FLAGSHIP CLEAN WATER PROGRAM CELEBRATES 20TH
South Nation Conservation’s groundbreaking Clean Water Program is entering its 20th year of partnering with landowners in the watershed to reduce contaminants entering its rivers and streams.
“It’s one of the longest running programs of its type in Ontario,” said Ronda Boutz, SNC Team Lead, Communications and Outreach, who managed the CWP for many years.
“Other jurisdictions have used it as a model when introducing similar programs intended to work in a cooperative way with landowners and other stakeholders.”
Depending on the nature of the project, the maximum grant is $10,000. Beneficiaries must provide the equivalent in cash, goods, or services. Since 1993, more than 720 projects valued at about $11.5 million have been triggered by over $2.2 million in CWP grants.
“It’s definitely a flagship program for SNC,” said General Manager Dennis O’Grady. “Not only has it been effective in reducing pollution, particularly phosphorus, but it has created considerable goodwill along the way.”
The CWP isn’t administered from on high. It’s operated at the grassroots level by a committee representing farmers, industries within the watershed, along with various levels of governments and agencies.
Applications are reviewed using a rating system to identify projects with the highest priority for water quality improvement. Site visits are made by farmers and other landowners with experience in the program.
Three years ago, a new component was added to the CWP allowing agricultural organizations to apply for support for initiatives connecting agriculture and the environment. Last year, two $500 awards were approved for farm groups within the 4000 square-km watershed.
Boutz noted the CWP is usually over-subscribed and those interested should apply early. The first meeting to review potential projects will be held June 10 when all available funding will likely be allocated.
Eligibility for agricultural applicants requires completion of a third edition Environmental Farm Plan; non-farmers must complete the Healthy Home Guidebook available through SNC.
Among projects regularly considered for funding are well decommissioning, manure storage, livestock access restriction to waterways, buffer strips, septic system upgrades, milk house wastewater disposal, barnyard run-off controls, stream bank erosion prevention, and controlled tile drainage.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Ronda Boutz, SNC, 877-984-2948, ex. 251
Rboutz@nation.on.ca