West Elgin Landowners recognized

December 10, 2009

On Dec. 17, landowners from West Elgin received certificates at the Elgin Stewardship Council Christmas dinner, recognizing their commitment to improving the natural resources on their property.Back Row: Warren Reinke-Vice Chair Elgin Stewardship Council, Kevin Schleihauf, Stan Caveney, John R. Johnston, Joe Preston-MPP, Eric GuestFront Row: Rosanne Schleihauf, Anita Caveney, Brenda Johnston, Carolyn Guest, Margaret Carroll (Chair-Elgin Stewardship Council).Norm and Christine Miller also received a certificate but were not in attendance.

Five Elgin County landowners were recognized for their commitment to improving the natural resources on their property at the Elgin County Stewardship Council annual Christmas dinner Dec. 17.

Five Rodney area landowners including John R. and Brenda Johnston, Eric and Carolyn Guest, Stan and Anita Caveney, Kevin and Rosanne Schleihauf, and Norm and Christine Miller received recognition from MP Joe Preston. Over the past five years, these landowners have combined to restore more than 150 acres of marginal farmland to natural habitat. Moreover, they have given their time and knowledge to other landowners in the area wanting to undertake a similar project.

"It is encouraging to see the commitment from both levels of government in providing funding that assists landowners in improving natural resources and wildlife habitat in Elgin County," said Margie Carroll, Chair of the Council.

"The Federal government is very pleased to be able to assist landowners through Environment Canada's EcoAction program," said Preston, prior to presenting the awards. "I have seen first hand the time and effort these landowners have put into planting trees, and other stewardship initiatives that have a positive impact on the environment and wildlife habitat of Elgin County."

Over the past five years, the Federal government has given $150,000 through the EcoAction program, with money going towards the West Elgin Habitat Restoration Project and Elgin Landowner Stewardship

Initiative. Combined with funding from other organizations such as Ducks Unlimited Canada, HIVA Environmental Fund, Ministry of Natural Resources-Canada Ontario Agreement and Community Fisheries and Wildlife Involvement Program, Ontario and Ontario Trillium Foundation and the former Wetland Habitat Fund, the stewardship council has helped raise more than $300,000 to support private landowners with habitat stewardship projects across the county.

"It was an honour to be recognized," said John R. and Brenda Johnston. "Funding allowed us to plant native trees and tallgrass prairie, restore wetland areas, control erosion and protect fragile lands. Not only do we benefit as landowners by doing these projects, but there are also benefits to the wildlife and the environment."

Since completing the Elgin Landscape Strategy in 2005, the Elgin Stewardship has helped a number of landowners across the county plan and implement habitat restoration projects on their property. This includes planting native trees and wildlife shrubs, establishing Tallgrass prairie, fencing projects and wetland restoration. For more information about the stewardship council's landowner extension program, contact Graham Decow at 519-631-4491.