On Wednesday night, March 6, 2024, at our Annual General Meeting, the newly elected Board of Directors for the Sydenham Field Naturalists renewed our commitment to serve as the voice of nature and advocate on its behalf. We express significant concern regarding the proposal from York1 and their affiliates to modify a small, defunct dump in Dresden.
In response, we have developed strategic plans to contest this proposal, emphasizing the potential detrimental impact on the Sydenham Watershed, soil pollution, and the adverse effects on our native biodiversity. Our ongoing efforts include communicating these concerns to local, provincial, and federal governments, as well as reaching out to partners within our Nature Network.
The Sydenham River possesses significant importance as a watershed, not solely for the local Dresden area but also for the Chenail Ecarte, known as the Syne locally, and Lake St. Clair, subsequently flowing into the Great Lakes. It serves as a vital waterflow sustaining numerous communities and diverse species, including a substantial number that are endangered, threatened, or of special concern. Among its inhabitants are 34 species of mussels, acting as filter feeders and keeping these waters healthy, and 80 species of fish that depend on the waters of the Sydenham for feeding and reproduction.
Rest assured, we have closely observed and considered all the facts, and are taking appropriate actions to be the voice for the Sydenham River and by extension our native biodiversity. If you are inclined to support local nature advocacy, kindly consider submitting a comment through the following links:
https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-8205 (deadline for submissions: Mar 16, 2024)
https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-8313 (deadline for submissions: Apr 11, 2024)
We anticipate keeping you informed of our progress and sharing any significant facts as they become available.
Sincerely,
Bill (William) Young
Conservation Chair
Sydenham Field Naturalists Board of Directors
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