As a foundation for its work, the Couchiching Conservancy undertook a study called The Natural Heritage Action Plan to identify the main strategic areas needing protection. This work identified: the Oro Moraine, the Carden Alvar, Servern Wildlands and the Black/Head River corridor.
The key areas needing protection are reviewed every five years as part of a strategic planning process. At that time, the Conservancy consults with its membership and key stakeholders and convenes a strategic planning meeting to review priorities for the coming period.
A Strategic Plan for the Couchiching Conservancywas completed in 2007 and covers the time frame of 2009-2013.
The goals of the plan are:
- Monitor and manage effectively lands owned or under the protection of the CC.
- Protect additional high-priority properties, particularly within defined focus areas.
- Maintain an ethical, fiscally sound and well-managed organization.
- Build a loyal CC membership and a strong volunteer base.
- Stimulate public interest and engagement in land conservation.
- Encourage sound public policy in support of natural heritage protection.
Within these broad geographic areas, the Conservancy looks at the following criteria to select projects: [link to pdf of project criteria from existing website]
- Ecological significance
- Context (linkages to other properties, size and threats)
- Public benefit
- Management needs
- Financial feasibility.
From time to time, the Conservancy will respond to areas outside the key regions if the public benefit warrants and the community support is present. A key example of this was the preservation of Church Woods.
Acquiring Lands
The Couchiching Conservancy works with private landowners to secure ecologically significant lands that we have identified as priorities for conservation in our Natural Heritage Action Plan. Read more…
