Photo of twelve mile creek

12.20.2019

A Partnership in the Making: Trout Unlimited Canada and the NPCA sign MOA

The Niagara Chapter of Trout Unlimited Canada (TUC) and Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) signed a historical Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) yesterday at the Regional headquarters. The MOA solidifies a partnership that has been in the works over the past year, as the NPCA revitalized their restoration program and TUC Niagara launched their Healthy Twelve Mile Creek pilot project. 

Dennis Edell, President of the Niagara Chapter of TUC, opened up the proceedings with the following remarks, “With the signing of this partnership agreement, both organizations acknowledge, and further define, a partnership based on the good work that the NPCA started years ago in the important headwaters of Twelve Mile Creek, and later joined by the Niagara Chapter of Trout Unlimited Canada upon its formation in 2011. Each organization will play complementary roles as we join forces under the banner of the new landowner stewardship program, Healthy Twelve Mile Creek.”

The Healthy Twelve Mile Creek project is a landowner stewardship initiative funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Friends of Greenbelt Foundation working with property owners in the watershed to preserve and restore Twelve Mile Creek.The MOA outlines opportunities for data sharing, landowner engagement, and restoration project planning that utilizes technical expertise and funds from both parties. 

“This partnership will improve aquatic habitat, protect properties from floods and erosion and help mitigate the effects of climate change,” says NPCA CAO/Secretary-Treasurer, Gayle Wood.“This journey recognizes that stream rehabilitation cannot be accomplished by just our two organizations, therefore we invite all the many stakeholders who impact the watershed, including environmental groups, volunteers, and government at all levels to join us in this effort.”

The NPCA will provide technical advice, permit assistance and project funding while the Niagara Chapter of TUC will share its national stream rehabilitation experience and take lead on landowner engagement and education.

For more information about the Healthy Twelve Mile Creek program, please visit www.healthytwelvemilecreek.ca

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About Trout Unlimited Canada:

Trout Unlimited Canada (TUC) has been improving the lives and health of Canadians for over 40 years.  A leader in water and fisheries protection, TUC Chapters work with volunteers and partners to protect natural spaces and improve Canadian resources.  Science based and volunteer driven, TUC puts more work on the ground than any other national water conservation organization. www.tucanada.org

About NPCA:

The NPCA manages the impact of human activities, urban growth, and rural activities on the Niagara Peninsula watershed with programs and services that help keep people and their properties safe from flooding and erosion, while retaining the safety of our drinking water.

NPCA manages 42 Conservation Area’s, including Ball’s Falls, Binbrook, Long Beach and Chippawa Creek. These lands are held in public trust for recreation, heritage preservation, conservation, and education.  NPCA’s Conservation Area’s marry nature, culture and adventure to create limitless opportunities for discovery.

Questions related to the above release should be directed to:

Dennis Edell, President of the Niagara Chapter of TUC
Mobile: 416-918-4448
dennisnedell@gmail.com

Megan Lalli, Landowner Stewardship Coordinator, Healthy Twelve Mile Creek
Mobile: 905-484-3232
info@healthytwelvemilecreek.ca

Renee Bisson, Manager Communications and Public Relations, NPCA
Mobile: 905-931-3376
rbisson@npca.ca