Community Stream Steward Pilot Program kicks off

Immediate Release
August 21, 2003

Residents will be happy to hear that stream habitat help is on the way in Durham Region, Peterborough and Northumberland Counties, and the City of Kawartha Lakes. The Community Stream Steward Pilot Program is a new, three-year, Ontario Trillium Foundation funded partnership of the Ontario Wildlife Foundation, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters and the Durham and Victoria Stewardship Councils.

Other project partners include the Stewardship Councils of Northumberland and Peterborough Counties, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Peterborough District, the Kawartha, Otonabee and Toronto and Region Conservation Authorities, the Otonabee Conservation Foundation, Sir Sandford Fleming College and community members and landowners of the project area.

A Community Stream Steward Pilot Program project kick-off and Ontario Trillium Foundation cheque presentation by Durham M.P.P. John O’Toole, assisted by local Ontario Trillium Foundation grant review team member Mary Lou Ross, will take place Monday, August 25th at Linmill Farm in the town of Newtonville.

Festivities run from 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., and will include an optional walking tour demonstrating Community Stream Steward activities. This includes a new stream friendly river crossing, alternative cattle watering system, solar lighting, stream rehabilitation projects, nature trails and fish and wildlife viewing. The Linmill Farm is generously available free of charge, year round, for the use of adult and youth school, conservation, nature and education groups.

The support provided by the Ontario Trillium Foundation will help to educate area residents about the importance of coldwater stream habitats, and the steps required to properly assess and conduct independent stream restoration projects with up and downstream neighbors. Although the primary focus of this project is coldwater streams of Durham Region and the Oak Ridges Moraine area, technical assistance and support is available to anyone interested.

“This is a project that will assist the community in protecting and preserving fish, wildlife, and our natural habitat,” said Durham M.P.P. John O’Toole. “It will enlist the support of volunteers from Durham Region, Peterborough, Northumberland and the City of Kawartha Lakes to help build a healthier environment for ourselves and for our future. I commend the Ontario Wildlife Foundation and its partners for their vision and leadership.”

The Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Ministry of Culture, receives annually $100 million of government funding generated through Ontario’s charity casino initiative.

Landowners or residents interested in attending this function, or who would like more information on how to become a Community Stream Steward, are encouraged to contact the Community Stream Steward Pilot Program, located at the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters Head Office.