The Beaver River Wetland is one of the most ecologically significant natural areas in the
Lake Simcoe watershed. Because of its role in replenishing and storing water, filtering pollution, mitigating the effects of climate change and providing critical habitat to animals, the area has been evaluated by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry as both a Provincially Significant Wetland and an Environmentally Sensitive Area. A conservative dollar estimate of the ecological goods and services this area provides, (in other words the work of nature to control and filter water and air, regulate climate, pollinate crops and more), is in excess of 5.5 million dollars a year.
Beaver River Wetland Trail
The Beaver River Wetland Trail is one of the best ways to access and savor the smells, sights and sounds of the pristine and largely undeveloped Beaver River wetland. The all season trails built upon the flat, wide bed of the historic Toronto and Nipissing Railway (T&NR) dating back to the late 1800's when it supplied the Toronto Distillery District with wood and wheat. The line was abandoned in the early 1990's and is now nearly 40km in length, connecting Uxbridge, Cannington and Manilla in a Y-like configuration. Blackwater is home to the hub at the centre of the trail enjoyed by hikers and cycling enthusiasts in the summer and snowmobilers in the winter enjoying this unique Conservation Area.
A 21km section of the rail-trail from Uxbridge to Manilla is also designated as a section of The Great Trail, stretching across Canada. What makes this trail great is the abundant wildlife you can see as you travel along the trail - in the summer you might see a great blue heron, red-winged blackbirds, muskrats and beavers in the wetland. In the winter, the quiet calm soothes the spirit and mind as you watch the snow drift through the wetland.
Management Plan Review
Together with local residents, visitors, community groups and other interested stakeholders we're updating the Beaver River Wetland Conservation Area Management Plan. Your feedback is an important part of this review. Through this process, you will have an opportunity to reflect on the value and use of the property, changes you may have seen over the years, and most importantly, your ideas for the future.
What is a Management Plan?
The Beaver River Wetland Conservation Area Management Plan provides direction so that the property is cared for in a way that balances recreation with conservation. It sets goals to enhance the property and provides the strategies to achieve them. Updates to the Management Plan ensure that policies remain relevant and responsive to new challenges and opportunities. As reports and documents become finalized, they will be available on this webpage for review.
Draft Management Plan Ready for Review!
Last year, we asked what you most enjoy about Beaver River and what could be improved. You shared some great ideas we are now pleased to release a draft Management Plan.
Some exciting initiatives identified in the draft Management Plan include:
- Increased signage to help you navigate the trail better
- Parking spaces for easier and safer access onto the trail
- Water access points so you can enjoy the beauty of the wetland, on the water!
Flip through the executive summary or review the management plan and associated business plan in detail. Both sections outline the implementation objectives we'd like to achieve over the next 5 years.
Comments to this draft plan will be accepted until June 21, 2019. Submit your comments by phone at 905-895-1281 x 126 or email l.grzywniak@LSRCA.on.ca
Process and Timeline
The Management Plan review and update will consist of five stages:
Stage 1. Implementation Report (January - March)
Stage 2. Stakeholder Analysis (March - May)
Stage 3. Needs Assessment (June - September)
Stage 4. Preliminary Management Plan and Public Review (March - June 2019)
