I support Conservation…

I support Conservation Ontario's constructive comments on the regulatory proposals required to implement changes to the Conservation Authorities Act.
In particular, I welcome the proposed core watershed-based resource management strategy. A watershed approach is fundamental to effective and environmentally sustainable conservation authority planning.
Good management is equally important, In fact, I support some key observations that I heard at a recent Trout Unlimited meeting. An expert ecologist and scientist expressed concern that governments at all levels are reducing management policies and relying more on regulation, which can be more costly and sometimes even a lost cause.
The speaker urged governments to treat the causes of environmental degradation, as opposed to trying to catch up by treating its effects. Conservation Authorities play a critical role in sound management of natural lands and watersheds. The goal for Ontario, as the speaker said, should be: "Protect the best and restore the rest."
I underline Conservation Ontario's comments that the ministry identify passive recreation opportunities as mandatory programs and services in order to ensure public access to conservation lands and adjacent waterways, and that recreational and educational infrastructure associated with CA recreation and education programs be included in the mandatory Conservation Lands programs and services.
I hope this consultation exercise will help to strengthen our valuable and much-appreciated Conservation Authorities.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment.