Natural Heritage Areas in Haliburton, Ontario: Provincial Initiatives for Protection

Natural Heritage Areas in Haliburton, Ontario: Provincial Initiatives for Protection

Roots, Robin

1992

TPB-528

The County of Haliburton is a rich and diverse natural environment, containing a variety of endangered species, representative land forms of natural significance, and spaces vital to ecosystem dynamics. These areas of natural heritage found throughout are crucial to the sustainability and health of the natural and human environment. The protection of these sites can take a number of different forms, both private and public. Such practical concepts as stewardship provide an effective means of private protective management. However, much of Haliburton County is Crown land and thus the responsibility of the Ministry of Natural Resources. This paper looks at public initiatives in Haliburton and methods for improving the process and implementation. Bioregional approaches to planning and management frame suggestions for protection enhancement. The provincial program of Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest is looked at as having the potential to recognize endangered spaces and natural heritage areas but not the management to protect these areas in a bioregion to ensure ecological integrity and maintain biodiversity.