MVCA seeks feedback on land conservation, resource strategy

WEST CARLETON – Now’s your chance to give your input to the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) Land Conservation and Resource Strategy, as the local conservation authority gets ready to update its policy.

“A draft of the Land Conservation and Resource Strategy is now available for review,” MVCA staff released in a statement today (Oct. 28).

Conservation authorities are required to review their land holdings and the programs and services they deliver by the end of 2024.

The resultant strategy is to:

• guide land acquisitions, development, and disposals;
• demonstrate how MVCA’s land (and easements etc.) integrate with other publicly-owned properties and enhance natural heritage in our jurisdiction;
• establish acceptable land uses and the programs and services for each site; and
• identify funding sources for those programs and services.

The strategy will also inform the design and delivery of MVCA’s programs and services by:

• providing guiding principles and objectives;
• outlining how MVCA will track progress against them;
• identifying gaps and challenges to delivering programs and services;
• development pressures, funding needs, and revenues.

A Discussion Paper and Current State Report were released for review in July, with the comment period ending Sept. 6. 

“A virtual information session and two surveys were used to collect feedback both on the discussion paper and on recreational based activities associated with conservation areas,” the MVCA said. “Thank you to all who took part. 

Find the results here:  Discussion Paper Survey; Recreation Survey.

Currently the document is in the public consultation process and the MVCA is asking residents to get involved.

“Sign-up for our virtual Information Session scheduled Oct. 29, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., during which we will present key elements of the strategy and be available to answer questions and receive feedback,” the MVCA said.

The comment period ends Nov. 22. Following the consultation period, the document will be amended as needed and rise to MVCA’s board of directors for approval on Dec. 9.

For more information, including the draft MVCA Land Conservation and Resource strategy and to sign-up for the virtual information session, click here.