MVCA Open House set for Sharbot Lake

Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority | Nov 18, 2015

The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority is hosting an open house next Thursday, November 26 in Sharbot Lake to discuss changes to the Wetlands policy in Ontario that are being proposed by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR).

In a discussion paper called Wetland Conservation in Ontario, the MNR says that 70% of wetlands in southern Ontario have been lost through development and the ministry has a goal of ensuring there is no further net loss of wetlands in southern Ontario.

Wetlands are described by the ministry as “lands that are saturated with water long enough to cause the formation of waterlogged (hydric) soils and the growth of water-loving (hydrophytic) or water-tolerant plants”. Wetlands are classed as marshes, swamps, bogs, and fens.

The MNR intends to work with partners, including conservation authorities, to develop a strategic plan for the next 15 years with the intention of ensuring the health of wetlands.

In their response to the discussion paper, Conservation Ontario (CO), which is made up of the 15 conservation authorities in the province including Mississippi, Quinte, Cataraqui and Rideau Valley in our region, recommends that an Integrated Water Management (IWM) approach be taken.

“The IWM approach to wetland conservation would lend itself nicely to and support the focus areas outlined in the discussion paper: strengthen policy, encourage partnerships and improve knowledge, and will provide a framework for the ‘no net loss’ approach to wetland conservation,” says the written response from Conservation Ontario.

Officials from Mississippi Valley Conservation will be on hand in Sharbot Lake to give an overview of the changes and talk about how they see their role.

The new policies could have an impact on land development in the Land O'Lakes region, a major repository of the remaining watersheds in the province.

The meeting is set for 4:30 to 7 pm at the Oso Hall. For information, contact Shannon Gutoski – 613-253 -0006, ext. 225