Conservation Matters 
David Hobden 
Leitrim Wetland 
Retired Museum of Nature botanist and wetland specialist, Albert Dugal, wrote to 
the Ontario Minister of the Environment, Laurel Broten, requesting an individual 
environmental assessment for the Leitrim Community storm water management 
system. The location of the planned storm water pond was abruptly changed when 
(as long ago predicted by independent experts) the site was found to have high 
permeability in the soil and bedrock. He also called for an individual assessment of 
the provincially-significant wetland portion of the second proposed development. 
The Conservation Committee has drafted a letter to Minister Broten in support of 
these requests. The Sierra Club is trying to arrange a meeting to discuss the issues. 
An OFNC representative will, likely, be included if the meeting happens. For more 
information on the Leitrim Wetlands: http://www.ofnc.ca/conservation/leitrim.html. 
Getting ON/FON and Affiliates to Pressure the Ontario Government 
The OFNC wants to see the ON (FON) return to its position as a strong voice for 
nature in Ontario. The Club also wants a unified voice from Ontario naturalist’s 
groups when lobbying the provincial government in matters concerning 
environmental protection. This includes reforms to the Environmental Assessment 
Act and related acts, presentations at the OMB (recently noted), and pressure on the 
government to live up to their pre-election green promises. OFNC Council adopted 
a resolution put forth by the Conservation Committee to this effect. 
Resolution adoption by OFNC Council: 
Whereas Ontario Nature (formerly the Federation of Ontario Naturalists, 
“the Federation”) assumed a highly effective leadership position in 
lobbying the Ontario Government over the Lands for Life issues during 
approximately 1997-1998, and 
Whereas the Ontario Liberal Government was elected in 2003 significantly 
on the basis of “green” election promises including protection of natural 
heritage lands and greenspace, and 
Whereas Ontario Nature is presently in the process of “team building” 
following a period of substantial staff turnover, and thereby will be re¬ 
assigning staff duties during the next few months. 
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