Hi I am a grade 11 student…

Hi I am a grade 11 student of St Thomas Ontario. As a part of the upcoming generation I am extremely concerned about the proposed consolidation of the 36 conservation authorities and the long lasting effect that it will have on communities across Ontario.

Each conservation authority plays a unique and diverse role in protecting Ontarios water sheds. Because of the differences in wildlife, vegetation and overall forest types in each conservation authority they all have a different and specialized approach to protecting biodiversity and fighting climate change. Each conservation authority also connects with communities and promotes the voices of youth through a variety of programs which develop a stronger awareness and appreciation of nature.

The provincial governments new plan to merge these unique conservation authorities will threaten these programs valued by communities across Ontario and will reduce the specialized care required for these diverse ecosystems to thrive.

The purpose of this merge is to standardize the care of ecosystems across Ontario but in reality it would lessen the specific care needed for each watershed, lengthen response times and reduce community programs which in the long run would pose a significant threat to our already endangered ecosystems of Ontario.

Please take what I have said into consideration and think strongly about the effects of this provincial proposal if you care about the future of Ontarios valued environment.

Thank you for your time.