HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen Agriculture, 2003-03-19, Page 33PAGE A-8. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 2003.
Council advises on land stewardship
They are looking for a legacy they
can leave behind. They are here to
do what is right. They need
information to make decisions and
we are that information source for
farmers.”
The council has also been working
with the Friends of the Bayfield
River which is focusing on water
quality and co-operation with
landowners.
As well, the Huron Stewardship
Council has been helping the Lower
Maitland Stewardship group develop
a strategy and set a direction for the
area, said Bowers.
‘‘Through open houses and
workshops for owners along the
Maitland, the group has been able to
set out what is important to the
valley.”
Through discussions, it was
understood that agriculture had
helped protect the valley, making it
less available to development. It had
been left reasonably intact.
“There is little forest coverage so
we must protect blocks like the
Maitland,” said Bowers.
Continued on A-9
COMPLETE REPAIR OF ALL FARM EQUIPMENT
Portable and Shop Welding Aluminum Welding
BLAKE'S WELDING INC.
Learning about fish habitats
Taking landowners on a tour of drainage ditches and watercourses helps show their value as
a fish habitat. (Janice Becker photo)
C.W.B.
78 King Street, Clinton, Ontario 519-482-7303
"We are your TRAILER HITCH SPECIALISTS"
By Janice Becker
* Citizen staff
The mandate is to help primary
landowners to manage the land and
leant about the environment.
Though under the umbrella of the
Ministry of Natural Resources,
Huron Stewardship Council co
ordinator Steve Bowers said the
council reflects the community in
which it works which, in this case,
is strongly agricultural.
The council deals with the quality
and quantity of natural areas, water
and related fisheries.
“Fanners are feeling pressure right
now,” said Bowers. “There has been
a lot of focus on woodlot
management. We provide owners
with information and help increase
the interest in forest property.”
Through this education, Bowers
said the owners learn more than just
management of the woodlots.
“Landowners want a fair return
from the land. If the project is
productive, then there is more
interest.”
Because selling trees is not the
main occupation for most property
owners, Bowers said the education
and knowledge provided by the
council through workshops helps
them get fair market value for their
product.
“The workshops teach them about
pricing which is not like with other
(agricultural) products,” he said.
Courses help owners learn how to
improve productivity in the woodlot
as well.
Management of a forest can be
compared to proper care of a pasture
for grazing.
“Proper density, species mix, size
and class distribution impact the
quality and production,” said
Bowers. Concentrating on a better
product will make it worth more in
the end, he added.
Another project undertaken by the
stewardship council is adopt-a-
creek.
“We work with owners on small
watersheds and we support them in
their improvement efforts.”
Bowers said the council helps to
get neighbours together to discuss
issues, provide information and
show them the fish and habitats in
the watershed.
“It creates a sense of community
when neighbours work together.
2003 Chick Days
Chicks - Sexed or Mixed
Also available: Turkeys, Geese, Ducks, Layers
Order Dates
• March 29
for pickup Friday, April 25
or
• April 26
for pickup Friday, May 23
We have a complete line of SHUR-GAIN Homestead Feeds and
Animal Health Products as well as feeders, waterers, heat lamps,
baled shavings etc.
DAUPHIN
FEED & SUPPLY
Serving our friends and neighbours in the farming communities with
quality products and personalized service, for over 16 years.
DUNGANNON 1-800-665-5675 WALTON
529-7951 Fax 529-3341 887-6023
Helen Johns, MPP Huron-Bruce
I continue to thank the farmers of Huron and
Bruce for their continued commitment and
dedication to the agriculture community.
Together we will take on new challenges and
opportunities. As we prosper, all of Ontario
will benefit.
Constituency Office:
50 South Street, Goderich, ON N7A 3L5
1-800-668-9320 or (519) 524-2979
email: helen.johns @ hurontel .on.ca
ONTARIO MINISTRY
OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD
Bringing
w Resources
;: Worajjw
i Rural Ontario
Agriculture
Rural Services
ONTARIO MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE & FOOD
OMAFs Vision:
To foster competitive, economically diverse and
prosperous agriculture and food sectors and promote
economic development of rural communities.
How to Reach Us
Visit our Web Site
www.qov.on.ca/omaf
Agricultural Information Contact Centre:
1-877-424-1300
OMAF's Resource Agents respond to farm, commodity,
agribusiness and rural business inquiries
by providing access to a variety of sources of
information regarding:
* Technical and business references
v* Management decision considerations
Assessment of advice from non-ministry sources
Email: ag.info@omaf.aov.on.ca
CLINTON RESOURCE CENTRE
BOX 159, 100 DON STREET
CLINTON, NOM 1L0
(519) 482-3333
FAX: (519) 482-5031
"Bringing the Resources of the World to Rural Ontario"
® Ontario