The general manager of the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority brought members of Central Huron council up to date this week on how they have shifted their focus.
General Manager Phil Beard explained their goal for the past year was to concentrate primarily on flood and erosion safety services.
Beard pointed out they have $176-million of development located in flood-prone areas, and $366-million worth of development located on erosion-prone areas along the Lake Huron shoreline.
Beard adds their second focus is on Watershed Stewardship Extension Services. They help landowners with soil and water conservation projects, and have skilled staff that can help landowners put the right conservation systems on their land.
Beard points to reforestation as another example of the success they've had in the past year. They have doubled the number of tree planting projects they've done in the past year by letting private contractors plant the trees.
They are also able to do more soil and water conservation projects and improve their flood forecasting system.