I am a cash crop farmer in…

I am a cash crop farmer in Chatham-Kent
I manage over 3 km of of open ditches and 8 Municipal drains and take conservation seriously.
In this time of climate change ,phosphate pollution in our great lakes and local riperian habitat destruction I feel that this is a good opportunity to look at our drainage system (Drainage Act) as a part of the solution to many of these man made issues.
We need to manage our ditches, and drains in a manner that protects endangered species, enhances spawning for fish, helps filter field water and minimizes cost to the landowners and the municipality.
Chatham-Kent has 1000s of kms of waterways which makes any change to the Drainage Act signicant to the local ecology.
I encourage the Drainage Act to enhance riperian drainage systems, shaded ditches (versus bare ones) and place more emphasis on endangered species protection and spawning.
I can show you many examples of systems that are accomplishing these goals and minimize cost to the local ag economy and society as a whole.

Thank you