South Nation

Febrary 3, 2014 – Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Certified Forest Owners are contributing $5,000 towards expanding the Woodlot Advisory Service (WAS) across the 4,200 square-km South Nation Conservation watershed.

The announcement was made today on the property of George Velema at Avonmore. A former Domtar Cornwall executive, Velema is a long-time supporter of reforestation in the watershed.

In addition to Velema, a board member of the tri-county CFO, the event was officiated by the group’s president Elaine Kennedy, and by Bill Smirle, chairman of SNC.

January 24, 2014 – Upkeep of dams, weirs, built channels and erosion prevention structures within its drainage basin is one of the ongoing priorities of South Nation Conservation.

“It’s in part basic housekeeping,” said Sandra Mancini, SNC Team Lead, Water Resources. “But proper maintenance and repair is essential to avoid long-term damage to erosion and flooding. As dams age, risk can increase.”

SNC staff attended the Russell Horticultural Society’s Living Locally Fair, on January 18, 2014.

The annual event, held at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School, offers residents an opportunity to sample, buy, and take in spectacular spoils from the Village of Russell and surrounding area. About 130 exhibitors, including local artists, authors, craft and clothing vendors, food producers, and community organizations, lined the gym with delectable, homegrown, and homemade items and information.

January 17, 2014 - SOUTH NATION WATERSHED - South Nation Conservation (SNC) is ending the Watershed Conditions Statement: Flood Outlook issued on January 10, 2014.

Over the past 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 reduced by approximately 20 cm throughout the watershed.    Environment Canada forecasted below freezing temperature for the next week.  The watercourses are expected to be back in normal winter condition.  

South Nation Conservation is working with the Port of Johnstown to complete a fish habitat creation project along the St. Lawrence River. Work is underway to expand a wetland in Johnstown Bay into a larger, more beneficial area for fish.

“The Port is drawing on our expertise from similar fish habitat projects to ensure the project is successful and cost effective,” says Michelle Cavanagh, SNC Fish and Wildlife Resource Technician.

January 10, 2014 – SOUTH NATION WATERSHED – South Nation Conservation cautions that watercourses are expected to rise over the next few days due to above-freezing temperatures and rainfall.

Environment Canada forecasts above-freezing temperatures and rain for the next three days. 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.

December 16, 2013—Eastern Ontario's forests help filter the air we breathe; protect the water we drink; provide habitat for abundant wildlife; and supply us with valuable wood products. Recent trends in extensive forest-cover loss aren’t going unnoticed by local residents who are calling attention to the issue in newspapers. If left unchecked, this downturn in forest cover will directly impact the natural benefits that the watershed depends on.

Whether you visit a retail lot, or treasure an annual visit to a choose-and-cut farm, you will enjoy knowing that natural Christmas trees are the most environmentally-friendly crop around. More than 500 Ontario farmers supply us with Balsam and Fraser fir and white spruce this time of year. Every tree in Eastern Ontario comes from a crop tree farm, which are created specifically for Christmas trees. For every tree that is cut, there are ten more ready to take its place.

GivingTuesday is a day when charities, businesses, and individuals come together to celebrate giving. When you donate to South Nation Conservation, you help provide critical financing to projects designed to protect and restore a healthy watershed. Making a financial donation to SNC can be done here. Thank you for your participation.