Watershed health improving one project at a time with funding assistance Tue Jan 5 2010 Byline: VALERIE MACDONALD, NORTHUMBERLAND TODAY; Illustrations: PHOTO COURTESY GRCA This fencing project occurred on Harwood Creek in the Township of Hamilton. It consisted of 2.5 km of fencing that protected two streams and associated stream valley lands from livestock. From protecting streams to creating habitat for birds and bats, municipalities in this part of the county have benefitted from the Clean Water/Healthy Land Financial Assistance Program managed by the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority. There are already plans for next year to create a plants and water conservation demonstration garden with Lakefront Utilities on its Northam Industrial Park property fronting Division Street, Cobourg, says program coordinator Pam Lancaster. The program is municipally funded with contributions by property owners, and augmented with other financial programs that Lancaster is able to tap into, she said in an recent interview. "The goal is to improve the overall watershed health," Lancaster said during a presentation to Hamilton Township Council earlier this year. This is achieved by engaging and assisting residents in stewardship and conservation, increasing public awareness and providing technical assistance. Project categories include habitat rehabilitation, enhancement and protection; land conversion, well management, erosion control, clean water diversion and reforestation. Under the program individuals can access up to a $2,500 grant and provide up to 50% toward the project itself. A committee for each municipality participating in the program reviews the project applications and evaluates them, Lancaster said. Last year in Hamilton Township alone, 10 wells were upgraded and three were decommissioned; two streams on one farm within the Oak Ridges Moraine were fenced; a septic system was upgraded; and a control project was undertaken where an invasive species was intruding in a tall-grass prairie site. The base funding for the program was $20,000 from Hamilton Township for its area and $20,000 for Cobourg which included education, outreach and painting of yellow fish on storm drain covers to remind people that what goes into them directly affects the fish life and habitat. Port Hope also participated in the project and one specific initiative saw the installation of bird boxes at North Hope Public School. For more information about this year's program opportunities contact Lancaster at 905-885-8173 ext 247.
