Watershed-based Natural Asset Management Strategy (NAMS)

 In October 2021, the province enacted a new regulation requiring all conservation authorities to “develop and implement a watershed-based resource management strategy on or before December 31, 2024” (O. Reg 686/21, s 12 (1), par. 3).

As per the regulation, the purpose of the strategy is to identify:

Conservation Sudbury's Mandatory Program and Services are summarized in the following figure. More specific programs include Regulations and Permits for developments involving natural hazards, Flood Forecasting and Warning, Source Water Protection, management of the Lake Laurentian Conservation Area and other owned lands, educational programing (Camp Bitobig, school programs) and stewardship initiatives (50 Million Tree Program, long-term environmental monitoring programs).

The first step in the development of our watershed-based NAMS was to identify Guiding Principles and Objectives that inform the delivery our our programs and services.

1. The conservation, restoration, development, and management of natural assets is best implemented on a watershed basis.
2. Healthy natural systems provide the basis for well-functioning and resilient communities able to face challenges brought on by climate change and development.
3. The management of water and other natural assets is a shared responsibility among Conservation Sudbury, The City of Greater Sudbury, government agencies and other stakeholders.
4. The NAMS informs policy and decision-making by Conservation Sudbury.
5. Natural asset management decisions are integrated and transparent and take into consideration a broad range of community uses, needs, and values.

1. To identify and understand relevant issues in our watersheds, the primary stressors that cause them and potential solutions for addressing key issues (as they pertain to the programs we deliver).
2. To avoid, reduce or mitigate potential risk to public health, safety or property damage from flooding, other natural hazards and the impacts of a changing climate.
3. To identify and protect natural assets and their systems, which regulate natural hazard processes (ex: flooding, erosion) and support the hydrological and ecological integrity of a watershed.
4. To mitigate potential risk to drinking water sources and ensure a sustainable and clean water supply for communities and ecosystems.
5. To engage the public and improve awareness of natural assets by providing access to nature and educational opportunities to learn about our watersheds and their importance to our communities.
6. To maintain and protect Conservation Sudbury owned lands for public safety, natural heritage protection, outdoor recreation, and socio-economic health.
7. To develop community partnerships and foster inter-agency relationships to enhance and improve delivery of Conservation Sudbury programs and services. 

As part of this strategy, Conservation Sudbury has compiled a set of summary documents describing existing studies, monitoring programs and other information relating to natural resources within our 25 subwatersheds

To find a specific location and identify in which subwatershed it is found:

• Click on the Search button (magnifying glass) on the top right of the map.
• Type in the address of the location you are searching and press enter - the map will zoom to the exact location.
• Select the Zoom out button (-) on the top left of the map to zoom out until the subwatershed layers are visible. Your searched location should still be visible.
• Click on the subwatershed to find a short description of the area, a link to the subwatershed characterization file and a map of important features.

The NAMS was developed using a data-driven framework, compiling existing information to assess watersheds as a whole and to inform possible actions to improve programs and services over areas with varying assets and challenges.

In keeping with the requirements described in the regulation, the strategy was developed as follows:

The main outcome of this strategy, was the identification of program issues and risks, their priority ranking and a strategy of actions and/or needs that will help alleviate some of these challenges.

You can review the FINAL Natural Assets Management Strategy below:

The NAMS will be reviewed and updated on a 4-year cycle.