GSCA's Conservation Area Strategy
Ontario Regulation 686/21 – Mandatory Programs and Services Regulation made under the Conservation Authorities Act, requires that all conservation authorities prepare a Conservation Area Strategy on or before December 31, 2024.
This strategy must outline decision-making objectives for the lands, identify mandatory and non-mandatory programs, show how the lands support natural heritage and public access, classify land use, and include plans for periodic reviews and stakeholder consultation.
The Conservation Area Strategy requirement encouraged GSCA take a big picture look at how land management tools work together across all GSCA properties. Here's why it matters:
- It proposes the objectives for managing GSCA lands, following the example set by the Inglis Falls and Eugenia Falls Conservation Area Management Plans.
- It recommends applying Risk Management Guideline land classifications (Land Use Types) to each property to best achieve the objectives for land management, aligning with necessary inspections to meet the needs of GSCA.
- It highlights GSCA as owning the most publicly accessible land in the Grey Sauble Watershed, connecting natural heritage areas and linking with other public lands and trails.
- It recommends a process for regular monitoring of the Strategy, with a full review within a year of any new Strategic Plan.
The Strategy objectives will primarily be implemented through Management Plans for each property, with actions tailored to the specific needs of each GSCA property as plans are completed.