About Us

We do more than just operate conservation areas! Conservation Authorities are local, community-based public sector organizations that are provincially legislated by the Conservation Authorities Act which was originally passed in 1946. The establishment of the Conservation Authorites Act was in response to extensive flooding, erosion, deforestation and soil loss resulting from poor land, water and forestry management practices in earlier years.

Key areas of Conservation Authority activity include:

• Environmental Protection: The Conservation Authorities of Ontario protect local ecosystems and contribute to the quality of life in communities throughout the province.
• Water Resource Managers: The Conservation Authorities are Ontario's community-based environmental experts who use integrated, ecologically sound environmental practices to manage Ontario's water resources on a watershed basis, maintain secure supplies of clean water, protect communities from flooding and contribute to municipal planning processes (that protect water).
• Lifelong Learning: The Conservation Authorities of Ontario create educational experiences in a natural environment that enrich the lives of peoples of all ages, by instilling an appreciation and enjoyment of our diverse natural heritage.