Trout Creek Community-based Watershed Project

Trout Creek watershed map
Trout Creek Watershed Report Card (pdf file)
Open House/ Public Meeting notes (December 2008) (pdf file)
Trout Creek Watershed Action Group (WAG)
Draft Technical Background Summary
Trout Creek Watershed Action Plan

The Trout Creek Collaborative has received a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to implement a community-based watershed strategy for the Trout Creek watershed. The Collaborative includes the Town of St. Marys, the Rotary Club of St. Marys, the Township of Zorra, and the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority.

The community-based watershed strategy process involves the residents of the Trout Creek watershed in:

prioritizing environmental concerns,
identifying activities to address the environmental concerns, and
building local frameworks for ongoing implementation of the activities.

The process brings together technical and cultural objectives to create consensus around action plans. The underlying belief behind the approach is that involving community members will result in the creation of the very best strategy – one that will be implemented over the long-term.

An Open House participant places a tack to indicate where his property is located.

Trout Creek Technical Advisory Committee (TAC)

A Trout Creek Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) has been created to collect existing water and land use data as well as cultural (history, socio-economic) information. The committee consists of representatives from various agencies and organizations with a range of expertise. The TAC has prepared a draft report and maps outlining its findings.

Running parallel to the TAC is the community research and communications aspect of the strategy. This involves developing a contact list of stakeholders, identifying all information conduits within the community, and developing communication support materials such as displays and presentations. Every opportunity is being taken to encourage participation in the strategy development process. Presentations are being made to municipal councils, community groups and interested stakeholders.

Open House/ Public Meeting - December 2008

A community Open House/ Public Meeting was held in December 2008. (Click HERE to see meeting summary). The event provided community members with an opportunity to review and “ground truth” the mapping information collected to date, and note where information should be corrected or updated. The meeting gave participants an opportunity to identify what they feel are local environmental priorities and concerns and to volunteer for the Watershed Action Group (WAG).

Draft Technical Background Summary

The TAC has completed a draft technical report, with mapping.

Participants at the Open House view maps and displays, and talk with technical staff.

Trout Creek Watershed Action Group (WAG)

The Trout Creek WAG will oversee, from a community standpoint, the development of the strategy. This group will represent the broader community and act to liaise between the technical team and other members of the community. The Committee members will be recruited though presentations made to local community groups and municipal councils, through media releases and a website. The WAG will meet regularly to identify potential restoration activities and sites and prepare funding applications. It will also oversee the implementation of the plan including the community liaison role and ongoing evaluation.

For More Information

For more information, please contact , Community Education Specialist, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (ph: 519-284-2829, ext. 422).

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