Land Planning & Acquistion
LAND PLANNING & MANAGEMENT
The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) is responsible for the conservation, restoration, development and management of natural resources in the Niagara Peninsula watershed. This responsibility includes the planning and management of the conservation areas it owns. Land planning efforts guide the overall design of a conservation area, while land management efforts guide how the area is used and enjoyed by the public afterwards.
Planning and managing conservation areas involves developing comprehensive strategies and plans to protect them. A Management Plan is the official policy document that guides the development and operation of NPCA’s conservation areas, consistent with NPCA’s vision and strategic objective of increasing access to greenspace while ensuring the long-term protection and sustainability of the watershed.
CONSERVATION AREAS STRATEGY
NPCA is developing a Conservation Area Strategy (CA Strategy) to guide the programs and services it offers on its Conservation Area and inform future policies and management plans.
The CA Strategy is a requirement of Ontario Regulation 686/21 and is to be completed by December 31, 2024.
Your participation is vital to the success of NPCA’s Conservation Area Strategy! By understanding how visitors engage with Conservation Area and the programs and services we offer, we can make informed decisions to enhance the visitor experience, boost conservation efforts, and ensure these natural spaces remain vibrant and sustainable for future generations.
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CONSERVATION AREA MANAGEMENT PLANS
The NPCA is actively working on a number of management plans aimed at preserving and enhancing our natural spaces. These plans are designed to ensure that each area is managed sustainably, balancing environmental conservation with public enjoyment.
By focusing on the unique characteristics of each conservation area, NPCA is committed to safeguarding these vital natural assets for future generations while providing meaningful opportunities for people to connect with nature.
- Morgan's Point
- Beamer Memorial
- Binbrook
- Cave Springs
- Rockway
- Woodend
- Wainfleet Wetlands
STAY TUNED FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO GET INVOLVED!
LAND ACQUISITION & SECUREMENT
NPCA has an increasingly important role in the acquisition and securement of lands for the purpose of conserving and restoring natural areas and greenspaces. NPCA has been acquiring lands since the late 1950s and to date has secured 41 properties totaling approximately 3,000 hectares.
Natural heritage and natural green infrastructure provide services and benefits that are integral to sustaining life for people and wildlife, such as providing access to local greenspace, clean air and water, and protection from natural hazards like flooding and erosion. Since the majority of lands containing such unique natural features are found on private property, collaborating with landowners is vital for their long-term protection.
Although often used interchangeably, ‘land acquisition’ and ‘land securement’ have important differences. Land acquisition refers to the purchase of land that may, at some point, be deemed a disposable asset by the public, non-profit funding partner, or land donor or seller. Land securement refers to the legal purchase of natural areas with the intent to maintain, protect, and/or restore those natural features using a variety of methods to facilitate effective and permanent protection outlined in the Land Securement Strategy.
Don't lose this text. I suspect we will use it as part of a subpage or link to a more detailed document that will describe all options available to landowners.
Land Securement Strategy
The Land Securement Strategy (LSS) is designed to complement other land and water conservation programs that are offered by NPCA. This document outlines a clear path to increase land securement effectively and notably within the Niagara Peninsula watershed.
The LSS assists NPCA in identifying and prioritizing lands of conservation importance, building relationships with potential land donors or sellers, and facilitating successful and long-term protection of these lands in perpetuity.
LAND ACQUISITION & SECUREMENT
NPCA has an increasingly important role in the acquisition and securement of lands for the purpose of conserving and restoring natural areas and greenspaces. NPCA has been acquiring lands since the late 1950s and to date has secured 41 properties totaling approximately 3,000 hectares.
Natural heritage and natural green infrastructure provide services and benefits that are integral to sustaining life for people and wildlife, such as providing access to local greenspace, clean air and water, and protection from natural hazards like flooding and erosion. Since the majority of lands containing such unique natural features are found on private property, collaborating with landowners is vital for their long-term protection.
Although often used interchangeably, ‘land acquisition’ and ‘land securement’ have important differences. Land acquisition refers to the purchase of land that may, at some point, be deemed a disposable asset by the public, non-profit funding partner, or land donor or seller. Land securement refers to the legal purchase of natural areas with the intent to maintain, protect, and/or restore those natural features using a variety of methods to facilitate effective and permanent protection outlined in the Land Securement Strategy.
Don't lose this text. I suspect we will use it as part of a subpage or link to a more detailed document that will describe all options available to landowners.
Land Securement Strategy
The Land Securement Strategy (LSS) is designed to complement other land and water conservation programs that are offered by NPCA. This document outlines a clear path to increase land securement effectively and notably within the Niagara Peninsula watershed.
The LSS assists NPCA in identifying and prioritizing lands of conservation importance, building relationships with potential land donors or sellers, and facilitating successful and long-term protection of these lands in perpetuity.
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APPLICATION FORM
Native Trees & Plants- Our Restoration Work
As the public becomes more concerned about the environment, the interest in the preservation and restoration of native plant communities increases as well. Native plants are valued for their economic, ecological, genetic, and aesthetic benefits in addition to the growing societal belief in their intrinsic value as living species.
Using native plants to restore the landscape or as a substitute for exotic ornamental plantings can help to reverse the trend of species loss. Although the methods may differ, native plants require the same level of care in installation and establishment as do ornamental plants. If the environment has been altered significantly through human activities, some work will be necessary to recreate an environment more hospitable to natives. However, in the long run, natives will, in most cases, form self-sustaining plant communities that do not require much maintenance.
The NPCA uses native trees and shrubs in all of its restoration program projects and
initiatives. To find local native trees, plants, and shrubs supplier, visit our Conservation webpage.
For more on our Community Outreach and Engagement work, visit our Get Involved
section.
ACQUISITION SUCCESS STORIES
HYSLOP PARCEL
Adjacent to Binbrook Conservation Area, this property was acquired in 2019 with support from the City of Hamilton through their land acquisition funding.
LAKEWOOD PARCEL
A 70-acres Environmental Conservation Area and Significant Woodland, serving as a vital habitat and migratory stopover for birds, bats, and butterflies.
ROCKWAY PARCEL
1.12-acre property, considered one of the Niagara Peninsula watershed’s hidden gems, as it is part of the Niagara Escarpment, with significant ecological features, flora, fauna, and recreational assets.
LATHROP PARCEL
4-acre (18-hectare) parcel of land in the Town of Pelham. Located within the Niagara Escarpment Plan area and designated Escarpment Natural and Protection.
OPG PARCEL
An approximate 8-hectare parcel located on the South side of the Welland River, North of Rexinger Road in Niagara Falls. It boasts a PSW, Regionally Significant shoreline and woodlands and is home to several Species at Risk (SAR).
GOERTZEN PARCEL
Features close to 4 hectares integrating with Rockway Conservation Area. An ANSI with significant escarpment features, this parcel offers opportunities to enhance the user experience in this natural setting.
FRALICK PARCEL
Located near Ruigrok Conservation Area, it forms part of one of the largest natural areas in the watershed. It encompasses approximately 19 hectares of Provincially Significant Wetland (PSW), woodland and a Life Science Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI).
Klassen Parcel
Adjacent to Beamer Memorial Conservation Area. This 6-hectare property safeguards important escarpment features and will provide greater access to greenspace and the scenic views of the Escarpment and Lake Ontario.
