Otonabee Conservation releases the 2022 Annual Report to the Watershed Community.
Otonabee Conservation has released their 2022 Annual Report to the Watershed Community, highlighting last year’s accomplishments, thanking donors for their contributions, and giving supporters a better understanding of the Authority’s impact.
“Like many organizations, 2022 saw Otonabee Conservation settling into the new normal,” shares Janette Loveys Smith, CAO at Otonabee Conservation, “After all the pivoting and adapting done as an organization throughout the pandemic, we have emerged more agile, resilient, and as a stronger public sector organization.”
Highlights from 2022 include:
- 1,118 planning and permitting inquiries, 370 permits issued, and 99% of those within the required timeline standards
- 14 flood messages issued; the water response team met 3 times but did not issue any low water messages.
- 18,420 day-use visitors at Warsaw Caves CA last year – a 97% increase in comparison with 2021!
- Planted 29,705 trees, over 1,000 shrubs and 256 wildflowers at 14 locations across the watershed. Additionally, 14,000 trees were purchased by residents through the Seedling Sales Program.
- Completed and released floodplain mapping for Meade, Curtis, Jackson, and Baxter Creeks, Lakefield Tributaries, North and South Kawartha Lakes, and the Ouse River.
- The Jackson Creek Trail Revitalization project wrapped up in 2022 after resurfacing 4,000 metres of trail, adding 2 culverts to remedy long term trail erosion issues, replacing railings on 3 bridges, and installing 10 accessible wayfinding signs, and 8 interpretive signs – 4 of which include Ojibway language through a partnership with Curve Lake First Nation Cultural Centre.
- An 80% increase overall in donations including a land donation from the Stewart Family in the Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan.
- Published the first Climate Change Report Card to measure the first year of the Otonabee Conservation’s Climate Change Strategy implementation.
“Otonabee Conservation’s board and staff have shown great dedication to the Conservation Authority’s mission. In 2022 we focused on ensuring the legislative responsibilities and policy changes were met and the organization has continued to be in good standing. Along with October municipal elections came the appointment of a new Board whose members have confirmed their commitment to Otonabee Conservation’s core values, success, and mandate.”
Ryan Huntley | Chair, Otonabee Conservation Board of Directors
View the 2022 Otonabee Conservation Annual Report to the Watershed Community, today!
For more information contact:
Karen Halley | Manager, Communications, Outreach & Special Projects
Otonabee Conservation
khalley@otonabeeconservation.com | 705-745-5791 ext. 224