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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1997-04-02, Page 13Second Section - April 2, 1997 Coastal Conservation Centre to provide shoreline stewardship The federal government has expressed interest in preserving areas of quality such as the Lake Huron shoreline . Aerial photos of the Lake Huron shoreline depict areas of interest including the Bayfield Harbor and pristine stretches.of beach. Maintaining vegetation along the shoreline will protect against erosion and water quality degradation. By Heather Mir T -A Reporter LAKE HURON - if partnerships develop as hoped,_The Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation will be up and running by'this' summer. The centre, a non-profit arm of Lake Huron area conservation authorities, is the brain -child .environment management along Lake Huron anticipates the project will be funded by equal partnerships between federal and provincial ,governments and local conservation authorities. The centre's resources- will be available at no charge to residents along the-lakeshore from Sarnia to Tobermory within municipalities that have shared in the costs.. The seven Municipalities within the Ausable Bayfield of Patrick Donnelly and Geoffrey Peach. Both Conservation Authority's jurisdiction can expect Peach and Donnelly, who have 10 years of direct to be assessed a share of between $1,000 to shoreline management experience, have worked , $1,200,each. Residents living iri municipalities -with local authorities. With a plan to'draw on the knowledge of a variety of coastal experts, they willcomprise the centre's full- • • time staff. - "Huron County "We feel it's a good news.storv,". has been very •said Donnelly. "Huron County has been very active in naming itself Ontario's West Coast. 1 think the centre could'be a real tourism that have not participated in sharing the cost of the project -will likely be charged a user -fee to cover costs. • Although all fiveconservation authorities along this stretch of shoreline have supported the centre in principal, only two have committed their$10,000 share of the funding. Muinicipalitiescovered by other authorities have the option of charging ratepayers a general levy or assessing special area rates to landowners who . -will directly. benefit from shoreline management. The centre has received letters of support from themunicipalitiesof Southamptonand active in naming itself Ontario's West promoter." • Coast. With continued conservation, funding cuts and provincial . downloading, Dosinelly and Peach thought this would be the ideal time to initiate a coastal • conservation centre. Their proposal for Kincardine. It is expected tourism areas such as Grand Bend and Bayfield will also have an interest in the stewardship centre. The stretch of shoreline laid out in the - management proposal vias arrived,at on an ecosystem basis. The centre is an attempt to manage coastal ecosystems on Lake Huron in a more productive, cost-effective manner. "It's a logical stretch of shoreline," explained' Donnelly. "The conservation authorities have always betMnvotved with_shoreline management but their bologat ies represent the river boundaries." The stewardship centre will be able to assist landowners, cottage associations and municipalities. For example, during the high lake levels experienced . in 1986, a lack of consistent, correct information resulted in ecological damage done along the shoreline. The removal of vegetation caused bv,high lake levels not only contributes to erosion but eliminates important wildlife habitat_ Because lake levels are expected to be very high this spring and summer, the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority has released a warning to shoreline residents. The centre hopes to play a role in providing sound advise for people who want to ' protect shorelines. This information will protect people from spending money on ineffective projects that ma} negatively affect other properties on the shoreline. "The centre is a voluntary centre," said Donnelly, adding, "But it is there as a resource to provide options to landowners." ` Since 1986 new, improved inforraatiori of value_ - to the public has been gathered.. Because many -- government departments including conservation authorities are being hit hard with cutbacks, people may be wondering where they can turn for reliable information. If funding falls into place', the Goderich-based centre will be able to pick up where authorities leave off. Conservation Authorities will continue to focus on inland watershed conservation along rivers and creeks. Without proper stewardship, Lake Huron will continue to suffer from pressures such as water quality brought on by urbanization along the shoreline. Removing vegetation is a practice that often goesalong will urban development. This vegetation is critical in maintaining water quality, preventing erosion through slope stability and. protecting wildlife:. It all goes as planned,_the centre may been used as a stewardship model by the international Joint Commission dealing with Canadian -United States boundary waters. Where Are They Now? Where Are They Now? is an extended series on South Huron District High School graduates. and their career choices L\A //yson Robichaud: . NEW YORK - "I think it's really satisfying to see people make connections on their own," said Allyson Robichaud on teaching an - introductory -philosophy course. • The 1975.South Huron District High School graduate moved to the borough of Queens in New York City 12 years ago; She keeps busy teaching philosophy and feminism at LaGuardia Community College, instructing biomedical ethics at the medical school of Mount Sinai Hospital, and pursuing her Doctorate in Philosophy. She describes her student population as consisting of very diversified, disadvantaged individuals who are at different stages of learning. "Kids aren't expected to think very much these days," she continued, adding an introduction to philosophy changes their perspective on the orld and she enjoys "watching the light come on." While studying at the University of Western Ontario, her interest switched from science to philosophy in her third year. "(Philosophy) actually questions the foundations of other disciplines," she explained. After completing her Bachelor of Arts in 1983, she continued on to duate studies at UWO before moving to New York City and attending the Graduate School and University Centre of the City. teaching philosophy University of New York. Her earlier Fanshawe College days began in science lab technology. She then worked as a University Hospital dietary aid and assistant lab technician in a microbiology lab. Reflecting on her years of education, the Rivers, Manitoba native, who at one time lived in Huron Park, recalls SHDHS greaser days, close ties with friends and Grade 13 biology field trips with teacher Vincent Elliot. "I have much more sympathy for teachers now," said Robichaud, who admits the job preoccupies her mind and entails extensive "behind the scenes" preparation. "If you don't like teaching and you don't like marking, then you really shouldn't do it," she said, adding the ability to communicate, persevere and maintain an open mind are high on her list of required teaching skills. When she's not teaching or studying, Robichaud spends time with her two cats, and checks out New York sights such as museums and Central Park.