Farming and landowning efforts to protect the Great Lakes and their watersheds are getting a funding boost from the province.
More than $2.5 million announced Oct. 18 aims to assist in implementing green infrastructure and best water practices, officials stated.
The initiatives include planting erosion-friendly crops, improving nutrients, modifying existing farming equipment, and planting windbreak vegetation, while investing in further research as well as the development of a Soil Health Mobile Technology Suite.
Recipients include:
- Pine River Watershed Initiative Network
- Ausable Bayfield, Conservation Authority
- Ryerson University
- Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association
The projects are part of the Great Lakes Local Action Fund and Lake Erie Agriculture Demonstrating Sustainability (LEADS).
“The LEADS initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to environmental stewardship and specifically to protecting Ontario’s water supply,” Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson stated.
LEADS aims to reduce phosphorous run-off in Lake Erie area by 40% in 2025. Ontario typically invests $14 million annually in Great Lakes protection and restorative efforts, officials stated.
Leave A Comment