2007 News

It must be Christmas time

December 21, 2007

NEWMARKET - Ms. Veronica Brozic of Toronto is playing Santa Claus to the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) and the people living in the Lake Simcoe watershed.

“With so many people moving north I want to ensure that the land and the natural environment is protected,” said Ms. Brozic. “The piece of property I am donating to the Conservation Authority has been in my family for some years.” Ms. Brozic and her husband bought the property intending to build their retirement home there but his unexpected death ended that dream. “I thought it was best to give it away. The property is full of trees and I want it to be a part of the heritage of people who live in Georgina.”

“Ms. Brozic has made a tremendous contribution to the conservation authority and the people living around Lake Simcoe,” Councillor Virginia Hackson, Chair of the LSRCA said. “It is a wonderful way to celebrate this season and to begin a new year.”

“We are excited about this gift,” stated Kevin Kennedy, Land Securement Officer for the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority. “The property, totaling 8.1 hectares (20 acres), contains ecologically sensitive lands – part of the Zephyr Creek wetlands – and has been certified by Environment Canada under the Ecological Gifts Program. It’s valuable to us and it will only increase the heritage value of this area as natural lands like this disappear. We have been looking for properties in this area because of the need to protect the environment for its natural features and because of its importance to water quality and quantity control.”Thank you, Ms. Brozic!

This initiative was made possible, in part, through funding provided by the Nature Conservancy of Canada and the Regional Municipality of York.

LSRCA welcomes regulation to protect Lake Simcoe

December 7, 2007

NEWMARKET – The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) welcomed the Ontario government’s announcement yesterday of a proposed new regulation to protect Lake Simcoe.

“We are delighted by the government’s plan for long-term attention and funding to support the protection and restoration of Lake Simcoe and its watershed,” said the LSRCA’s board chair Virginia Hackson.

The province’s far-reaching announcement calls for broad consultation with all stakeholders in the development of a long-term protection strategy, a decision the Conservation Authority strongly supports. The LSRCA is also pleased by the announcement of funding for additional scientific work in the watershed.
The Conservation Authority believes the government’s commitment to science-based decision-making is “critical to the strategy’s success and is essential for effective and enforceable legislation,” said Hackson.

“In the near term, we plan to work with the government in the development of the proposed regulation that will govern point source discharges in the Lake Simcoe Basin,” Hackson said. “We look forward to bringing our experience and knowledge to the consultations leading to the new legislation.”

Environmental Giants Celebrated at 2007 Conservation Awards

October 19, 2007

NEWMARKET – Approximately 150 watershed residents, elected officials and conservation leaders celebrated “Environmental Giants” from around the Lake Simcoe watershed at the annual Lake Simcoe Conservation Awards ceremony held Wednesday night in Newmarket. Presented by the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, the awards recognized 25 individuals and organizations in seven different categories who made significant efforts on behalf of the environment in the Lake Simcoe watershed during 2007.

Master of Ceremonies Karl Kolanka, host of Extreme Angler TV, and a frequent angler on Lake Simcoe said, “If there's any opportunity to go fishing, Simcoe it is,” and thanked the award winners for their contribution to saving his favourite fishing lake.

The George R. Richardson Conservation Award of Honour, the most prestigious award of the evening, was presented to Bob Bowles from Orillia, for his lifetime commitment to improving the environmental health of Lake Simcoe and its watershed. Mr. Bowles, a volunteer and activist in many environmental causes, has organized environmental projects and outdoor education initiatives and writes science and nature columns in local papers.

The Conservation Award of Merit is given for demonstrated leadership in conservation through implementing or financing the most significant environmental project of the year within the Lake Simcoe watershed. This year the award went to Jane Glassco, winner of a Water Conservation Award for an easement on her property on the Oak Ridges Moraine, and the City of Barrie , winner of a Water Conservation Award for its work and financial contribution to the Kidds Creek redevelopment.

Media Recognition Awards went to Bob Izumi and Serena Willoughby. Mr. Izumi, recognized for raising the environmental awareness of the lake’s recreational users through his filming of the Real Fishing Show on Lake Simcoe , remarked, “If you have your health, your friends, your family and this wonderful lake, what else is there?” Ms. Willoughby, the Energy and Environment reporter for the York Region Media Group, earned her award for her coverage of Source Water Protection, Environmental Education Programs at Scanlon Creek and the Geological study on Lake Simcoe .

Five Education Awards were presented to individuals and groups delivering innovative environmental education programs or service to schools, students, or the community at large:

Barrie North Collegiate and parent volunteer Carolyn Gray funded and hosted the “Everyday is Earth Day” Event with community displays and guest speaker David Suzuki. Students held fund-raising events such as “Hug-a-Tree-a-thon” to raise money and raise awareness for the main event. In addition to the 1,400 Barrie North Collegiate students, the event was web-streamed to all high schools in Simcoe County.

Jeff Howard, an Innisdale Secondary School student, put in over 300 hours of community service by Grade 10. In addition to being an active member of the school’s Outbound Club, several Naturalists Clubs and Kids for Turtles, he has participated in Lead Free programs to educate about the use of lead free tackle, placed signs in the Lefroy Harbour about loon conservation and educated his peers about invasive species in Lake Simcoe.

Jan Norwood and the Newmarket Clearmeadow Public School Earth Club created a self-sustaining butterfly garden and continually fill the school halls with environmental posters and displays. The Club also runs an extensive recycling program and has planted trees and labeled drainage grates. Mrs. Norwood has organized environmental activities, clubs and projects throughout her teaching.

Thomas Fowle, Chair of the Uxbridge Watershed Advisory Committee, headed the “Climate for Change Day” on June 20, 2007. This environmental awareness day for students and the public, highlighted Al Gore’s film and featured guest speaker David Phillips from Environment Canada. Mr. Fowle is also Chair of the Uxbridge Stormwater Management Committee and a member of various other Township Committees including the Golf Force Task Force.

The Soil Conservation Award recognizes individuals and groups who have completed a project that improves soil, vegetation and wildlife in the Lake Simcoe watershed. In 2007 the award went to:

The Sunoco and the Suncor Energy Foundation for financially supporting the 8th Annual Sunoco Earth Day Tree Planting on April 29, 2007 in Newmarket during which over 1,100 trees and shrubs were planted by more than 450 members of the community.

The Aurora Community Arboretum for its Community Tree Planting event as a part of the Aurora Clean Up Day on May 5, 2007 – approximately 2,000 native trees were planted.

Katharina Kohnen and the Kohnen – Gluemes family for planting over 6,600 conifer seedlings on 7.0 acres in King Township.

Monica McCartney who planted over 6,800 conifer seedlings on approximately 9 acres of land in Uxbridge Township.

Caritas, a rehabilitation/ addiction recovery centre in King Township , that planted over 10,050 conifer seedlings on 17 acres in the Oak Ridges Moraine. Claire Sloan, of Caritas, was instrumental in pursuing this planting project.

The Water Conservation Award acknowledges individuals and groups completing a project that improves water quality and wildlife in the Lake Simcoe watershed. The winners were:

The Town of Newmarket , for completing a storm water management retrofit and three streambank restoration and stabilization projects in the East Holland subwatershed.

The City of Barrie , for opening up a 300 m section of Kidds Creek that was once a culvert under a parking lot. This was finished off with stream channel enhancements that created greenspace and improved fish and wildlife habitat, including spawning grounds for fish.

The Town of Aurora , for completing two storm water management retrofit projects, reducing the phosphorus entering Lake Simcoe by a calculated to reduce 24 kg/yr.

The Township of Uxbridge , for retrofitting a storm water management pond to reduce phosphorus entering Lake Simcoe .

The North Mara Beach Residents Association for its maintenance of a water testing and monitoring program in Ramara – the self funded, volunteer program tests the water quality of creeks that drain into Lake Simcoe and will help to establish whether there are any upstream water quality issues that are affecting the lake.

Brett and Emma Delmas who planted a buffer along approximately 525 m of stream and pond’s edge in King Township on the Oak Ridges Moraine. Mr. Delmas prepared the planting area himself.

Jane Glassco for donating a substantial easement over her King Township property – a 269-acre property on the Oak Ridges Moraine with mature forests, a kettle lake, and home to many rare plants, fish, snakes, reptiles and grasses.

Gail Raikes for selling a portion of her shoreline property in Oro-Medonte to the LSRCA at a reduced rate and, as a result, making a significant financial contribution to the conservation authority.

Peter and Steven Keilhofer for giving their family property in Georgina to the LSRCA. Containing a Provincially Significant Wetland, the gift of the 14-acre property ensures the continued existence of an important ecological feature.

Volunteer Awards acknowledged the hard work of Wally Kemp, who spent hours reorganizing storage facilities in the administrative centre, and Kyle Munro, who volunteered at several community events this year including the Sunoco Earth Day Tree Planting Event, the Holland River Clean Up and the Fairy Lake Family Fishing Day.

“At the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, we are proud of these partnerships,” said Virginia Hackson, Chair of the conservation authority. “We are proud of all our individual partners for the good work they are doing. Together, we are making a real difference.”

Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority’s 2007 Conservation Award Recipients

October 2, 2007

NEWMARKET - The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority’s (LSRCA) prestigious Conservation Award program salutes “Environmental Giants” from across the Lake Simcoe watershed. The 2007 Conservation Awards Ceremony is set to take place on October 17, at Madsen’s Greenhouse and Garden Centre in Newmarket, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The LSRCA is proud to have Mr. Karl Kalonka as the MC of this event. Mr. Kalonka is the high energy and enthusiastic host of Extreme Angler TV whose love of fishing began as early as the age of five while fishing on Lake Simcoe.The Conservation Awards six Award categories include: George R. Richardson Conservation Award of Honour, Conservation Award of Merit, Media Recognition, Environmental Education, Soil Conservation, and Water Conservation.

The George R. Richardson Conservation Award of Honour is presented to individuals and groups who have demonstrated a lifetime commitment to improving the environmental health of the Lake Simcoe watershed and is the most prestigious award of the evening. Bob Bowles from Orillia, has worked toward the protection of Lake Simcoe as a volunteer and activist for environmental causes. He has worked on stream restoration projects, is a member of several environmental clubs and committees and has demonstrated a lifetime commitment to protecting local lakes though inventories, education, public awareness, and science & nature columns in local papers.

The Conservation Award of Merit is presented to individuals and groups who have demonstrated leadership in conservation by implementing or financing the most significant environmental project of the year within the Lake Simcoe watershed. The recipient of the 2007 Conservation Award of Merit will be announced at the Award Ceremony on October 17. The recipient individual and group will be selected based on the 2007 nominees and the most significant environmental projects of 2007 will be honoured by receiving the Conservation Award of Merit.

The Media Recognition Award is presented to individuals and groups who have provided significant media coverage of issues of environmental significance in the Lake Simcoe watershed. Serena Willoughby is the Energy and Environment reporter for the York Region Media Group and has covered such stories as Source Water Protection, Environmental Education Programs at Scanlon Creek and the Geological study on Lake Simcoe. She has also covered video stories of Scanlon Creek and the study of Lake Simcoe that appeared on the York Region Media Group website.

Bob Izumi’s Real Fishing Show repeatedly uses Lake Simcoe as a common filming location. Through TV, magazine and radio, Bob Izumi’s Show has provided local and national exposure to the high quality fishing on Lake Simcoe. The show has raised environmental awareness of issues for recreational users and vested interest groups concerning a healthy fishery, and ultimately, a healthy Lake Simcoe.

The Education Award is presented to individuals and groups who have delivered an innovative environmental education program or service to schools, students, or the community at large. Barrie North Collegiate and parent volunteer Carolyn Gray funded and hosted the “Everyday is Earth Day” Event with community displays, local speakers and featured special guest speaker David Suzuki. The students held fund-raising events such as “Hug-a-Tree-a-thon” to raise money and raise awareness for the main event and, in addition to the 1400 Barrie North Collegiate students, web-streamed the event to all high schools in Simcoe County.
Jeff Howard is a student at Innisdale Secondary School and had already put in over 300 hours of community service by Grade 10. He is an active member of the school’s Outbound Club, several Naturalists Clubs and Kids for Turtles. He has participated in “Lead Free Programs” to educate about using lead free tackle and has manned booths at community events. He has put up signs in the Lefroy Harbour about loon conservation and educated his peers about invasive species in Lake Simcoe.

Jan Norwood and the Clearmeadow Public School Earth Club, from Newmarket, have created a self-sustaining butterfly garden and continually fill the halls with environmental posters and displays. The Club also runs an extensive recycling program and has worked in the community to plant trees and label drainage grates. Mrs. Norwood has organized environmental activities, clubs and projects throughout her teaching career and it is her leadership and enthusiasm that has guided the Earth Club students to make a difference in their community.

Thomas Fowle is the Chair of the Uxbridge Watershed Advisory Committee, Chair of the Uxbridge Stormwater Management Committee and sits on various Township Committees including the Golf Force Task Force. As Chair of the Watershed Advisory Committee, Mr. Fowle headed the “Climate for Change Day” on June 20, 2007. This environmental awareness day for students and the public, highlighted Al Gore’s film and featured guest speaker David Phillips from Environment Canada.

The Soil Conservation Award is presented to individuals and groups who have completed a project that improves soil, vegetation and wildlife in the Lake Simcoe watershed. Sunoco and the Suncor Energy Foundation financially supported the 8th Annual Sunoco Earth Day Tree Planting Event on April 29, 2007 in Newmarket. Over 1,100 trees and shrubs were planted by over 450 members of the community. These seedlings will reduce soil erosion, enhance wildlife habitat and improve air and water quality in the East Holland subwatershed.

Aurora Community Arboretum took part in the Aurora Clean Up Day, organized a Community Tree Planting Event and planted approx. 2000 native trees on May 5, 2007. These trees will provide an educational purpose, and also create wildlife habitat and prevent soil erosion.

Katharina Kohnen and the Kohnen – Gluemes family planted over 6,600 conifer seedlings on 7.0 acres in King Township. The trees will increase forest cover, help reduce soil erosion and sedimentation, improve water quality and enhance wildlife habitat.

Monica McCartney planted over 6,800 conifer seedlings on approx. 9.0 acres of land in Uxbridge Township. The family took great pride in the planting and took several photos of the newly planted seedlings. The trees will help to reduce soil erosion and create wildlife habitat along an intermittent stream.

Caritas, a rehabilitation/ addiction recovery centre in King Township, planted over 10,050 conifer seedlings over 17.0 acres on the Oak Ridges Moraine. Claire Sloan, of Caritas, was instrumental in pursuing the planting project that will increase forest cover, help reduce soil erosion and sedimentation, improve water quality and enhance wildlife on the sensitive and fragile soil of the Oak Ridges Moraine.

The Water Conservation Award is presented to individuals and groups who have completed a project that improves water quality and wildlife in the Lake Simcoe watershed. The Town of Newmarket has recognized the importance of improving water quality by completing a Storm Water Management Retrofit Project and three streambank restoration and stabilization projects in the East Holland subwatershed.

The City of Barrie has completed a stream channel enhancement at the mouth of Kidd’s Creek in downtown Barrie. The project opened up a 300 m section of creek that was once a culvert under a parking lot. This has created greenspace and will improve fish and wildlife habitat, including spawning grounds for fish.
The Town of Aurora has completed two Storm Water Management Retrofit Projects. The combination of the two ponds is calculated to reduce 24 kg/yr of phosphorus from entering Lake Simcoe. Trees and shrubs were also planted along the pond’s edge that will enhance wildlife habitat, cool and shade the water and stabilize the streambanks.

The Township of Uxbridge has recognized the importance of improving water quality by completing a Storm Water Management Retrofit Project. The Township has retrofitted the pond to meet a higher water quality standard and it has been calculated to reduce 36.19 kg/yr of phosphorus from entering Lake Simcoe.
North Mara Beach Residents Association has conducted water testing and monitoring activities in Ramara for years. The self funded, volunteer program tests the water quality of creeks that drain into Lake Simcoe and in 2007, they have increased the precision and quality of their monitoring. The results will help to establish whether there are any upstream water quality issues that are affecting the lake.

Brett & Emma Delmas have continued the work they began in 2006 and in 2007, they buffered approx. 525 m of stream and pond’s edge in King Township. Mr. Delmas put a lot of effort into the project by working the planting area himself and seeding down a cover crop. The Delmas property contains headwater tributaries of the West Holland River and is on the Oak Ridges Moraine.

Jane Glassco donated a substantial easement over her property on the Oak Ridges Moraine in King Township. Her 269 acre property consists of mature forests, a kettle lake, and is home to many rare plants, fish, snakes, reptiles and grasses. Through her generosity, the property will be preserved for many years to come from future development.

Gail Raikes sold a portion of her property in Oro-Medonte to the LSRCA at a reduced rate and as a result, donated a significant amount towards LSRCA as part of the property transaction. The shoreline property contains a cold water stream and several ground water discharge points along the embankment.
Peter & Steven Keilhofer donated their family property in Georgina to the LSRCA in June 2007. The 14 acre property contains Provincially Significant Wetland and by having these lands in public ownership, they will remain undeveloped and will continue to perform their ecological functions in perpetuity.

Lake Simcoe International Thiess Riverprize Finalist

September 6, 2007

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, representing the partnership of the Lake Simcoe Environmental Management Strategy, stood on the international scientific stage to be recognized as a finalist for the esteemed International Thiess Riverprize.
“We are thrilled and honored to have been internationally recognized among such distinguished company,” said Virginia Hackson, Chair of the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA). “We have been working for many years to develop a sustainable approach to managing the watershed and we feel we’ve made very significant progress. With this recognition, an international panel of scientists has validated that our work is of the quality that can compete with the best in the world. That is very gratifying.”

The annual ceremony recognizes organizations that are engaged in the very best practices in watershed management. It is presented to the project that represents the world’s best effort to conserve natural watershed resources for future generations.

Since its inauguration in 1999, the International Thiess Riverprize has come to be called the ‘Nobel Prize’ for outstanding environmental work in watershed management. Hackson and three LSRCA senior staff attended the Riversymposium and Environmental Flows Conference, along with more than 500 of the world’s top scientists and environmentalists, to present the advanced science of the LSEMS program.

“We are here today among the world’s leaders in environmental science,” said LSRCA’s CAO Gayle Wood, “and they have honored us with this international distinction. We are very, very proud to accept this recognition on behalf of all of our partners in the LSEMS program.”

The Lake Simcoe Environmental Management Strategy (LSEMS) is a program of environmental protection and restoration for Lake Simcoe and its watershed, operated cooperatively by a broad partnership led by the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority. The goal of LSEMS is to restore Lake Simcoe’s coldwater fishery, to reduce phosphorus in the lake, to improve water quality, and to enhance the natural resources of the watershed that feeds the lake.

Riversymposium Chair Professor Paul Greenfield said the LSEMS project exemplifies the spirit of the International Thiess Riverprize. “Many countries are facing a water crisis and now more than ever it is important for the International Thiess Riverprize to reward and promote best practice water management. All people involved in the Lake Simcoe project should feel proud their efforts have been recognized in this way.”

Since its inception in 1990, LSEMS has conducted over 800 improvement projects in the watershed. It is an inclusive program that promotes the participation of landowners working to protect the natural resources on their own properties.

The LSEMS partnership includes the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority; municipalities within the watershed; citizen’s stakeholder groups; the Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation; Fisheries and Oceans Canada; Ontario Ministry of the Environment; Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources; Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs; and Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

August 3rd Deadline for Nominations

July 17, 2007

NEWMARKET – The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) invites its watershed residents to turn the spotlight on local “Environmental Giants”. Everywhere you turn there are youth groups, service clubs, and special interest groups doing great things for the environment. They have been planting trees, restoring wildlife habitats and inspiring others to become environmental stewards.

Now is the time to shine the spotlight on local “Environmental Giants” and nominate them for one of six Conservation Awards.
Individuals, businesses and/or groups that have delivered programs or completed a specific project that has improved the health and quality of the Lake Simcoe watershed, from August 2006 to July 2007, may qualify to win one of six awards.

The six awards are as follows:
Water Conservation Award - open to individuals and groups who have completed a project that improves water quality and wildlife habitat.
Soil Conservation Award - open to individuals and groups who have completed a project that improves soil, vegetation and wildlife habitat
Media Recognition Award - open to individuals and groups who have provided significant media coverage of issues of environmental significance
Education Award - open to individuals and groups who have delivered an innovative environmental education program or service to students or the community at large
Conservation Award of Merit - open to individuals and groups who have implemented or financed the most significant environmental project of the year
George R. Richardson Conservation Award of Honour - open to individuals and groups who have demonstrated a lifetime commitment to improving the environmental health of the Lake Simcoewatershed.

Lake Simcoe is worth protecting - and our local “Environmental Giants” deserve to be recognized!

The recipients of the 2006 Conservation Awards were:
Water Conservation Award - Bogart Creek Restoration Project Committee, Newmarket
Soil Conservation Award - Gwynneth Rooke, Whitchurch-Stouffville
Media Recognition Award - Michelle Minnoch, Innisfil
Education Award - Bob Bowles, Orillia
Conservation Award of Merit - North Mara Beach Residents Association, Ramara Ross David James, Brock
George R. Richardson Conservation Award of Honour - Dr. George Connell, Georgina

For decades the LSRCA has been delivering programs and services that improve local water quality and enhance wildlife habitat with the realization that this eventually impacts our own health and quality of life. Working with our community, municipal and other government partners, LRSCA provides leadership in the restoration and protection of the environmental health and quality of Lake Simcoe and its watershed. The LSRCA, together with local individuals, businesses and community groups, have completed more than 800 environmental projects since 1989. Beyond those involved with these projects, the LSRCA knows there are others contributing to the health and quality of the lake and its watershed, and wants to recognize the contribution of as many people as possible.
Nominations for this year's Awards Program will be accepted by the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority until 4:30 p.m. on Friday, August 3, 2007. This year’s event is set to take place on Wednesday, October 17, 2007 at Madsen’s Greenhouse in Newmarket. Please contact Lori McLean at (905) 895-1281, ext. 242, or visit www.lsrca.on.ca for more information and nomination forms.

Stop, Remember and Celebrate at the Beaver River Trail Conservation Area

June 19, 2007

NEWMARKET – At the southern trail head in the Beaver River Trail Conservation Area a granite cairn will be unveiled in memory of Lieutenant Douglas Bond Symons on Sunday June 24, 2007. It will be a time and a place for people to stop, remember and celebrate.

To all but a few, Lt. Symons is just a name. However, his sister the late Katharine Symons remembered him and wanted to create a lasting memory for him. In her estate, she left $300,000 in trust with the Nature Conservancy of Canada for the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority to use in purchasing land in the Beaver River wetlands. Her request was that her brother, who served and died in World War II, be remembered through a lasting commemorative trail marker.
Lt. Symons, a graduate of the University of Toronto, enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy Volunteer Reserve in April 1940 and was placed on loan to the Royal Navy. On October 23, 1943, while serving on HMS Eclipse, Lt. Symons was lost when the destroyer struck a mine off Kalymnos, Greece in the Agean Sea and sank.

Using Katharine Symon’s bequest in an expanded partnership with the Nature Conservancy of Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust, the Regional Municipality of Durham, and Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation, the Conservation Authority has purchased seven properties with a total area of 170 hectares (420 acres). This hasxpanded the Beaver River Trail Conservation Area from its original 50 hectares (123 acres) of abandoned rail line bought from CN Rail between 1978 and 1986.

“The Beaver River Wetland Complex is one of the most environmentally significant areas in Lake Simcoe’s watershed,” said Virginia Hackson, Chair of Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority. “We have acquired a number of properties throughout this wetland complex thanks to the generous gift of Katharine Symons, in memory of her brother Lieutenant Douglas Bond Symons, as well as funding support from the Ontario Heritage Trust, the Region of Durham,and Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation. We can now protect these wetlands so they can continue to improve water quality, provide habitat for wildlife, and offer recreational opportunities for our watershed’s residents and visitors.”

“We are pleased to be working in partnership with Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority to protect lands within the Beaver River Wetland Complex,” said The Honourable Lincoln M. Alexander, Chairman of the Ontario Heritage Trust. “Through the Natural Spaces Program, we're ensuring that Ontario's natural heritage will be preserved for the benefit of future generations.”

The cairn at the southern trail head of the Beaver River Trail Conservation Area provides a fitting place to stop and rest. It's a place to remember Lt. Symons and so many others like him. And it's a place to celebrate what we have received by their sacrifice and the gift that Katharine Symons gave us. The public are invited to the unveiling of the cairn at 10:00 a.m., on Sunday, June 24, 2007. The southern trail head of the Beaver River Trail Conservation Area is in Blackwater, just off Highway 7 & 12 in Brock Township. Because of parking difficulties, a shuttle service will be offered from Sunderland. Anyone wishing to attend the ceremony is asked to call the Conservation Authority (905.895.1281 x 222) for directions and to join the list of guests.

Green kids could win awards

June 11, 2007

NEWMARKET – Young and enthusiastic environmentalists are springing up all over the place - and the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) wants to know all about them!

Do you know someone who’s helping the environment? They could qualify to win one of the LSRCA’s Conservation Awards. Scouts, Girl Guides, Green Teams, Eco Clubs, Earth Rangers and Junior Naturalists Clubs are just a few of the community groups that are encouraging children across the Lake Simcoe watershed to become "Environmental Giants".

Maybe you know of some young adults or children who have planted some trees, put up bird boxes, established a butterfly garden or helped raise environmental awareness in your community. If so, you can shine the spotlight on these young environmental role models by nominating them for one of the LSRCA’s Conservation Awards. Nominations are based on works completed from August 2006 to July 2007 and are eligible if the projects or service has occurred within the Lake Simcoe watershed.

The Water Conservation Award recognizes individuals and groups who have improved water quality and the Soil Conservation Award recognizes those who have completed a project that improves soil, vegetation and wildlife in the Lake Simcoe watershed. The Education Award salutes those who have delivered an innovative environmental education program or service to schools, students or the community at large. Those who have implemented or financed a the most significant conservation project over the last year can be nominated for the Conservation Award of Merit. Our most prestigious award, the George R. Richardson Award of Honour, recognizes those who have demonstrated a lifetime commitment to improving the environmental health of Lake Simcoe.
Nominations for this year’s Conservation Awards will be accepted by the LSRCA until 4:30 p.m. on August 3, 2007. For more information, please contact Lori McLean at (905) 895-1281 ext. 242 or l.mclean@lsrca.on.ca. For nomination forms, click here.

Local residents "up the creek" to help rescue Lake Simcoe

May 29, 2007

RAMARA - Members of the North Mara Beach Residents Association have partnered with the Conservation Authority to monitor local creeks and protect the quality of the water in Lake Simcoe.

On May 4th, Association directors met with specialists from the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority for training on the proper techniques of sampling surface water. Every month between May and September, these resident volunteers will be taking water samples in five RamaraTownship creek locations and sending them to a laboratory for analysis. The Conservation Authority will cover the costs incurred, and the results will help to establish whether there are any upstream water quality issues that are affecting the lake.

“We’ve been monitoring these creeks for two years now,” said Association president Neil Roe. “We care deeply about the lake but we’re not scientists, and this training was terrifically interesting and helpful.”

The sampling program will identify possible sources of pollution, and will provide analysis of the water to show concentrations of phosphorus, nitrogen, and other components that might affect the lake.

David Lembcke, Senior Environmental Monitoring Scientist with the Conservation Authority, said this is an important pilot project. “This will help gather meaningful baseline data to monitor the health of the creek water that is flowing into the lake,” he said. “The local volunteers are committed to improving Lake Simcoe and they want to be part of the solution.”

The project will run for a year, and then the residents and the Conservation Authority will evaluate the results to see what trends have been discovered.
“This is an example of how partnerships can work in this watershed,” Roe said. “There is a sense of satisfaction among our volunteers that, with cooperative efforts like this, in the future the lake will be a place where our grandchildren can swim and fish, and perhaps even drink the water. Other groups should get involved in their own local areas. The more people working to rescue the lake, the better off we will all be.”

Earth Day 2007 Contest Winners Announced

May 10, 2007

NEWMARKET – The Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation proudly announced the winners of the Earth Day 2007 Poster and Creative Writing Contests on Sunday, April 29 at the Sunoco Earth Day Tree Planting Event in Newmarket. The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority received more than 200 entries for the Earth Day Contest.

Top entries were judged by Doug Blakey, Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation Board Member, Brian Peterkin of the York Environmental Stewardship and Bruce Kobold of the Bogart Creek Restoration Project Committee.

Winners received prize packages such as backpacks, gift certificates, binoculars, movies, bug and butterfly kits, hats - all donated by the Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation.

The winners of the poster and essay contest are:
Earth Day Poster Contest Winners:
Category A (K- Grade 2) - Erika Carriere (First Place) and Catherine Reid (Second Place)
Category B (Grade 3-5) - Sara (First Place) and Victoria Smith (Second Place)
Category C (Grade 6-8) - Celine Danghambou (First Place) and Sophia Mac and Sonita Ouch (Second Place)
Earth Day Creative Writing Contest Winner: Elizabeth Horton (First Place)

Hundreds of volunteers come together to celebrate Sunoco Earth Day 2007

May 3, 2007

NEWMARKET - The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) would like to congratulate all volunteers who participated in the Sunoco Earth Day 2007 Tree Planting Event on Sunday, April 29. Over 1,100 native trees and shrubs have a new home at George R. Richardson Park in Newmarket. As these young seedlings take root and grow, they will reduce soil erosion, enhance wildlife habitat and improve local water and air quality.
“It is great to see the community come together with such enthusiasm to plant trees and help restore the watershed,” said LSRCA Chair Virginia Hackson. “Events such as this could not be a success without community participation and their willingness to make a difference.”

The LSRCA is able to offer a number of activities each year to foster environmental stewardship across the Lake Simcoe watershed by working with partners such as the Suncor Energy Foundation, Sunoco, Earth Day Canada and the Town of Newmarket.Many thanks go out to these event partners, along with our media sponsors The Era Banner and Rogers Television, for making the Sunoco Earth Day 2007 Tree Planting Event a success.

In addition to thanking all volunteers for planting trees on April 29, the LSRCA would also like to thank York Environmental Stewardship, York Simcoe Naturalists, Aurora Arboretum, Bogart Creek Restoration Project Committee, Navy League Cadets, Queen’s York Army Cadets, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters and the Green Party for adding to the day’s festivities with their displays/booths.The organization also extends its deepest appreciation to the Navy League Cadets (NLCC Carinthia #118), Queen’s York Army Cadets, 21st Newmarket Girl Guides, Radiant Hearts Baha’I School and the Conservative Party of Canada candidate Lois Brown for sending dedicated planting crews to the event.

Thank you also to Papa the Clown, Creepy Crawlers Express, Starbucks Coffee, M&M’s and DJ Wayne Jones for their contribution to the event and to the Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation for sponsoring the Earth Day Poster and Creative Writing Contests.

For more information on the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority and its programs and services, please call (905) 895-1281 ext. 242 or visit www.lsrca.on.ca.

Did you miss Earth Day?

April 23, 2007

NEWMARKET – Did you miss it? Earth Day was Sunday, April 22. Don’t worry, it’s not too late to do something for the environment.
With the warm weather following so soon on the last of the snow many of us wanted to be out in the sun and just enjoy it. We didn’t want to do anything. However, Earth Day reminds us that there is a lot to do and, while a lot of people worked hard on Earth Day, there are still a lot of opportunities for those of us who missed those events to pitch-in and do something.

Scientists say:
an acre of forest produces enough oxygen for 18 people every day (Maryland Department of Natural Resources Website )
an acre of forest absorbs enough CO2 over a year to equal the amount you produce when you drive your car 26,000 miles (Maryland Department of Natural Resources Website)
a single tree can remove 234 tons of particulate from the air per year (“Particulate removal by urban trees”)

The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority and other groups and individuals are sponsoring tree plantings in various communities. Helping out at a public tree planting is not a big commitment. Just show up and plant a tree ... or plant a lot of trees.
  • Sunoco Earth Day 2007 Tree Planting ... April 29
    Newmarket, George R. Richardson Park,
    11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  • Aurora Arboretum Community Planting Event ... May 5
    Aurora, off Industrial Parkway, north of Wellington St, just
    south of St John's Sideroad, near the Leash-Free Dog Park.
    10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  • Bogart Creek Tree Planting Day ... May 12
    Newmarket, Bogarttown Curve & Hwy #404
    11:00 a.m – 2:00 p.m.
  • Barrie Tree Planting Day ... May 12
    City of Barrie, along the east side of Lover's Creek
    10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Planting a tree is a small thing, but planting a tree can make a big difference for the environment.

Sunoco Earth Day 2007 Tree Planting Event

April 19, 2007

NEWMARKET – The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) invites all friends, families, local businesses and community groups to help create their own "living legacy" this spring by planting trees and restoring the East Holland River on April 29.
The LSRCA and the Town of Newmarket are working in partnership with the Suncor Energy Foundation, Sunoco and Earth Day Canada to host a community tree planting event on Sunday, April 29. Festivities are to get underway at George R. Richardson Park, in Newmarket, at 11:00 a.m. The event will include a variety of family activities, displays, entertainment, door prizes and a fundraising BBQ for Juvenile Diabetes. Poster & Creative Writing Contest prizes will also be awarded at the event by the Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation. Reforestation efforts help to reduce surface runoff and water contamination in addition to enhancing fish and wildlife habitat.

For more information, please keep your eye on the event media sponsors, The Era Banner and Rogers Television and/or call Sara Lynn at 1-800-465-0437 or (905) 895-1281 ext. 244. E-mails can be sent to s.lynn@lsrca.on.ca.

Water conservation is a winner at York Region Sci-Tech Fair

April 18, 2007

NEWMARKET – The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) proudly presented the LSRCA Award to Raymond Dela Rosa and Marck Mercado at the York Region Sci-Tech Fair on Saturday, April 14. The LSRCA Award is presented to an outstanding project related to protecting, restoring or conserving the following fields of natural resources: 1) Water, 2) Forests, 3) Land, and 4) Fish and Wildlife. The Award is open to students attending school in the York Region area. Raymond and Marck are grade 7 students at St. Julia Billiart Catholic Elementary School in Markham. Their project entitled “Money Down the Drain” focused on how much water and money a household could save by using different teeth brushing methods.

“We believe conserving water saves a lot,” Marck said. “It also helps meet future needs, preserves our environment, and makes a big difference to our wallets.” Their winning project demonstrated how to conserve water while teeth brushing, and as a result, conserving money.

The LSRCA Award was presented by Lori McLean, the LSRCA’s Community Relations Specialist. “It is great to see students involved and enthusiastic about conserving and protecting our natural resources,” said Ms. McLean, who was also a volunteer judge at the fair. “Education is one of the key areas of focus for the LSRCA, along with science and environmental protection, and we are proud to recognize science projects that incorporate these objectives.”

The Conservation Authority’s interest in environmental concerns extends beyond the watershed. As the LSRCA continues to focus its efforts on the local, watershed scale, it supports environmental work that is done at the regional level and beyond. One way to support regional work is through partnerships with the York Region boards of education.

The LSRCA offers outdoor education programs for students at the Professor Smith Educational Centre and Scanlon Creek Nature Centre. For more information, please call 905-895-1281.

Earth Day 2007 Poster & Creative Writing Contest

Have you ever wondered about the lake you swim in, the stream near your house or the water your drink? Where does this water come from and how do we keep it clean? Tell the LSRCA what YOU think needs to be done to clean up our environment through a poster or creative writing piece.
Poster Contest / Creative Writing Contest

Feds Commit $12M to Lake Simcoe

March 20, 2007

NEWMARKET – The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) is delighted at the announcement yesterday by Finance Minister Jim Flaherty that the federal government will provide funding to improve water quality in Lake Simcoe.

"We are very pleased at this demonstration of vision and leadership," said LSRCA Chair Virginia Hackson. "We look forward to hearing more details about the government's new National Water Strategy."

LSRCA was formed under provincial legislation as the scientific agency leading the effort to conserve and sustain the natural resources of the Lake Simcoe watershed. The Conservation Authority and its partners have conducted over 800 projects that have made a meaningful difference, with encouraging improvements in the lake. However, development pressures are accelerating and these land use changes are placing increased demands on our natural resources.

Working with many community and government partners in the watershed, LSRCA developed a One Voice Action Plan that was announced in August 2006. The plan clearly details what is required, and will guide the planning process over the next four years to restore and protect Lake Simcoe.

"We have the benchmark science, the basin-wide strategy, and the action plan that are the basis for a sustainable future," Hackson said. "We look forward to working with Environment Canada to develop plans that will ensure the best value for this new investment."

Come and celebrate. Earth Week this April 29!

March 14, 2007

NEWMARKET - Take action this spring to help improve the environment by planting a tree on April 29 in Newmarket. Everyone has the chance to create their own "living legacy" by taking part in the Sunoco Earth Day 2007 Community Tree Planting Event.

The Suncor Energy Foundation, Sunoco and Earth Day Canada are working together with the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority and the Town of Newmarket to host the event, which is set to take place on Sunday, April 29, from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., at George R. Richardson Park in Newmarket. Hundreds of volunteers are needed to help celebrate "Earth Week" by planting trees to improve water quality and enhance wildlife habitat along the East Holland River.

All youth groups, schools, service clubs and organizations interested in setting up a display, providing children's programs or registering a planting crew are asked to call Sara Lynn at (905) 895-1281 ext. 244 or email s.lynn@lsrca.on.ca. Media Sponsors, The Era Banner and Rogers Television, will have details to share closer to April 29.

Local Action on Global Warming

February 28, 2007

NEWMARKET – The keynote message for the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority on Friday was that the challenge of global warming calls for local action.

Dr. Richard Peltier addressed the new board of directors of the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority at its annual general meeting on February 23rd.
He told the full house that climate change is a global issue and that we as a society have yet to meet our obligations. “Internationally, we need to live up to the Kyoto commitments and go beyond them,” he said. “And we need to accept the challenge at an individual level as well. The grass roots is in the mood to make changes but, for government to act on that, we need to let our legislators know it’s what we want.”

“Our current legislative environment discourages innovation,” he said. “We should let our local governments know that we are willing to make lifestyle changes and that we want them to introduce legislation that encourages innovation solutions.”

Dr. Peltier is a lead author of the Fourth Scientific Assessment report that was issued February 2nd in Paris by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. He is also a professor at the University of Toronto, and Director of the Centre for Global Change Science, a new multidisciplinary research group studying human-induced global environmental change.

The LSRCA also elected its 2007 executive. The new Chair is Councillor Virginia Hackson, representative of York Region from East Gwillimbury. The new Vice-Chair is Councillor Bobbi Drew, representative of Durham Region from Scugog. Outoing LSRCA Chair Roy Bridge, Incoming Chair Virginia Hackson, CAO Gayle Wood. Dr. Richard Peltier.

Global climate change may affect fresh water supply in Lake Simcoe watershed

February 14, 2007

NEWMARKET – One of the world’s foremost earth scientists believes that global warming will fundamentally affect our supply of fresh water. This would include sources used for drinking and agricultural irrigation, and would also influence flooding patterns.

Dr. Richard Peltier will address the new board of directors of the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority at its inaugural meeting on February 23rd. He will speak about how climate change will affect the watershed, and what can be done at the local level to make a difference.

He is a lead author of the Fourth Scientific Assessment report that was issued February 2nd in Paris by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the world's paramount scientific authority on global warming.

He is also a professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Toronto, and Director of the Centre for Global Change Science, a new multi-disciplinary research group studying human-induced global environmental change. He uses his specialized expertise, along with sophisticated computer modeling, to predict the impacts that certain conditions can have on our future climate.

Until recently, climatic forecasting has only been possible at the global or continental level. The Centre is advancing the model to create an interpretation at the provincial and regional level. This will bring the story of global change home in a new way, predicting localized impacts.

Dr. Peltier is the principal investigator of the Polar Climate Stability Network, a Canadian national research activity funded by the Canadian Foundation for Climate and Atmospheric Sciences. He was noted by Science Watch magazine as the fifth most highly cited Earth Scientist in the world.

He is also one of the local heroes featured in “The Great Warming” a Canadian-produced documentary film about the effects of climate warming.

The LSRCA annual general meeting will be held in the council chambers of the Newmarket Town Hall, 395 Mulock Drive, 9:00-11:00am on Friday, February 23, 2007. This event is open to the public free of charge.

“Illuminating idea” to give the planet a 5-minute break

January 31, 2007

NEWMARKET – At 1:55pm on Thursday, February 1st, the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority will participate in an international “lights-out” to give the planet a five minute respite. This international effort was originated by The Alliance for the Planet Earth, an organization in France appealing to bring attention to how we depend upon energy and how wasteful we can be. They are asking all citizens to give the planet a brief electrical reprieve by turning off all lights and electrical appliances for the same fiveminute period.

In Newmarket, the time will be 1:55-2:00pm. At the same moment, all over the world, caring citizens and businesses will switch off for the planet.
This simple action is hoped to draw the attention of citizens, the media and the authorities to the waste of energy and the need for action to ensure a future of sustainable energy. Five minutes is not long, and costs only a little awareness.

The timing was chosen to coincide with a meeting in Paris of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. It convened in Paris on Monday, and is expected to finalize the first volume of its report on the state of global warming.

The Alliance for the Planet Earth is an umbrella association in France consisting of about 50 environmental associations including local branches of World Wildlife Fund, Greanpeace, Friends of the Earth, and professional ecological organizations.
Learn to conserve in celebration of

“World Wetlands Day”

January 25, 2007

NEWMARKET – Celebrate "World Wetlands Day" (February 2, 2007) by learning how wetlands improve the quality of our lives through an exciting and educational presentation by the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) - at no charge! The LSRCA encourages schools, youth and community groups to take an active role in caring for our environment, and preserving our natural resources.

"It is important that we educate our youth about the Lake Simcoe watershed and how wetlands enhance our quality of life, not only by helping to ensure safe water, but also through the provision of healthy habitats for human recreation and wildlife," explains Gayle Wood, LSRCA Chief Administrative Officer. "Providing exciting learning opportunities about our natural environment is a crucial step to encourage conservation." The LSRCA now offers two curriculum connected presentations for watershed residents- "Wetland Wonders" for primary & junior grades and the NEW "Discover Your Watershed" for Grades 7 & 8.

"World Wetlands Day" originated at the Convention of Wetlands in Ramsar, Iran, 1971, to recognize the importance of wetlands and to formulate a treaty for international cooperation in the conservation of wetlands.

Wetlands have a vital role in a healthy environment and are among the most biologically diverse ecosystems on the planet.
In Canada, they are home to about 600 plant, mammal, amphibian, reptile, fish, bird and insect species and have a crucial role in the water cycle. Wetlands store and purify surface water, help replenish groundwater resources and can reduce the damaging effects of floods. The Lake Simcoe watershed is recognized as having one of the highest concentration of wetlands, in Southern Ontario, off the Canadian Shield.

The LSRCA encourages groups within the Lake Simcoe watershed, who are interested in booking a presentation at no charge, or to learn more about the presentations offered, to please contact Lori McLean at (905)895-1281 ext 242 or email l.mclean@lsrca.on.ca. Presentations can be modified to suit individual needs.

For more information on the Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority, our Conservation Areas, or education programs, please call (905)895-1281.