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Join Our List
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Dear
OLTA Supporter,
An exciting
year lies ahead...it is always a balance deciding what
info/announcements to include in the OLTA E-News that is relevant
and helpful for you.
Please let us
know what regular columns you want or not - all suggestions welcome.
And as always, please keep sending us your news!
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CANADIAN DONOR GUIDE 2008
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Special Full Page Ad for Ontario land
trusts
Deadline -
January 31, 2008
NEW ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITY!
interested organizations may take advantage of a NEW
opportunity to participate in a province-wide advertising package in
the 2008 Canadian Donor's Guide for members of the Ontario Land
Trust Alliance.
If enough OLTA members participate in option A or
B below we will earn a full page ($2,213 value) to advertise
ALL land trusts in Ontario.
In the copy for the ad OLTA will list the names of
ALL members and say that more information on each can found with
their alphabetical listing in the Guide.
You need to register your organization to
appear in the Guide!
To view the Canadian Donor's Guide 2007, and to REGISTER
for a FREE listing (open to all registered charities)visit Canadian
Donors Guide website: www.donorsguide.ca
Option A: $100
22 member groups willing to purchase a modified descriptive
listings. You can see samples of modified descriptive listings on pages
70 and 71 of the 2007 Guide in connection with the Canadian Lung
Association.
Option B: $219
10 member groups willing to pay $219 each for a descriptive listing in
the directory.
OLTA will coordinate the ad content and space
resulting from any combination of the above options!
e.g. a full two page spread would result from all 45
members purchasing a $219 descriptive listing; if we have less than 10
groups interested it will be a half page, etc.
This is a cost neutral way for OLTA to help raise the
profile of ALL land trusts in the province. Please email me at kathy.allan@ontariolandtrustalliance.org
if your organization is interested in option A or B.
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NEEDED - ANSWERS TO LAND TRUST FAQ
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Protecting Maple Syrup Woodlots
Neil Campbell, a director of Haliburton Highlands Land
Trust and also a director on the Haliburton-Kawartha local of the
Ontario Maple Syrup Producers Association (OMSPA), is preparing a brief
presentation on the Land Trust movement at his local's AGM and Information
Day on Jan. 25. Many OMSPA members hold substantial woodlots, and may
be interested in conserving them.
Are you aware of any easements
granted or land donations by a maple syrup producer?
Answers to
this question and more will be posted on the new OLTA website, this
spring. Please
send us your great answers to FAQ to include.
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AMERICAN FRIENDS OF CANADIAN LAND TRUSTS
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Exciting News Update
First AFoCLT
cross-border conservation program launched December 2007.
Effectively
December 4, 2007, U.S. residents may make cash donations to AFoCLT. The
donor may make a recommendation of a grant toward the Canadian land
trust or government entity of their choice. See the attached overview for U.S. donors and a sample donor letter to make a
cash gift. For land trusts and government entities wishing to apply as
potential grantees of U.S. donor gifts made to the AFoCLT, please see overview for conservation
organizationsand the Grantee Application package.
Watch Nova Scotia Nature Trust Website for
updates on our cross-border conservation program. We anticipate
launching the first phase of our land and conservation easement program
in 2008.
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OLTA GOVERNORS CHARITY MEAL
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The lucky diners and serving "staff" L to R:
Melissa Watkins, Michael Lansbury, Lori MacDonald, Paul French, Micki
French, Gary Ducharme, Christopher Baines, Sandy Ducharme, Angus
McLeod, Sally Gillis, and Jo-Anne Rzadki.
Lake Clear 5-course meal
Ontario Land Trust Alliance Governors Prepare Charity
Meal at Lake Clear. Four members of the board of governors of the
Ontario Land Trust Alliance (OLTA) arrived at the Lake Clear home of
Gary and Sandy Ducharme last Saturday night to prepare a sumptuous
5-course meal for eight supporters of the Lake Clear Conservancy.
The four came directly from the Ottawa Conference Centre, where a
conference held jointly by the Canadian Land Trust Alliance and OLTA
was attended by several Lake Clear Conservancy board members. The
dinner is offered annually at OLTA's charity auction, and LCC board
members Gary Ducharme and Sally Gillis outbid the competition and
claimed the prize. "The money goes to a great cause",
said Ducharme. "The Ontario Land Trust Alliance has done an
amazing job of assisting land trusts across Ontario with their
conservation efforts"
The four chefs, who arrived in serving costumes ranging
from French maid attire to bowtie and tails, were Christopher Baines,
past president of OLTA and president of Allport Assessments, Jo-Anne
Rzadki, Watershed Stewardship Coordinator of Conservation Ontario,
Melissa Watkins, Executive Director of Ontario Farmland Trust, and
Angus McLeod of Parks Canada. All of the food served was
locally grown, including the Ontario wines that accompanied each course.
On Sunday morning, having spent the night at the cottage of Kevin and
Sally Gillis, the four took advantage of the beautiful weather to see
some of the sights of Lake Clear. "It's a gorgeous
lake," Baines observed. "I can understand why the Lake
Clear Conservancy came into being."
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LISTSERV'S
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COMMUNICATIONS
There are several electronic interaction forums that are
extremely useful for the Canadian land trust community.
In the USA, Tom Zeller at Indiana University, started
and has continued to maintain the LANDTRUST Listserv sponsored by the Land Trust
Alliance. Even though it is focussed on US issues and
under a different legal system, this LTA Listserv gives insights and
experienced comment on a wide array of topics and issues that are
universal to all land trusts. Beware: this is a very active Listserv
and you will need to set up an E-mail Rule that will direct all
incoming messages from the [LT] (LTA Listserv) into its own folder, not
your "Inbox". However, to follow this Listserv is like taking
a post graduate degree in Land Trust activity. Remember, you do not
have to read everything as there is an excellent Archive system. The
LTA also has an Urban Land Trust Listserv, but it is not as active.
Here is the link to LTA Listserv
Within Canada, Sheila Harrington, Executive Director of the Land Trust Alliance of
British Columbia, has maintained for many years an
excellent Listserv Email list for the exchange of information and the
discussion of issues important to the land trust and conservancy
movement in British Columbia and elsewhere in Canada. This site is
usually the first to post tax, legal and policy changes at the federal
level and international issues affecting the conservation movement.
Here is the link LTABC Listserv
Barb
Heidenreich
Natural Heritage Coordinator
Ontario Heritage Trust
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NEW! STEWARDSHIP TRACKING SYSTEM
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Will you use this system? Feedback
please.
We need your input to ensure that the
application:
- Streamlines
data entry for you
- Generates informative maps easily and without
the need for GIS software
- Generates meaningful reports that
save you time
The
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ontario Federation of
Anglers and Hunters obtained funding support from GeoConnections and
the Oak Ridges Moraine (ORM) Foundation, respectively, to develop this
online database and mapping application that will enable conservation
organizations in southern Ontario to:
- Enter the location and
other information about their stewardship and restoration projects
- Track and report success
of specific projects
- Learn from others about
the factors that contribute to successful projects
Please
first contact robert.arends@ontario.ca
for a user name and password; and then check out the system at STEWARDSHIP TRACKING SYSTEM
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PROPERTIES PROTECTED
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Thunder Bay Field Naturalists
Paradise protected
By SARAH ELIZABETH BROWN
Sunday, January 13, 2008
The Thunder Bay Field Naturalists have bought a little
piece of paradise.
The group has added the 60-acre Paradise Island, 45 kilometres
southwest of Rossport, to its 950 acres of ecologically-significant
land holdings in the region.
Including the in-kind donation of about one-quarter of
the island from the previous owners, the naturalists bought Paradise
Island for $320,000, with a $166,000 contribution from the
Greenlands Program, a joint initiative between the MNR and
the Nature Conservancy of Canada, $25,000 from The EJLB
Foundation $10,000 from the McLean Foundation, and $39,000 from
donors from the field naturalists group and others.
The field naturalists regularly host field trips, and
have a Paradise Island visit planned in May. The field trips are open
to the public.
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ONTARIO CONSERVATION LAND MAP PROJECT
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Secured Conservation Lands
The purpose of the project is to develop a structured
Natural Resource Values Information System (NRVIS) and Ontario Land
Information Warehouse (OLIW) data class for lands secured through
tenure activities (fee simple purchase, donation, conservation
easement/agreement) for the purposes of conserving Ontario's natural
heritage. This project will require collaboration between
relevant MNR business areas and conservation partners.
The various types of information have been identified as:
· Non-Government Organization (NGO) Nature Reserves and other
types of secured conservation lands, including properties secured by
land trusts such as the Bruce Trail Conservancy, Land Trusts, Nature
Conservancy Canada, Ducks Unlimited Canada properties, Conservation
Authorities conservation lands.
Members of OLTA currently participating in this project
(skilled staff attending meetings - reviewing materials) include:
Bruce Trail Conservancy
Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority
Conservation Ontario
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy
Kawartha Conservation
Kawartha Heritage Conservancy
Muskoka Heritage Trust
Nature Conservancy of Canada
Ontario Heritage Trust
Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters
Ontario Land Trust Alliance
Ontario Nature
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SPECIES AT RISK - FIVE-LINED SKINK
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In Haliburton County, at least, the Five-Lined Skink is
making a brave stand on its final frontier, the southern edge of the
Canadian shield.
As part of its Species at Risk (SAR) research project,
the Haliburton Highlands Land Trust invited amateur naturalists to
report their sightings of the 13 at-risk species thought to be in the
county.
There were a dozen responses to newspaper articles on the
project, an excellent result, and seven of them included sightings of
the Skink, Ontario's only lizard.
Most of the Skink sightings were on a stretch of the
Shield in the rocky barrens north of the Irondale River between Gelert
and Kinmount. One sighting was validated by a photograph.
A woman watched Skinks bask on an old railway trestle.
Several callers saw juvenile Skinks with their characteristic blue
tails. A tail pulled off by a predator kept wriggling to distract the
hunter while the rest of the Skink made its escape.
The callers also reported several sightings of the
Eastern Hog-Nosed Snake and American Gingseng. There were single
sightings of the Peregrine, Stinkpot (Musk Turtle), Wood Turtle,
Spotted Turtle and Blandings Turtle.
Funding from the Ministry of Natural Resources enabled
the Trust to commission the study by Paul Heaven's Glenside Ecological
Services Limited of Minden. It is a followup to a previous mapping
project done by Heaven for the Trust.
"There is a need to know more about the habitat
of Species at Risk," said Trust chairman Ian Daniel. "This
project will clarify and add to the body of scientific data showing
which areas in Haliburton may be especially important for wildlife
protection."
The study will help the Trust make decisions on
properties and easements it is offered, assist individuals with good
stewardship of their land and inform local governments charged with
making planning decisions.
Partners in the project were The Land Between of
Haliburton, Haliburton Highlands Stewardship Council of Minden and the
Frost Campus of Sir Sandford Fleming College at Lindsay.
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SPECIES AT RISK
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OLTA's First Awareness Campaign
DRAFT MOCK-UP OF NEW OLTA
HOMEPAGE ABOVE will feature the Species at Risk Campaign and is
set to launch in February 2008.
As the greatest threat to biodiversity loss is the
destruction of key ecological habitats, it becomes ever more important
to protect lands which are home to various species at risk in the
province.
Already almost half the membership is participating
in OLTA's first public awareness campaign - SAVING LAND SAVES SPECIES
AT RISK.
DEADLINE
JANUARY 31, 2008 - Every Member will receive a
$150 honorarium for linking your organization to the OLTA
website and supplying us with the names of Species at Risk that your
organization helps protect BY JANUARY 31, 2008.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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Green Legacies - Planned Giving Training Program for
Environmental NGOs
Planned Giving
De-Mystified
February 14th,
2008, all day with David Love, Executive Director,
Conservation Foundation of Greater Toronto
Receiving
Planned Gifts: Are You Ready?
February 28th,
2008, all day with Mary Beth Taylor, Director of
Planned Giving, World Wildlife Fund Canada
This capacity building program is presented by the
Sustainability Network and Green Legacies Project with funding support
from the Community Foundations of Canada.
Workshops will take place at the Sustainability Network, 215 Spadina
Avenue in Toronto. To register, please send an email indicating
your interest to info@sustain.web.ca
as seating is limited. Registration for both workshops is $200 ($120
for organizations with budgets under $250 000). Separately,
the registration fee for each workshop is $120 ($70 for organizations
with budgets under $250 000). Workshop Details Posted Here
The
Ontario Commercial Arborist Association
is currently looking for opportunities to provide a day of service to a
site/organization that is in need of a variety of professional tree
care needs. Our Annual Day of Service occurs
each Spring and our member companies gather together for the
arboricultural betterment and education of the communities in which we
serve. We are curious if you or your member organizations that could
benefit from our Annual Day of Service 2008, email@advancedtreecare.ca
Ontario Forest
Association
59th ANNUAL CONFERENCE
February 8,
2008
Time: 8:00-5:00
Location: Nottawasaga Inn, Alliston, ON
OUR FORESTS: EXPLORING BIODIVERSITY
The full agenda and detailed information is available at: www.oforest.on.ca <http://www.oforest.on.ca/>
Landowner Workshop
Plant Trees to Fight Climate Change
Trees Ontario is working with its partners to coordinate
and host a series of workshops in southern Ontario in early 2008.
Planting trees reduces your environmental footprint and fights climate
change. Learn how you can get financial assistance (MFTIP) to plant
trees on your property. Learn how your four hectares or more of
existing forest can reduce property taxes by up to 75%
Workshop #1
Tuesday, January 29, 7 - 9 p.m.
University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus
Rudy H. Brown Rural Development Centre
Pioneer Lecture Theatre
120 Main St. East Ridgetown
Wednesday, January 30 7 - 9
p.m.
St Marys Community Centre
317 James St. South, St Marys
Thursday, January 31 7-9 p.m.
Wellington County Museum and Archives
Aboyne Hall 536 Wellington Road #18
Pre-registration is appreciated. For more information
and to register call Trees Ontario toll free at 1 877 646 1193.
Conserving Large Woodlands - Essential to Healthy
Communities
Thursday, January 31st, 2008
Manvers Community Centre, junction of Hwy 7A and 35
The Large Woodlands Conservation Cooperative will be hosting a free
conference with presentations on climate change, ecological goods and
services, significant woodlands, forest conservation by-laws, the
Alternative Land Use Strategy (ALUS), the Eastern Ontario Model Forest,
and of course large woodlands!
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LAND TRUST JOBS
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The Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust (ORMLT)
is seeking an experienced
fundraiser ORMLT currently raises approximately
$400,000 annually.
This part-time, 3 year contract position will appeal to an
individual who wishes to work flexible hours with a salary range of
$40,000.
Please respond by January 18, 2008 with a resume
detailing your qualifications and fit for this position to:
Email: landtrust@bellnet.ca
Job
Boards - where to post
There are some
interesting job opportunities currently posted on the Stewardship Network of Ontario website.If
you want a job ad posted, use the "Contact Us" or
"Suggestion Box&q | | |
