Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority adds 6 properties to protected federal database

Properties include Rogers Reservoir, Baldwin Conservation Area, Pottageville Swamp Natural Heritage Area and Thornton Bales Conservation Area

yorkregion.com
May 24, 2023

The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority has added six properties totalling 576 hectares toward Canada's goal of protecting 30 per cent of our lands and waters by 2030. Combined with previous submissions, the conservation authority now contributes 1,479 hectares toward Canada's protection goals.

“As a local watershed management organization, it is truly gratifying to see our efforts to protect biodiversity in the Lake Simcoe watershed being recognized at a federal level,” LSRCA chief administrative officer Rob Baldwin said.

Baldwin said the designation ensures ecologically diverse lands comprised of forests, wetlands and grasslands will be protected and preserved.

“By implementing strong policies and management strategies on these properties, they have prioritized the conservation of biodiversity and safeguarded it against the growing environmental threats within the Greater Golden Horseshoe,” said Caroline Schultz, executive director of Ontario Nature. “This is an important step toward preserving the natural beauty and ecological health of the Lake Simcoe watershed.”

Canada endorsed the goal, known as the 30 by 30 target, as part of the landmark Global Biodiversity Framework at the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP15) in Montreal last December.

The six properties, evaluated in partnership with Ontario Nature, are: Baldwin Conservation Area, Herrel Ecological Preserve, Pottageville Swamp Natural Heritage Area, Rogers Reservoir Conservation Area, Thornton Bales Conservation Area and the Zephyr Creek Wetland Ecological Preserve.

Each property was assessed for its unique ecological characteristics and diverse ecosystems and was determined to meet the strict national standards for the protection of biodiversity, qualifying as protected areas. Protected areas safeguard a diverse range of habitats for numerous species, including several at-risk species, such as the cerulean warbler, eastern wood-pewee and redside dace.

They also protect provincially significant wetlands and areas of natural and scientific Interest and provide much-needed recreational opportunities for people to connect with nature.

“These contributions help to sustain a robust network of near-urban nature areas for all life in the region,” said Shelley Petrie of the Greenbelt Foundation. “We hope that these efforts inspire other land managers to protect and conserve natural areas within the Greenbelt, as they are vital to our health and strengthen the region's climate resiliency."

Baldwin said the impetus for protecting the properties came with help of from Ontario Nature who helped fund submissions from conservation authorities to be part of the program.

“The important difference is that the lands we have been protecting are now recognized, accounted for, and contribute to Canada's targets,” Baldwin said of the move.