Frequently Asked Questions
What is a watershed?
A watershed is an area of land drained by a river or stream. Similar to the branch of a tree, creeks empty into streams, which then empty into larger streams, eventually forming one main trunk, or river.
In our watershed, all of these rivers ultimately drain into Lake Simcoe. Within this system, everything is connected to everything else. In other words, actions which take place at the top of the system can and do affect those downstream.
What is watershed management?
Conservation Authorities rely on an integrated watershed management approach which requires us to manage human activities and natural resources, together, on a watershed basis taking into consideration the connected interests and needs of the environment, economy and society.
The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority is a local watershed management organization. We work with many partners, including our communities and municipal, provincial, and federal governments, year-round to provide the best scientific information on the health of the Lake Simcoe watershed.
How big is Lake Simcoe watershed?
The Lake Simcoe watershed is a large region, about 3,400 square kilometres in size. It is situated in our municipal communities of York Region, Durham Region, Simcoe County, Barrie, Orillia, and Kawartha Lakes. Its surface area is 722 square kilometres and if you walked around its shoreline, you would travel 240 kilometres!
When is this project expected to be completed?
The Strategy must be finalized and approved by the Board of Directors prior to December 31, 2024.
Why is the Conservation Authority just now creating a Watershed-based Resource Management Strategy?
The development of this Strategy has been mandated for all Conservation Authorities through the updated Conservation Authorities Act.
What is a conservation authority responsible for?
Conservation authorities are responsible for management of watershed health. They follow a holistic and integrated watershed management approach and use evidence based, scientific data to inform their work.
What will happen to my comments?
Your comments and survey answers will be received and reviewed by the Conservation Authority staff and may be incorporated into the strategy as part of the consultation process.
How long do i have to submit my comments?
The platform will be open for comments for 30 days from May 15 – June 15, 2024