Bowen’s Creek Habitat Management Area designated as Protected Area

Wyoming, ON – The County of Lambton, St. Clair Region Conservation Authority and Ontario Nature are pleased to announce that the Bowen’s Creek Habitat Management Area now qualifies as a Protected Area, and is contributing to Canada’s target to protect 25% of lands and waters by 2025.

“Ontario Nature congratulates the County of Lambton and St. Clair Region Conservation Authority on this significant achievement. Their strong policies and approaches to management ensure biodiversity is protected for current and future generations,” said Caroline Schultz, Executive Director at Ontario Nature.

The Bowen’s Creek Habitat Management Area, located along the St. Clair River, is among the first municipal conservation lands confirmed to be managed to the national standards for protected and conserved areas. As of December 2021, these 154 hectares of managed lands at Bowen’s Creek now count towards the federal target based on assessments conducted by Ontario Nature.

“The Bowen’s Creek lands are a treasure, and the County of Lambton is proud of the community partnerships and work done to preserve our natural heritage in this area,” said Lambton County Warden Kevin Marriott.

This area’s wet prairie and mature deciduous forest provides refuge for more than 15 locally rare Carolinian flora and fauna and four Species at Risk (Riddell’s Goldenrod, Shumard Oak, Hooded Warbler, and Climbing Prairie Rose) that thrive within the property boundaries, each with distinct habitat requirements. Numerous community partners have contributed to enhancements on these lands through restoration projects including native tree and wildlife shrub plantings, wetland creation, and tall grass prairie planting.

“This project demonstrated the importance of collaboration with our partners and the SCRCA is pleased to see the commitment the County of Lambton has made to protecting the environment,” said Ken Phillips, General Manager, St. Clair Region Conservation Authority.

The County of Lambton owns more than 640 hectares of natural heritage lands that it jointly manages with the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority. To learn more about the Bowen’s Creek Habitat Management Area and other managed lands in Lambton County, please visit www.lambtononline.ca/managed-lands.

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Please contact:

Jason Cole
General Manager, Infrastructure & Development Services
County of Lambton
519-845-0809 ext. 5413
Email Jason Cole

Donna Blue
Manager of Communications
St. Clair Region Conservation Authority
519-245-3710 ext. 219
dblue@scrca.on.ca

John Hassell
Director of Communications and Engagement
Ontario Nature
416-786-2171
johnh@ontarionature.org