COUNCIL PROFILE

BACKGROUND

Essex County is located in the south west corner of Ontario, neighbouring Windsor and Detroit, a short river crossing away. Essex County is bounded by Lake Erie to the south, Lake St. Clair to the north, the Detroit River and the City of Detroit to the west and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent to the east. At the same latitude as northern California, Barcelona, Spain and Rome, Italy, we are blessed with a unique climate, having the mildest winters and the longest growing season in the country. As a result, Essex County has become one of Canada's most important agricultural areas, supporting the largest concentration of greenhouse vegetable production in North America. Ideal climatic conditions have also fostered a growing wine industry. There is 94% agricultural land base in Essex County. Essex County has a very flat terrain and the productive soil largely consist of clay-based soils, with sandy soils along the beaches and shores.

Over 350,000 people reside in the County of Essex, with the City of Windsor and Leamington being the largest urban centers. The municipalities of LaSalle, Amherstburg, Tecumseh, Essex, Kingsville, Lakeshore, and Pelee Island are also located within Essex County. Manufacturing makes up the largest sector in the area and Windsor is now known as the "Automotive Capital of Canada".

Agriculture is an important component of the Essex County economy. A 2002 study estimated sales of $2.8 billion and 31,000 jobs were related to Essex County agriculture. Typical crops in the area include soybeans, corn, wheat and fruit crops. The greenhouse industry has recently experienced a boom in southern Ontario and the Leamington/Kingsville area now boasts the largest concentration of greenhouse vegetable growers in North America. Tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and nursery flowers are the primary output from the over 900 acres of greenhouses in the Leamington area. The Wine industry is also gaining importance in Essex County.

Ecotourism also plays a significant role in the local economy. Birding is a popular attraction and Point Pelee National Park and Holiday Beach Conservation Area host upwards of ½ million visitors each year. Essex County also has over 200km of shoreline and recreational boating and sport fishing have become popular activities. Commercial fishing, particularly of walleye and yellow perch, continues to be a significant industry on Lake Erie.

VISION

Essex County Stewardship Network creates opportunities for regional habitat conservation and restoration

MISSION

Essex County Stewardship Network supports regional landowners to plan and implement their conservation goals

ECSN VALUES

- Trust and respect

- Landowner participation

- Positive community relations

- Effective and knowledgeable community based services

- Investor relations

- Organizations with common goals

STRATEGIC GOALS

1. Develop new projects, protect and monitor existing projects, keeping in mind property owners rights and personal objectives while expanding plant and wildlife natural habitat

2. Utilize traditional sources of funding and seek out new continuous and consistent sources of funding through partners, agencies, corporations, landowners and government including local, national and bi-national sources

3. Develop an evolving communications plan to be implemented within one year

4. Become a top of mind organization working with regional investors to promote and sustain a culture of conservation and restoration

5. Educate landowners in the community to encourage and promote stewardship of their local region

6. Develop a stronger stewardship council governance