 |
 |
||||
 |
|||||
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|||||
      |
|||||
|
|||||
| You are here: CRCA Home > About Us > Strategic Plan > Goals & Objectives > Goal C: Stewardship of Our Natural Heritage | |||||
|
 |
||||
Goal C: Stewardship of Our Natural HeritageTo conserve woodlands, wetlands and natural habitat. What we do on land is reflected in our water, and consequently, Conservation Authorities develop programs that maintain lands that contribute to the water cycle, including a sustainable and accountable agriculture, tourism and woodland industries. In addition, Conservation Authorities are actively involved in the protection of open space, aquatic and natural habitat protection and restoration, and shoreline issues. Natural HeritageThe protection of provincially significant wetlands and areas of natural and scientific interest (ANSIs) has been a long-standing concern of the CRCA. The Provincial Policy Statement requires that a wider range of natural heritage features be recognized and protected in planning documents to include not only the wetlands, but also forested areas, valleylands, and areas of outstanding natural beauty. Several such areas are recognized through acquisition of lands, and are reflected in current planning documents. The CRCA believes that the diversity of our lakes, forests, stream and river valleys, and special views should also be recognized and conserved. Improving our knowledge and understanding of these resources is one of the greatest concerns that must be addressed.To undertake or update research on natural heritage features within the CRCA watershed, and to map these features in cooperation with private landowners. To encourage and assist landowners and municipalities to identify and protect such natural heritage features, including areas of wildlife habitat, special natural landscapes or vistas, and forested lands recognizing that the natural heritage provincial policies do not limit the ability of agricultural uses to continue. To use cooperative mechanisms such as conservation easements, management agreements, education through demonstration, plan review comments, fostering of stewardship by private individuals and groups of landowners, conservation organizations, and land acquisition to protect natural heritage features within the watershed and enhance biodiversity within these areas. To develop and conserve, in cooperation with other agencies and groups, natural corridors linking open space areas. To secure/conserve areas in a natural state for nature appreciation and for their intrinsic value, in cooperation with other agencies and groups. Fish Habitat ProtectionThe Conservation Authority has an agreement with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to review all in-water development proposals on the shores of Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River, as well as on all inland lakes and smaller rivers. The Authority can change this level of responsibility, if desired.To continue working with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, to determine what impact individual development proposals have on fish habitat. To continue cooperating with municipalities and agencies to improve the fish habitat information base across the jurisdiction, and provide information when enforcement issues need to be addressed. To promote fish habitat enhancement projects. NEXT: Goal D: Managing Our Natural Resource |
|||||
|
EVENTS | CONSERVATION SERVICES | COMMUNITY RELATIONS | CONSERVATION LANDS | RESOURCE MANAGEMENT | FOUNDATION |
||
 |
Contact Us:
©2002 Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority |
|