
For over 50 years, Conservation Authorities have worked in cooperation
with local communities to ensure easy and appropriate access to
Ontario's green space for tourism and recreation. They mobilize
and work with communities to ensure that their voices are heard
in government decision-making on local environmental issues.
ACTIVITY 1
- When were Conservation Authorities
(CA's) first formed?
- What was the major extreme weather
event that provided the push to form CA's?
- Where is the main office of your local your Conservation Authority
(CA)
Hint: Check out http://conservation-ontario.on.ca/
- List the key priorities that CA's
must maintain.
ACTIVITY 2 - Research
- What evidence of these programs do you see in your area?
- How can you participate in their programs?
- What areas of the province of Ontario do not have Conservation
Authorities?
|
