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OUR SUCCESSES
1. We have planted over 260,000 trees from 1995 to 1999 in partnership with the Nottawasage Valley and Grey Sauble Conservation Authorities. Supporting donors include the Schad Foundation, the Ivey Foundation, and the Friends of the Environment Foundation. |
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2. Since 1996, we have hosted annual fund-raising/membership drive dinners. The 1996 "Founders of Conservation" event recognized the many people who drafted the Niagara Escarpment Plan and founded the Niagara Escarpment Commission. |
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1997: we honored volunteers who have made significant contributions at the local grassroots level at the "Celebration of Unsung Heroes" dinner. |
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1998: we celebrated "Green Businesses" who have made significant changes in mode of operations (more in keeping with appropriate carrying capacity and non-polluting practices). Valerie Chort of the Schad Foundation was the guest speaker. |
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1999: we celebrated Terk Bayly and several other landowners who promoted and incorporated the Niagara Escarpment Plan in and through mutually enhancing development. |
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The Year 2000 "Tracks in Time" happening celebrated the Craigleith Heritage ridge and environs, a place whose presence in our history needs an authentic voice. |
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In October 2001, we presented land stewardship awards to the landowners who had participated in the Beaver River Water Quality Improvement Project at a dinner held at Osler Bluff Ski Club. Noted local wood-carver James Harkness was the guest speaker. |
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In October 2002, the BMWTF, in partnership with the Environment Network and the Centre for Business and Economic Development hosted an afternoon luncheon at the Vacation Inn. The guest speaker was Dr. Thomas Homer-Dixon, noted author of “The Ingenuity Gap”. |
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3. In 1995, to direct the efforts of our programs, our "Natural Heritage Systems Plan" was prepared with financial assistance from the Percy R. Gardiner Foundation.
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4. In April of 1999, we organized "Sustaining Our Water Resources", a one-day conference with funding from the Friends of the Environment Foundation. This was one of the catalysts for the $300,000 A-E-M-O-T Groundwater Management Study funded by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment in 2000 and 2001. (The Trust contributed $3,105. from the Terk Bayly Fund for the purchase and operation of a streamflow monitoring gauge.)
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5. The BMWT Foundation is running, under the capable management of Ray Robertson, the Beaver River Water Quality Improvement Project. This major water quality improvement initiative started in 2000 and extends for three years. Funding from EcoAction (Canada), Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and the Trillium Foundation supports this team effort. Partners include: |
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Blue Ridge Sportsmen's Club |
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Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority |
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Grey Sauble Conservation Authority |
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Grey County Soil and Crop Improvement Association |
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Town of the Blue Mountains |
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Collingwood Township Federation of Agriculture |
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Information meetings for landowners and have been held in April 2000 and April 2001. A bus tour was held October 5, 2001. Projects completed were 25 in 2000, 20 in 2001 and 4 to date in 2002.
Farmers and landowners located in the Beaver River watershed are encouraged to contact Ray Robertson, Project Manager, c/o Grey County Agricultural Services Centre, 206 Toronto Street, Markdale N0C 1H0, phone 519-986-3756, fax 519-986-3014.
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6. Publication of our semi-annual newsletter, "The Watershed News" to inform the membership, other supporters and environmental groups as well as the media of our activities and accomplishments.
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7. We have over 200 members. |
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