Our partnership with the Grand River Conservation
Authority is a natural extension of the southern Ontario Conservation
Priorities project. While previous efforts focussed on
municipalities, here we aim to identify priority bird species within
the Grand River basin. Since Conservation Authorities perform planning
functions similar to those of municipalities, lists of significant
species—specifically tailored to the basin’s geographic setting—represent
important tools for conserving biodiversity. The report describes the
conceptual underpinnings of the priority-setting system and gives
practical examples to illustrate key points. Specifically, the report
shows how prioritised lists of birds can be used as tools for
developing monitoring programs; revising Official Plans; identifying
significant wildlife habitat, Environmentally Sensitive Areas, and
similar features; and for evaluating development proposals. The report
describes how such lists might be used by resource managers and
planners to fulfill obligations under various Acts of Parliament
governing land management, to inform decision making and, ultimately,
to enhance conservation efforts. Check the main Conservation
Priorities page to learn more about the project and its application to
southern Ontario municipalities.
Download the main
report (471 K PDF file) and the technical
appendices (527 K PDF file). Adobe Acrobat Reader is required.
