Goals/Mission/Background
The Hamilton-Wentworth Stewardship Council (HWSC) promotes the responsible care, conservation and use of the land and all natural resources in Hamilton-Wentworth for today and for the future to benefit community health. Its goals are:
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to initiate and support stewardship activities in Hamilton-Wentworth.
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to maintain and/or improve the long-term health of the forests, land, air and water resources within Hamilton-Wentworth.
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to provide landowners with the information they need to assist them in managing the natural resources on their land.
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to enhance natural ecosystems including aquatic and terrestrial habitats.
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to develop and maintain working partnerships in the community for accomplishing good stewardship activities in Hamilton-Wentworth.
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to improve communications between landowners and agencies/associations with respect to stewardship.
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to foster relationships and co-operation between agencies/associations by pursuing opportunities for shared effort.
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to provide educational opportunities that promote stewardship initiatives and foster a respect for conservation of natural heritage resources.
The HWSC is affiliated with Ontario Stewardship, a program of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). The program brings community members together to advocate and implement community stewardship on private and public lands. The HWSC is served by a full time Stewardship Coordinator who is an MNR staff person that facilitates council projects and activities.
The HWSC was formed in May 1997. The Council currently consists of 8 volunteers within the community who represent a wide spectrum of landowners and land interests, and who share a common interest and commitment to resource stewardship. These council members act as catalysts that work with landowners, agencies, and organizations to ensure that good ideas are translated into great projects. Depending on the individual circumstances, the council can provide funding, expertise, manpower, or networking contacts to assist our partners in completing stewardship projects.