Essex Pilot CAP 2009

A Conservation Action Plan for the Essex Forests and Wetlands Natural Area
 
 
It took a strong team effort to develop a Conservation Action Plan (CAP) for the Essex region, but representatives from this unique Carolinian “hotspot” of biodiversity have succeeded. Team members include staff and volunteers from the local Conservation authority, Stewardship network, Parks Canada, and the Canada South Land Trust. The Action Plan’s goals relate to land securement, rare species recovery, invasive species management and restoring natural cover. Among other approaches to achieve these goals, the team will address the need for actions related to education and stewardship including researching and promoting positive incentives for farmers to conserve biodiversity on their land.
 
Overall, the CAP process aims to:  

• Strategize effectively to abate threats and restore biodiversity in your locale
• Prioritize actions using scientifically sound decision-making processes
• Recognize the social, political and economic factors that act as threats or opportunities to biodiversity enhancement.
  

Download a copy of the 2009 report here

Essex CAP Context

The Essex Conservation Action Plan Area covers 109,958.6 ha (1099.6 km2) of forests, wetlands, prairies and beaches in the most south-westerly portion of Ontario along the Lake Erie shore. Many of the Carolinian plants and animals living in this area are provincially, nationally and globally rare.

Over time, natural habitat within this valuable piece of Carolinian Canada has been drastically reduced. Nevertheless, numerous of rare species are still found within this extreme southern region of the province. If this plan is implemented successfully, a minimum of 500 ha (1235 ac) of Priority 1 and 2 lands will be secured. Priority restoration objectives will include prescribed burns, invasive species removal and reforestation.

A partnership between the Nature Conservancy of Canada, Essex Region Conservation Authority, Essex County Stewardship Network, Parks Canada and other groups will aim to achieve community outreach, landowner contacts, field research, and conservation and restoration successes over the long term.
 
 
Essex CAP Vision:
 
The Essex Forests and Wetlands support a variety of terrestrial and aquatic habitats, including characteristic Carolinian forest and rich wetland areas.  Species at Risk thrive in a variety secure habitats, which contribute to the overall connected matrix of natural cover.  Natural cover is restored to at least 12%, and management focuses on further conserving and enhancing the biodiversity value of the area.  The local community takes pride in the area and members of all sectors and heritage participate in stewardship and conservation.  Relationships between conservation partners are strong and reciprocal, allowing for maximum success in conservation efforts across the interconnected, functional landscape.
 

Download more CAP reports from 2010 here