To: Watershed News Media
Date: January 23, 2009
The Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority (CRCA) is pleased to announce that they are delivering the Ontario WetlandCare Program to landowners within their watershed area. The program is a partnership between Ducks Unlimited Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources that provides funding and technical expertise to landowners who wish to protect, enhance or restore the wetlands on their property.
"The program provides 50 per cent funding, up to a maximum of $5000, for stewardship projects and small wetland creation or restoration projects," said Stephen Knechtel, CRCA General Manager/Secretary-Treasurer. "This could include projects like installing Wood Duck nest boxes, livestock fencing, wetland buffers, tree planting or restoring a wetland."
CRCA staff will work closely with landowners to assess potential projects and provide assistance through the permit and construction phases of their project. They will also provide assistance to interested landowners who want to create a stewardship plan for their property.
Although funding is available for approved projects throughout the CRCA watershed, the priority areas are the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands, Township of Rideau Lakes, Township of Athens, Township of Front of Yonge, and the Township of Elizabethtown-Kitley.
All projects must have a wetland component and landowners will be required to sign a Conservation Agreement with Ducks Unlimited Canada. Projects must be completed by March 31, 2010.
To make an application or discuss a possible project, please call Sara O'Neill at (613) 546-4228 ext. 286 or 1-877-956-CRCA ext. 286.
Media contact:
Stephen Knechtel, General Manager/Secretary-Treasurer (613) 546-4228 ext. 239