Environment

One of FOCA’s most important goals is to encourage stewardship on the part of every waterfront property owner. Rural waterfront residents have an immediate relationship with their lakes, rivers and wild surroundings. Stewardship looks to the future – it protects the natural environment for future generations. FOCA encourages all cottage associations to take an active role in stewardship. This requires a willingness to work as partners in ensuring prosperity and environmental health at the lake and in our communities, and is a tangible contribution to sustainable waterfronts in Ontario.

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Safe Well Water on the Canadian Shield - Uranium

Property owners with deeper drilled wells on uranium-bearing bedrock may be at increased health risk from uranium in their drinking water.
Elevated levels of uranium are found when groundwater dissolves minerals that contain uranium. The amount of uranium in wells varies throughout the Province, depending on the concentration of uranium in the bedrock.
Uranium exploration and mining has been happening across (mostly eastern) Ontario since the 1940's and has been the subject of numerous recent land-use conflicts, many related to concerns over water and other environmental impacts.    

While most uranium from drinking water is eliminated from the body,  a small amount is absorbed and carried through the bloodstream, where they can cause damage to the kidney cells. The potential health effects from uranium in drinking water come from its heavy metal characteristics and not its radioactivity, which is very low. Bathing or showering with water that contains uranium is not a health concern. To learn more about the potential health effects from uranium in drinking water, and what you can do about it, visit the Health Canada website.

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Stewardship Network of Ontario

FOCA, and the members of the Stewardship Network of Ontario, are pleased to release a discussion document about sustainable landscape-level planning. In addition to discussing the need for collaboration amongst stakeholders and the variety of interests present on the landscape, the report discusses climate change as a common discussion point, and the role of setting targets for long-term results.  You can download the report at LEFT or by clicking the following link: Collaborating for Sustainable Community Planning - Stewardship Network of Ontario    .    

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Available for Purchase
Take the Plunge- A Guide to Stewardship of Ontario's Waters

The original (1998) Take the Plunge resource book has been updated and now includes new topics such as green cottage design, air, light and noise pollution, and new information about today's waterfront issues and solutions. A must-have for the interested waterfront property owner or lake steward. Volume discount available for FOCA members (call the office to order).
Available NOW - order yours, today.

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		2011 is the International Year of Forests Ontario's forests play a significant role in the health of our lakes and rivers. Watch for articles in upcoming FOCA Elerts to learn what you can do to protect this vital piece of the puzzle.

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Ontario's Biodiversity

FOCA is a member of the Ontario Biodiversity Council.

The public is encouraged to review and comment on the draft Ontario's Biodiversity Strategy, 2011: Renewing our Commitment to Protecting What Sustains Us. Comments are due by June 1, 2011.

In January 2011, the Ontario Biodiversity Council brought together a diverse group, including environmental, conservation, industry and Aboriginal organizations, as well as government agencies, to discuss how Ontario will build upon and renew Ontario's Biodiversity Strategy, 2005. With their enthusiastic support, Council launched the process of developing the renewed strategy.

To learn more about our incredible natural legacy, you can watch the video below:

Camp Kawartha Executive Director Jacob Rodenburg (R) meets with FOCA's Terry Rees to accept FOCA's contribution to the new Environment Centre at Trent University (Spring 2010).

FOCA represents waterfront interests through the Trent Conservation Coalition, Source Water Protection Committee