Our most precious resource - protecting our water
A 2006 study by the Ministry of Environment (MOE) found that Ontario´s groundwater resources are "excellent with abundant supply of good quality groundwater in most parts of Ontario"
Farmers are protecting water by creating buffer strips along streams, fencing livestock out of streams and ponds, storing manure, fertilizers, fuel and pesticides properly, and upgrading their wells.
Brian Jones was one of the first farmers to participate in the Severn Sound Remedial Action Plan (RAP) Tributary Rehabilitation Project. To restore valley lands on the Hog River, he voluntarily retired seven hectares of pasture and planted 10,000 trees. Several of his neighbours also took part in the program.
"Whatever we do throughout the watershed affects the water downstream. Even if we don't see the benefits right away, we're really doing this to improve conditions for future generations."
Brian Jones, farmer
A few years ago we made a decision to fence our cattle out of our river and plant 10,000 trees. Now it´s exciting to see this healthy ecosystem growing along the banks of the river. We see trout re-emerging and kids coming back to fish.
Diane Peckitt, farmer
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