22 Better Farming | October 2024 Follow us on @BetterFarmingON WETLAND MAPPING CONCERNS The farming community’s voice on land use and government policy can be strong, as a recent series of events proved. In April, changes to the Ontario government’s Conservation Authorities Act set in motion changes to wetland mapping in Eastern Ontario. This was a cause for concern among local producers, who recognized that farming operations could be impeded by these changes. The regulation updates aimed to streamline the approach to wetland protection across the province. Three conservation authorities – South Nation Conservation (SNC), Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) and the Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA) – were ordered to update their mapping to align with the new regulations. Short timelines and communication gaps increased anxiety from the agricultural communities within these conservation regions. Clint Cameron was settling into his new role as OFA Zone 11 director when these changes began. “There’s a lot of history here with regards to conservation authorities and agriculture, and we aren’t alone with the apprehension and relationship gaps with them,” says Cameron. “Across most of southern Ontario, conservation authorities have played a valuable role in things like flood mitigation and administering stewardship programs. OFA continues to advocate for farmers and property owner’s best interests while understanding the role conservation authorities have and working together to support farm members and enhance environmental conditions on-farm.” The wetland mapping project progressed quickly, with some producers feeling left in the dark. What actually WETLAND MAPPING CONCERNS: A CASE STUDY ‘FARMERS STILL HAVE A PUSH.’ BY EMILY MCKINLAY moneycue_canada_ stock.adobe.com
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