NVCA and DUC Wetland Restoration Funding Available.

UTOPIA, ONTARIO–(Marketwired – June 16, 2014) – The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) encourage all landowners, contractors and habitat restoration professionals interested in restoring wetlands to mark their calendars for July 3, 2014. The two organizations are joining forces to host an exciting, informative and free Workshop on Wetlands, 6:30-9:00 p.m. at the Tiffin Centre, 8195 8^th Line, Utopia, near Barrie.

“We’re looking for folks that are wild about wetlands, stoked about swamps, delight in ducks and treasure turtles! If you’re interested in helping to protect and create these vital ecosystems, there are some great new resources,” says Shannon Stephens, Healthy Waters Program Coordinator at the NVCA.

Workshop participants will learn about restoration techniques, how to enhance shorelines, stream-banks and ponds for fish and wildlife. Participants will be the first to learn about a new grant program that will run until March 31, 2017, and may cover 50-90% of costs for wetland projects that qualify. Project examples include wetland restoration, wetland creation, livestock exclusion fencing and nest boxes.

Wetlands are rich ecosystems that provide an incredible range of benefits. They help control flooding, improve water quality and have rich biodiversity of species, just to name a few.

In much of southern Ontario, wetlands are under the stewardship of private landowners. There are many simple projects that can be done to help benefit these critical ecosystems. To assist landowners in protecting, restoring and creating functional wetlands, DUC, NVCA, the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority and the Severn Sound Environmental Association have teamed-up to form a Wetland Collaborative.

“Reducing phosphorous loading through wetland conservation is crucial to ensuring the healthy waters of Lake Simcoe and Georgian Bay,” says Sean Rootham, Conservation Programs Specialist for DUC. “Through the Lake Simcoe Georgian Bay Wetland Collaborative, Ducks Unlimited Canada and our partners will provide landowners opportunities to improve the quality of wetlands on their property while passing along these benefits to the surrounding community.”

The Workshop on Wetlands is a free event, but pre-registration is required. Contact Sean Rootham of Ducks Unlimited Canada at 705-721-4444 ext 232 or s_rootham@ducks.ca.

The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority is a public agency dedicated to the preservation of a healthy environment through specialized programs to protect, conserve and enhance our water, wetlands, forests and lands. Learn more at www.nvca.on.ca.

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is the leader in wetland conservation. A registered charity, DUC partners with government, industry, non-profit organizations and landowners to conserve wetlands that are critical to waterfowl, wildlife and the environment. Learn more at www.ducks.ca.

NVCA
Shannon Stephens
Healthy Waters Program Coordinator
Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority
705-424-1479 ext 239
sstephens@nvca.on.caDucks Unlimited Canada
Sean Rootham
Conservation Programs Specialist
Ducks Unlimted Canada
705-721-4444 ext 232
s_rootham@ducks.ca