The Citizen-Agriculture 2001, 2001-03-14, Page 32BOB WATTAM'S
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PAGE A-12. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2001. I: * ' , , iNgit ,.., , 1,
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Connecting links a protection of values for future
Stewardship is taking responsibili-
ty for actions today which directly
influence the protection of values for
future generations. The Huron
Stewardship Council is dedicated to
responsible management of soil,
water and other natural resources.
Much of the work they do to that end
can be of great benefit to farmers.
Now in its third year the Natural
Corridors Project is attempting to
link the area's fragmented landscape,
islands of natural habitat with no
connecting link. Steve Bowers of the
Ministry of Natural Resources, who
is the stewardship co-ordinator for
By Bonnie Gropp
Citizen staff
Huron says that from an ecological
perspective the situation in not
healthy.
"For wildlife that's mobile there
may be open areas between woodlots
so if they have to go from a wetland
in the winter they may have to cross
open farmland. Also, the problem
limits the genetic base, he says.
With trees, for example the cross-
pollination is occurring between
small groups in the island. "Much is
said about climate change and that
certain species if this continues
would be migrating north. There
need to be connecting links for this.
How does a hickory tree move if the
woodlots are miles apart? Without
that connecting link there is a lack of
"There are a host of reasons to
plant a corridor," says Bowers. "A
farmer may not care about wildlife,
but everyone cares about water qual-
ity."
Wind, protection is another asset.
"It has been proven there is a net
gain with crop yield when farmers
plant a windbreak. They may lose
some of the area for agriculture, but
the net gain more than compensates
for the net loss of agricultural land."
People participating in the Natural
Corridors Project, do so for their
own reasons, says Bowers. "It's a
voluntary program and people make
their own decision on whether they
want to participate. We are essential-
ly just trying to give money away for
a specific purpose we think is worth-
while."
Funds for the project this year
Continued on A-13
material for that genetic species to
move."
To improve the situation, the coun-
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Paul Steckle, M.P.
Huron - Bruce
The strength of our rural
community is derived from the
success of its agri-business
sector and the people who
continue to meet new
challenges. I am honoured to
represent those who are
working to make Canada a
world leader in Agriculture for
the 21st Century.
For more information please contact:
Paul Steckle, M.P., Huron-Bruce
Constituency Office
30 Victoria Street North, Goderich, ON, N7A 2R6
519-524-6938
Benefit to all
While trees are beneficial to wildlife, many farmers are recognizing the potential for positive
impacts on farm land, such as reducing soil erosion and improving water quality. Here work-
ers plant a natural corridor on the Morris Twp. farm of Jeff Cardiff.
cil which consists of members from
diverse backgrounds which all have
a common interest in natural
resources, provides a small subsidy
for landowners to purchase nursery
stock for the creation of small corri-
dors or enhancement of existing
woodlots.
Developing a connecting link can
be as simple as planting a wind-
break, says Bowers. And while he
admits that the corridors can be a
disadvantage in some regards, the
ecological benefits outweigh any
negatives.
"One corridor we really encourage
is buffer strips along watercourses.
They're easy to do and don't impact
'that much on workable land."
On the plus side they help prevent
soil erosion and shade the water
which improves the quality for the
aquatic life.