Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) has handed out more of its Anniversary Decade Awards, this time for the 2000s.
ABCA says the latest decade award, the seventh of nine that will be handed out, were recently awarded to the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association, Lambton Shores Nature Trails, Friends of South Huron Trail, and Friends of North Middlesex Trails.
The decade awards are being handed out to celebrate the conservation authority’s 80th anniversary this year, having been officially established back in 1946.
These awards are helping to recognize the work of local community groups in building, enhancing and maintaining trails. The preservation and maintenance of trails in Ausable Bayfield watersheds is possible thanks to a strong local partnership between ABCA and trail groups along with donors and landowners.
The decade awards for the 2000s were handed out on Tuesday, August 25 at Bayfield River Valley Trail Association’s Varna Nature Trail.
"We’re fortunate to have access to nature trails across the whole watershed," said Nathan Schoelier, Acting General Manager at ABCA. "These are places where people can connect with the environment and with each other. These trails are a reflection of community spirit in the watershed and are supported and maintained by dedicated volunteers."
The awards handed out so far prior to the 2000s are as follows:
1940s – Member municipalities, for vision in forming Ontario’s first conservation authority and for continued partnership in the decades that have followed.
1950s – Ontario Parks – For establishing and stewarding Pinery Provincial Park.
1960s – Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (formerly Department of Lands and Forests) for a lasting local legacy of reforestation.
1970s – Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation – For work in the community since ABCF was formed in 1974.
1980s – Local community service groups, recognizing decades of strong partnerships in our watershed communities.
1990s – Innovators for soil.
"I would like to thank all the volunteers with these trail groups and everyone who supports these trails with donations," said Ray Chartrand, Chair of the ABCA Board of Directors. "These valuable community assets are available for public use because of the community, because of the volunteers, and because of the generous donors."
