South Nation

March 10, 2014 – South Nation Conservation held its annual information day for septic system contractors within much of its watershed recently and, as usual, there was an impressive turnout.

“There were 48 people in attendance,” said Monique Sauve, chief inspector for septic systems installed under SNC supervision. “There was a mixture of designers, installers, service and product providers, pumpers and engineers.”

SNC is partnering with North Stormont and local residents to develop a community walking trail in Moose Creek. The 1.5 km trail through mature, re-growth forest will be made possible with partial funding from corporate partner, Laflèche Environmental Inc. (LEI). An easement with local resident Viola McRae will connect the trail to an existing easement held by North Stormont. Construction will begin this spring, starting at Simeon Lane and ending at County Road #6. SNC will coordinate the construction and annually inspect the trail for hazard trees.

March 7, 2014 – With the 2014 ice fishing season coming to a close across Eastern Ontario in March, South Nation Conservation is reminding enthusiasts to clean up when they remove huts or say goodbye to their favourite winter spots to drop a line.

All huts out on frozen bodies of water in the region – which were required to be registered with the Ministry of Natural Resources and display their numbers outside – must be removed by March 15. Abandoned huts can end up cluttering waterways when the ice thaws, an offence under the Public Lands Act.

March 5, 2014 – Dignitaries and foresters gathered March 5 at the property of Roy Bureau near Vankleek Hill to officially launch a maximum $500 per woodlot subsidy process under the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program.

The United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR) are contributing a total of $5,000 to woodlot owners to assist in preparing management plans under the Tax Incentive Program.

That’s in addition to $25,000 for delivery of South Nation Conservation’s Woodlot Advisory Service (WAS) across the counties.

March 3, 2014 – Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities - who deliver a wide variety of conservation programs in local watersheds - commend the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) for its work in developing Canada’s first standalone proposed Invasive Species Act which is designed to address the urgent and growing problem of invasive species in Ontario.

The proposed Invasive Species Act would support the prevention, early detection, rapid response, and eradication of invasive species.

SOUTH NATION WATERSHED – South Nation Conservation (SNC) is ending the Watershed Conditions Statement: Flood Outlook issued on February 19, 2014.

Last week we have experienced some localized snow melt and water ponding in low areas but no major flooding has been reported. The snow cover has decreased throughout the watershed.    Environment Canada forecasted below freezing temperature for the current and next week.  The watercourses are expected to be back in normal winter condition. 

February 24, 2014 – Representatives from the Raisin and South Nation Watersheds have worked collaboratively for the past six years to develop a Plan to protect Municipal drinking water. The Source Protection Plan contains a number of policies that ensure certain activities are managed to keep drinking water safe.

February 19, 2014 – South Nation Conservation cautions that watercourses are expected to rise over the week due to above-freezing temperatures and rainfall.

Environment Canada forecasts above-freezing temperatures of 1-7 OC from Wednesday to Saturday and approximately 15 mm rain for this week. The forecasted weather will cause snow to melt and runoff to watercourses, which will increase river levels and flows throughout the South Nation watershed.  Ice covering larger water courses may become unstable due to increased water levels.

SNC is encouraging families to enjoy the outdoors this weekend. Ontario residents can fish without purchasing a licence February 15-17, 2014.

Share your catch!
Do you have any fishing photos you want to show off? Upload them to our Facebook and Twitter pages.

February 13, 2014 – Be prepared to be impressed by South Nation Conservation’s new public Geoportal, launched for all to see Feb. 13.

Like all other South Nation information and connection services, the Geoportal - a Geographic Information System (GIS) web mapping application – will be accessible at www.nation.on.ca.