Help Protect the Credit River Fishery : Participate in CVC's Online Angling Survey

CVC is excited to have recently launched an angling survey to determine the level of use and socio economic value of the fishery within the Credit River watershed. The survey will assess the willingness of anglers to pay for their fishing experience by evaluating the direct and indirect economic impacts of the Credit River fishery. Both stream side and online angling surveys focus on angling behaviour, fishing expenditures, and demographic data. There is also an innovative angling diary created to gain feedback from anglers on their personal fishing experiences. In addition, anglers will be given the opportunity to provide feedback, comments and concerns on how to improve the fishery, and protect the valuable resources of the River.

Traditionally it has been hard to determine the true value of a river, stream, or fishery, as these ‘ecosystem services’ have been undervalued. However, the socio economic study by CVC is helping to ensure that the Credit fishery remains healthy and safe for future recreational uses, and that people are made aware of the full value of the river.

Anglers who cooperate and complete the survey make an important contribution to the protection of the Credit River and its fishery for present and future generations of humans. Not to mention they are automatically entered in a draw to win one of 10 CVC Annual Passes (valued at $50). If you are a fisherman in the Credit River watershed and would like to help us with this important study, please go to: http://www.creditvalleycons.com/anglersurvey. The fishery is one aspect of the true range of values of the river, which improves the quality of life, and wellbeing of the people in communities within the Credit watershed.

Launch of Religious Offerings Brochure

In partnership with Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA) and the Mississauga Ram Mandir, Credit Valley Conservation has launched a brochure entitled “Religious Offerings and Water Quality”. Produced with the generous financial support of the Brampton and Area Community Foundation, the brochure outlines the Hindu tradition of placing religious offerings in rivers, the effect on the environment and suggested alternatives. Offerings include fruits, flowers, plastics, clothing and jewellery.

CVC and TRCA have been working closely with leaders in the Hindu community to address the issue of religious offerings in our rivers. Alternatives to placing offerings in rivers as outlined in the brochure are recommended by local Hindu leaders. While the religious offerings are not the largest source of stress on our waterways, anything not found naturally in our rivers may affect water quality and animal habitat. The brochure is bilingual, with English on one side and Hindi on the reverse. Brochures will be available at local temples and community meeting places.

An official launch and public information session took place at the Mississauga Ram Mandir Banquet Hall on Sunday Sept 24 from 12:30 to 1:30 pm. Staff from Credit Valley Conservation and Toronto and Region Conservation were available to answer questions and gather feedback.

CVC's Strategic Plan

Credit Valley Conservation is in the midst of a strategic planning initiative to develop a long range plan to guide the future of the watershed. As the environmental agency of the Credit River , we have a vision to create to an environmental healthy watershed – a watershed with clean streams, enhanced forest cover, abundant green space and balanced growth that results in sustainable communities. Our Strategic Plan will guide our actions for the next 5 years. The plan will also engage our watershed clients and partners in a long range vision for the watershed; to present the environmental issues facing the watershed and draft strategies to address these issues.