Community Stream Steward Program,
Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters
Non-Governmental Organization Category
Background
The Community Stream Steward Program is a multi-partner conservation and stewardship initiative hosted by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters. With the aim of engaging landowners and communities, the program works to build a network of leaders in stream conservation, restoration, and stewardship across Ontario. The program provides these landowners and community members with the advice, support, and tools required to conduct coordinated stewardship activities along stream reaches within their neighbourhoods.
Taking action
Partners of the Community Stream Steward Program have undertaken a number of activities in Central Ontario, including:
- Stream site visits, training, technical advice and support to landowners
- Support in project planning and implementation of stream stewardship activities by landowners
- Outreach at workshops, tradeshows, festivals and special events to engage landowners, volunteers and community groups interested in protecting their local streams
- Stream stewardship activities targeted at students and youth
Achieving results
In the last two years, 23,700 native trees and shrubs were planted through the program. Bank stabilization and erosion prevention projects were implemented at 41 sites. The environmental benefits of these projects are:
- Pollution prevention: Vegetated river banks and well flowing streams prevent pollutants from entering or staying in the water
- Improved water quality: Improved quality of downstream water used for drinking and recreation
- Improved health of aquatic fisheries and habitats for birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians
The Community Stream Steward Program is a good example of collaboration, given the wide range of partners from the federal level to local organizations; all dedicated to the goal of improving stream health. This kind of network could be replicated in other regions, creating a greater impact throughout the province.
