Newly Acquired Wetlands will Protect the Lake, Residents and Wildlife

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

NEWMARKET – Two recent land acquisitions by the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) will protect wetlands in the Lake Simcoe watershed for future generations. Comprising more than 13 hectares (32 acres) of land, these additions bring the total land owned by the conservation authority to 1,440 hectares (3,558 acres).

"The conservation authority and its partners are making a significant investment in the environmental health of Lake Simcoe by protecting these wetlands in the watershed," Chair of the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, Virginia Hackson said.

The conservation authority values wetland complexes because they perform a critical function for the health of Lake Simcoe by filtering river water before it reaches the lake. In addition, the wetlands help to protect downstream communities from flooding as they slow and absorb spring run-off. On a large scale map, the LSRCA's holdings in the Pottageville Swamp Conservation Area look like an incomplete jigsaw puzzle. With the help of the Regional Municipality of York, the conservation authority bought a parcel of land adjacent to its existing land holdings.

The Regional Municipality of Durham and the Toronto Field Naturalists helped the LSRCA receive a donation of a strategic parcel of land along the Uxbridge Brook. This acquisition secures a 3.5 km corridor of significant forest, riverine and wetland area. The conservation authority’s Herrema property straddles the brook just north of Leaskdale Road. Downstream the Toronto Field Naturalists own several parcels of land stretching north to Fowlers Road."The Toronto Field Naturalists are delighted that our LSRCA neighbours are working with us to protect this large continuous natural heritage corridor in perpetuity," said Bob Kortright, President of the Toronto Field Naturalists.

Largely undisturbed by human activities, the extensive areas of cattail marsh in the wetlands also provide breeding habitat. Visitors may see muskrats, common snipes, least bitterns, waterfowl and many species of frogs. Closing the gap in the chain of protected land helps ensure that the lands remain natural and gives wildlife a protected habitat.

Media contact:
Kristen Yemm
Manager, Corporate Communications
Phone: 905-895-1281 ext. 315   
Email: k.yemm@lsrca.on.ca