Report CSD12-014 Kawarthas, Naturally Connected Page 1 of 13 Kawarthas, Naturally Connected Project Identifying a Natural Heritage System (NHS) for the Kawartha Region kawarthasnaturally.ca Report CSD12-014 Page 2 of 13 Protecting Your Natural Environmental and Cultural Heritage in the Kawarthas Report CSD12-014 Page 3 of 13 Kawarthas, Naturally Connected is a Priority Action for Sustainable Peterborough…………… Natural Assets Report CSD12-014 Kawarthas, Naturally Connected Page 4 of 13 Kawarthas, Naturally Connected Project Identifying a Natural Heritage System (NHS) Natural Heritage Systems • “…a system made up of natural heritage features and areas linked by natural corridors which are necessary to maintain biodiversity…can include lands that have been restored and areas with potential to be restored…” (Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) 2005) • A system that maintains the health of the landscape, and the health of our communities. • An essential backbone of sustainability, including economic. • A system of green infrastructure providing critical ecosystem services. Report CSD12-014 Kawarthas, Naturally Connected Page 5 of 13 Many organizations and agencies are involved in land management but are their activities integrated? Southern Ontario: A Fragmented Landscape Report CSD12-014 Kawarthas, Naturally Connected Page 6 of 13 What is a Natural Heritage System (NHS)? • Features and areas: – Wetlands – Woodlands – Lakes – Streams – Meadows – Cultural Heritage Features – Plants and animals they contain D. Puric-Mladenovic – Respects cultural features and agricultural activities • Links these features and areas with natural ‘corridors’ The health of individual natural heritage features depends upon their placement within a functioning system. Report CSD12-014 Kawarthas, Naturally Connected Page 7 of 13 The Importance of a NHS Some of the many ecosystem services (nature’s benefits) provided by a healthy Natural Heritage System include: • Maintaining good air and water quality • Supporting the health of humans and our communities • Providing habitat for Ontario’s native species • Preventing soil erosion • Reducing flooding • Providing pollination of crops • Reducing the effects of climate change • Production of medicines, biofuels and forest products • Providing recreational opportunities Report CSD12-014 Kawarthas, Naturally Connected Page 8 of 13 Our Vision and Goals Vision: A landscape that supports the needs of people and nature in a way that preserves and enhances the unique character of the Kawarthas. Goal: Identify and map a connected system of natural areas that can inform and support: • sustainable land use planning and resource management decision- making • priorities for strategic stewardship and restoration projects • priorities for conservation land acquisitions • priorities for inventory programs and research projects. Report CSD12-014 Kawarthas, Naturally Connected Page 9 of 13 The Project Area The core area of interest includes: • the 8 lower tier municipalities in Peterborough County, the City of Peterborough and the City of Kawartha Lakes. • both jurisdictions of Otonabee Conservation and Kawartha Conservation. • 33 quaternary watersheds • a 5 kilometre buffer zone Report CSD12-014 Kawarthas, Naturally Connected Page 10 of 13 The Partners Involved • Agricultural Development Advisory Committee: City of Kawartha Lakes • Alderville First Nation • City of Kawartha Lakes • City of Peterborough • Clear/Stoney/White Lakes Environment Council • County of Peterborough • Ducks Unlimited Canada • Durham Region • Ontario Stone, Sand & Gravel Association • Federation of Ontario Cottagers Association • Ontario Woodlot Association • Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Lake Association • Otonabee Region Conservation Authority • Jack's Lake Cottagers Association • Parks Canada, Trent Severn Waterway • Kawartha Conservation • Peterborough County-City Health Unit • Kawartha Ecological Growers • Peterborough Historical Society • Kawartha Heritage Conservancy • Scugog First Nation • Kawartha Lake Stewards Association • Trans-Canada Trail • Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters • Trent University • Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources • Victoria Stewardship Council • Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport Report CSD12-014 Kawarthas, Naturally Connected Page 11 of 13 The Products of the NHS Project • A package of compiled information and spatial data layers that can be used as decision support tools. • A map outlining the Natural Heritage System • The NHS products will inform: Priorities for Stewardship Projects Land Use Planning and Policy Decisions Conservation Land Acquisitions Development Proposal Assessments (including cumulative effects) Priorities for Inventory Programs and Research Projects Report CSD12-014 Kawarthas, Naturally Connected Page 12 of 13 The Benefits of Using the NHS Products • The NHS provides a common vision for our landscape that is developed collaboratively by diverse interests. • The representation by diverse interests increases legitimacy and usefulness of the final products. • The process will lead to more coordinated and strategic conservation efforts. • The ultimate benefit is healthy natural and human environments for all residents. Report CSD12-014 Kawarthas, Naturally Connected Page 13 of 13 QUESTIONS? For More Information KAWARTHASNATURALLY.CA KAWARTHAHERITAGE.ORG MIKE HENDREN – 705-743-5599 [email protected] 13 .