Newsletter Ausable Bayfield Conservation March-April 2012

We appreciate your interest in the work of landowners and other partners, like you, who are creating healthier Ausable Bayfield watershed communities. This newsletter is to let you know about opportunities for stewardship funding and technical support, programs, events, community news, the work of Ausable Bayfield Conservation and its partners, and ways you can help improve water quality, forest conditions, and habitat in your community.

Community releases Conservation Strategy

Thanks go to the 34 people from the watershed community who attended meetings between 2010 and 2011 to prepare a long-term guiding document for conservation in Ausable Bayfield watersheds
This long-term guiding document was released before more than 90 people at the March 15 annual Conservation Awards. Visit http://abca.on.ca/newsfull.php?NewsID=282 to read this community-created plan that provides us with a new mission, vision, logo, motto/tagline, action items and concept of how we can work together to create healthier watersheds and healthier people.

Conservation Award presented to two watershed couples

Two couples from Ausable Bayfield watersheds have been named as Conservationists of the Year at an awards ceremony held on Thursday, March 15, 2012 near Exeter.
Ausable Bayfield Conservation presented the annual award to Joan and John Love, of the Grand Bend area, and Ann and Bill Phelan, from north of Bayfield. For more information visit: http://abca.on.ca/newsfull.php?NewsID=283

Conservation Dinner features more than just art – sports, travel, jewelry and more

Autographed sports memorabilia among generous auction donations
The Conservation Dinner on Thursday, April 19 will not only feature art but donations include sports memorabilia, travel, and valuable items to suit every taste. Visit http://abca.on.ca/newsfull.php?NewsID=287 for more information. Certified General Accountants of Ontario have donated the Hockey Night in Toronto package worth $680. That package includes a one-night stay at the Intercontinental Hotel, two tickets to the Toronto Maple Leafs’ opening-night game of the 2012-2013 season, and dinner for two at Azure Restaurant and Bar. A hockey jersey autographed by Stanley Cup winner Ray Bourque, featuring a Stanley Cup crest, is another one of the coveted items at this year’s auction. (The jersey was donated by Leigh and Jeff Kints). Committee Chair Bob Radtke thanked all the donors for their generosity this year.One of the many coveted auction items will be a round trip voyage for four between London and Quebec City, courtesy of VIA Rail Canada. Find out about our Special Guest Host Doug Brooks at http://abca.on.ca/newsfull.php?NewsID=262 or our acclaimed Feature Artist Martin Zimmer at http://abca.on.ca/newsfull.php?NewsID=265 or visit www.conservationdinner.com

Spring tree planters wanted

The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) is looking for energetic, enthusiastic people to plant trees through our spring tree planting program. For more information visit: http://abca.on.ca/newsfull.php?NewsID=281

Flood message terms updated

ABCA introduces new flood message status terms to reflect new provincial standard

Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) has updated the terminology it uses for flood status messages to municipalities. The local conservation authority made the change to be consistent with new standards introduced across the province of Ontario. Visit http://abca.on.ca/newsfull.php?NewsID=285 for more information.

Only one month left to support local project to help water quality

You can still support Ausable Bayfield Conservation's base mapping project that will assist water quality projects in your local watershed. However, you need to vote by April 30, 2012 for this project. Visit Shell FuellingChange™ at http://fuellingchange.com/main/project/208 to vote for this worthwhile work. At time of newsletter, this environmental project was in seventh place in voting and your votes are needed to keep it in the top eight to bring additional financial support into this area for the work. Also, In celebration of World Water Day, Shell FuellingChange™ is offering all registered users 50 Bonus Votes to allocate to the environmental projects of their choice. To earn the votes, account holders must redeem the following Bonus Code: t73-tIIse5H by 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, March 29, 2012.

Huron Perth Agriculture Water Festival approaches

Open House for Public: The Huron Perth Agriculture and Water Festival (HPAWF) committee has announced it will hold its second annual open house for the public following the success of last year’s event. Organizers say there will be new additions this year at the free open house event, which takes place Wednesday, April 11 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Seaforth and District Community Centre and Seaforth Agri-Plex at 122 Duke Street. For more information visit: http://abca.on.ca/newsfull.php?NewsID=279
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