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Times Advocate, 1989-05-17, Page 4GENERAL INFORMATION 1 • f Page 4 Working with you in conservation Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority R.R. 3 Box 2410 Exeter, NOM 150 235-2610 MANDATE The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority is an independent, corporate organization, one of thirty- eight across the Province of Ontario, formed under the provisions of the Conservation Authorities Act (R.S.O. 1980). Its goal is to: develop and imple- ment programs which will promote and enhance the conservation. restoration, development and man- agement of natural resources other than gas, oil; coal and minerals (such as water. soil, forests, fish and wildlife) within the jurisdiction of the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority in order to meet the present and future needs of the people who live in or visit the Watersheds. AUSABLE BAYFIELD CONSERVATION AUTHORITY 1989 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chairman: Don Lithgow Vice -Chairman: Fred Carolyn Bradford Bernard Benn Pat Down Richard Erb Joe Gibson Wilson Hodgins Hugh MacDonald Charlotte Postma Tom Schoonderwoerd Grant Stirling Herb Turkheim John Timmerman Rowena Wallace Alan Walper Arkona, Vil. of Bosanquet, Twp. of Thedford, Vil. of Lewis Lobo, Twp. of London, Twp. of Blanshard,Twp. of Exeter, Town of Usborne, Twp. of Provincial Representative Provincial Representative Bayfield, Vil. of Stanley, Twp.. of Hullett, Twp. of McKillop, Twp. of Seaforth, Town of Biddulph, Twp. of Lucan, Vil. of Ailsa Craig, Vil. of McGillivray, Twp. of Parkhill, Town of Adelaide, Twp. of Warwick, Twp. of Hibbert, Twp. of Logan, Twp. of Clinton, Town of Goderich, Twp. of Hay, Twp. of Zurich, Vil. of East Williams, Twp. of West Williams, Twp. of Hensall, Vil. of Tuckersrnith, Twp. of Grand Bend, Vil. of Stephen, Twp. of aa31) 1989 PROJECTED BUDGET $2,252,774 Water Management ProjeJs and Studies • Seaforth Flood Reducation Project • Thedford/Klondyke Marsh Area Floodplain Delineation Study (Completion) • Lake Huron Shoreline Processes Study (Completion) • Huron/Lambton County Flood and Erosion Risk Mapping (Shoreline) • Public Information Mapping for Thedford/ Klondyke Area • Public Information Mapping for Lucan, Crediton and Walker Drain Areas • Ontario Regulation 544/84 Support Mapping (Start only) 1989 Fill R • gulations • 130 applications ex E: •1 Conservation Services • Planting of 250,000 trees • Trees or technical assistance for 500 landowners Conservation Area Development • Continuing trail development at Exeter -Morrison Corridor and Clinton C.A. • Wheelchair accessible trail improvements and vault privies at Bannockburn Wildlife Area • Wheelchair accessible trail at Rock Glen C.A. with assistance from "Wheels to Nature" program • Outdoor classroom improvements at Parkhill C.A. Conservation Education • Celebration of 25 years of conservation education MENDER OF THE ASSOCIATION Of CONSERVATION AUTHORITIES Of ONTARIO Established July 14, 1946 Enlarged (Bayfield Watershed) .January 1, 1972 Enlarged (Lake Huron shoreline and additional part, Goderich Township) July 3, 1974 Participating Municipalities 32 Population 42,320 Equalized Assessment in Watersheds (used in calculation of levy) $863,653,497.00 Watershed Area 1,000 square miles Number of Directors 35 PROGRAM AREAS 1. Flooding 2. Soil Erosion 3. Water Supply 4. Water Quality 5. Recreation 6. Forestry 7. Environmentally significant areas 8. Fish and wildlife 9. Cultural and Historical Resources The Exeter -Morrison Corridor - Yours to Enjoy Thanks to the co-operation of private landowners and the A.B.C.A., Exeter and area residents enjoyed winter hiking/cross-country skiing and nature appreciation. Ease- ments from landowners allowed the public to follow a complete trail loop this winter along both sides of the Ausable River from MacNaughton Park in Exeter to the east end of the Morrison Reservoir, known as the Exeter -Morrison Corridor. Future Development "The corridor has a lot of potential", says John Schwindt, Conservation Services Coordinator and a member of the Corridor Committee. "In order for the recreation potential to be met, we must reach long term agreements with the corridor landowners. Future development will improve the corridor for everyone." The developments are not only aimed at improving the area for people, but for wildlife as well. For example, the planting of shrubs will provide food and shelter for birds and animals. The corridor can provide good habitat and a wildlife transportation passage. The Community Wildlife Improvement Program (C.W.I.P.) will be a valuable source of 'funds for wildlife habitat improvement projects along the corridor. To date, the design for the trail loop has been completed. The Exeter Li- ons Club is co-ordinating the improvements at MacNaughton Park with the technical assistance of the A.B.C.A. Looking at the near future, there will be some trail work in 1989. The trail on the south side of the Ausable River near the golf course will be re -aligned to avoid the golf course. Around. the Morrison Reservoir, there will also be trail improvements. • In the meantime, enjoy the Exeter -Morrison Corridor. Hike the trails soon. Please respect the private property which you are crossing. The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority wishes to thank the following landowners for their property easements along the Exeter -Morrison Corridor this winter: Peter Darbishire, Gibb Dow, Mac Hodgert, Len Veri, Exeter P.U.C., and Nabisco. Fill, Construction and Alteration to Waterways Regulation (Ontario Regulation 544/84) Flooding and erosion arc high priority concerns of the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority. The A.B.C.A. has the responsibility of being the lead commenting agency in matters relating to the mana8ement of floodplains and, more recently, lakeshore areas. The Fill, Construction and Alteration to Waterways Regulation is a legal mechanism by which certain types of activities are controlled on lands adjacent to waterways. Under the Conservation Authorities Act R.S.O. 1980, Ch. 85, the Conservation Authority is empowered to make such regulations so that the activities of fill- ing, constructing and altering in a river or waterway system do not increase the risk of loss of life and property damage. Landowners, land purchasers, developers, contractors, lawyers, real estate agents and municipal councils and staffs should be- familiar with this Regulation. Areas and activities that are regulated Floodplains, steep slopes, wetlands and watercourses are all regulated. Within these regulated areas, a permit is required from the A.B.C.A. before anyone shall do the following or permit the following activities to begin placing or dumping of fill; construction of a building or structure; or altering in'any way the existing channel of a watercourse. To obtain a permit If you wish to determine whether your property or a proposed activity is restricted in any way by the Regula- tion, contact the A.B.C.A. Staff will review your property and proposal. If the proposed work is affected by the Regulation, an application for a permit and the written permission from the A.B.C.A. will be required from the A.B.C.A. prior to the initiation of any work. The fee for a property inquiry by an individual who does not own the property is S20.00. The fee for the processing of the application for per- mission is $200.00. Penalties for Violation of. the Regulation The Regulation exists for the pro- tection of you and others. Proceed- ing with filling, construction or al- teration to a waterway in an regulated arca without prior permis- sion of the A.B.C.A. may result in prosecution under the Conservation Authorities Act of Ontario. Persons convicted- of a violation may fact penalties of fines, imprisonment and/or a court order. The co-operation of everyone is re- quired to ensure that proper water and land use management is prac- THE FLOODPLAIN WOULD SE DEFINED ST THE REOULATORT FLOOD ITHE REGIONAL FLOOD OR THE 100 -TEAR FLOOD, WHICHEVER IS GREATER). ticed, thus enabling the protection of FLOODWAT IS THE CENTRAL PWTION OF THE FLOODPLAIN RESERVEQ FOR THE • OF AND FLOOD FLOWS. human life,,property and the natural FLOOD io,9, 1, THE AREA WHERE FILLING ANF ONA1N" --- C3 o4 CPI cut rlOOD PROTEc TION aver systems within our waters s`s"" lF MEASURES ARE ADOPTED. CROSS SECTION OF LANDS GOVERNED BY ONTARIO REGULATION 544/84. LAND! REGULATED S DEFINED ST ' SCHEDULES LANDS REGULATED S DEFINED ST SCHEDULES FLOODPLAIN LANDS FLGOowAT IL= FRINGE FLOOD FRINGE RSanATOR, PLOOOUNE NORMAL WATER 1!. 1988 Financial Report The A.B.C.A. operated with a balance budget in 1988 - expenses were controlled to meet 1988 funding lev- els (and avoid drawing on reserves). 11 • 1 1 I ' 1 1• LJ 1 .• Provincial grants accounted for 53% of the funding in 1988. The grants and.the rates are specific to the bud4ct component and do not always cover total ..e -specific categories. Rates did not change anawcre as follows: Administration - 50% plus supplementary 30% Water Related - 55% plus supplementary 30% Recreation Related - 50% not eligible for supplementary grant Conservation Arca Maintenance - not eligible for a grant FUNDING SOURCES 19M1 TOTAL VUNOMO 11.9O9. S73. P..,Y.FMI Gomm EXPENSE COMPONENTS ISIS TOTAL ,JIKNSCS 11•SMJTSL Municipal Levy The A.B.C.A. was forced to increase the general levies to its municipalities by 12%. This increase was needed to help deal with rising costs of operation. Transfer payments have not kept pace with the inflation of, costs (e.g. insurance premiums) in recent years. Special Program Funding through special programs included: Ontario Ministry of the Environment -Target Sub -basin Study - Water Quality Awareness Program (until March 31, 1988) Employment and Immigration Canada - Section 38 projects to employ contract technical and field staff Ministry of Culture and Communications - Museum Curator Internship Program Get Some Fresh Air Into Your Lungs Visit a Conservation Area The ABCA owns several properties which provide a wide variety of recreational.opportunities for all ages in all seasons. Choose from conservation areas, wildlife management areas and Authority forests. Walk, run, swim or canoe through acres of natural beauty. Rest, relax and soak up the peace and tranquility of na- ture. Any of our areas make a great day -trip or vacation destination. Our largest conservation area is Parkhill Conservation Area. With 799 hectares of mature forests, open fields and flowing water, anyone who lives the outdoors can find lots to do. The 117 campsites are suitable for tents, trailers and motor homes. Eighty-six sites are serviced with hydro and water. Two group camping areas (one in an open field and one in an evergreen forest) are ideal for service clubs and school groups. The 86 hectare lake has a variety of fish and is ideal for canoeing. The beach is sandy and there is a shal- low buoy -marked swimming area. On the more natural side, about 200 hectares of the Conservation Area is woodland. Throughout this, many nature trails take you into the heart of nature. In the spring, scented wildflowers dot the forest floor. Birds of varieties by the dozen, serenade visitors in the summer. Maples and beeches create a colourful cano- py in the fall. And groomed cross-country and snowmobile trails and an exciting toboggan hill provide win- ter enthusiasts with a full day of activities. End any outing on a restful note at he log cabin by the waterfowl pond. Rock Glen Conservation Area is a 27 hectare area of scenic, natural, historic and geologic significance. It's an ideal setting for picnics, nature appreciation and fossil hunting. The fossils and geology of Rock Glen attract visitors from all over North America. Rock Glen is known as one of the best Devonian Era fossil sites. The erosive powers of water have exposed many fossils and have eroded the Rock Glen Gorge and formed an eleven metre waterfalls. The Arkona Lions Museum and Information Centre contains fossils and Indian artifacts and information on the natural and cultural history of the area. The network of well maintained nature trails help you see all the interesting features of Rock Glen. Open- ings in the vegetation provide scenic views of the falls and Ausable River Gorge. The wheelchair accessible trails are a new exciting project at Rock Glen. These trails access many scenic and interesting features of the Area. Bannockburn Wildlife Area is for the birds, and most other types of wildlife. Located in Stanley Town- ship, the area is a favourite of many naturalists. The Authority has planted many shrubs and put up bird boxes to improve wildlife habitat, The 27 hectare property has a wet meadow, a white cedar community, a hardwood forest, an old field and mixed scrub community and a marsh. Bannockburn River and Walden Creek flow through the property, providing suitable habitat for fish and other aquatic life. On the Sunday after Thanksgiving, you can enjoy the fall colors and learn more about Bannockburn at the Bannockburn Fall Hike sponsored by the Authority: Other areas worth visiting are the: Clinton, Port Blake, Port Franks, Crediton, Lucan, Morrison Dam, Zu- rich and Thedford South Conservation Areas. Get some fresh air in your lungs. Visit a conservation area soon. CONSERVATION AREAS Si FACIIJTIES ^4. _ • 1 f f •� i! d 1 1 7 L 1.. / $ ,(ry NI .. ` FM • • ■l.■■■■ Pw.ry • • • • N,v( 11E11 Tr... 1 •....,,,, • • • p0 • • in El {9/9.:1•969. • • • 0 • • CU11, 1111 • F1.aen • i0■ 0O13f0�■ ••mi MINN m li . i. III 1111 •, I..,. -oro •1� III • �UU 'Mil Ai Pd. IIIN III ( .w,., • • • • • • ■ • . • N...T.,w • I • (a ee • .199 G.., 1• T" • • W...•,? Ir• I . T'A,,, C • • • wwr(.«..+ • • - r- 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Need more information? If you'd like to receive more information on the programs and services of the A.B.C.A., please return this. coupon or call us at 235-2610. • Flood Control •Fill, Construction and Alteration to Waterways Regulation • Water Quality • Conservation Farming ' ' • Windbreaks and Other Tree Planting Services • Conservation Areas • Conservatidh Education • Other Name: Addrem Thereis no charge for any of the above information. Please return this to the: A.R.C.A.,Box 2410, Exeter, Ontario, NOM ISO. LOM MN- - - - 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 J