Chatham – A second set of Lower Thames Valley watershed report cards has been rolled out and the grades indicate our watershed is stressed as are the many of Ontario’s watersheds – particularly those in southern, more urban areas.

Conservation Authority watershed report cards show an average grade of ‘C’ for surface water quality and ‘C’ for forest conditions. Groundwater appears to be in better shape, however it is much more difficult to assess on a watershed-wide basis.

The first set of watershed report cards was released in 2013 and showed similar results. The main challenges to healthy watersheds continue to be the impacts of urbanization and climate change.

These watershed report cards bring attention to how important it is to protect our lakes, rivers, streams and groundwater. We rely on them as sources for drinking water, in addition to all kinds of other uses.

“The Conservation Authority Watershed Report Cards provide science-based information to government and agency partners. They are also a good way to get information out to local residents who are very curious about conditions in their areas,” says Kim Gavine – General Manager of Conservation Ontario. “Conservation Authorities also provide information on lots of opportunities for people to get involved and take action.”

“The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority Report Card has  grades that  indicate that our watersheds are stressed.  This may be concerning,  however many residents and landowners are doing work to improve our watershed and help us change these grades.   For more information on opportunities to get involved and take action contact the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority,” says Mark Peacock, General Manager / Secretary-Treasurer of the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority.

Using a variety of methods, including provincial monitoring networks, Conservation Authorities typically monitor and report on three resource categories: surface water quality, forest conditions and groundwater quality. Some Conservation Authorities have also provided information on the state of wetlands in their watersheds.

Conservation Authorities work in many local, provincial and federal partnerships with governments, other agencies, landowners and residents to plan and deliver watershed management programs that strive to keep Ontario’s watersheds healthy. The watershed report cards can be used to target specific actions to address issues and improve conditions.

You can access the Lower Thames Valley watershed report card at www.ltvca.ca and find more information about Ontario’s watershed report cards at www.watershedcheckup.ca .  As well, a story map has been developed to show more detailed information about conditions across the province: www.stateofontariowatersheds.ca

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For more Information;

Jason Wintermute – Water Management Supervisor – Jason.Wintermute@ltvca.ca

Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority

519-354-7310 ext.227

Kim Gavine, General Manager, Conservation Ontario  kgavine@conservationontario.ca

905.895.0716 ext 231

Jane Lewington, Marketing & Communications Specialist  jlewington@conservationontario.ca

905.895.0716. ext 222

Conservation Ontario represents Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities.

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