Source Water Protection Planning, planting and distributing more than 200,000 trees, implementing more than 100 water quality improvement projects, developing an action plan for the sustainable management of Southeast Leamington and developing 2 new conservation areas are just a few of the top priorities outlined by the Essex Region Conservation Authority for 2007.

“Undertaking the technical work and collaborating with the community on a local, watershed based approach to protecting our sources of drinking water will be a key focus for the next few years,” stated Ray Renaud, ERCA Chair.

Other top programs and projects include protecting some of the region’s most significant natural areas, and targeting 200 acres for habitat restoration projects. ERCA will continue to work with landowners to provide technical and financial incentives to share in the responsibility of a cleaner and healthier environment. The budget for 2007 is $13.5 million. The total municipal levy is about $2.3 million dollars, representing an increase of only 2.7%, or $61,600 from 2006.

“This means that for a home valued at $200,000, approximately $12.97 goes toward environmental improvements,” explained Ken Schmidt, ERCA General Manager. “Because of assessment changes, this actually represents a per household reduction of about 35 cents from last year on a home at that value, as an example.”

“More and more, people are recognizing that a healthy environment, healthy economy and healthy population are intricately linked. You cannot have one healthy element of society without the other two,” Chair Renaud concluded.

At the Essex Region Conservation Authority Annual General Meeting on January 18, eight conservation awards were presented to organizations and individuals who are making tangible contributions in creating a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable environment. The recipients honoured were:

2006 Conservation Farm Award - John Diemer from Woodslee John R. Park Homestead Award - The Ontario Provincial Organization of Questers Education - Mireya Campbell of Harrow District High School Volunteerism - Carl Pascoe and Rachel Powless; and Corey Naroski Environmental Achievement - David Ainslie; Ontario Great Lakes Renewal Foundation Volunteer Award of Appreciation - Don Learn

ERCA Chair Ray Renaud thanked all of the winners for their efforts. “We continue to be inspired by these organizations and individuals who are committed to improving the environment that we share. We hope that by recognizing these winners today, others will become motivated to help work together to create a future of sustainability for this region.”

As the weather is warming up, people are starting to think about planting and post-planting care for their trees. ERCA will host a tree planting and care workshop on Tuesday, March 6, 2007 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm at the Essex Civic and Education Centre, 360 Fairview Avenue in Essex. Paul Giroux, Registered Professional Forester, will focus on replanting trees and restoring your property after it has been victimized by the Emerald Ash Borer. As well, Mr. Giroux will discuss planting practices for trees in this region, as well as soils and species selection.

There will be opportunities for workshop participants to ask other tree related questions, and if desired, trees may be ordered at the workshop. The order deadline is Friday, March 9, 2007, and while there are many varieties of seedlings and large stock native trees available, quantities of some trees species are limited, so place your order soon. This workshop is offered free of charge to the residents of the region, but pre-registration is recommended by calling 776- 5209 ext. 377 or by email to pgiroux@erca.org .

The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) will begin rehabilitation work on the Belle River to remove blockages that currently impede the river’s flow and aggravate flood levels. “We have identified and mapped over 150 spots where debris is currently blocking the flow of the Belle River,” reports Tim Byrne, ERCA’s Senior Water Manager Technician. “These will be removed in a surgical fashion, meaning that construction will only take place in the directly affected areas in order to restore the natural channel flow.”

The work will take place between County Road 42 and County Road 8. ERCA obtained 50% of the funding for this project from the Province of Ontario. The balance is being shared between the Town of Lakeshore and Town of Kingsville.

As well, in partnership with the Town of Lakeshore, an assessment of the flood control projects implemented nearly two decades ago will be undertaken. “Our consulting engineer will be reviewing these previously engineered structures, taking measurements and photographs, and conducting a general inspection to ensure that they are still functioning properly,” Byrne says. “No actual repair work will take place until this summer or fall, once the comprehensive report has been received.” He goes on to note that no costs will be assessed to property owners as a result of this work.

Landmark Engineering Consultants will be working with ERCA to conduct these surveys. If access to the river is required via private property, field staff will knock on the landowner’s door for permission. In the instance that no one is home, a letter will be left at the property.

A regional collaborative effort is underway to improve birding and its associated economic benefits through the implementation of the recommendations in the “Birding in the Essex Region” report. In the Ministry of Tourism’s Premiere Ranked Tourist Destination Evaluation Report (2003), birding was identified as one of the region’s core attractors. However, in the past several years, there has been a decline in birding visitation. Concerned with this trend, key stakeholders met with the Convention and Visitors Bureau of Windsor, Essex County and Pelee Island to strategize on how to better capitalize on this important tourism product and market, which has the potential to bring $14 million into the Essex Region.

The report, Birding in the Essex Region: A Collaborative Approach to Enhancing Birding and Tourism, identifies forty-four recommendations for refreshing birding products, enhancing habitat, undertaking creative and cooperative marketing opportunities, and engaging the business sector. Partners, who also include Point Pelee National Park, the Municipality of Leamington, Town of Amherstburg, and Chatham-Ken, are pleased to report that they have already taken action to begin implementing ten of these recommendations.

“While the region is known worldwide for both spring and fall birding, the overall number of birders to the region is in decline,” said Ken Schmidt, ERCA General Manager. “We are pleased to be one of the stakeholders committed to working together to halt the decline and bring new birders to Windsor, Essex County and Pelee Island.” A copy of the report’s executive summary can be found online at www.visitwindsor .com

As many birders are aware, the second Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas recently wrapped up data collection and has spent the last year sorting records and beginning the process of turning all that hard work into an informative publication. The Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Ontario, 2001-2005 is the product of over 150,000 hours spent in the field by a multitude of dedicated volunteers who collected a phenomenal 1.2 million individual breeding bird records! We are pleased to announce that the upcoming book is now available for presale at a significantly reduced rate from the anticipated retail cost.As many birders are aware, the second Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas recently wrapped up data collection and has spent the last year sorting records and beginning the process of turning all that hard work into an informative publication. The Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Ontario, 2001-2005 is the product of over 150,000 hours spent in the field by a multitude of dedicated volunteers who collected a phenomenal 1.2 million individual breeding bird records! We are pleased to announce that the upcoming book is now available for presale at a significantly reduced rate from the anticipated retail cost.

For a limited time, you can order your copy of the Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Ontario, 2001–2005 at a special pre-sale price ($67 for Atlas participants and $79 for non-participants (prices include GST, distribution, and handling)). The expected retail price of the book is $96 Profits from the sale of atlases will go towards bird conservation projects in Ontario and Canada.

Special pre-sale prices are only available until February 28, 2007, so don’t delay! To order you copy (or copies) today, visit www.ontarionature.org/shop or call the atlas office toll-free at 1-866-900-7100.

Earth Month is fast approaching and the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA), in partnership with Earth Day Canada, and our sponsor, Sunoco and the Suncor Energy Foundation, invites everyone to come out on Sunday, April 22, 2007 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. to help plant over 1000 native trees and shrubs at Malden Park in the City of Windsor.

There will be lots to enjoy, including learning about how trees help our environment, meeting a live owl up close, and a barbecue. Kids can crawl in a Giant Caterpillar, participate in Nature Crafts, a Nature Scavenger Hunt, and try a Bald Eagle Obstacle Course to win cool nature stuff! There will also be even more Earth Day 2007 Celebrations just across Matchette Road at Mic Mac Park where you can experience amazing Earth Day exhibits, fabulous environmental entertainment, workshops, presentations and much more.

You can start getting involved right now by registering at least 10 members of your business or community group for the Green Team Challenge and you’ll receive a Certificate of Participation at the event! For the kids in the community we have launched an exciting Sunoco Earth Day 2007 Writing Contest with great prize packages to be won. For further information, see www.erca.org or contact Phil Darrell-Smith by email at pdarrellsmith@erca.org or call 519 776 5209 ext. 398.

Have you ever thought about joining the Essex Region Conservation Foundation "Friends of Conservation"? You can help create a healthier environment and a healthier community for you and your children by getting involved, helping to support the activities of the Essex Region Conservation Authority.

By becoming a member, you help protect natural areas, enhance biodiversity, improve water quality, preserve our rich heritage, protect and restore wildlife habitat and much more - right here in your own backyard. Leave a proud legacy for future generations - a healthier environment.

For further details and to sign up, read on...

Ensuring that your car's tires are properly inflated could extend the life of your tires by one third as well as increase your fuel economy!

Source: Ontario Ministry of the Environment Green Tips

Friends of Watersheds Events:

Marsh Monitoring Program Training Session
Saturday, March 3, 9 am to 3 pm
Ojibway Nature Centre, Windsor
Space is limited – please register by calling 1-888-448-2473 ext. 214 or by emailing aqsurvey@bsc-eoc.org

Friends of Mill/Wigle Creeks
2007 Pesticide Forum
Thursday, March 29, 2007, at 7:00 pm
Essex Civic and Education Centre
360 Fairview Avenue, Essex
For more information, please contact Caroline Biribauer, Friends of Watersheds Organizer,
at 519 776 5209, ext. 245, or cbiribauer@erca.org.

Friends of Turkey Creek
Tree Planting
Shawnee Park, Windsor
Saturday, April 21, 2007, 10 am to 2 pm
BBQ lunch available free to all volunteers!!
Call 519-776-5209, ext. 245, for more information.

Friends of Canard River
Watershed Cleanup Along County Road 8
Saturday, April 28, 9 am to noon
BBQ lunch available free to all volunteers!!
all 519-776-5209, ext. 245, for more information.

Nature and Heritage Events:

Maple - First Taste of Spring
Sunday, March 11: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
John R. Park Homestead
Make maple taffy in the snow, and see syrup made the pioneer way. Meet a forester.Maple products for sale. Pancake breakfast in Harrow.

Maple March Break for Families
Tuesday, March 13 & Friday March 16: 1:30p.m. sharp
(same program repeated both days)
John R. Park Homestead Discover the magic maple tree with games and hands- on activities. Make and taste maple sugar.

Maple Moon
Tuesday, March 13: 7:00 p.m.
John R. Park Homestead
Join us for a sugaring-off party! Help collect sap and boil it down by moonlight. Make taffy on the snow, join in the barn dance, linger for star gazing and legends. $7.00 per person. Maximum registration 30. Pre-registration is required.

Holiday Beach Trout Derby
April 21 & 22: 7:00am - 7:00pm
Holiday Beach Conservation Area
Throw out a line and see if you can hook "the big one." The Trout Derby is on, the pond is stocked, and the fish are hungry. The only question is - who will reel in the trophy? $2.50 per permit. per fisherman and $8.00 per vehicle for park entry.

Sunoco Earth Day 2007
April 22: 10a.m. - 4p.m.
Malden Park, Windsor
Join the Essex Region Conservation Authority and its partners in planting 1000 trees to celebrate Earth Day!

See Nature and Heritage Events for the complete 2007 schedule.