September 2005

Ontario Trillium Foundation, CEDC, NT Temps Inc.

New Tecumseth Streams Committee, Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority, Nottawasaga Futures

Program goals of this initiative are:

• To develop community awareness and appreciation of stream and river resources in New Tecumseth through local volunteer participation in hands-on restoration and monitoring work.
• To enhance water quality, fish, and wildlife habitats and the environmental attributes of rivers, streams and stream-side corridors in the Town of New Tecumseth.
• To improve the health of rivers and streams flowing through the Town of New Tecumseth and therefore provide benefits to the health of the Nottawasaga River further downstream in Essa Township, Clearview Township, Springwater Township and the Town of Wasaga Beach.
• To optimize the benefits to local communities resulting from the presence of healthy streams and rivers (e.g., improved potential for community and economic growth due to enhanced sewage/phosphorous assimilative capacity in watercourses, access to a water resource of improved quality, improved opportunities for recreation, and tourism economic opportunities

The goals for year two were accomplished with the help of over 480 participants at 17 events translating into more than 2000 volunteer hours. Achievements included stream bank and flood plain restoration of a 775 sq. metre area along 250

M. of Beeton Creek to reduce phosphorous and sediment loading as well as planting 3000 native trees and business along local streams adding over 1200 metres of riparian cover.

Other program successes included: 

• engaging new “first time” volunteers
• solidifying repeat assistance from local service groups and clubs, the private sector, educators, youth, parents and children
• new partners with schools, industry and businesses
• offering three water related workshops and interpretive pond studies,and
• engaging in a number of monitoring activities.