Programs & Tools
More Information
The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has a broad range of programs that contribute to the protection of Ontario's biodiversity. A number of these programs make up the Biodiversity Section of MNR's Fish & Wildlife Branch. Each program has information, tools and links that will help you get involved in protecting biodiversity.
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Program
The AIS Program coordinates and manages programs and projects to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species in Ontario waters. We work with many agencies and organizations on public awareness initiatives, monitoring, research and control programs. You can help stop invading species by learning to identify the species, reporting species that you find and acting to prevent their spread.
Wetlands
Wetlands are recognized in Ontario and throughout the world as diverse and highly productive natural areas. MNR's Wetland Conservation Program works to identify, protect and restore wetlands in Ontario. The program is responsible for the Ontario Wetland Evaluation System, and provides technical training and advice on wetland policy and planning throughout the province.
Wetlands program staff work with other government agencies and non-government organizations on wetland conservation initiatives. One area of focus is the Great Lakes Basin, where wetland issues are the responsibility of the Great Lakes Wetland Conservation Action Plan (GLWCAP) Steering Committee, an inter-agency working group.
Community Fisheries & Wildlife Involvement Program (CFWIP)
CFWIP is your opportunity to participate in hands-on fish and wildlife management and conservation activities. You can develop volunteer projects that will benefit fish and wildlife in the province, and enhance opportunities for outdoor recreation. MNR provides financial help, expertise, equipment and materials for approved CFWIP projects.
Conservation Land Tax Incentive Program (CLTIP)
The Conservation Land Tax Incentive Program is a voluntary participation program that provides property tax relief to private landowners who commit to the protection of important features and rare species on their properties. The program is designed to recognize, encourage and support the long-term private stewardship of Ontario's significant conservation lands.
The Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program (MFTIP)
The Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program is a voluntary program administered by the MNR to provide lower property taxes to participating landowners who agree to conserve and actively manage their forests. Under MFTIP, participating landowners have their property reassessed and classified as Managed Forest and are taxed at 25 percent of the municipal tax rate set for residential properties.
Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC)
The NHIC compiles, maintains and provides information on rare, threatened and endangered species and spaces in Ontario. This information is stored in a database, map files and an information library. These are accessible for conservation purposes, land use planning, park management, and in support of biodiversity protection programs. The NHIC also tracks species, ecological communities and sites to guide biodiversity conservation activities by public and private sector conservation organizations.
Ontario is now a North American leader in species at risk protection and recovery with the passage of the Endangered Species Act, 2007. The new law takes a “stewardship first” approach to protection of species and their habitats.
MNR works with many partners at local, provincial and national levels to protect and recover species at risk. Protecting and recovering species at risk is everyone's responsibility. Individuals and groups can apply to Ontario's Species at Risk Stewardship Fund that supports projects and activities to protect and recover species at risk. The $18-million four-year fund will be available from 2007 to 2011.
Eastern Habitat Joint Venture (EHJV)
The Ontario Eastern Habitat Joint Venture (OEHJV) is a partnership established in 1986 to implement the provincial programs of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP), which focused on the conservation of waterfowl and their wetland ecosystem habitats.
In 1999, the OEHJV has expanded its mission to include the conservation of all birds and the habitats that support them. Partners work cooperatively to:
- conserve habitat (through securement, enhancement, management and stewardship)
- communicate activities and information to support conservation efforts
- to influence or modify government policy, programs and legislation
- conduct research and monitoring to support program refinement and evaluation
- undertake strategic planning that benefits all bird species and their habitats.
Ontario's Cosmetic Pesticides Ban - What You Need to Know to Protect Natural Resources
Ontario's pesticides ban will take effect April 22, 2009. The requirements of the ban are detailed in Ontario Regulation 63/09 made under the Pesticides Act.
The provincial ban supersedes local municipal pesticides bylaws to create one set of rules across the province. However, the ban contains exceptions for public health and safety, scientific purposes, forestry and to protect natural resources, if certain conditions are met.
