Most Properties and Trails Are Open! Visit this linkfor a list of closures and about visiting properties during COVID-19.
The Administration Office is currently closed to the public. Please visit this link for ongoing updates related to COVID-19.
We would like to remind all visitors to GSCA properties to use caution this time of year, as trails may be slippery due to ice and snow.
Grey Sauble Conservation is one of 36 Conservation Authorities established in the Province of Ontario under the Conservation Authorities Act (R.S.O. 1990).
Grey Sauble Conservation is a community-based environmental agency which owns and manages 11,734 hectares (28,995 acres) of some of the most scenic and environmentally sensitive lands in Grey and Bruce Counties.
Parking fees contribute to trail & grounds maintenance and protection, as well as tax payments for the 28,000 acres of natural areas that we own in Grey & Bruce Counties. They also go to ammenities such as washrooms, bridges, parking areas and pavilions.
At the GSCA we believe that time spent in nature has countless benefits for children that will last a lifetime, which is why the program allows campers to be outside exploring the environment around us!
If you are planning on building, changing the existing grade, adding or removing material if you are near a river, stream, lake, shoreline, wetland or slope, you may need a permit for these activities.
Our staff are experienced, certified and licenced to provide services that benefit you and your property. Check out more information about forestry services, tree orders and our annual tree sale.
“Instruction to Bidders” can be found in volume 3 on document pages 8 – 18.
Submitting a Bid:
All bids must be submitted through MERX Closing Date: March 7, 2025, at 2:00 PM EST Mandatory Site Meeting for contractors: February 21, 2025, at 1:00 PM
The Grey Sauble Conservation Foundation’s Malcolm Kirk Environmental Award played an important role in the inspiring journey of Alex Adair, a recipient of the $2,000 award in 2023. This support has empowered the 19-year-old conservationist from Owen Sound to pursue his Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology and Conservation at the University of Guelph and embark on important global research.
Adair’s journey in conservation began early, with roots in Grey Bruce, where he worked as an Assistant Fisheries Technician with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, volunteered as a Turtle Tracker at Bruce Peninsula National Park, and is currently serving as a Steward for Ontario Nature. As a member of the Owen Sound Field Naturalists, he passionately advocates for local conservation, inspired by the landscapes he grew up exploring, including Grey Sauble Conservation Authority (GSCA) properties like Bognor Marsh, Bruce’s Caves, and Inglis Falls.
This past summer, Adair traveled to northwestern Madagascar, where he joined a research team led by Dr. Travis Steffens from the University of Guelph to study the health of lemurs, domestic animals, and local communities in Ankarafantsika National Park. For three months, Adair lived in a remote village, collecting data on critically endangered lemurs, analyzing parasite loads in various species, and conducting behavioural surveys.
Madagascar is home to over 100 species of lemurs, yet they are the most endangered group of mammals worldwide, with threats like deforestation, poaching, and climate change causing 98% of lemur species to be threatened with extinction. Reflecting on this crisis, Adair hopes his story will highlight the need for action not only in Madagascar but globally, including in Grey Bruce.
“The Malcolm Kirk Environmental Award from the Grey Sauble Conservation Foundation, along with other local and provincial supports, have helped me pursue my education in wildlife biology and make a real impact,” said Adair. “I encourage anyone passionate about conservation and supporting young environmentalists to consider donating to the Grey Sauble Conservation Foundation. Their support helps future environmentalists who are passionate about protecting our natural world.” Adair also encourages anyone interested in the conservation crisis facing Madagascar to read about Planet Madagascar, a Canadian charity working actively to conserve species and habitats in Madagascar.
The Grey Sauble Conservation Foundation is dedicated to advancing conservation efforts and environmental education by raising funds that support the vital work of GSCA. The Malcolm Kirk Environmental Award is just one example of their meaningful impact. Donations to the Foundation play an important role in supporting the education of future environmental leaders like Alex Adair and in funding environmental education programs delivered by GSCA throughout Grey Bruce.
Photo 1: Alex Adair in the rainforests of Mantadia National Park. Photo 2: Lemur – Coquerel’s Sifaka (Propithecus coquereli) eating fruit.
Background:
The Grey Sauble Conservation Foundation was established in 1993 and is a federally registered, charitable, not-for-profit organization that raises money to assist the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority (GSCA) fund programs and projects. The Foundation offers opportunities for the public to actively participate in conserving and enhancing the natural heritage that exists within the GSCA watershed.
Grey Sauble Conservation Authority (GSCA) is seeking public input on two important draft strategies: the Conservation Area Strategy and the Watershed Based Resource Management Strategy. These drafts are now available for comment until November 8, 2024. As required by the Conservation Authorities Act and O. Reg. 686/21, all Conservation Authorities across Ontario must develop and implement these strategies by December 31, 2024. On October 23, 2024, the GSCA Board of Directors approved the circulation of these drafts for public consultation.
Conservation Area Strategy Overview:
The Conservation Area Strategy encouraged GSCA to take a big picture look at how land management tools work together across all GSCA properties. This strategy focuses on:
Defining objectives for managing GSCA lands, following the example set by the Inglis Falls and Eugenia Falls Conservation Area Management Plans.
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.
Highlighting GSCA’s role as the owner of the most publicly accessible land in the Grey Sauble Watershed, connecting natural heritage areas and linking with other public lands and trails.
Establishing a process for regular monitoring of the Strategy, with a full review within a year of any new Strategic Plan.
The Watershed-Based Resource Management Strategy provides a comprehensive summary of GSCA’s programs, technical studies, and supporting information for program delivery. Key features include:
Identifying risks which may limit effective delivery of programs and services and providing potential solutions to address these risks.
Outlining a plan for regular reviews and stakeholder engagement to ensure the strategy remains effective and responsive to community needs.
Both strategies are integral to GSCA’s mission to preserve natural areas and responsibly manage resources across the watershed.
Tim Lanthier Chief Administrative Officer Grey Sauble Conservation Authority
t.lanthier@greysauble.on.ca 519-376-3076
Background:
Our vision is a healthy watershed environment in balance with the needs of society.
Our mission, in partnership with the stakeholders of the watershed, is to promote and undertake sustainable management of renewable natural resources and to provide responsible leadership to enhance biodiversity and environmental awareness.
