David Brister, a Councillor from the City of Windsor, has been appointed as Chair of the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA). Councillor Brister has been a member of the ERCA Board since 2004.

"I am very pleased to serve as Chair for the Conservation Authority," said Chair Brister. "Recognizing the critical importance of a healthy environment to a healthy economy, I look forward to working with all of our municipal partners to implement programs and projects that create a cleaner and healthier environment for all residents of Windsor, Essex County and Pelee Island."

Councillor Brister is a graduate of the University of Windsor, where he earned a Bachelor of Commerce Honours degree in Business Administration. He is also a graduate of the St. Clair College Tourism Program, a Member of the Association for Financial Professionals and a Certified Treasury Professional. He has nearly 20 years of financial experience with a local manufacturing company and is also a successful business owner.

Together with wife Teresa, Dave has three children.

Anthony Leardi from the Town of Amherstburg was appointed as Vice-Chairman.

Drinking Water Source Protection, water quality improvement projects, landowner stewardship opportunities, the protection of significant natural areas, and trail development are just a few of the top strategic priorities approved by the Essex Region Conservation Authority for 2008.

"In creating our business plan for each year, we are guided by our Strategic Plan: Accelerating the Pace Towards a Sustainable Community," explained Ken Schmidt, ERCA General Manager. "This plan identifies a goal of achieving 12% natural areas coverage, the minimum standard for sustainability, by 2020."

Targets for 2008 include restoring 200 acres of habitat, planting more than 230,000 native trees, completing a comprehensive watershed plan for Big Creek, initiating more trail development along the Amherstburg - Essex Greenway, and providing opportunities for the community to participate in stream cleanups, tree plantings, seed collections and education events. As well, ERCA will continue to work with the Leamington community and senior levels of government to find funding to implement important flood and erosion control works in the floodprone area of Southeast Leamington.

The 2008 budget is $12.3 million, a decrease of 9% from 2007. "While locally, there is a more significant need for local environmental improvements than anywhere else in the Province of Ontario, we have attempted to respond to the current economic conditions, and adjust projects and programs in a way that least impacts progress in this regard," Schmidt explained of the decrease.

The total municipal levy requested is about $2.3 million dollars, representing a decrease of 0.4%. This means that for a home valued at $200,000, approximately $12.63 goes toward environmental improvements. This represents a decrease of 0.34 cents per household from last year. Eleven million dollars is raised from other sources.

"Our priorities and programs set for next year build on a strong track record of success, strong partnerships, and a commitment to improving the environmental, human and economic health of this region," concluded Renaud. "Green spaces and a healthy environment have been identified as the key features that will attract creative investment in our region, and these are important factors that must be considered, especially during these difficult economic times. The work done by our Conservation Authority is integral in this regard."

The Essex Region Source Protection Committee (SPC) will host seven open houses in the coming weeks to promote the value of protecting drinking water at its source. Open houses are scheduled near the drinking water intake in each community.

These open houses are interactive, and intended to promote how living or owning land near a municipal drinking water source means that landowners can play an important role in its protection by simply being aware of how they can keep this vital supply of water safe. Attendees can learn how land uses can affect the source of our drinking water, speak with experts on surface water quality, the Clean Water Act, and household water conservation, and learn about a new grant program that may be able to assist them in undertaking projects on their property to further protect the source of their drinking water.

"As we move forward in creating the Source Protection Plan for our region, it will be important to have the input of our community," explained Tom Fuerth, SPC Chair. "These open houses will help provide information to landowners who live near these municipal drinking water intakes, and will also give us the opportunity to receive some early feedback on their thoughts and priorities."

All open houses will take place from 3pm - 8pm. The dates and locations are as follows:

Date: Thursday, February 21
Drinking Water System: Stoney Point
Location: Rochester Golf Club
Address: 981 - 991 County Rd. 2, Belle River

Date: Tuesday, February 26
Drinking Water System: Amherstburg
Location: Verdi Club
Address: 689 Texas Road, Amherstburg

Date: Wednesday, February 27
Drinking Water System: Belle River
Location: Knights of Columbus
Address: 1303 County Rd. 22, Belle River

Date: Thursday, February 28
Drinking Water System: Windsor
Location: Riverside Arena
Address: 6755 Wyandotte St. E., Windsor

Date: Tuesday, March 4
Drinking Water System: Union Water System
Location: The United Church of Ruthven
Address: 1907 Queen Boulevard, Ruthven

Date: Thursday, March 6
Drinking Water System: Wheatley
Location: Royal Canadian Legion
Address: 7 Erie St North, Wheatley

The open house in Wheatley is being jointly hosted with the Thames-Sydenham Source Protection Region, and the Lower Thames, Upper Thames, and St. Clair Region Conservation Authorities.

For more information about the open houses, check out the Essex Region Source Protection website at www.essexregionsourcewater.org.

The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) has named the winners of the 2007 Conservation Awards. "It's so important to recognize organizations and individuals who are taking action to improve the environment," said Dave Brister, ERCA Chair. "It in encouraging that each year, the number of quality nominations is growing, meaning that more and more people are working towards a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable future for this region."

Woodslee farmer Tony Unholzer and his Malden Valley Farms is the winner of this year's Conservation Farm Award. Mr. Unholzer won for conservation farming practices such as no-till farming and crop rotation and ditch bank protection by buffer strips, rock chutes and tile outlet protection. Malden Valley Farms has an Environmental Farm Plan, and other features of his farming operations include windbreaks, a woodlot, and a pond. Tony has been farming for over 50 years and has been incorporating many modern conservation practices into his farming operation.

The Homestead Award was presented to Windsor's Community Museum, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year. Founded in 1958 by amateur historian George Macdonald and the Windsor Historic Sites Association, the Museum has a renovated, permanent gallery showcasing the development of the border region from earliest habitation to modern times. It hosts a busy calendar of changing exhibitions, and museum staff and volunteers assist hundreds of researchers each year. Education programs and special events are offered from the satellite site, the Duff-Baby Interpretation Centre in Sandwich, and the museum has been a Canadian leader in the development of on-line exhibits.

The Essex Region Children's Water Festival was awarded the Education Award for its commitment to helping children understand that water is a precious resource. First established in 2003, the steering committee consists of volunteers from a variety of sectors, including representatives from environmental organizations, the CAW, engineers, teachers and a variety of others who raise $60,000 each year to host the festival. Annually, more than 4000 students attended to participate in 52 activity centres with the festival being offered in both official languages during one of its four days. This year, the Festival will achieve another milestone during its five year anniversary, as the 15,000th student attends.

For his outstanding dedication as a volunteer, ERCA honoured André Campeau with a Conservation Award. As long time resident of Tecumseh, he has been a Friend of Pike Creek since 1999 and has shown keen interest in the health of the watershed and Essex Region. He is a significant contributor to Pike Creek tree planting and cleanup activities, and took the lead in submitting grant applications to the Ontario Trillium Foundation and Lakeshore Conservation Grant. His proposals were successful and secured $12,000 for a new trailer to be used for environmental restoration activities in the Pike Creek watershed. This past October, André was voted President of the Friends of Pike Creek, and continues to lead by example.

The individual award for Environmental Achievement was presented to Joe Hickson. Still very active at 84 years of age, Joe is a farmer who has restored a significant part of his farm to forest and wetland. He most recently worked with ERCA to restore an additional 40 acres of his farm in the Municipality of Leamington. He personally assisted with developing the restoration plan, planting trees, placing logs and other habitat features in the constructed wetlands, and maintaining the site through mowing and weed removal activities over the growing season. Joe has exhibited a lifelong commitment to natural areas protection, restoration, and education and his enthusiasm for the natural world has rubbed off on many that know him.

The Town of Essex and the Essex Rotary Club were also honoured with Conservation Awards for Environmental Achievement. Trails have been identified as a key resource in helping people to live healthy and active lifestyles. Recognizing the importance of trails to their residents, the Town of Essex and the Essex Rotary Club and Foundation, along with funding support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Province of Ontario, teamed up with ERCA to enhance and make accessible and beautiful trail at Sadler's Park. A new 25 car parking lot and paved trail was created for recreation such as hiking, jogging, cycling, roller-blading and strolling, and a kilometer of the Essex to Amherstburg Greenway was completed. The result is a multi-use, fully accessible set of trails for the residents of the region that also provides opportunities to appreciate and learn about our rare Carolinian biodiversity.

A special award of recognition was also presented to Dave Vince, who has volunteered his time and expertise at Hillman Marsh Conservation Area for nearly a quarter of a century.

Did you know that the John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area is the only place in Essex County that you can see the maple trees tapped, the sap evaporating and maple syrup being made in the pioneer way? Many special events are planned so that the public can participate in this exciting spring ritual, and school and group maple programs are available anytime by advance appointment.

Kick off March Break week with Essex County's only maple syrup festival, on Sunday, March 9th from 10am - 4pm. Costumed guides will be boiling the sap down in an iron cauldron, finishing the syrup in the 1842 kitchen and making maple taffy on the snow. Staff will be on hand to answer your questions about maple trees and "Science of Maple" sessions will be offered featuring a film and exhibit. Children can participate through various hands-on activities; get up close and see the trees tapped, try the brace and bit, carry pails of sap using an old-fashioned yoke and make a maple craft to take home. Pure maple syrup, butter and sugar will be for sale in the Homestead gift shop, so take home a tasty treat. Don't forget to dress warmly and to wear boots. Family admission is $16.00

More maple fun will follow through the March Break! Attend one of the "Maple March Break for Families" Programs on Tuesday, March 11th and repeated again on Friday, March 14th at 1:30pm sharp. Tour the site with a costumed interpreter; see the trees tapped and lend-a-hand with the maple chores. Sample some pure maple sugar in our 1842 kitchen, learn the "Science of Maple" and get hands-on in this fun and educational program for the whole family to enjoy. Family Admission is $16.00

Attend the exciting 5th Annual "Maple Moon" evening program on Tuesday March 11th at 7:30pm. Attend this sugaring off party by candlelight! Pre-registration is required for this program. Admission: $8.00 per person.

The Homestead is located at 915 County Road 50, east of Colchester- a 45 minute drive southeast of Windsor. For more information, to make a group booking or to register for Maple Moon, please call: (519) 738-2029 or email jrph@erca.org.

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 27, 2008 10:00 am - 2:00 p.m. to help plant 1000 native trees and shrubs at Malden Park in the City of Windsor, and stay through until 4:00 pm for other exciting activities.

There will be lots to enjoy, including learning about how trees help our environment, and a barbecue. Kids can crawl in a Giant Caterpillar, participate in Nature Crafts, an inflatable soccer net, a Nature Scavenger Hunt, and try a Bald Eagle Obstacle Course to win cool nature stuff! In addition there will be more Earth Day 2008 celebrations right across Matchette Road where you can experience amazing Earth Day exhibits, fabulous environmental entertainment 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 2008 Writing Contest titled, 'I Can Be The Change', 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.

On Wednesday, January 16, Baird and Associates presented the findings of the Colchester to Southeast Shoal Littoral Cell Investigation to Council members from Essex, Kingsville and Leamington. This study was commissioned by the Essex Region Conservation Authority with funding from Parks Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources in order to be proactive in looking at the protection of shoreline homes and property within the study area. Landowners in this area had identified that they were experiencing erosion problems, and the understanding of sand exchange from east and west sides of Point Pelee National Park was required to determine options to reduce erosion along the east side of the Point Pelee peninsula.

Historically, the recession of the bluffs, beaches and the lake bottom provided a continuous supply of new sand and gravel to the section of Lake Erie located between Colchester and the tip of Point Pelee National Park. For thousands of years, the sandy sediment material eroded from the shoreline and was transported in an east then south direction towards Point Pelee National Park. This material, combined with the sediment transported in a southerly direction along the east side of the peninsula , built the long trapezoid shaped pile of submerged sand now known as the southeast shoal.

Today, approximately 87 % of the shoreline is armoured with shoreline protection structures between Colchester and Point Pelee National Park. These structures have reduced the natural source of new sand and gravel. In addition, it has been determined that the natural transport of sediment along this reach of shoreline has been disrupted by the construction of harbours and their sediment management practices over the past 100 years. Collectively, the harbours have trapped or permanently removed approximately 4.3 million cubic metres of sand and gravel.

This decreased supply of sand and gravel has resulted in the erosion of the lakebed and the loss of beaches within the study area. In addition, the overall reduction of sediment supply from both the east and west sides of Point Pelee has contributed to the reduced size of the national park in the last several decades. A proper sediment management plan for this reach of shoreline is required to slow or stop these adverse trends.

"We wanted to be proactive in trying to address these erosion problems before they become as serious as the conditions on the east side of the peninsula ," explained Ken Schmidt, General Manager.

At the conclusion of the presentation, there was unanimous agreement amongst the key stakeholders to create a group to work together and determine the course of action. This working group will include representatives of the three affected municipalities, the Federal and Provincial Government, Ministries and Agencies associated with harbours and shorelines, including Parks Canada, the federal agency responsible for Point Pelee National Park.

"It is imperative that all groups work together to collectively determine a path forward to find solutions to this problem," Schmidt goes on to say. Solutions could include sand bypassing structures in the harbours and artificial sand nourishment in these areas. "We have a good scientific basis to create plans for the future."

It is anticipated that the final report will be completed in February, and drop in centres will be arranged in each municipality so that landowners can have a one- on-one opportunity to speak with technical staff to receive information and have their concerns addressed.

With around 200,000 trees planted and distributed in 2007, ERCA is again looking forward to working with regional landowners to further build on the success of its forestry program and help to create a future of sustainability for the Essex Region. Trees are now available for purchase through the spring tree planting program. The order deadline is Friday, March 7, 2008. There are many varieties of seedlings and large stock native trees available, but quantities of some tree species are limited, so place your order soon.

As well, ERCA will host a free Tree Planting and Care Workshop on Thursday, February 21, 2008 at 7pm at the Essex County Civic and Education Centre. Pre- registration is recommended, but not mandatory. If you wish to pre-register, you can contact Vivian at 519- 776-5209 ext. 345 or by email at vkennedy@erca.org.

The cost of seedling trees begins at 50 cents and up, while prices for large stock trees begin at $10.50. You must own at least 1 acre of property to qualify for ERCA's reforestation program. A minimum purchase of 100 seedlings or 25 large stock trees is required. ERCA can also assist you in planting your trees, whether for windbreak purposes or to establish a new woodlot.

In an effort to share in the responsibility of creating a cleaner and healthier environment, ERCA has Clean Water ~ Green Spaces grants available to qualifying landowners to plant trees and restore habitat on their properties. "We can now provide landowner incentive grants for up to 90% of the project cost, if planting projects are over 5 acres in size," explains Ken Schmidt, General Manager. "For smaller projects, up to 75% of the cost can be provided through grants. Working with private landowners is critical to achieving a cleaner and healthier regional environment, and Clean Water~Green Spaces grants were introduced as a way to help share in this responsibility."

There are a variety of grants available for reforestation projects, and it's not too late to participate this year. Details and qualification guidelines are available online at www.erca.org. ERCA's stewardship staff can guide you through the conditions and simple application process. Contact ERCA's Agricultural Technician at 519-776-5209 ext. 369 for grant information, or the Forester at 519-776-5209 ext. 377 if you have tree order or forestry related questions.

You can make a difference to the environmental health of your community! Consider doing at least one of the following suggestions:

• Participating in community tree planting and stream cleanup events to improve the sources of our local drinking water.
• Fix any oil leaks so that contaminants are not washed by rain into storm drains and onwards to rivers and lakes - the sources of our drinking water.
• Never pour chemicals or other materials down your storm drain. Instead, bring them to the hazardous waste depot.

Sunday March 9, 11am to 4 pm
Maple, First Taste of Spring
John R. Park Homestead and Conservation Area
Make maple taffy in the snow, and see syrup made the pioneer way. Maple products for sale.

Tuesday March 11 and Friday, March 14, 1:30 pm sharp
Maple March Break
John R. Park Homestead and Conservation Area
Discover the magic maple tree with games and hands-on activities. Make and taste maple sugar.

Tuesday March 11, 7:30 pm
Maple Moon
John R. Park Homestead and Conservation Area
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.
$8.00 per person. Pre-registration required, limited numbers.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008, 7 pm
2008 Pesticide Forum
Friends of Mill/Wigle Creeks
Kingsville Lions Club

Saturday, April 19 & Sunday April 20, 7 am - 7 pm
Holiday Beach Conservation Area Trout Derby
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? Entrance fee is $2.50 per fisherman.

Sunday, April 27, 10 am - 4 pm (tree planting 10 am - 2 pm)
Sunoco Earth Day 2008
Malden Park - City of Windsor
Join the Essex Region Conservation Authority and its partners in planting more than 1000 trees to celebrate Earth Day! Take part in a nature scavenger hunt and many other family oriented environmental activities, courtesy of the Suncor Energy Foundation.
Be sure to also visit the Windsor-Essex Earth Day Celebrations right across the road at Mic Mac Park for environmental presentations, workshops and entertainment!

email: admin@erca.org

phone: 519 776 5209

web: http://www.erca.org