The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) is excited to announce the launch of two pivotal projects aimed at enhancing the sustainability and resilience of natural resources and conservation lands in the Niagara Peninsula watershed— the Conservation Area Strategy (CA Strategy) and the Watershed-based Resource Management Strategy (Watershed Strategy).

The CA Strategy is designed to provide a comprehensive framework for the programs and services offered across NPCA’s conservation areas. By understanding how visitors engage with these natural spaces and the programs and services they offer, NPCA aims to enhance the visitor experience, support local biodiversity, and ensure these natural spaces remain vibrant and sustainable for future generations. Input is primarily sought from individuals who actively use NPCA’s conservation areas and participate in programs and services related to these lands, or those from related industries like land planning or tourism.

The Watershed Strategy focuses on the broader Niagara Peninsula watershed, emphasizing the importance of natural resource management, ecosystem health, and community resilience. This strategy will integrate scientific research and data, public input, and best practices to manage and conserve the watershed in the face of environmental challenges. Input is primarily sought from individuals familiar with NPCA’s technical programs and services such as planning, permitting, restoration, and water monitoring, or those from related industry backgrounds like science academia, agriculture, or development.  Members of the broader watershed community who engage in NPCA’s various programs and services are also encouraged to provide their input.

“Through the development of these important strategies, we will better understand the issues and risks we face today, how our programs and services have evolved, assess their effectiveness, and identify gaps, challenges, and opportunities, together with the watershed community,” says Leilani Lee-Yates, CAO/Secretary-Treasurer at NPCA. “Community involvement is key to the success of these strategies as it will ensure that they too reflect the needs and values of the community we serve.”

The community is invited to visit Get Involved NPCA to learn more and participate in this process.

• Discussion Papers and Resources: Review the discussion papers outlining the process, goals, and vision for the two strategies. Additional Frequently Asked Questions and resources are available.
• Surveys: Share your thoughts and experiences through short online surveys. This feedback will help shape the direction of the strategies.
• Public Information Sessions: Attend the upcoming hybrid Public Information Centre on Tuesday, September 24, 2024. The Watershed Strategy will be discussed from 6-7 p.m. and the CA Strategy from 7-8 p.m. Registration is required.

Under the Conservation Authorities Act (Ontario Regulation 686/21), each Conservation Authority in Ontario is required to prepare these strategies to guide the future of conservation areas and watershed management practices. They are scheduled for completion by December 31, 2024.

For more information, visit Get Involved NPCA: https://getinvolved.npca.ca/.

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About Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority:

As a community-based natural resource management agency, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority envisions a healthy and vibrant natural environment with shared greenspace and clean water for all.

NPCA’s work supports the conservation, enhancement, and sustainability of healthy watersheds with programs and services that focus on drinking water source protection, flood and hazard management, endangered species protection, ecosystem restoration, community stewardship, education, and land management.

NPCA is the caretaker of 41 conservation areas within the Niagara Peninsula watershed held in public trust for recreation, heritage preservation, conservation and education. These natural and shared greenspaces marry nature, culture, and adventure to create limitless opportunities for discovery.