1) We urge Government to…

1) We urge Government to consider broadening the proposed core mandatory programs and services of conservation authorities to include furthering the health and well-being of the population by fostering the ability of citizens and their communities to access and experience nature. This broadening should primarily focus on supporting environmentally compatible human use and education on those public lands owned or managed by conservation authorities.

2) We urge the Province to analyze and strongly consider taking action in the above mentioned areas by providing additional provincial funding to CAs, resolving cost sharing impasses between governments and CAs, and ensuring that in reviewing changes to existing provincial plans and policies there is increased support for trails.

3) We strongly encourage the Region and the Province to increase the level of financial assistance aimed at maintaining and enhancing public open space and trails.

4) We urge Government to support the raising of private funds either by changing and expanding the existing regional program noted above so it is aimed at more than land acquisition, or by introducing a completely separate matching program to assist Conservation Authorities in increasing the funding available to maintain and care for public trails on their existing conservation lands.