Donna Villemaire was re-elected Chair of Kawartha Conservation, and Pat Warren was elected to Vice Chair, during our Annual General Meeting yesterday in Lindsay.

The 9-person Board of Directors is comprised of representatives from the municipalities within our watershed. Most of the board members are new, with only Chair Villemaire and Director Ron Hooper continuing from the previous 4-year term. 

Chair Donna Villemaire (right) and Vice Chair Pat Warren (left)

"I'm very proud of our accomplishments in 2010 and am pleased to have an opportunity to continue as Chair," said Villemaire. "We have a new board this year, comprised of members who bring valuable perspectives to the table, and a commitment to serve the interests of the whole watershed on behalf of the communities that depend on a healthy environment."

Some of the activities we will undertake this year were highlighted during the meeting, including the completion of a strategic plan that will set the overall direction and strategic objectives of the organization; implementing recommendations in the Lake Scugog Environmental Management Plan; ongoing research and collaboration under the Sturgeon Lake Management Plan; the initiation of plans for Cameron and Balsam lakes; and the completion of plans for the watersheds on the Oak Ridges Moraine in the Region of Durham.

"The work of Kawartha Conservation is key to environmental sustainability within our region," said Vice Chair Warren, who was also on the board from 1999 to 2003. "We have a great opportunity to continue developing projects such as the Sturgeon Lake Management Plan that benefit everyone in the watershed and downstream."

Also during the meeting, a former board member and two staff were recognized for their years of service. Peter Franzen was recognized for his contribution as a board member over the years, beginning in 1993. Alex Shulyarenko, Water Quality Specialist, and Arlene Waite, Financial Assistant, were each recognized for their 5 years of service.  

The first regular meeting of the new board is on January 19 at 1 p.m. at the Kawartha Conservation Administrative Centre in Ken Reid Conservation Area. All meetings are open to the public. Click here for more information.  

2011 Board of Directors

City of Kawartha Lakes

• Donna Villemaire, Chair
• Pat Warren, Vice Chair
• Heather Stauble

Region of Durham

• Chuck Mercier (Scugog)
• John Hancock (Scugog)
• Ted Smith (Brock)
• Ron Hooper (Clarington)

Township of Galway-Cavendish & Harvey

• Don LaCombe

Township of Cavan Monaghan

• Jim Chaplin

Friends of Kawartha Conservation seeking support for off-leash dog park 

The Friends of Kawartha Conservation, in partnership with the John Howard Society of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton, are developing plans and seeking support for a 3-acre, off-leash dog park in Ken Reid Conservation Area, which they hope to complete by mid-2011.

Click here for more information and to view a map of the proposed location.

Site of proposed off leash dog park, Dec. 17. From left to right: Jackson Fox and Gunner; Carla Cooper and Paris; Robbin Savage, Housing/Diversion/ICWP Coordinator, John Howard Society of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton; Chris Miller; Trudie Kroon, Director, Friends of Kawartha Conservation, and Echo; Stacey Tomblin, Director, Friends of Kawartha Conservation, and Rigby; Rob Messervey, CAO, Kawartha Conservation; Kathleen Cooper, President, Friends of Kawartha Conservation, and Chelsea; Noreen Goodlif, Vice-President, Friends of Kawartha Conservation, and Tess.

"Our main focus this winter is fundraising," says Friends President Kathleen Cooper. "Alongside help from volunteers, we anticipate costs of about $9,000. We would like to raise that amount through donations and sponsorships before we begin construction later in the spring. Support from the local community will be essential to the success of this project."

Donations are welcomed, and can be made online or by cheque at the Kawartha Conservation Administrative Centre in Ken Reid Conservation Area, where Friends memberships can also be obtained. Charitable tax receipts will be issued for all donations and memberships.

Anyone interested in getting involved is encouraged to attend the Friends annual general meeting on April 6^th or contact Kawartha Conservation at 705.328.2271 ext. 220 or communications@kawarthaconservation.com.  

Comments regarding the proposal can also be provided to Kawartha Conservation until January 18, 2011.