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Take Action

Actions you (the individual) can take to implement

Here are just some of the ways people like you can help to improve your property and your watershed community:

  • Plant a tree … or several trees
  • Decommission unused wells
  • Have your septic system inspected, pumped out regularly, and upgraded as necessary
  • Volunteer on a trail or watershed committee
  • Visit a conservation area to experience nature or learn about watershed issues
  • Donate to local trails and conservation efforts
  • Consult Ausable Bayfield Conservation about grants or technical expertise for your beneficial projects
  • Participate in a conservation education program
  • Create a wetland with technical help from Ausable Bayfield Conservation
  • Implement an Environmental Farm Plan
  • Consult a stewardship guide to improve your home, farm, business, or municipality
  • Be a citizen ambassador: set a positive example
  • Create a local initiative of your own

Actions your community can take to implement

Here are just some of the ways local communities and groups, made up of landowners and residents like you, are working to create healthier watersheds:

  • Creating and implementing plans to protect local watersheds
  • Finding new ways to protect local water quality
  • Conserving water supplies through the Water Response Team
  • Restoring fish habitat
  • Providing opportunities to experience nature through accessible trails
  • Sponsoring and publishing water quality testing of Lake Huron beaches and other watercourses
  • Protecting water near sinkholes and other areas where water is highly susceptible to contamination
  • Taking part in conservation education programs
  • Management committees for conservation areas, museums
  • Community groups supporting local trails
  • Working groups
  • Local watershed plan steering committees

Actions Ausable Bayfield Conservation can take to implement

These are just some of the examples of positive actions that can be taken by Ausable Bayfield Conservation, working with the public and partners, to create healthier watersheds:

  • Continue tree planting program and stewardship services
  • Encourage biodiversity through creation of habitat
  • Work in partnership with the community: residents, contractors, municipalities, public
  • Collaborate and integrate programs with agencies, ministries, and other partners
  • Pursue funding programs which provide incentives for beneficial projects by watershed residents
  • Enact and enforce regulations as set out in the Conservation Authorities Act and the Regulation of Development,
  • Improve water quality and reduce flooding through effective best management practices and creation, protection, restoration and effective management of wetlands
  • Acquire conservation lands strategically in order to conserve healthy habitat, forest conditions, water quality, water quantity
  • Raise awareness of the conservation authority’s regulatory responsibilities through partnerships with planning agencies and municipalities
  • Deliver watershed-scale planning advice and technical and environmental review services for governments, municipalities and organizations as appropriate
  • Protect:
    • Water quantity through Low Water Response Team
    • Life and property through flood forecasting, warning, prevention, awareness, floodplain management and regulations
    • Areas of environmental significance
  • Create:
    • Accessible trails and conservation lands to preserve ecosystems and educate about nature
    • Recreational opportunities for healthier watersheds and healthier communities