Guiding Principles & Priorities

Our Vision

A healthy natural landscape that is valued by the Huron County community, managed sustainably by landowners and other partners, and utilized in a balanced way for multiple benefits to the Huron community, including economic, human health, and recreation.

Photo: B. Creighton
Photo: R. White

Our Mission

To advocate and implement responsible ecosystem-based management of our natural resources, through cooperative efforts of the Huron County community.

Our Principles

We Believe...

  • In fostering a stewardship ethic among members of the Huron community (i.e. we have a responsibility to future generations to provide them with a healthy natural ecosystem); natural ecosystem features provide multiple benefits to the Huron community and we should be committed to their protection, enhancement and restoration
  • We can accomplish more by developing partnerships (i.e. by working together with others) and by fostering cooperation and networking between interested organizations and individuals
  • We should endeavour to build local abilities to work towards ecological sustainability (e.g. by providing educational opportunities and information, as well as promoting awareness, knowledge and appreciation for natural resource features).
Photo: K. Wintersgill

Our Priorities

Photo: R. White

1. Natural Areas

  • Improve quality of existing natural areas
  • Increase the amount of natural area or linkages between natural areas.

The average forest cover in Huron County is approximately 15 percent, with some municipalities as low as 6 percent. Presence of wetlands is very low in some areas. Research suggests 20 to 30 percent forest cover and at least 10 percent wetland cover is needed to maintain ecological health. Some natural areas continue to be lost to agriculture, development and other pressures. Forest health and productivity is less than optimal (i.e. considering indicators such as stocking, tree size class representation, diversity of tree, shrub and woodland plant species, etc.)

Photo: J. Mullen

2. Fish and Wildlife

  • Improve quality of existing natural areas
  • Increase the amount of natural area or linkages between natural areas.

Natural areas are a key habitat and are at lower than optimum levels. Fragmentation and size (i.e. interior) of existing habitat further reduce suitability. Channelization of watercourses as well as water quality and quantity issues impact the quality of aquatic habitat.

Photo: J. Crowley

3. Water

  • Maintain or improve water quality and quantity

The quality of water for drinking and recreational purposes is an important issue in Huron County. Low water levels are impacting fish and wildlife habitat, wildlife populations, and recreational activities.