The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) has acquired 40 hectares, or 100 acres, in the heart of the Minesing Wetlands.
The acquisition adds another piece to more than 60 years of conservation efforts to protect one of Southern Ontario’s largest and most significant wetland systems.
Minesing Wetlands is a Ramsar Wetland of International Significance, making it an internationally recognized ecological area and a regional biodiversity hotspot.
The wetlands straddle the townships of Clearwater, Springwater, and Essa.
The wetlands provide critical habitat for a diverse range of wildlife, along with opportunities for birdwatching and paddling.
They also provide important natural benefits to communities throughout the Nottawasaga watershed.
Minesing Wetlands also function as important natural infrastructure.
The wetland filters pollutants and nutrients while absorbing and storing excess water during heavy rainfall, spring snowmelt, and periods of high groundwater.
By slowing and storing water, the wetlands help reduce peak flows and contribute to flood protection for downstream communities, including Wasaga Beach.
For upstream communities, the wetlands also help reduce erosion by slowing the movement and reducing the volume of water entering downstream rivers and streams.
The NVCA says these natural functions provide significant environmental and community benefits, helping build watershed resilience while protecting communities and infrastructure from the impacts of flooding and erosion.
“This acquisition is another example of what can be accomplished through a long-term commitment to conservation,” said Kyra Howes, Director of Conservation Services with NVCA. “Minesing Wetlands was not protected all at once. It has been built piece by piece, property by property, through the efforts of many organizations, landowners and conservation partners. Each protected property strengthens this interconnected landscape and helps ensure the wetland continues to provide its ecological and community benefits well into the future.”
The NVCA has been working to secure the core of Minesing Wetlands for more than 60 years.
During that time, it has worked with numerous conservation partners, including the Nature Conservancy of Canada and Ducks Unlimited Canada, to protect portions of the wetland.
“Minesing Wetlands is one of the great natural gems of our watershed,” said Jonathan Scott, NVCA Chair. “This acquisition may be a small piece of the larger Minesing puzzle, but every piece matters. By protecting these lands today, we are helping ensure that the wetland can continue providing flood protection and critical benefits to wildlife, the environment and our communities for generations to come.”
The NVCA is encouraging landowners within Minesing Wetlands and throughout the watershed to consider the long-term future of their properties.
Landowners interested in exploring options for conserving their land can contact NVCA staff to discuss the opportunities available.
