Stand Up for Ontario’s Conservation Authorities
Although the Province of Ontario voted last year to irresponsibly consolidate its 36 highly respected conservation authorities into just seven, it has not yet been implemented. 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 the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (minister.mecp@ontario.ca) and your Member of Parliament (lookup tool) to reconsider the conservation authorities consolidation plan to protect clean water and for effective stormwater management. For suggested talking points, click here.
Talking points for Ontario’s Conservation Authorities:
- 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 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.
Welcome New Freshwater Future Board Member, Vel Scott!
Freshwater Future welcomes our newest U.S. Board Member, Vel Scott! Vel is passionate about teaching her community in Cleveland’s Fairfax neighborhood healthy cooking and nutrition through her community-based urban farm, Vel’s Purple Oasis. It is now a critical community hub for education, collaboration, and empowerment. Through her work to improve community health, Vel values safe and accessible water for everyone. Read more about Vel on our Staff and Board website.
Save Your Spot at these Upcoming Events
Basic Campaign Planning Learning Session
Join Freshwater Future to learn the basics of campaign planning on Tuesday, March 17th at 12 pm ET. You’ll leave with a better understanding of key planning components so that your advocacy is strategic and impactful. This session is free and open to all.
Mindfulness and Movement
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 to Celebrate the 2025 Freshwater Heroes!
Protecting and restoring the health of the lakes, rivers, wetlands, and 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. In honor of this Herculean effort, this annual award 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. We can guarantee their stories will give you hope and a boost to continue your work.
Spring Project Grants – Three Weeks Until Proposals are Due!
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. Call or email Alana with any questions at (231) 348-8200 ext. 6 or Alana@freshwaterfuture.org to learn more! Applications are due by March 31st.
