Strategic Plan: Goal A | Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority







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		Goals Goal A: Safeguarding Water Resources Goal B: Protecting Against Natural Hazards Goal C: Stewardship Of Our Natural Heritage Goal D: Managing Our Natural Resource Goal E: Education And Encouraging Public Involvement Plan Outline Why A Strategic Plan? Vision Statement Goals and Objectives Ways & Means of Implementation This Strategic Plan and You Appendix A - Powers of a Conservation Authority Appendix B - Definitions		Goal A: Safeguarding Water Resources To conserve CRCA's water resources, including the safeguarding, management and restoration of rivers, lakes and streams, and to work cooperatively with our partners to protect the water cycle. The Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority provides advice to all levels of government concerned with the responsible management of CRCA's water resources, for advocating protection of rivers, lakes and streams, as well as for awareness of, and respect for the water cycle. In order to protect our water resources, there are five important water-related elements. Watershed Management Planning To provide for proper management of resources and to ensure a comprehensive, coordinated approach, we need to develop environmentally sound watershed management plans using an ecological approach. Since the CRCA jurisdiction now includes a total of ten watersheds, including the Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River shoreline, the long-term objective is to carry out individual basin studies, based on natural watershed boundaries. To prepare and implement watershed management plans for all ten basins, integrating the fragmented approach to resource management that presently exists. To develop and apply plan input policies that are consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement, as amended. Water Quantity Our water quantity strategies focus on addressing the amount of water in various areas of the watershed, including areas where high waters or flooding potential is a concern. The CRCA owns and manages ten water control structures in the watershed. There are many structures operated by others, and this complexity of control is a challenge to the management of water in the area. Recognizing the predicted incidence of severe climatic events, the Authority has improved its forecasting and warning system, and has initiated low flow studies in critical areas. To coordinate an approach to the management and use of water including the operation of water control structures across the jurisdiction. To work with other agencies to monitor streamflow and develop water budgets in the watershed, and implement remedial measures where water quantity problems are identified. To maintain flood/drought forecasting and warning capabilities, and to assist our member municipalities in preparing emergency response plans. Water Quality The CRCA and the Ministry of the Environment conduct a surface water sampling program limited to selected streams across the jurisdiction. Standard water quality parameters are examined, and used to assess the status of water quality in these parts of the watershed. We must remember that streams are a part of a system of water, which flow into and out of the numerous lakes in our region. Initiatives by senior levels of government influence the extent of sampling and the Authority's involvement. To assist in monitoring surface water quality in the watershed, in cooperation with other agencies, and to identify areas of water quality concern and information deficiencies. To protect and enhance water quality through promotion of proper stormwater management, plan input and review, stewardship, education, demonstration, and conservation services, such as erosion control, forestry, and wildlife habitat improvement. Groundwater The CRCA is working with the Ministry of the Environment and member municipalities to assess the quantity and quality of groundwater resources within the watershed, recognizing that this is an area where knowledge of the resource is most needed. Part of our message about the water cycle relates to the important link between ground and surface water resources, and what people can do to protect these resources. To work with other agencies, including adjacent Conservation Authorities, to assess the groundwater resources in the watershed, particularly the relationship between surface and groundwater. To promote research into the ways in which the quality and quantity of groundwater supplies can be sustained, protected and enhanced. To protect and enhance the groundwater recharge and discharge areas through use of techniques such as management guidelines, plan input and review, forest management, conservation services, acquisition, conservation easements, development standards, and promotion of effective stewardship. Urban & Rural Stormwater The CRCA has a role in the management of both the quality and quantity of urban and rural stormwater. Stormwater concerns are a large part of the review process for proposed changes in land use across the jurisdiction. The Authority has initiated or promoted Master Drainage Plans in critical areas. To provide technical advice and develop and apply policies for urban and rural stormwater management suitable for the jurisdiction in cooperation with other agencies, and member municipalities. NEXT: Goal B: Protecting Against Natural Hazards