To: Watershed News Media
Date: October 17, 2006
Brockville - A public open house about the final draft of the Mac Johnson Wildlife Area master plan takes place on Wednesday, Nov. 1, from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Vanier Public School gym at 40 Vanier Drive in Brockville.
"The Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority (CRCA) staff will present a final draft of the master plan that reflects public input into the planning process," explains the CRCA's Mara Shaw. "A master plan is a long-term plan that guides protection, improvement and use of the property for 20 years and beyond."
Ms. Shaw is the CRCA's watershed management coordinator and author of this revised plan. The existing plan for the 526 ha site dates back to 1983.
"Demands on the property have changed greatly since the original plan was implemented," says Ms. Shaw. "This revised plan incorporates both these changes and comments collected from the public earlier."
Mac Johnson Wildlife Area, a popular nature site enjoyed by regional residents, is known locally as the Back Pond. It straddles the Brockville-Elizabethtown-Kitley boundary and is a habitat and migration stopover site for 160 species of birds and home to about 600 species of plants.
"These plus many other animals and fish, including both flora and fauna species at risk, count on the retention of the wildlife habitat on the property," says Ms. Shaw. "Because of its popularity and habitat value, it is important for the public to help shape its future."
The revised plan and comment forms are available on the CRCA web site at www.cataraquiregion.on.ca.
For more information call:
Michael Sykes, Communications and Marketing Assistant (613) 546-4228 ext. 243