Provide your feedback on our Conservation Areas Strategy by November 17

OCTOBER 25, 2024 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Kawartha Conservation invites the community to review and provide feedback on the Draft Conservation Areas Strategy, a comprehensive plan that will shape the future management of over 880 hectares of natural spaces within the Kawartha watershed. This strategy addresses the increasing environmental pressures of climate change, habitat loss, and the growing public demand for accessible outdoor spaces, and outlines a clear, sustainable vision for the future.

“Our conservation areas are essential to the well-being of our communities,” said Kristie Virgoe, Director of Stewardship and Conservation Lands at Kawartha Conservation. “This strategy serves as an overarching guide to managing these lands thoughtfully and responsibly.

“Conservation lands offer immense value, not only for environmental health, but also for the social and economic benefits they provide to our residents and visitors,” Virgoe continued. “By establishing clear objectives, we aim to ensure these areas continue to thrive and serve future generations.”

The Conservation Areas Strategy is built around three core objectives:

• Healthy Environment: Focuses on managing the lands to preserve natural heritage, protect species at risk, and combat climate change, ensuring ecological health and resilience.
• Healthy Community: Emphasizes the role of conservation areas in promoting physical, emotional, and mental well-being by offering spaces for recreation, community gatherings, and engagement.
• Discovery: Seeks to foster educational and scientific exploration through environmental monitoring, community education, and partnerships with academic institutions.

This strategy reflects Kawartha Conservation’s commitment to sustainable management practices and the importance of collaboration among government, private, and public sectors.

“Input from our communities is invaluable,” Virgoe added. “The insights we receive will help us refine our approach and align our objectives with the values and needs of the people we serve.”

Kawartha Conservation encourages residents, stakeholders, and all those interested in the future of local conservation areas to submit their comments on the Draft Conservation Areas Strategy by November 17. To provide feedback, please email your comments to kirgoe@kawarthaconservation.com.