Veliz will be there to answer questions from the public, and educate locals.
In response to growing concerns from concerned citizens regarding a recent fish die-off in Port Franks earlier this month, the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority is set to host an educational event at the Port Franks Community Centre this coming Friday (August 25).
Mari Veliz, the Healthy Watersheds Manager at the Authority, said that the event aims to inform residents about the ongoing investigation by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP), as well as ongoing conservation efforts,
Jennifer Powell and Madeline Morrison, students from the University of Toronto Scarborough, equipped with expertise in researching endangered fish, will also be presenting alongside Veliz.
The event is particularly relevant considering the interest from the community,
Veliz expressed gratitude towards landowners who have contributed to past conservation projects. She stressed that these small-scale efforts culminate in significant improvements for biodiversity, water quality, flood control, erosion prevention, and even climate change mitigation.
She credited funding from the Canadian Nature Fund, supplied by the federal government, for supporting monitoring and best practices on agricultural lands. Over the past two decades, this funding has played a pivotal role in driving positive changes.
In conclusion, the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority’s upcoming event serves as a platform for education, collaboration, and meaningful dialogue – if you’re interested in attending and learning more about water conservation and what you can do to help, email Mari at mveliz@abca.ca to RSVP.
Written by: B. Shakyaver