Conservation Areas

Conservation Authorities are recognized world wide for their management of natural resources on an ecosystem or watershed basis. Through the Conservation Areas Program, the Essex Region Conservation Authority, (ERCA) owns or manages 20 publicly accessible properties throughout the Essex region. In total, ERCA manages more than 1000 hectares (4000 acres of land) as well as nearly 100 kilometres of trail to protect some of the most important woodlands, marshes and shoreline areas in the region.

Why does ERCA have Conservation Areas?

One of the most important functions of Conservation Areas is the protection of significant areas through public ownership for future generations. In 1983, a United Nations commission on the environment and development stated that within each bioregion a minimum of 12% of the earth's landscape must be kept in its natural state in order to ensure it is healthy and sustainable. Presently in the Essex Region, only 7.5% of the landscape remains in its natural state. Protection of these areas is imperative for the survival of the numerous rare plant and animal species which they contain.

In addition to the positive benefits to our environment, Conservation Areas offer diverse opportunities for outdoor recreation and contribute to healthier lifestyles. All of the areas include either walking trails, access to water for swimming or canoeing, views of birds and other wildlife, or other pleasant natural settings.

What Resources Are Protected?

The Essex region contains natural areas of tremendous significance, not just locally, but provincially and nationally. The region is home to rich Carolinian woodlands, lush cattail marshes, and unique prairie environments found in very few other Canadian settings. While 90% of original wetlands in the region have been destroyed, through Conservation Areas we are fortunate enough to have access to some of the most environmentally significant areas in the region. And while there is an abundance of shoreline in the region, little of it is publicly accessible, making those CAs with access to the shore that much more attractive.

How Do Conservation Areas Benefit our Community?

Conserving these natural areas will create a lasting legacy of recreational opportunities and an enhanced quality of life for all residents of the Essex Region. A healthy environment is a positive feature in the attraction of new business and employment opportunities. Conservation Areas are tourist attractions, contributing to the local economy by offering opportunities for birding, camping, hiking, swimming and other recreational activities. Natural areas are especially important for an area as urbanized and industrialized as the Essex region. Securing these properties will help ensure a healthy environment for our children and future generations.

A healthy environment contributes to healthy lifestyles by improving water and air quality, improving the health of the soil, diversifying wildlife, providing pleasing landscapes and easily accessible areas of recreation for persons of all ages and abilities to be active.