NPCA throws a party
New environmental initiatives announced; some staff re-hired
Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority chief administrative officer Mark Brickell announced two front-line staff would be returning to work.
During a celebration held at Ball’s Falls Conservation Area Wednesday afternoon, Brickell said through discussions, NPCA and OPSEU made it possible for the two staff to return to work after recent layoffs. The returning workers are part of the restoration division.
NPCA board chair Sandy Annunziata announced several new initiates during the celebration. The initiatives include a 100-year water quality improvement plan, one million trees and three million native species to be planted, lead role in climate change mitigation, new partnership and dialogue with the people of the watershed, leading and learning organization, innovative technology and data integration, establish annual watershed champions awards program, and a 100year land plan.
These initiatives need the expertise of the returning restoration employees, which Brickell said he was pleased to have come back to work. NPCA will further the conservation, restoration and management of natural resources through the implementation of these programs.
“We have to make sure to take care of the watershed, not just for us, but for the generations after us,” Brickell said during the event.
Annunziata also expressed concern for the watershed, saying the NPCA and its partners are committed to improving the quality of the water within the watershed, from the rivers to the lakes. The goal is to make the water clear, odourless and safe for people to swim and/or boat in. In order to improve water quality Annunziata said it is important for the NPCA to not only partner with local government, but also our American neighbours.
“This is not something the NPCA can do alone,” he said.
Another key initiative announced is the NPCA’s goal to plant one million trees and three million native species. Annunziata said this will help reduce soil erosion and support native animal species. There is a real problem with invading species choking out native species, Annunziata said. By planting native species, it provides a better chance for those plants to survive and to support at-risk species.
Earlier this week, in partnership with Delta by Marriott and The Carbon Farmer, Brad Rabiey, NPCA staff and volunteers planted 2,000 trees at Smith Ness Forest Conservation Area in Niagara Falls. This is just the beginning of the tree planting process and partnerships with local businesses and organizations within the watershed.
To ensure each initiative is successful the NPCA is planning to recruit between 700 and 5,000 volunteers within the next two years.