Established in 1959, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority serves approximately 500,000 people and covers an area of 2,424 square kilometres encompassing the entire Niagara Region, 21% of the City of Hamilton and 25% of Haldimand County. The driving force behind the Conservation Authority movement was its grassroots land stewardship focus and involvement with water programs. Today, this vital commitment continues,as we strive to address the impact on the watershed from current human activities and the effects of urban growth and rural activities. Our programs focus on environmental protection and preservation and watershed management activities. These include planning, regulations, water quality monitoring and improvement through stewardship and restoration, community outreach, and conservation through land acquisition and public ownership.

This ongoing commitment is also reflected in the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s successful acquisition of some of the most sensitive conservation lands found within Niagara. It now owns over 2,870 hectares (7091 acres) that are held in public trust. The Authority’s stewardship allows the public to enjoy Niagara’s distinctive heritage and natural resources at conservation areas such as St. Johns, Beamer Memorial, Ball’s Falls, Woodend, Chippawa Creek, Long Beach, Wainfleet Bog, Morgan’s Point and Binbrook. Each of these unique resources offer diverse recreational and educational opportunities to experience nature’s beauty.

With its unique resources, the Niagara Peninsula is one of the most complex watersheds in the Province. It includes lands drained by the Niagara River, Twenty Mile Creek, the Welland River, and the Welland Canal. Nestled between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario and transversed by the Niagara Escarpment, the Niagara Peninsula has truly unique climatic and biotic zones that are unlike anywhere else in North America.

Understanding that water is an essential part of our daily lives, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority continues to focus on protecting and improving this vital resource. We are committed to providing strong leadership in the wise use and stewardship of natural resources to achieve and maintain a healthy and sustainable environment. Restoration programs focus on achieving and maintaining habitat goals. These programs include: wetland protection and rehabilitation, reforestation, naturalization projects (including buffer strips and riparian plantings), aquatic restoration, and erosion control. These projects contribute to improving local water quality, wildlife habitat protection and species diversity.

Species diversity is key in Niagara, where well over 2,200 species of plants and animals live. Unfortunately, nearly 10% of these species are considered to be rare or at risk due to habitat loss, urban sprawl, invasive species competition, pollution and climate change. The Conservation Authority has long recognized the importance of partnerships to assist in addressing these challenges, realizing that our strength lies in the continued involvement and cooperation of many community groups, all levels of government, and area residents. As a watershed resident, you can help ensure that our water and land is as healthy as possible. Please read continue to read through our website to find out how you can make a difference in creating a healthy and sustainable environment.

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