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Does SVCA own or govern the rivers in the watershed?
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- Although it is commonly thought that SVCA owns or governs rivers, this is not the case. Much of the property adjacent to the rivers and streams of the Saugeen watershed is privately owned. SVCA owns some conservation areas that sit along the lake, rivers and watercourses, and would only have authority over that land.
- Rivers are governed by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (drinking water, illegal dumping, spills, among other areas of responsibility) and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (hazard information, floods/droughts. Invasive species, among other areas of responsibility).
- If you are building, developing or altering your land, SVCA may have interest and the need to permit these activities. Check to see if your property is in a regulated area using this GIS mapping tool.
Have questions about whether or not you need a permit? Email planning@svca.on.ca
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| Fish die-off, garbage in the river and other water quality related concerns |
- Concerns related to reservoirs and property owned and managed by Saugeen Conservation can be shared via email or by calling 519-364-1255 ext 226
- Fish die-offs, spills, and other water quality concerns not on SVCA property should be directed to the Ontario Spills Action Centre at 1-800-268-6060. (Report pollution and spills | ontario.ca)
- Garbage in rivers is unsightly and unfortunate. If garbage along a watercourse is on SVCA owned land, please contact us. If the garbage is in or along a watercourse that runs through private property, contact the landowner directly in a neighbourly fashion to see how you can help. If the garbage is in a river or waterway running through municipally owned land, please contact your local municipality.
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| Beavers, their dams and damage |
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Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority does not have authority over all rivers or all beavers, but we might have interest from a regulations perspective if you're dealing with a significant dam removal.
If you are needing to remove a dam from your property with machinery, please check in with us: planning@svca.on.ca to see if a permit is required.
- Do you have a beaver dam or lodge on your property? You have options: you can either coexist peacefully with these industrious neighbors or take steps to deter or remove them. For more information, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is a great resource. Check it out here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/preventing-conflicts-beavers
- What if the dam or lodge is on your neighbor’s land? Remember to be neighborly! Watercourses may not recognize property lines, but it’s important to respect the rules of trespass and politeness. Have a chat with your neighbor about it.
- Is the dam in a municipal drain? In that case, your local municipality is the one to contact.
- If the dam is on SVCA property, you can email publicinfo@svca.on.ca to let us know.
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| Injured or abandoned wildlife |
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While we adore our local wildlife and work diligently to protect their natural habitats, we want to clarify that Saugeen Conservation is not a wildlife rescue or rehabilitation agency. If you encounter wildlife in distress, we encourage you to reach out to the experts who can provide the necessary help.
Use this provincial resource: https://www.ontario.ca/page/how-help-sick-injured-or-orphaned-wild-animal
While the wildlife we all love so much may roam on our properties, their care and rescue require specialized training and facilities that we do not provide. Thank you for understanding and caring for our shared natural world.
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| Paddling, fishing or other recreational activities on rivers |
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While SVCA does own some conservation areas and campgrounds, and does have the authority to through the Conservation Authorities Act to permit or prohibit specific activities on these properties, SVCA does not oversee recreational activities including but not limited to paddling, fishing or boating on watercourses in the Saugeen watershed.
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| Ice skating on SVCA properties |
- SVCA does not permit ice skating on any of its properties, including on conservation areas.
- Please be aware that ice conditions at our reservoirs and other natural water bodies are generally not monitored. Ice conditions are susceptible to daily changes in temperature, wind, precipitation, and underwater currents, and may not be safe. Accessing frozen natural water bodies puts both the public and municipal responders at risk.
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| Surface water quality, rain and snow data |
| For decades, SVCA has been gathering surface water, groundwater, snow survey, and watercourse data throughout the watershed. SVCA has made this data available to support community groups, environmental organizations, local governments, universities, and other stakeholders in their pursuit of watershed education and climate change initiatives. |
| Flooding monitored by SVCA |
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SVCA monitors for both riverine and shoreline flooding. Riverine flooding is generally caused by high water levels overtopping the riverbanks and spilling into adjacent areas. Flooding along the Lake Huron shoreline may result from high water levels, and strong winds and wave action.
SVCA does not monitor for flooding that results from the ponding of water in low-lying areas or runoff that exceeds the capacity of stormwater systems.
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| Reporting flooding and/or high water |
- Help us keep communities safe by reporting high water conditions as you see them! If you believe there is life threatening, imminent danger, please call 911 prior to submitting information. If you are unable to the public reporting form, you can email your report to: floodwatch@svca.on.ca or call: 519-369-8247
- If alterations to a neighbouring property appear to have impacted water levels on private property, SVCA's Environmental Planning and Regulations department may have interest. Please email planning@svca.on.ca
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Water sampling and testing
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SVCA collects surface water samples from 14 sites as part of a monitoring partnership with the Ministry of the Environment Conservation and Parks, and from 15 sites as part of Saugeen Conservation’s Water Quality program. SVCA also collects groundwater samples annually from 23 wells established as part of the Provincial Groundwater Monitoring Network.
SVCA does not collect surface or groundwater samples outside of these established programs.
If you have concerns regarding the quality of well water on your property or regarding surface water quality of public beaches you are encouraged to contact Grey Bruce Public Health.
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