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Conserving Nature in Carolinian Canada

A Strategy for the Future October 20, 2006

Carolinian Canada Coalition Forum 2006Growing Sustainable Connections

A Special Case for Canada & Ontario

Highest Biodiversity & Species at RiskMost Threatened Landscape

Ecological Needs are Urgent

A Specialized Approach is neededPrivate

Multiple ownershipMultiple users

Small sitesIntense land use

25% of Canada’s populationRichest Land base in CanadaHigh Demand for assistance

Good Ideas are developed here because effective solutions are needed fast

High populationshelp shape flexible conservation actions

“The Challenges are Immense but the Opportunities

are Greater”

Size of area is ‘Do-able’High Impact for minimal resourcesOpportunity to be VisionaryThe Time is Right Now.

1/3 of Canada’s Species at Risk

Area of High Heritage Value

Urgent Ecological Need Priority Bioregion

Global Steward Like No other Place

Specialized Landscape Private & Active

Community Interest Immediate Opportunities

Existing Network Stakeholders & Science

Carolinian Canada CoalitionMaking the Connections

Protecting the Unique Nature Protecting the Unique Nature of Southwestern Ontarioof Southwestern Ontario

Why CCC?

LeadingEcoregional

group

ImplementationNetwork forProvincial &

National Strategies

Coordinate between

communities

Sense of PlaceConnection

with residents

Effective Government &

Ngo partnership

Collaborative Efficient

Science-based Framework

Community-oriented

Linking Between Scales

Back Yard

Back Field

Property

County

Watershed

Ecoregion

Ontario

Canada

Global

The Coalition38 Critical Unprotected Sites

ResearchInventories

Planning Recommendations

Private Land Stewardship467 stewardship

agreements (~6,000 ha)

Spin-Off EvolutionsTallgrass Ontario,

Farmland TrustStewardship programs

Land Protection

2,000 acres

From “Islands of Green”

to “Landscapes of Green”

Cores + Connections= Healthy ecosystems= Healthy Landscapes= Thriving Communities

3. Promote a researched understanding of nature and its critical interdependence with humans.

Objects

2. Collaborate with individuals and groups who care about natural lands to enhance the effectiveness of conservation action in Carolinian Canada.

1. Protect and restore natural heritage in Carolinian Canada for healthy, balanced and sustainable landscapes.

Collaborative Strategies

Consensus for Actions

Identify priorities and rolesfor each sector & scale

Integration into hundreds of linked strategies & programs

The Big PictureEffective & Collaborative Biodiversity Conservation

Shared vision & priorities

Clarify roles

Adaptable to reflect new science &

changing context

Strategic Networking

Socio-economic

links

Cores will act a demonstration to surrounding private landscape to create connections and corridors

THINKING BIG140 Core HabitatsA framework for coordinated, strategic &

efficient action between all partners

ChallengesSprawl

Fragmentation

Multi-use Landscape

Severe Losses

Bioregional Planning

Natural Corridors

Conservation Stewardship

Ecological Restoration

Big Picture Opportunities

Carolinian Woodland Recovery StrategyEfficient Recovery for 500+ rare elements

Species

CommunitiesCoordinate with on-ground

programs-Local Leaders

- Community Conservation Plans

EcosystemsPolicy, Planning &

Stewardship

- Big Picture Guidelines

High Priority Sites - Link Recovery

Actions

Zone Coordination- Woodland Network

INTEGRATE NATURE

Planning Symposia

Advisory Reps

Policy Committee

Awards

Big Pic Report Card

FacilitateInformed

Decision-making

LandownerLinks

CommunityOutreach

SectorTools

MAKE IT EASY

Stewardship Guides

Links to Partners

Relevant incentives

Local Leaders

CCC Almanac

INSTILL PRIDE

Heritage Plaques

Roadshow, Media

CC Book

Volunteer Network

Strategic Networking

Connect Members & AlliesLink to decision-makers

Professional Development5000+ Communication Hub Working Groups, Forums

Join to Be Part of:

1. A strong voice for the Carolinian Life Zone;

2. A coordinated approach to protect, restore & monitor natural heritage systems;

3. A vision for sustainable landscapes;

4. A coalition for positive action.

Many Thanks to our Photo & Art Contributors

Allen WoodliffeJohn Bellar

John AmbroseScott Gillingwater

Ben PorchukNick Mandrak

Gerry ClementsMary Gartshore

Ron GouldLynn Dukelow

Nancy RobinsonSusie Mah

Peggy HurstRichard HulseDonald Kirk

Shawn McKnightUpper Thames River Conservation Authority

Ontario Ministry of Natural ResourcesHamilton Naturalists’ Club

Hamilton Region Conservation AuthorityRural Lambton Stewardship Network

Nature Conservancy of Canada

Carolinian Canada Big Picture Map produced by Ontario Natural Heritage Information Centre for the Carolinian

Canada Coalition