OUR OBJECTIVES

Objectives

1. To improve the scientific knowledge and development in watershed science and management by carrying out quality research through collaboration with researchers and other groups.

   Partnering with leading researchers in this field, CSW is endeavouring to improve upon the current understandings in watershed science and develop innovative solutions for management.

   • Learn more about our past projects
   
   
2. To provide opportunities for on-site placements for hands-on experience in watershed research.

   Through our extensive network of community groups, government and universities, CSW offers opportunities for high school, college, university students, recent grads and those under-employed to become involved in research projects and apply their knowledge in ‘real world’ situations.

   • Are you interested in a work placement, volunteer or co-op opportunity?
   • Are you looking for an undergraduate or graduate research topic? Contact Us


3. To be a link between the scientific community and the public of all ages, for improved understanding of the importance of healthy watersheds and the citizen's role in protecting them.

   As important as research is, timely and effective dissemination of the science is crucial to improving public awareness. As a provider of hands-on learning for all ages, CSW aims to demonstrate connections between watershed processes and ecosystem well-being, and provide the information necessary for making well-informed stewardship and management decisions. CSW education and outreach programs are designed to help teach people about the potential benefits of small changes that make environmental and even economic sense.

   • The Living by Water Project – as the Provincial Coordinator, CSW assists groups across the province to implement shoreline awareness education programs. With support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, we have recently developed a report on the status of shoreline stewardship in Ontario. In eastern Ontario, we deliver a comprehensive stewardship program including outreach initiatives, workshops, and AGM presentations. We have also led development of the Healthy Shorelines Demonstration Site at the Rideau Lakes Welcome Centre with information and exhibits to provide people the information needed to implement shoreline BMPs.

   • Our headquarters is also home to the first Canadian Wastewater Garden, an innovative wastewater treatment system that uses plants to grow away pollution, with no discharge to the ground!

   • Sustainable Fisheries Outreach - CSW has developed and compiled a number of resources to help water resource stewardship groups protect fisheries on their watercourse for generations to come.

4. To facilitate networking between other lake/watershed associations and groups, to share resources, information and ideas.

   CSW is building a community of interest composed of lake associations, community groups, and government to support meaningful dialogue on water resource issues and stewardship programs across the province and country. It is our strong feeling that by working together on common issues of concern we can take advantage of synergies, bring consistency into program delivery, and make more effective use of scarce resources.

   • Lake Links - An annual meeting in eastern Ontario offers opportunity for networking and information sharing, as well as a foundation for assessing community needs and prioritizing programming needs.
   • As the provincial coordinator, CSW is a member of the National Steering Committee for the Living by Water Project. This strong national network provides advice and guidance on program development, delivery, and evaluation mechanisms. It is also working to provide some capacity in the longer term to support provincial coordination.
   • Ontario Ecological Monitoring Council - CSW has been involved in the development of a network to support community monitoring in Ontario.
   • CSW has partnered with 4 non-governmental organizations and 2 municipalities across the province to develop a proposal to collaborate on the development of a toolkit for lake associations and organizations that work with lake groups to better understand how to monitor and assess their lake. This proposal will result in improved communications and sharing of information of lake working groups across the province.
   
   

5. To develop models for lake/watershed management plans and facilitate other associations and groups in delivery of watershed-based programs.

   Community groups can be valuable partners in stewardship and protection, however, often lack the tools and guidance required to make them effective contributors. CSW is working with groups and agencies across the province to develop tools to help community to become more involved in watershed management.

   • Watersheds InfoXchange - a GIS mapping application that will strengthen community's role in water resource management by allowing individuals to view and manage data they collect with respect to other data in their region. It will provide cost-effective data dissemination, reduce demands for government services, promote standardized protocols for quality assurance and improve access to community-collected data. The Watersheds InfoXchange website is currently under construction and undergoing technical updates to increase its usefulness for community organizations. Please check back for updates.
   • Workshops/Capacity Building - CSW attends numerous lake association and community group AGMs in eastern Ontario to talk about various water resource protection issues and provide tips to help individuals improve the state of their water resources. We also work with Boards of Directors of lake associations, lake stewards, and environmental committees to help them carry out water protection programs. Contact us about attending your AGM or about your capacity-building needs.