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Lakeland Conference geared
to protecting waterlands
Wednesday, September 15, 2004 - Roderick
Benns
The Buckhorn Community Centre will be the site of the 2004
Lakeland Conference, designed for shoreline owners, cottagers
and community groups interested in protecting the ecological,
economic and recreational value of waterfront lands.
The Oct. 2 conference will give people the opportunity
to learn about the latest advancements in lake ecology, the environmental
value of waterfront property and the importance of proper shoreline
management, according to information from organizers.
As Terry Rees of the Federation of Ontario Cottagers
Association explains in a press release, the conference will offer
a variety of presentations and workshops on topics of current
interest to those who have an interest in the health of area lakes.
"Understanding the characteristics of our
lakes and the impacts of human activities provides the basis from
which to advance our collective efforts to ensuring the long-term
integrity of this ecosystem," he says.
Jennifer Card, Stewardship Co-ordinator for
the Ministry of Natural Resources in Bancroft, says the conference
always tries to address current issues, with the consistent underpinning
of ecology and responsible land use.
"This year, we're really pushing the idea
of keeping shorelines natural," she says.
Local experts will lead discussions on shoreline
naturalization, native and invasive aquatic species, water management
regulations and permits, water quality testing and treatment as
well as the impacts of development and effective stewardship practices.
The conference is being organized and supported
by many organizations, including Stewardship Councils of Bancroft
and Peterborough, the Federation of Ontario Cottagers Associations,
Otonabee Conservation, Peterborough Green Up and many others.
Tickets for a raffle can be purchased at the supporting organizations
leading up to the conference, which will also be the draw date.
A Debbie Fitzgerald painting valued at $4,000 will be raffled,
as will a $2,000 sculpture by Kris Nahrgang. As well, Young's
Point General Store will offer up a $450 kayak package for the
draw.
The conference will feature speakers, workshops,
exhibits and networking with biologists, water managers and planners.
Topics will include water quality, shoreline development and the
permitting process, and GIS as a tool in lake planning. Guests
will include the Honourable Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Environment
(still to be confirmed), The Wshkijgomaang Lady Singers from Curve
Lake and inspirational speaker and biologist, Michael Jackson.
The one-day conference is $20 per person and
includes lunch and conference materials. Advance registration
is recommended. Call Jennifer Card at the Ontario Ministry of
Natural Resources at (613) 332-3940 ext. 260.
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