Ontario's 36 Conservation Authorities are uniquely positioned to contribute to the health of our watersheds. Strong and resilient natural ecosystems help us adapt to many different challenges including the impacts of climate change, rapid urbanization, stressed biodiversity and increased pollution.
Since their inception from the 1940's, Conservation Authorities have been collecting and analyzing environmental data and using this information to guide the development of local natural resource programs and plans.
Public demand for information about the state of watersheds and a need to demonstrate accountability led Conservation Authorities to develop watershed report cards.The report card is an important tool to transfer information about local watershed conditions to a wider audience including local residents, agencies, and government partners; thus enabling informed decision-making leading to enhanced local protection and remediation actions.
Partnerships are key to the success of the program!
Ensuring the health of Ontario's watersheds cannot be achieved by any one group alone. The Conservation Authorities have always relied on many partnerships with landowners, other agencies, and all levels of government to develop programs and plans that contribute to the health of our watersheds and people.
Through their monitoring programs, Conservation Authorities will continue to track and report on watershed conditions once every five years.