My concerns with respect to…

My concerns with respect to the proposed consolidation of conservation authorities are twofold:

1. the potential reduction/loss of biomonitoring programs that are used to generate Watershed Report Cards and inform decisions at the watershed and subwatershed level. Watershed Report Cards are based on the ongoing collection of both terrestrial, aquatic and GIS-based spatial data that is used to both inform the public about watershed health in their community and also direct specific restoration/conservation efforts for the local conservation authority.

2. the formation of a province-wide board that will have little to no knowledge and understanding of watershed concerns in local municipalities, and also possible job losses at local conservation authorities that will further reduce the connection between conservation authorities and the communities they serve.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to comment on this important issue.