CVC has a New Look!

CVC has a New Look!

Credit Valley Conservation(CVC) is pleased to announce the launch of its redesigned web site www.creditvalleycons.com. The new site went live on Wednesday, March 29, 2006.

“The redesigned user-friendly site has been developed to meet the needs of our stakeholders, watershed residents and our community”, says Rae Horst, General Manager CVC.

Some highlights of the new design include

• A special section on Recreation and Leisure for visitors who would like to visit our Conservation Areas, hike, fish etc.

• Quick links along the left hand side of the Homepage allows visitors to
  quickly access information

• More information on our programs and services and our Conservation
  Areas

• Information on the Board of Directors, our Foundation, what we do and how we are funded in the “About Us” section

Over the past several months, the Communications Team, has worked long and hard to revamp the pre-existing site with the goal of creating a site that is information rich, clear and easy to use as well as navigate. It is now possible for users to go from the Homepage to the topic they wish to view in no more than 2 to 3 clicks.

We encourage everyone – our stakeholders, watershed residents and community partners to provide us with feedback on the new site so we can ensure it meets their information needs.

New Events for the Whole Family

From the lakeside marshes that migratory birds flock to each year, and the rich forests along the Niagara Escarpment where unique species and settlements flourish, to the clean, clear rivers and lakes perfect for paddling and fishing, there is so much to discover in the Credit River Watershed. Your watershed holds many natural areas for you to explore.

We now offer even more opportunities for you to get out and explore with a brand new series of public education programs and events for 2006. This year’s program schedule is packed with exciting, outdoor events for the whole family. Learn about the natural features and functions of your watershed, the history of the land, how we are connected to our environment, and ways you can get involved.

So come on out to one of CVC’s Conservation Areas and join our knowledgeable interpretive staff as they hike the Niagara Escarpment, dig deep into wetlands and paddle through our Headwaters. For more information on events, please check out our events calendar.

CVC's Private Landowner Tree Planting Service - Place Your Orders Now!

Landowners living within the Credit River Watershed may be eligible to participate in CVC’s 2006 Tree Planting Service. CVC offers landowners a variety of stewardship services, and will assist with planting plans, and tree planting.

CVC’s planting program offers high quality, inexpensive plant materials and professional planting services. In addition, landowners may be eligible for subsidies on the cost of their planting projects.

For more information visit:

http://www.creditvalleycons.com/programsandservices/forestry.htm or contact Zoltan Kovacs, Forester (905) 702-5201 or Brian Boyd, Forest Technician (905) 702-8041, cvc@creditvalleycons.com

Halton Woodcarvers Honour CVC

CVC would like to thank the Halton Wood Carvers for the two beautiful hand-carved panels that were presented to CVC’s Board of Directors in commemoration of our 50th anniversary. Fifteen carvers spent hours creating the panels with inspiration from the flora and fauna found in the Credit River watershed. The panels will proudly be hung in the main lobby of CVC’s administrative office.

CVC's Watershed Report Receives at A+

CVC’s first ever Watershed Report Card has been very well-received. The Watershed Report Card is a scientifically rigorous assessment of the status of the ecosystem health of the Credit River watershed.

Ecosystem health = the health of our watershed, our communities, and our home.

The data for this report card was collected under CVC’s Integrated Watershed Monitoring Program that was initiated in 1999. After collecting a large amount of data for water quality, groundwater quantity, surface water quantity, climate, fish communities, and land use change, the data was analyzed and presented in a way that is easily understood by watershed residents. Some of the feedback that we have received:

“I thought this report card format was very well done and effective at conveying a lot of information concerning a watershed in an understandable way.”

“This is an excellent presentation, underlying which is a seemingly robust earth science baseline data set …….”

“Very impressive document and should be an excellent tool as you continue your efforts to protect and enhance the Credit River Watershed. Well done!”

The Watershed Report has been published in Currents, a CVC publication that is distributed to all of our watershed residents.

CVC’s next step is to create a detailed summary of the report. It will be produced in a format that is colourful, and easy-to-understand. We expect this to be ready very soon, stay tuned.

CVC and TRCA hold 3rd Public Information Session in Caledon

On Monday April 10th, CVC and TRCA held a 3rd public information session to inform the public about Ontario Regulation 97/04 – Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alteration to Shorelines and Watercourses. This regulation will replace the existing Fill, Construction and Alteration to Waterways Regulations currently administered by Credit Valley Conservation and Toronto and Region Conservation, as a result of revisions made to the Conservation Authorities Act by the Province of Ontario.

This was a supplementary meeting to the public information sessions that were held on December 13, 2005 in Caledon East and February 7th, 2006 at the Brampton Fairgrounds.

Development within areas that are adjacent or close to watercourses, valleys, wetlands or shorelines may be affected by this regulation. Development includes: construction and reconstruction of a building or structure; any change to a building or structure that has the effect of changing its use, increasing its size or increasing the number of dwelling units; and, site grading and place of or removal of fill. In addition, works that interfere or alter a watercourse or wetland are also subject to this regulation.

The information session gave those affected a chance to gain a better understanding of the regulation and to provide comments on the mapping.

CVC Prepares for the Peel Children's Water Festival

CVC staff are busy again this year preparing a fun and interactive activity for the over 6000 children that will be in attendance at the 10th Annual Peel Children’s Water Festival. The festival will take place at Heart Lake Conservation Area in Brampton, ON from May 25-26 and again from May 29-31 for Peel elementary school students. There will also be a community day for the public on Saturday May 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m..

Not only will CVC’s activity, “Fishes of the Credit” teach children some valuable facts about the Credit River, but it will also give them the chance to try their luck at make-believe fishing. In addition to CVC’s booth, there will be over 50 activity centres to explore, so come on out on May 27 and have some fun learning a little bit about our environment.

For more information, visit http://www.region.peel.on.ca/news/events/waterfestival/index.htm