The Lake Huron Centre For Coastal Conservation
Advocating Wise Stewardship of Lake Huron's Coastal Ecosystems
2006 Year In Review
Here's what we've been up to this year ...
The Coastal Centre held its 4th biennial "Is the Coast Clear?" conference on Lake Huron's environment. In the tradition of providing people along the coast with the opportunity to learn more about current environmental issues, the Centre moves the conference location to different localities. This year's conference was held at the Oakwood Resort in Grand Bend, Ontario. Previous conferences were held in Port Franks, Goderich and Port Elgin.
With 172 delegates, this year's conference was the Centre's most successful to date. Steve Hounsell, past President of Ontario Nature, provided the keynote address. Twelve breakout sessions followed. Issues-based topics included lake levels, nearshore bacteria, algae, source water protection and the decline of our lake's food chain. Solutions-based topics included dune conservation, beach education, the international Blue Flag program and Lake Huron stewardship workbook for cottagers. Delegates also had the opportunity to tour the Lake Huron Primary Water Supply plant at Grand Bend.
Water Quality
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Initiated "Coast Watchers", a volunteer monitoring program to engage people along the coast to observe and record information on shoreline conditions.
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Peer reviewed study for Source Water Protection program.
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Established local cottagers network to track occurrences of fish and bird mortality.
Climate Change
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Participated on national Advisory Committee for the Coastal Zone Node of the Climate Change Impacts nd Adaptations Research Network.
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Promoted the inclusion of Centre's climate change education resources kit into area elementary schools.
Coastal Processes
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Implemented Management Plan for Sauble Beach prepared by the Coastal Centre. Included the construction of boardwalk access, information and educational signs and public awareness events.
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Participated as an advisor to the Lake Huron Pitcher's Thistle-Dune Grasslands Recovery Team.
Biodiversity
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Community advisory and management planning for the beach and the protection of the endangered "Pitcher's Thistle" at Manitoulin's Providence Bay.
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Research into the effects of Common Reed (Phragmites australis) on coastal ecosystems. Investigation into possible control options.
Other work in 2006
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Delivered a seven-part lecture series on the Great Lakes environment to the 300 member Bluewater Association for Lifelong Learning in Owen Sound.
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Authored article on community based dune conservation in the journal "Great Lakes Geographer", volume 13, 2006.
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Participated on Huron County Water Protection Steering Committee. Participated as Regional Juror for the International 'Blue Flag' beach management program.
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Participated on the Pine River Watershed Improvement Network in Huron-Kinloss.
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Prepared a "State of the Beach" report for the Southampton Resident's Association.
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Completed boardwalks and signage related to the Sauble Beach dune conservation project.
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Prepared public education materials for Providence Bay's beach conservation.
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Hosted meetings with Port Franks residents about waterfront conservation issues. Participated on Coastal Stewardship Manual steering committee and with workshop delivery.
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Reviewed technical reports for CA partners.
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Advised participating municipalities concerning local coastal issues. Regular media interviews on Lake Huron issues.
A Little Help from our Friends ...
Thanks to all those who assisted the Coastal Centre this year to advance the cause of coastal conservation.
The Coastal Centre is a member of the Canadian Coastal Science and Engineering Association, Coastal Zone Canada, and the International Society for Ecosystem Health
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Centre Mission: |
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The Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation P.O. Box 178, Blyth, Ontario, Canada N0M 1H0 Phone: (519) 523-4478 Email: coastalcentre@lakehuron.on.ca |
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