MVCA launching land conservation strategy

WEST CARLETON – The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) is launching a review of its land holdings, programs and services and is looking for public input.

“Have you heard conservation authorities have been tasked with reviewing our land holdings and the programs and services we deliver?” MVCA general manager Sally McIntyre released in a statement yesterday (July 9). “Our review and the development of a policy document are to be completed by the end of 2024.”

The MVCA has prepared two documents to enable the public as a key stakeholder to provide input into the project.

• The Discussion Paper (7 pages) poses key questions that MVCA needs to consider.
• The Current State Report is a reference document that provides useful background information.

You can respond to the discussion paper using the MVCA’s online survey, or submit comments to: info@mvc.on.ca re:  Land and Resource Strategy.

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.

“We are also hosting a virtual Information Session Tuesday July 16 at 4:30 p.m. during which we will provide background information, answer questions, and receive feedback on matters of importance to you,” McIntyre said.

Please register in advance here.

The online survey will be open and comments received until Friday, Sept. 6. The strategy is to be drafted this fall, and go to MVCA’s board of directors for approval in December.

“We look forward to engaging with you on this project,” McIntyre said. “Please feel free to circulate this notice to others within and outside your organization.”