With the Clean Water Act and its first set of regulations officially in place as of July 3, 2007, the Essex Region Conservation Authority, Conservation Ontario and all member Conservation Authorities are eager to start forming local Source Protection Committees.

"The Clean Water Act is essential to protecting Ontario's drinking water sources," said Dick Hibma, Chair of Conservation Ontario. "With the first set of regulations in place, those conservation authorities tasked with the role of forming local source protection committees can begin to recruit committee members."

Over the summer and fall, 19 Source Protection Committees will be formed across the province and will, according to the new regulation, include local membership from municipalities, landowners, industry, business, First Nations, environmental groups and other stakeholders. A Source Protection Committee of 16 members will be established in the Essex Region Source Protection Area. These committee members will work together to build source protection plans and ensure municipal sources of drinking water are properly protected.

"Ensuring that the sources of our drinking water are protected for future generations is critically important," said Stan Taylor, Director of Source Protection. "While we have been conducting technical work for the past several years, we are excited to now move into the next phase of setting up the Source Protection Committee."

In addition to the regulation outlining the details of the Source Protection Committee formation, regulations that formally define the boundaries of Source Protection Areas, Regions for which Source Protection Plans will be created and details the terms of reference each committee must create also came into effect. Further regulations are scheduled to be drafted this fall and passed in late 2007 and early 2008.

Since the tragedy at Walkerton in May 2000, Conservation Authorities have worked with the province and other stakeholders, including municipalities and the farming community, to provide expertise in developing the best approach to source water protection. Source water protection builds on past science and studies and links directly to the water management programs Conservation Authorities and their partner municipalities have been doing for years.

ERCA is currently seeking expressions of interest for membership on the Source Protection Committee, and a formal nomination process will be advertised in coming weeks. Click here for Expressions of Interest.

This spring, ERCA celebrated its busiest tree planting season in more than a dozen years. "Our 2007 spring tree planting has been our most successful in years, with more than 218,000 trees being planted and distributed," explained Ray Renaud, Chair.

In addition helping move closer to our community goal of a healthy and sustainable future by achieving a target of 12% natural areas coverage, reforesting land to a natural state also helps to sequester carbon, offsetting some of the impacts of climate change.

For example, it is estimated that just one hectare of seedlings can consume about 6 tons of carbon per year. As the plantation ages, that amount increases. At forty years of age, it will sequester 89 tones per hectare per year, and within a century each hectare will consume 257 tones.

To put that in perspective, the Trees Canada Foundation estimates that on average, a vehicle can produce about 5 tones of climate changing emissions each year. Of course, a smaller car will produce less, while a less efficient car will produce more. Using those figures, it is easy to see that a single hectare of newly reforested land can offset the emissions of one car per year. As the forest ages, the carbon it sequesters increases dramatically, such that the same hectare of mature forest can offset the impacts of more than 50 vehicles.

Forests also help to clean the air, recharge ground water, filter surface water, provide habitat for plants and animal, and provide great recreational and economic opportunities throughout the province.

"ERCA and all conservation authorities will have to consider the impacts of climate change in designing and implementing forest management activities in the future," says Matthew Child, Director of Watershed Restoration. "Understanding and reducing the impacts of climate change and developing early adaptation tools and techniques will be important to ensuring the protection and restoration of the region's natural areas."

If you are interested in planting trees on your property of two acres or more this fall or next spring, contact ERCA's forester at pgiroux@erca.org .

Golfers and environmental supporters alike are expected to turn out for the Essex Region Conservation Foundation's (ERCF) 21st Annual Fundraising Golf Tournament on Thursday, July 26 at the Ambassador Golf Club in Windsor.

This year marks the 30th Anniversary of the ERCF, which raises funds to protect the significant natural areas of the Essex Region. "Last year, we successfully sold out the tournament and raised $25,000!" exclaims Ron Arkell, Tournament Chair. "This year, we again expect to sell out our foursomes and raise nearly $30,000 to commemorate this special anniversary. Most importantly, all of the funds we raise stay right here in this community to help leave a legacy of a healthier and more sustainable environment to our future generations."

The fun-filled day includes 18 holes of golf at the world-class club, power carts, a hot dog lunch, a delicious steak dinner, a gift for every golfer, and incredible live and silent auction items. Ken Knapp Ford in Essex has offered a leased vehicle for a one year term as a hole-in-one prize, while Home Hardware will donate a $2500 shopping spree for a hole-in-one. Other great prizes will be presented to the Closest to the Pin competition winners, the Longest Drive competition winners and to the winning foursome. Registration is $160.00 per golfer, and offers an incredible value for this fun-filled day.

There is still some space to register, and a few sponsorship opportunities still exist. For more information, please contact 519-776-5209 ext. 398.

On June 8, the Essex Region Conservation Authority received $296,500 in funding from the Water & Erosion Control Infrastructure Capital Funding Program announced by Bruce Crozier, MPP for Essex. Crozier was joined by ERCA Board Member Charles McLean, and Ken Schmidt, General Manager of ERCA. Mr. Crozier remarked that he was pleased to present funding for the important work done by the Conservation Authority right across the riding.

The Water and Erosion Control Infrastructure (WECI) program, funded by the Province through the Ministry of Natural Resources, provides 50% funding to Conservation Authorities for works involving updating or maintenance to projects previously carried out by the Conservation Authority. The Essex Region Conservation Authority has been very successful in recent years in obtaining funding for member municipalities through this program. The funding announced will go toward several current projects across the region. These include Detroit River Shoreline Protection and Improvements at Legacy Park in the City of Windsor, which along with the major project to the west in 2006, results in the completion of about 600 metres of shoreline works in the vicinity of Legacy Park, providing erosion protection, fish habitat enhancements and improved public access and safety.. Also in the City of Windsor, the East Riverside Flood Control Project will be wrapped up, which will result in the completion of all of the flood control works identified in the 'East Riverside Storm Water Management and Flood Protection Plan' prepared jointly by ERCA, the City, and major developers several years ago. The project provides flood protection for over 2000 older homes and the Pollution Control Plant, and also permits the future development of the East Riverside Planning Area.

In the Town of Essex, Lonsberry Beach Shoreline Protection Projects will allow major maintenance of shoreline protection and bluff stabilization works constructed by ERCA in the mid 1980s.

In the Municipality of Leamington, the Southeast Leamington Management Strategy and related studies received 50% funding from this program, and provides recommendations regarding long term management strategies for the flood prone and erosion prone areas of southeast Leamington.

Crozier made his presentation in the Town of Lakeshore, which was granted funding for the Belle River Flood Control project, which is currently underway. The work consists of improvements and repairs to dykes and other flood control works constructed by ERCA in the early 1990s.

Board Member Charles McLean expressed his gratitude to Mr. Crozier and the Province of Ontario for their continued financial support through this program. . "Protecting people and property from the dangers of flooding and erosion continues to be a top priority for ERCA and all Conservation Authorities, and we are thankful for the funding that allows these important works to happen."

Of the total $5 million per year available province wide, in the past 2 years, ERCA has been successful in obtaining over $2.7 million for local projects. This has enabled ERCA to carry out over $5 million worth of important flood control and erosion control projects in partnership with municipalities and others.

Bald Eagles, Monarch butterflies, dragonflies, Hummingbirds, and magnificent hawks can be witnessed at the migration spectacle that is the Festival of Hawks at Holiday Beach Conservation Area. This year, the festival has increased programming and hikes over a consecutive three day period. Holiday Beach Festival of Hawks is held in partnership with the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory (HBMO) and this year, a complementary event will be held at Point Pelee National Park on September 21, 22, and 23 from 9am until 4pm.

Volunteer counters from the HBMO record the numbers of all migrant species that pass over the site while also noting the status of resident populations of Bald Eagles, Egrets, Cormorants, Ducks, Gulls, Terns, Swallows and other species. Holiday Beach Conservation Area was dedicated an Important Bird Area (IBA) of global significance in the year 2000 because of its significant as a migration route. Southwestern Ontario funnels migrating raptors along the shore of the Great Lakes. Reluctant to cross large bodies of water, hawks gain altitude over the farmlands, rising easily with the thermals. With appropriate wind and weather conditions, birds pile up along the lakeshore moving west until they reach the narrowest cross point of the Detroit River at Holiday Beach. In a single autumn season, more than 100,000 raptors soar over the Hawk Tower.

Morning is the best time to view raptors as they rise higher in the air currents. During the Festival of Hawks, see raptors, songbirds and sometimes monarchs and hummingbirds up close in banding and release demonstrations. "You might also catch a glimpse of a rare jewel," says Bev Wannick, Conservation Educator. "Several pairs of Prothonotary warblers, a nationally endangered species, are known to nest at Holiday Beach Conservation Area." Participate in a migration scavenger hunt, kids crafts, the dragonfly hike, or adopt a Monarch butterfly during the afternoon tagging demonstrations. There will be many educational presentations throughout the day, and this year, the Festival also intends to feature a designated area with nature related informational products and services. From backyard birders to experts, there is something for everyone at the Festival of Hawks. See you on the Tower!

Holiday Beach Conservation Area is one of ERCA's most popular destinations. It features more than 800 metres of sandy beach on the shores of Lake Erie, and more than 90 serviced and unserviced campsites. With a picnic area, playground, nature trails, boardwalk and stocked trout pond, it is an ideal place for a family vacation or weekend getaway, or even just to stay and play for a day.

Last year, ERCA rebuilt one of the comfort stations and this year, plans are being finalized to re-construct a second facility. "We also plan to move forward with a Master Planning process," explains Kevin Money, Director of Conservation Areas. "As ecotourism continues to grow in importance to the tourism sector in this community, we want to ensure that we keep pace with the amenities we have to offer." As well, park staff have a renewed commitment to exemplary customer service to further enhance guest experiences.

If you haven't been to Holiday Beach lately, make plans to visit this summer. The Holiday Beach Conservation Area is located on County Road 50, on Lake Erie near Malden Centre approximately 15km southeast of Amherstburg, Ontario, Canada, a half hour drive from Highway 401 and only 40 minutes from the Ambassador Bridge for those coming from the US. Cost is only $8 per vehicle, and you can camp overnight at our beautiful treed campsites for just $23/night. Call 519-736-3772 for reservations.

This summer, buy locally grown fruits and vegetables. When you shop local, you help offset greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants associated with the transportation of food. Plus, you're supporting the farmers in your own community! Buying local just makes good sense.

Source: http://www.davidsuzuki.org/NatureChallenge

Games of Long Ago
Sunday, July 15 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
John R. Park Homestead
Test your skill with pioneer toys and games. Challenge your friends and family with a stilt race, forfeits, and crokinole. Games for all ages.

Family Pioneer Program
Tuesday, July 24 10:00 am (pre-registration required)
John R. Park Homestead
A program for children age 5 and up and accompanying adults. Dress in 1800's costume, prepare your own period lunch from scratch - just like the pioneers! Play 19th Century games. Maximum - 12 participants. Cost: $10/person (includes lunch). Please notify us of any food allergies in advance.

Essex Region Conservation Foundation 21st Annual Fundraising Golf Tournament
Thursday, July 26 12 noon shotgun start
Ambassador Golf Club
Golfers, sponsors and auction donors are invited to participate in this enjoyable event in support of the protection and restoration of the region's most vulnerable and important natural areas. Contact: pdarrellsmith@ erca.org or call (519) 776 5209 ext. 398 for further details and a registration form.

Blueberry Social
August 11 -12 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
John R. Park Homestead
Celebrate the blueberry season with crafts, blueberry pie and ice cream sundaes, live music, and games for children. Pick your own berries at the farm. Click here for the event poster (pdf).

Hawk Run
Sunday, August 19 9:00 am
Holiday Beach Conservation Area
In partnership with WRACE, the proceeds from this 5K walk or run will benefit habitat restoration and visitor facilities at Holiday Beach Conservation Area. Registration fee is $15. Register before August 12 and receive free entrance to the park and a free t-shirt. Participants with pledges over $50 will have their registration fees waived.

Holiday Beach Festival of Hawks
September 21, 22 & 23 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Holiday Beach
Take part in raptor banding and songbird banding demonstrations and adoptions, guided hawk watching, Monarch tagging, dip-netting programs in the pond, butterfly catching, dragonfly and amphibian hikes, hawk identification workshops, food concession, children's nature crafts, scavenger hunt and nature sales booth.

email: admin@erca.org

phone: 519 776 5209

web: http://www.erca.org