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.