A New Approach to Enhancing Big Creek Watershed

Thursday, Feb. 19, 2009

Amherstburg - Local and senior levels of government including the Town of Amherstburg, as well as the Essex Region Conservation Authority and its partners are developing a watershed plan for the Big Creek watershed. The Plan will characterize existing environmental conditions throughout the watershed, identify any environmental enhancement opportunities that exist, and develop strategies to restore and enhance local environmental features. This integrated approach to the sustainable management of natural resources is striving towards healthy watersheds, healthy Great Lakes and a naturally thriving community.

The Watershed Plan will be supported by several technical studies and will be subject to a broad public consultation process. The Watershed Plan is the first of its kind in the region and is expected be used to inform and influence decisions and policies relating to land and water stewardship throughout the watershed once it is completed.

There will be a Landowner Information Session at A.M.A. Sportsman's Association, 468 Lowes Side Road, Amherstburg, Thursday, February 26^th, 6:30pm - 8:30pm. The Session is intended particularly for landowners in the Big Creek Watershed Area who have wetlands and woodlands, although all members of the public are welcome to attend. The purpose of the Session is to provide landowners with information regarding the environmental evaluation component of this undertaking. In order to summarize existing environmental conditions, field evaluations will need to be completed in the watershed's woodlots and wetlands. These evaluation activities require that trained technical staff characterize the types and extent of plants and wildlife found in these areas. The project team is seeking landowner permission to enter properties for evaluation purposes.

"This planning process is a highly collaborative effort lead by a strong committee of diverse project partners that will facilitate the enhancement of this valuable shared resource and its biodiversity," says Matthew Child, ERCA's Director of Watershed Restoration. "The significant link between environmental health, economic health, and the human health of our residents cannot be understated, and we must make a concerted effort to protect and restore our natural environment."

A watershed is the area of land that is drained by a particular Creek or River. All sources of water are linked in a watershed and everything we do upstream ultimately impacts the health of people and conditions downstream. The Big Creek Watershed drains over 7,000 hectares (17,000 acres) including parts of the urban core of Amherstburg as well as rural and agricultural lands to the south.

"The prosperity and economic development of our region is integrally connected to and dependent upon a healthy natural environment sustainable for current and future generations," says Ken Schmidt, ERCA General Manager. "The Plan will guide voluntary habitat restoration and land stewardship activities of private landowners, which can make a profound difference to water quality, our most precious natural resource."

The Planning process was formally launched in 2008 with the establishment of the Steering Committee and with initial community consultations. Background studies will be completed by late 2009. Plan preparation will proceed after the technical reporting is completed, with a Final Plan expected by autumn, 2010.

To learn more, visit www.erca.org/watershed/conservation.big_creek_plan.cfm. You are encouraged to provide your ideas to the Steering Committee by email at bigcreek@erca.org, or by contacting 519-776-5209 ext. 347.