Otonabee Conservation releases the 2021 Annual Report to the Watershed Community
Peterborough, Ontario (Monday, April 25, 2022) After another year of pivoting due to the pandemic Otonabee Conservation has released its 2021 Annual Report to the Watershed Community.
The year began with an extended period of working from home. There were restrictions on gathering sizes, a prohibition on certain types of activities, and requirements to follow various precautionary procedures. Therefore, 2021 was a year that required Otonabee Conservation to be creative and flexible in how they provided programs and services to watershed residents.
“Our staff have worked very hard under challenging circumstances to fulfill our conservation mandate,” shares Dan Marinigh, CAO at Otonabee Conservation, “We responded to another year over year increase in the number of planning and permitting inquiries and permit applications, we also experienced an 11% increase in the number of campers at our campgrounds that were only open for a 17-week season versus the normal 23-week season – it was a busy year!”
More highlights from 2021 include:
- 34,846 campers and day visitors to the Warsaw Caves Conservation Area and Beavermead Campground
- 13,455 native trees and shrubs planted across the watershed that will sequester 2.5M+ kg of Carbon over their lifetime
- 16 flood messages issued to help protect life and property from flooding
- 213 active files responded to through the Drinking Water Source Protection Program with 67 notices issued under Section 59 of the Clean Water Act
- 1,300 pre-consultation files opened to assist clients in understanding natural hazards/heritage features on a property
- 105,540 website users and a 24% increase in social media followers
- The Your Metres Matter fundraising campaign raised over $23,000 for the revitalization of the Jackson Creek Trail
Board of Directors Chair, Ryan Huntley states, “Otonabee Conservation’s board and staff have shown great dedication to the Conservation Authority’s mission and have supported each other as we collectively met the challenges and opportunities during another unprecedented year.”
To view the Otonabee Conservation 2021 Annual Report to the Watershed Community, visit otonabeeconservation.com.
For more information contact:
Karen Halley | Communications & Marketing Coordinator
Otonabee Conservation
khalley@otonabeeconservation.com | 705-745-5791 ext. 224