Steve Miazga CAO Hamilton Conservation Authority

We welcomed Steve Miazga, CAO of the Hamilton Conservation Authority, as today's guest speaker. Russ introduced Steve as a man with a passion for the environment that he combines with a background in planning.

Steve outlined three areas of foci for the authority: flood control and erosion prevention, the Dundas area and other areas in the watershed.

The authority is a major land owner with 11 000 acres under its control. This is managed with a $16 million budget of which $12 million is self generated and not from taxation sources. Monitoring water quality, improving fisheries, protection of natural areas, land use planning and landowner stewardship are all part of flood control and erosion prevention. In the Dundas Valley there are 3000 acres under its control. Over 4000 children each year take part in its outdoor education programs. As well, Websters Falls has a new lookout that supports the physically challenged and the Crooks Hollow Dam removal and streambed restoration are underway. The big thing on the agenda at present is the Eco-Gateway plan and the Veldhuis property.

Other areas of foci for the authority are the East Mountain Trail Loop, the Eramosa Karst Conservation area, and of course the more than 120 waterfalls that grace the area.

David Matchett thanked Steve and opened the door for him to return to further expand on the work of the Hamilton Conservation Authority.