Why a Strategic Plan?

Currently, factors such as a changing political structure, changing demographics, more frequent severe climatic events, and new opportunities in technology point to the need for a review of future directions. In addition to the increased stresses upon our natural resources, more limited staff and financial resources mean that efforts need to be focused to deliver optimum results. The Authority is associated with many other groups and agencies to achieve a range of mutually supportive objectives.

The Conservation Authority's strategic plan will be used by staff and members of the Authority as a guide to establish priorities for programs, over the next twenty year period. It will help provide direction to staff, which in turn, will help to complement the management efforts of associated agencies. Implementation of the plan, as proposed through a work plan will ensure prudent use of available resources by complimenting the plans of other agencies, community groups and citizens working within the watershed.

To appropriately focus our efforts through times characterized by a challenging fiscal climate, and organization upheavals, there are three general areas of interest: Research, Leadership and Coordination, and Education.

Research, specifically the collection of basic resource data, and its analysis and implications for policy direction, must be one of our highest priorities because information on which to base policy, plans and actions is often lacking, incomplete or outdated. Research includes the collection of the resource data that are needed to improve our ability to make informed decisions and recommendations. The Authority needs data relating to the wide range of natural resources. Concern has been expressed about the quality of surface and groundwater. The Conservation Authority is concerned that our groundwater may not be widely recognized as the crucial resource that it is, and feels that research into protection of its quantity and quality is vital. Another focus of our research efforts must be on natural heritage areas. Not only must these areas be identified, but also means of protection must be implemented. The Authority will also focus research efforts on water use and water conservation.

Research is the collection and analysis of information. By itself, research is of limited use. We must assess that information, and apply it in managing our natural resources There is also an obligation to make the information available - both to use it for internal purposes and to make it available to others or to reform their understanding and action. Helping others to better understand the natural environment is a more effective way of achieving objectives of mutual interest than by coercion through direction and regulation. Also, sharing of information should lead to clearer understanding and therefore better decisions. This may involve the use of new mapping tools and the development of new techniques, and would be done in cooperation with other government and non-government agencies.

A lack of coordination and leadership in assessing and managing our natural resources often results in duplication of effort, lack of direction, confusion about who does what, and in missed opportunities. This is an area where the Conservation Authority raises the profile of environmental issues, and often plays a positive role because of our watershed-based jurisdiction that crosses numerous political boundaries. We can make a positive contribution in the resource management field because we have the flexibility and willingness to work with a wide range of agencies or individuals within our jurisdiction, and the staff members often facilitate equitable solutions to environmental problems.

This concern underlies all aspects of our strategic plan because it is recognized that most initiatives will not be undertaken alone, but will be carried out in cooperation with one or more of the groups with whom we work. The Conservation Authority may assume a leadership or coordinating role in some instances, while in others it may take a participatory role.

Education is another area of cooperative endeavour. The Authority sees a need to increase awareness, understanding and appreciation of natural resources. Staff educate the public about stewardship of our natural resources, and how interconnected our various resources are. Individuals and private groups can play a significant role in the protection of our natural resources, because what is done locally will have a cumulative effect, and can contribute to a global improvement of our natural resources. The Authority shall attempt to provide the facilities and opportunities for educational purposes, so that this need can be met. We shall continue to offer conservation, education and other stewardship programs in cooperation with local school boards, environmental organizations and others.

Education is seen by the Authority as a multifaceted activity. Much of it involves providing general information to the public at large, and ranges widely from enhancing public understanding and knowledge of the natural environment to activities focused on particular topics such as wood lot and beaver management. Methods will include publications and pubic information advertisements. Some also involves making heritage lands more accessible by ownership of land and providing trails, washrooms and information kits. One aspect of public programs is the more narrowly defined activities done in cooperation with school boards for classroom related programs. The arrangements vary from formal contracts at Gould Lake and Mac Johnson, to Authority delivery of programs at the Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area. Education is needed to ensure that understanding and motivation or support for basic concepts of environmental protection will continue so that our natural resources will be preserved for future generations. Advocating the development of appropriate policies to deal with our changing world and with specific areas of concern is crucial to consistent and appropriate watershed management.

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Contact Us:
P.O. Box 160, Glenburnie, Ontario, Canada K0H 1S0
Telephone: (613) 546-4228
E-mail: crca@cataraquiregion.on.ca

©2002 Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority