Conservation Lands

Deer Ridge Conservation Area

Kettle Creek Environmental Trust is excited to support the Kettle Creek Conservation Authority in the establishment of its newest Conservation Area – Deer Ridge Conservation Area. Ted and Duggie Gill and family donated this 46 acre property to the Kettle Creek Conservation Authority to ensure the property is protected in perpetuity.

The donation is an important step toward protecting and enhancing forest habitat in this area of the Kettle Creek watershed. In 2018 KCCA’s Watershed report Card ranked the Dodd Creek Subwatershed a D in forest cover. This property ensures that a significant stand of interior forest is protected. It is a part of the Middlemarch Forest Complex featuring beautiful vistas of Dodd Creek, tableland woodlot and wetland.

KCET is committed to supporting and investing in the long-term management of conservation lands and is currently accepting donations to support the development of Deer Ridge Conservation Area – and other conservation areas in the Kettle Creek Watershed. Funds will be directed toward invasive species management, restoration and trail development. If you are interested in supporting this project you can donate through our Canada Helps page.

Invasive Species Inventory and Management

In 2019, KCET donated $50,000 over the next three years to assist KCCA in the development of a comprehensive invasive species program. The control of invasive species on KCCA property and throughout the watershed is a growing concern; however, a comprehensive inventory of species and/or management plan has not been developed—until now. Invasive species are defined as non-native species, whose introduction or spread negatively impact natural biodiversity, the economy and or society, including human health. This project will focus largely on phragmites, European buckthorn, Manitoba maple, giant ragweed, garlic mustard, and white sweet clover. With KCET’s support, KCCA has hired a Forest and Lands Technician who will inventory and assess the quantity, extent and location of invasive species on Authority owned lands. This inventory will be used to develop a strategy for the control and/or removal of invasive species. The position will set implementation priorities and lead in the implementation of the strategy using various techniques, including monitoring the effectiveness of the program. The position will also lead invasive species outreach and education initiatives throughout the watershed including making contact with landowners willing to undertake projects on private lands, and municipalities that may wish to work with KCCA to implement similar programs of removal and monitoring on municipal lands.