Wetlands are recognized throughout the world as special and diverse areas. The protection of our wetlands has been strengthened by recent changes to provincial policies, regulations, and legislation, including the:
The Provincial Policy Statement
The Conservation Authorities Act
Wetland conservation is included in regional land use plans at the landscape-scale, including the:
Niagara Escarpment Plan,
Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan,
Greenbelt Plan,
Lake Simcoe Protection Plan.
The Ontario Wetland Evaluation System (OWES) is a science-based ranking system
used to determine whether a wetland should be considered “provincially significant”
under the Provincial Policy Statement (photo: Jason Mortlock for OMNR/2007 COA).
Some wetlands are internationally recognized as Ramsar sites or as Migratory Bird Sanctuaries.
Wetland legislation is only one of many tools used to conserve wetlands. Governments and non-governmental organizations promote wetland conservation through:
- education and public outreach
- land acquisition
- land use planning
- stewardship incentive programs
For information on protecting wetlands in your area, please contact your local MNR office, Stewardship Coordinator or Conservation Authority.
