The Lake Simcoe Conservation Preserve covers about 360 hectares of forests, wetlands, grasslands, and farmland.
NEWS RELEASE
LAKE SIMCOE REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
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The Board of Directors for the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority has given the go-ahead to a Comprehensive Stewardship Plan that will oversee the long-term management of the Lake Simcoe Conservation Preserve located in Georgina, Ontario.
“The approval of this plan is an important milestone in establishing a long-term vision for the Preserve,” said Peter Ferragine, Bradford West Gwillimbury Councillor and Chair of the Conservation Authority Board. “It provides a balanced framework that protects ecological integrity while creating opportunities for future stewardship, learning, and connection to the land.”
The Preserve consists of approximately 360 hectares (890 acres) of forests, wetlands, grasslands, and agricultural lands. The Conservation Authority acquired the property in March 2022 from the Province of Ontario, and a subsequent Minister’s Zoning Order ensured that the lands will be permanently conserved. The acquisition represented the largest land transfer in the history of the Lake Simcoe watershed and was the result of more than a decade of discussions involving the Conservation Authority, the Province, the Town of Georgina, and the landowner.
Since acquiring the property, the Conservation Authority has conducted extensive environmental studies along with Indigenous engagement and broad local consultation to better understand its potential and create a long-term vision for its future. The local advisory committee included First Nations members as well as Municipal, Regional, and community representatives from various professional sectors. Public input came through open houses, online surveys on ‘Have Your Say’ platform by the Authority, door-to-door conversations with neighboring properties, and significant social media interactions.
With guidance from advisory committee feedback and public responses using a two-eyed seeing approach that combines Indigenous Knowledge with Western science methods, this Comprehensive Stewardship Plan lays out a balanced strategy for managing this property. It aims to protect and restore vital natural features while promoting Indigenous cultural connections alongside sustainable agriculture practices as well as passive recreation opportunities like education and community involvement. The plan also pinpoints chances for visitor amenities such as trailheads, parking areas, and educational facilities to enhance public access and learning experiences.
“The next phase is all about turning this vision into actionable steps,” said Mark Critch, Acting Chief Administrative Officer. “These action plans will set priorities for restoration efforts along with stewardship initiatives while ensuring decisions remain grounded in solid science as well as perspectives from Indigenous communities plus local insights.”
Now that there’s a long-term framework established in place moving forward; upcoming tasks will focus on crafting detailed action plans beginning in 2027 that guide future stewardship efforts related to restoration activities including agriculture aspects alongside recreational needs throughout The Preserve.
This Comprehensive Stewardship Plan reinforces commitment towards watershed health climate resilience conservation practices combined with responsible land management strategies going ahead further maintaining active dialogue among Indigenous communities residents stakeholders plus municipal partners who are involved throughout implementation processes ahead!
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