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Protecting natural spaces in Southern Ontario

A bequest from Barbara Elizabeth Jacquith of Carolinian forest contains a tributary of the Credit River and an important water recharge area

Photo: A bequest from Barbara Elizabeth Jacquith of Carolinian forest contains a tributary of the Credit River and an important water recharge area

By

Ontario Heritage Trust

Environment, Natural heritage

Published Date: Feb 16, 2006

On August 3, 2005 the provincial government announced the creation of the Natural Spaces Program, which included a $6-million allocation to the Ontario Heritage Trust for the acquisition and stewardship of provincially significant lands. The announcement was made by Premier Dalton McGuinty, in the presence of The Honourable David Ramsay, Minister of Natural Resources and The Honourable Madeleine Meilleur, Minister of Culture.

The Ministry of Natural Resources’ Natural Spaces Program is designed to restore natural areas and reduce further loss of greenspace. Reducing loss of greenspace will improve air and water quality, and protect important natural features and wildlife habitat. The Trust will manage the Acquisition and Stewardship Program.

Land acquisition will focus on lands not currently protected from development by other provincial plans or by public ownership. These will include: significant components of natural heritage systems in Southern Ontario; the completion or connection of key trails; source water protection; habitat for species at risk; increased ecological representation in provincial parks and protected areas; and large woodlands or wetlands and associated connecting linkages.

The program was established as a partnership model for the conservation and protection of provincially significant natural systems in Southern Ontario. The properties acquired will be retained as provincial assets, held by the Trust in perpetuity on behalf of the people of Ontario. The stewardship component will provide support to the partner organizations to allow for appropriate public access on newly acquired lands, to encourage public understanding and to ensure stewardship that conserves and promotes natural biodiversity.

The Trust has extensive experience in working with partners to protect and preserve property. Ninety-four per cent of the natural heritage lands it holds in trust are managed in partnership with local and regional groups – conservation authorities, land trusts, municipalities and trails organizations. These partnerships are critical to the preservation work we will do.

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