Here are some of the resources for landowners and residents of the OAC, studies and research from the region, and the OAC Management Plan
OAC Management Plan
In 2006, the Grand Bend community and the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority embarked on a planning process to develop a long-term management plan for the OAC watershed. The completed management plan provides background information and outlines approaches designed to protect and enhance the OAC. Stewardship projects, education opportunities, management actions and monitoring of the ecosystem are the types of recommendations that can be found in the management plan.
Ausable River Action Plan
The Ausable River supports one of the most diverse communities of aquatic animals in Canada. At least 26 species of freshwater mussels and 85 species of fish have been found in this watershed. Many aquatic species in this watershed are assessed as Endangered, Threatened, or of Special Concern as there are several threats to their survival and recovery. Low oxygen concentrations, nutrient enrichment, sediment loads, and invasive species are some of the factors that can impact their populations. The Ausable River Action Plan (ARAP) was prepared to help protect these aquatic animals. In 2020, Fisheries and Oceans Canada approved the Action Plan for the Ausable River in Canada: An Ecosystem Approach. The Ausable River Action Plan is an update of the Ausable River Recovery Strategy developed by the Ausable River Recovery Team in 2002.
Native Plant Guide
Living with Nature: A Landowner’s Guide to Native Vegetation for the Grand Bend to Port Franks Corridor (PDF) Printed copies available for purchase – contact rchang@abca.ca for more information.
Watershed Report Cards
Watershed Report Cards tell you about your watershed – where more work is needed and where work has been achieving positive results. They are based on forest, surface water quality, and groundwater quality conditions.
They also provide you with things you, your community, and local agencies can do to help protect and improve watershed health.
To see the 2023 OAC Watershed Report Card, click here.
For other ABCA Watershed Report Cards, visit the following webpage: https://www.abca.ca/watersheds/reportcard/