Your Voice is Needed to Support Ontario’s Watersheds
Although the Province of Ontario voted last year to irresponsibly consolidate its 36 highly respected conservation authorities into just nine, this action has not yet been implemented. The Ontario Legislature opened its spring session this week – this is an opportunity for residents and charities to convince key decision makers to abandon the plan and instead support local, effective watershed management under the original 36 conservation authorities.
Use your voice today and ask your leaders to reconsider the conservation authorities consolidation plan to protect clean water and for effective stormwater management.
See below for helpful talking points to create your message – it doesn’t have to be long, but please share a personal note if you can that explains why the current conservation authority structure best protects your local waters.
- Email the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks: minister.mecp@ontario.ca
- Email your Member of Provincial Parliament: Use this lookup tool
Helpful Talking points:
- I am writing/calling to ask you to abandon the proposed consolidation of conservation authorities.
- Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities play a critical role in preventing flooding, protecting drinking water, and managing land for conservation and recreation.
- Consolidation into just 9 agencies would eliminate local expertise, making communities more vulnerable to flood risks and environmental damage.
- Consolidation undermines locally informed decision making to manage watersheds, putting our resources at risk.
Spring Project Grants – Upcoming Deadline for Proposals
The Project Grants Program is currently open to proposals for financial support of grassroots advocacy activities that promote river, lake, shoreline, wetland, groundwater, and drinking water protection in the Great Lakes Basin. Grant awards range from $500 to $5,000 for grassroots project expenses and activities. We recommend that you call us to discuss your project ideas before applying. Contact Alana at (231) 348-8200 ext. 105 or Alana@freshwaterfuture.org to learn more! Applications are due by next Tuesday, March 31st. A question and answer video can be viewed here.
Register Today for Mindfulness and Movement on March 31
Set aside a small part of your day and join us for a free 45-minute session to relax and restore! This March 31st gathering will be led by Jonathan Relucio, a mindfulness facilitator and coach with over 20 years of leadership and community organizing experience. All are invited to this 11:30 am ET event – please feel free to share. Register today and thank yourself later!
Join Us Wednesday to Celebrate the 2025 Freshwater Heroes!
Protecting and restoring the health of the lakes, rivers, wetlands, shorelines in our Great Lakes region requires hard work, persistence, and dedication. Freshwater Future is honored to present the 2025 Freshwater Heroes, whose efforts are inspirational and motivational. You won’t want to miss this inspirational event that recognizes the special contributions of residents and organizations. Please join us virtually on April 1st at 12 pm Eastern Time to celebrate our Freshwater Hero Award winners and may their stories give you hope and a boost to continue your work. Please note that this session will not be recorded.
New! Water Watchers Presents: Fundraising Basics for Nonprofits
Your organization’s important work requires funds. Join us at the Fundraising Basics Webinar on Tuesday, April 21 at 12 pm ET (11 am CT) to learn about different sources of funds and methods to get donations. We’ll share tips to connect with potential supporters and boost your confidence to start fundraising immediately. Register today! Please note that this session will not be recorded.
Win! Pennsylvania Bill Supporting Public Water Systems Advances to House Vote
This week, a new bill was introduced that proposes to pause all new water system privatizations for one year, in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. It also would repeal a disastrous law, Act 12, which has led to skyrocketing system takeovers and water bills. While more needs to be done to keep our water public and affordable, this bill is critical for slowing down acquisitions and protecting water customers across the Commonwealth. Pennsylvania residents: watch for an email with a call to action in the next few days!
Win! Wisconsin’s Bad Data Center Bill Fails as Legislative Session Ends
Community advocates support strong data center regulations that prioritize both environmental and ratepayer protections. Thankfully, a Wisconsin bill failed adoption that would have limited renewable energy use by these massive industrial developments. It also lacked protections for ratepayers who are already facing rising energy bills as more of these projects are proposed. Freshwater Future invites Great Lakes community groups fighting data centers and other industrial water users to the monthly Large Water Withdrawals meeting. If you’re interested in attending to network, learn, and work with other advocates, email Alana at alana@freshwaterfuture.org.
