Huron Clean Water Project now accepting applications

HURON COUNTY – The Huron Clean Water Project is a fund that supports water quality projects in Huron County. In 2021, the County of Huron allocated $450,000 in funds for water quality projects by Huron County residents, landowners, and community groups.

The Maitland Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) and the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) deliver the program on behalf of the County.

“The total value of past Huron Clean Water projects is an astounding $13.1 million,” said Warden Glen McNeil. “These investments made by the county, community partners and community members demonstrate Huron’s commitment to being good stewards of our land and waterways now and in the future. Well done, to all involved in this important project.”

Investing and participating in on-the-ground water quality improvement projects contributes to a healthy environment and will provide lasting benefits for the residents of Huron County and generations to follow.

Limited funding assistance covering up to 50 per cent of the costs of eligible projects is awarded to county farmers, rural landowners, businesses and community organizations. County of Huron funding can be combined with other sources such as the Canada-Ontario Environmental Farm Plan cost-share program, Canada Nature Fund, and Forests Ontario tree planting subsidy programs.

The Huron Clean Water Project is in its 17th year of providing financial and technical support to improve and protect water quality on Huron County farms and rural properties.

Since 2005, Huron County residents have completed more than 3,100 stewardship projects with funding from the Clean Water Project, including:

– 864 tree planting projects;

– 591 wells decommissioned;

– 404 wells upgraded;

– 24,000 acres of cover crops;

– 216 kilometres of windbreaks;

– 273 erosion control projects; and

– 99 unused liquid manure storages decommissioned.

Learn more about the Huron Clean Water Project at www.HuronCleanWaterProject.ca.

To apply for funding, or to obtain further information, call Maitland Conservation at 519-335-3557 ext. 236 or Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority at 519-235-2610 ext. 227 or 1-888-286-2610.