2012 News
Environmental Recognition Awards take centre stage at Kawartha Conservation AGM
(Lindsay, January 11, 2011) Nine people and groups were recognized for their work helping improve the local environment at Kawartha Conservation’s 33rd Annual General Meeting today in Oakwood. More than 120 people attended to see the awards ceremony, as well as presentations on severe weather from Environment Canada’s Geoff Coulson; current initiatives on the Trent-Severn Waterway from the organization’s Manager of Resource Conservation Joan Chamberlain; and perspectives from Queens Park from MPP Laurie Scott.
During the awards ceremony, Director Don LaCombe presented the Individual Conservationist Award to Bob Pool, an inaugural and long time board member of Friends of Kawartha Conservation, for his ongoing work through the organization; Lou Probst, for his volunteer work and leadership with a number of local environmental groups; and Dave Simser, also for his volunteer work and leadership.
Director Chuck Mercier presented the Community Conservationist Award to the Kawartha Lake Stewards Association for their ongoing research on lake health across the Kawarthas; Pine Point Park Ltd. for naturalizing 500 feet of shoreline along Lake Scugog; and the Scugog Lake Stewards Inc. for their ongoing research and advocacy work to protect Lake Scugog.
Director Heather Stauble presented the Partner Award to Fleming College for their contribution to lake management planning and working with Kawartha Conservation on a wide range of activities across the landscape; the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation for their support acquiring and protecting sensitive properties on the moraine and working with landowners on stewardship actions; and the Victoria Stewardship Council for supporting shoreline naturalization and various lake management plans, and partnering on the distribution of tree seedlings each spring.
“Watershed protection involves the whole community, as the water, land and air connects each of us,” said Donna Villemaire, Kawartha Conservation Chair. “We would like to thank everyone for helping make the Kawarthas a great place to be, and recognize some of the outstanding people and groups who have demonstrated a commitment to protect and improve our watershed.”
Years of Service awards were also presented to Jessie James, Conservation Areas Coordination, for his 10 years of service, and Ron Hooper, Director, for 5 years.
Board elections took place at the end of the meeting. Donna Villemaire was re-elected Chair of Kawartha Conservation, and John Hancock was elected to Vice Chair. The 9-person Board of Directors is comprised of representatives from the municipalities within the conservation authority’s watershed jurisdiction.
Chair Donna Villemaire and Vice-Chair John Hancock
The Kawartha Conservation 2012 Board of Directors
City of Kawartha Lakes
- Chair Donna Villemaire
- Pat Warren
- Heather Stauble
Region of Durham
- Chuck Mercier (Scugog)
- Vice-Chair John Hancock (Scugog)
- Ted Smith (Brock)
- Ron Hooper (Clarington)
Township of Galway-Cavendish & Harvey
- Don LaCombe
Township of Cavan Monaghan
- Jim Chaplin