NVCA okays plans for Springwater properties, Nottawasaga Bluffs emergencies

From the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority: Highlights of February 23 board meeting

The board endorsed management plans for two donated conservation lands properties Springwater. The management plans outline ecological and geological features of each property, and suggest potential recreational uses to be developed over the next ten years.
Further, the board received an Emergency Action Plan for the Nottawasaga Bluffs Conservation Area. Developed in consultation with local emergency management services, this plan provides first responders with key information needed during an emergency situation. Similar plans are already in place for Minesing Wetlands Conservation Area. These two areas have seen emergency rescues over the past few years.
Top Marks for NVCA Customer Service
The board received the 2017 Customer Satisfaction Report. This report summarizes comments received on NVCA programs, including planning, stewardship and environmental education. Overall, feedback was very positive across all programs, with knowledge, courtesy and other aspects of customer service being rated excellent or good by 90% of respondents. The report is available online at nvca.on.ca/about/CustomerService

In brief
During the meeting the board also:
· received a delegation by Kenn Smart, P.Eng, on behalf of the Township of Springwater with regards to work to lower water levels the Swaley Drain, which outlets into the Minesing Wetlands, to improve drainage of nearby agricultural lands.
· appointed Andrew Fera, NVCA Regulations Technician, as an officer for the authority under the Conservation Authorities Act
· received the 2017 NVCA annual report (available online at nvca.on.ca/about/PlansFinancials).
Call for Nominations – 2018 Conservation Champion Awards
The nomination period for the 2018 NVCA Conservation Champion Awards is now open!
The Conservation Champion Awards are given out annually to recognize people, organizations, business and municipalities for their outstanding contributions to sustainability and stewardship in our watershed. There is a special category for young conservationists.
Nomination forms are available at nvca.on.ca/about/conservation-champions.
Nominations close March 19.