Huron County Clean Water Project celebrates 10 years

Stewardship projects helping Lake Huron

The County of Huron has provided grants to county residents and community groups for a decade through the Huron County Clean Water Project. The county has helped citizens complete more than 1,790 projects to protect groundwater and water quality in creeks, rivers, and Lake Huron since the first payments were paid in 2005.

Reaching the 10-year milestone has demonstrated the commitment of the county and citizens to the cause of water quality. Several landowners, particularly farmers, have done multiple projects over the years. Having a long-term source of funding enables them to raise their portion of the project costs and incorporate projects such as erosion control into their crop rotations. Some farmers undertake stewardship projects such as decommissioning wells, planting windbreaks and installing berms as soon as they buy a new farm.

Any landowner or organization in Huron County can apply for funding for stewardship projects by calling the Ausable Bayfield or Maitland Valley Conservation Authorities. Grants range from $750 to $5,000 depending upon category, and applicants may make several applications at the same time.

The county initiative has provided more than $2.18 million in funding over the past decade to county landowners and community groups. That investment led to completed projects valued at more than $8 million. Each dollar contributed by the county has led to $3.70 of work from applicants and complementary programs such as national, provincial, and local sources.

Financial incentives are provided for windbreak and tree planting, upgraded wells, proper decommissioning of old wells, decommissioning of manure storage sites, and fencing cattle out of streams. Eligible projects also include wetland creation, diversion of water from manure and exercise yards, erosion control, stewardship guide implementation, stormwater management, fragile land retirement, and community and special projects.

Individual landowners in Huron County are also eligible to apply for 50 per cent funding, up to a $1,000 grant maximum for Forest Management Plans and Woodlot Enhancement. The Huron County Clean Water Project has been funded by the County of Huron and is delivered by the Maitland Valley and Ausable Bayfield conservation authorities.

For information on the program, grant rates, and eligible projects visit www.mvca.on.ca or http://www.abca. on.ca or call (519) 335-3557, (519) 235-2610 or tollfree 1-888-286-2610.

Local landowners have completed 1,790 projects with county support. They have:

• Completed 509 tree planting projects
• Decommissioned 417 unused wells
• Upgraded 332 private wells in need of upgrade
• Decommissioned 75 liquid manure storages
• Fenced cattle out of more than 40 kilometres of streams
• Planted more than 160 hectares of trees
• Established more than 106 kilometres of windbreaks
• Completed seven new Forest Management Plans