Background
The Kawartha Farm Stewardship Collaborative (KFSC) is a partnership of 14 organizations in the Kawartha region including Conservation Authorities, stewardship councils, and local governmental and non-governmental organizations.
In the Kawarthas, the landscape is dominated by lakes, streams and wetlands. The protection of water quality and habitat are major priorities for the members of the Collaborative. Local farmers are active partners in on-farm stewardship, supported through funding, technical assistance and physical resources from Collaborative members.
Taking action
The work of the Collaborative builds on the Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) program, where farmers make plans to improve environmental conditions on their farms. The Collaborative supplements the EFP program by providing additional funding and technical assistance to farmers.
Examples of projects the Collaborative helps to fund include:
- Keeping livestock away from watercourses, wetlands and ponds.
- Providing alternate watering facilities for livestock.
- Creation of properly constructed crossings for livestock and machinery.
- Planting native trees and shrubs along waterways.
- Wetland restoration.
- Erosion control.
Achieving results
In 2010, 34 projects were completed on 20 farms. The projects were designed to improve water quality and habitat protection. Additional benefits included:
- Prevention of manure pathogens from entering waterways
- Promotion of human and livestock health
- Development and encouragement of green technologies
- Restoration of wetlands
As a result of the support and funding provided by the KFSC, many farmers in the Kawarthas have been able to tackle projects they normally would not be able to undertake. The program has encouraged learning and cooperation among the members of the Collaborative and farmers.
