Dear Minister Phillips, The…

Dear Minister Phillips,
The Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Chapter of the Ontario Woodlot Association (SDG
OWA) has a strong history of close collaboration with South Nation Conservation (SNC) to
promote responsible and sustainable forest management practices that supplement SNC's
environmental mandate.
This includes partnering with SNC to:
Promote the environmental, economic and social benefits of local forests;
Promote forest rebate services for local woodlot owners through the Managed
Forest Tax Incentive Program and the Alternative Land Use Services Program;
Support the Conservation Authority's free Woodlot Advisory Service for
local landowners;
• Sponsor local wood and forest related events;
Host forestry related workshops for association members and the general public.
SNC has and continues to provide significant value to the local communities it serves
through the following core services;
• Fostering Landowner Stewardship - plant trees, manage community lands, offer
resources, work with partners on important water quality improvement projects.
Protecting People and Property - Map and regulate floodplains and natural
hazards, work closely with municipalities, residents and build community to support
sustainable development, deliver flood forecasting programs and protect drinking
water sources.
Providing Natural Spaces and Recreational Opportunities - own and manage
over 20,000 acres of public natural spaces.
Making Science-Based Decisions - collect water, stream, fisheries, forestry and
wetland data to support stewardship programs and guide
sustainable development.
Empowering Communities and Youth - Partner with schools and communities
to deliver on-the-ground stewardship work and environmental education.
SNC's working relationship with the SDG OWA is a testament to their boots-on-the-ground
approach to working directly with local partners, stakeholders and residents in a
meaningful way.
Without support from SNC, partners such as the SDG OWA could be faced with difficulties
in delivering cost-effective community services for the people.
SNC staff have demonstrated the ability, local knowledge and expertise required to
partner on projects that promote the local environment, forests and raise awareness of
protecting people and property from natural hazards.
We are committed to supporting SNC's ability to deliver important on-the-ground services
to local partners that connect people to nature.
We encourage the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks to consider the
value in the services provided by Conservation Authorities that supplement their core
mandate of protecting people and property from natural hazards.
Sincerely,
Elaine Kennedy
President
Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Chapter
Ontario Woodlot Association