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Moraine Domain
The Moraine Domain is an email newsletter (sent out on the third Wednesday every second month) designed to summarize happenings relevant to the Monitoring the Moraine (MTM) project. If you would like to subscribe, please email jbedford"at"stormcoaltion.org, and we will add you to our mailing list.
Current Issue
Past Issues
Moraine Domain April 2008
In this Issue:
1. It’s here, It’s here, It’s really here!
2. Get ready to “Spring onto the Moraine”
3. The Moraine Through Your Eyes
4. MTM Partners preparing for 2015 Review
5. STORM has new digs… and a new roomie
6. Welcome and Congrats….
7. 2008 Don River Fisheries Management Plan Stakeholder and Public Meeting
8. Vaughan Public Speaker Series
9. 20th annual George R. Richardson Conservation Dinner
10. Yeah, Yeah… We know
11. Submissions Welcome
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1. It’s here, It’s here, It’s really here!
Yes, the long anticipated 2007 Status Report on the Implementation of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan (ORMCP): A Look at New Infrastructure Projects is now available in both hard copy and on line.
Prepared for MTM by STORM, this year’s report focuses on new infrastructure projects on the moraine. The approach was to conduct an inventory of new infrastructure projects (roads, water, sewage and utilities) that have triggered environmental assessments (EAs) as per Section 41 of the ORMCP. Such projects were focused on due to their potential cumulative effect on the quality and quantity of the moraine’s ground and surface water, as well as the associated incremental loss of the moraine’s natural heritage system.
Our findings are cause for concern. There are a number of gaps in the reporting of EAs on the moraine. Gathering the information proved to be rather cumbersome involving freedom of information requests, pass the buck syndrome exhibited by some municipal staff, etc. Further, it was impossible to obtain information related to developer-initiated projects. Because there is no central agency currently documenting information about moraine-specific EA-related projects, the process of reviewing the effectiveness of ORMCP policies may be jeopardized.
The implications are that the impacts associated with infrastructure projects may not be accounted for when assessing the ecological state of the moraine. This could be significant given that the construction and operation for highways, water and sewer systems can potentially lead to significant degradation of the ecological and hydrological features and functions of the moraine. Further, the difficulty in obtaining the information could represent a challenge during the ORMCP Review in 2015. The time is upon us to begin preparing for 2015.
To obtain a copy of the report, contact Debbe Crandall, 905 880-3465 or visit www.monitoringthemoraine.ca.
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2. Get ready to “Spring onto the Moraine”
We had so much fun and success with the “Fall into the Moraine” we figure now it’s time to celebrate the end of winter and Spring onto the Moraine!
The first Spring onto the Moraine Day will occur on Saturday, May 10, 2008. Hop on over to the Ballantrae Fire Hall where the day begins with a presentation by Toronto and Region Conservation and Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources about the big picture ecology of the Goodwood/Glasgow Wetland Complex. This provincially significant jewel is made up of 17 individual wetlands and composed of three wetland types: fen, swamp, and marsh. The presentation will be followed by a brief introduction to Moraine Watch. In the afternoon, the Oak Ridges Trail Association will lead a hike, where participants will get an opportunity to witness first hand their newfound knowledge.
On Sunday, May 25, Spring onto the Moraine skips over to Sheppard’s Bush, where STORM’s new office will be officially opened with a ribbon cutting by Aurora Mayor Phyllis Morris. The Oak Ridges Moraine Trail Association will again be there to lead an interpretive walk through the area. Co-host Lake Simcoe Regional Conservation Authority will also be on hand holding a facilitated workshop about the Sheppard’s Bush management plan process. Not to worry if that’s not the kid’s idea of fun; Pathfinders group will run crafts and activities to keep the little ones and their families occupied during the management meeting.
Details about the final “Spring onto the Moraine” days, tentatively scheduled for Sunday, June 15 (Father’s Day) are still in the works; however, we will certainly be jumping over to the Eastern part of the moraine.
More details about all three of these events should be coming soon. Check www.monitoringthemoraine.ca, or contact Sue Walmer (swalmer"at"stormcoalition.org).
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3. The Moraine Through Your Eyes
Dust off your camera and click your way across the Oak Ridges Moraine for the second Moraine in Focus Photo Contest. Organized by the Monitoring the Moraine (MTM) and Caring for the Moraine (CMP) projects, this year the theme of the contest is “The Moraine Through My Eyes.” Designed to raise awareness, exploration and appreciation of the Oak Ridges Moraine, the contest encourages residents and visitors to take a closer look at the landscape.
Accepting submissions until December 31, 2008, this year there are three categories: professional, amateur and youth. Subcategories for the 2008 contest include: the Seasonal Moraine (e.g. the moraine in all four seasons), the View From Down Here (e.g. small inhabitants of the Moraine like insects, plants, a children’s perspective), the View From Up Here (e.g. sweeping landscapes, birds in flights, aerials), In Our Hands (e.g. stewardship of the moraine, planting projects, trail building, bird box construction, human interaction) and My Moraine (a human perspective of what the moraine means to the photographer personally).
For more information, visit: www.monitoringthemoraine.ca.
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4. MTM Partners preparing for 2015 Review
As the 2015 Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan Review is fast approaching, now is the time get organized.
With that in mind, the Monitoring the Moraine Project Partners hosted a “Building Moraine Momentum for 2015” symposium on March 31, 2008 at Black Creek Pioneer Village. Attended by over 55 people, the goal of this one-day symposium was to continue to build momentum so that a comprehensive monitoring program is implemented well before the 2015 Plan Review. Facilitated by Fred Johnson and Graham Whitelaw, the day brought together key moraine stakeholders in an open discussion around monitoring and the vulnerabilities and strengths of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan. The symposium also allowed participants to share ideas and information regarding their organization’s role in monitoring and preparation for the review process
Proceedings from presentations and break out discussions will be posted shortly on the MTM website (www.monitoringthemoraine.ca).
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5. STORM has new digs… and a new roomie
Save the Oak Ridges Moraine Coalition is currently settling into its new office at Sheppard’s House in the Sheppard’s Bush Conservation Area.
Constructed in 1920, the house is being shared with the Windfall Ecology Centre (WEC), who is currently conducting the building’s energy efficiency makeover. It will also be home to a moraine resource and sustainability centre. For those of you who are not familiar with them, WEC is a non-profit community based environmental organization whose mission is to build sustainable communities by conserving resources, preventing pollution, and protecting and enhancing natural ecological process.
Here are the particulars:
STORM Coalition
93A Industrial Parkway South
Aurora, Ontario
L4G 3V5
Tel: 905-841-9200
This opportunity was made possible through generous funding to the STORM Coalition from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Ministry of Culture. The Ontario Trillium Foundation receives $100 million annually from Ontario’s charity casino initiative.
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6. Welcome and Congrats…
A big MTM welcome to Sue Walmer who officially has come on board with STORM as its new Regional Outreach Coordinator. Already a member of the MTM Monitoring Advisory Committee, Sue will be working to establish Moraine Watch workshops and provide support to local groups across the moraine. Sue is hardly new to STORM; she has contributed to the development moratorium on the moraine and actively campaigned for the need for the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan. In addition to her work as Treasurer for the Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust, Sue is a founding member of the Ratepayers of Aurora Yonge South, whose work has resulted in the continued preservation of the Hightor lands in Aurora. Her experience building relationships with the Town of Aurora’s planning department and council are testimony to her suitability for this new role.
In other news, the MTM partners would like to extend congratulations to STORM’s Executive Director, Debbe Crandall, who has been elected Chair of the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation.
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7. 2008 Don River Fisheries Management Plan Stakeholder and Public Meeting
When: Thursday April 17, 2008, 7 pm - 9 pm
Where: Black Creek Pioneer Village,
North Theatre,
1000 Murray Ross Parkway
The new Don River Fisheries Management Plan 2008 (DRFMP) is now being developed cooperatively by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Toronto Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) with a focus on the protection of biodiversity and enhancement of existing conditions. The completed plan will be used to set management directions for the fish community, landscape change, fish habitat, and human use of the resource.
Stakeholders, including representatives from local fishing clubs, naturalist groups and area residents are being asked to contribute to all aspects of the DRFMP. The first public meeting is being held to outline the current conditions and understanding of the aquatic ecosystem in the Don River Watershed. The TRCA needs your input on current and historic conditions of the watershed, as well as issues and concerns. They will also address any questions about the DRFMP.
For more information including registration info, visit:
www.stormcoalition.org/pages/events.html
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8. Vaughan Public Speaker Series
Join the discussion on the future of Vaughan. The Public Speaker Series is organized around the themes of Sustainability, Quality of Life, and Vaughan as a 21st Century City. Three evening lectures will introduce Vaughan citizens to these central elements of a successful Growth Management Strategy. Panelists will make a 15-20 minute presentation on the session topic, followed by a question-and-answer period. The meetings occur between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm.
Meeting Date and Topics:
Thursday, April 24, 2008 - Session 2: Improving Vaughan’s Quality of Life: The Importance of City Building and Place Making Initiatives
Tuesday, May 6, 2008 - Session 3: Vaughan as a 21st Century City
Where: Vellore Village Community Centre Cafetorium
1 Villa Royale Avenue (west side of Weston Road south of Major Mackenzie Drive)
For more info, visit:
www.stormcoalition.org/pages/events.html
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9. 20th annual George R. Richardson Conservation Dinner
When: Friday April 18, 2008 (Cocktails will be at 6:00 pm, Dinner at 7:00 pm)
Where: Le Parc Banquet Centre
20 North Rivermede Road
Concord, Ontario
.
This event is always very well attended by business leaders, politicians and conservation supporters. This year’s goal is to raise over $150,000 to help with Lake Simcoe Regional Conservation Authority’s work of cleaning up Lake Simcoe and for conservation education.
Space is limited and will SELL OUT! So purchase your table today!
For more info, visit www.lsrca.on.ca/Foundation/GRRDinner.htm
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10. Yeah, Yeah… We know
In the February Moraine Domain, we announced that we were switching to a bi-monthly (every second month) HTML format, in order to bring you a more attractive and user-friendly newsletter – Well, we’ve been so busy, we only had time to do the bi-monthly part! Hopefully, everything will be in place for the June issue. In the meantime, if you prefer to receive your copy in “dull, but boy does it come in quick and my slo-mo Internet” plain text version, just reply to this email and let us know… and thanks for your patience.
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11. Submissions Welcome
Do you have a monitoring or stewardship event happening on the Oak Ridges Moraine that you would like others to hear about? Have you developed resources that would help others with such projects? Send a brief description (as you’d like it to appear) to Jen (jbedford@stormcoaltion.org), and we’ll try to include it in upcoming issues of the Moraine Domain.
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Please feel free to forward this e-bulletin to anyone you feel may be interested in receiving it. If you don’t wish to receive future bulletins, simply reply to this email with the phrase “unsubscribe” in the subject line and we’ll remove you from our list.
The MTM project is a collaborative project between Citizens’ Environment Watch (CEW), Save the Oak Ridges Moraine (STORM) Coalition, and Centre for Community Mapping (COMAP). It is designed to engage and sustain community volunteers in science, stewardship, monitoring and decision-making on the Oak Ridges Moraine.
For more information, visit www.monitoringthemoraine.ca.
Monitoring the Moraine Project is supported by the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation, the George Cedric Metcalf Charitable Foundation, and the Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network (EMAN), Environment Canada.
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