A wetland, located along the St. Clair River, is officially a protected area, in an effort to achieve a federal target by protecting 25 per cent of Canada's lands and waters by 2025.
The County of Lambton and St. Clair Region Conservation Authority (SCRCA) recently announced the designation of Bowen's Creek Habitat Management Area. It's among the first municipal conservation lands confirmed to be managed to the national standards for protected and conserved areas, read a joint media release.
“The Bowen's Creek lands are a treasure, and the County of Lambton is proud of the community partnerships and work done to preserve our natural heritage in this area,” said Lambton County Warden Kevin Marriott in a statement.
The 154 hectares of managed lands are home to more than 15 locally rare Carolinian flora and fauna and four at-risk species, which include Riddell’s Goldenrod, Shumard Oak, Hooded Warbler, and Climbing Prairie Rose.
Assessments of Bowen's Creek to qualify it as a protected area were conducted by Ontario Nature, a non-profit conservation organization.
“Ontario Nature congratulates the County of Lambton and St. Clair Region Conservation Authority on this significant achievement. Their strong policies and approaches to management ensures biodiversity is protected for current and future generations,” said Ontario Nature Executive Director Caroline Schultz.
As stated in a media release, the county now owns more than 640 hectares of natural heritage lands, which are jointly managed with the SCRCA.
