Lower Trent Conservation
Did You Know?

Collectively, Conservation Authorities own and protect a total of 150,000 hectares, including forests, wetlands, areas of natural and scientific interest, recreational lands, natural heritage and cultural sites, as well as, land for flood and erosion control.

 

Key Issues

Natural Habitat Loss:

  • Although forest and wetland cover are slightly above Environment Canada’s recommended minimum thresholds for ecological integrity, these natural habitats are vulnerable to impacts of development pressure.
  • Continued loss of natural habitat could result in decline of many ecological services, leading to increased flooding, loss of native plants/animals, reduced drinking water quality, and decreased outdoor recreational potential.

Insufficient Data:

  • Ecological Land Classification has only been completed for Northumberland County, representing approximately 50% of the Lower Trent watershed region. Ecological Land Classification is a standardized method to characterize vegetation communities and is the best source of information to assess wetland and forest conditions.
  • Surface water data is limited to 9 Provincial Water Quality Monitoring Network stations located in 5 watersheds and does not include E. coli. More monitoring stations and analyses are needed for all watersheds.
  • The Provincial Groundwater Monitoring Network is not comprehensive enough to provide adequate data to grade the wells.

What Actions are We Taking?

  • Providing advice to local municipalities and the public regarding development near waterways and wetlands, and administering our Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses Regulation.
  • Seeking opportunities to enhance our monitoring programs.
  • Providing information and services to the public to improve environmental awareness and encourage environmental action (e.g., public events, tree seedling sales, incentive programs).
  • Protecting and maintaining 1500 hectares of natural areas in our Conservation Lands.
  • Providing youth environmental education opportunities to foster environmental values in the next generation.