The North Bay – Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBCMA) wants to celebrate its 50 years with the community.
Since 1972, NBCMA has been protecting people and property from natural hazards and advising local municipalities on plans and watershed management studies all while opening up conservation areas for the public.
Today NBMCA’s programs also include water quality monitoring, flood prevention and forecasting, drinking water source protection, outreach and more.
As part of the 50th Anniversary activities, NBMCA is inviting the community to submit names of youth, adults, educators, organizations and businesses who are taking action – big or small – to preserve, protect or improve the watershed. These “Watershed Heroes” will then be recognized on NBMCA’s website and at the end of year, five will be chosen to receive NBMCA’s 2022 Watershed Hero Award. Names can be submitted online through NBMCA’s website.
“NBMCA’s Boardwalk of Champions is an opportunity for anyone to give recognition to someone who has inspired them, someone you want to be remembered, someone who is celebrating a special milestone in their life, someone who has overcome a challenge or someone who has contributed to the well-being of others. For a $100 donation (which supports NBMCA’s scholarship and outreach programs) NBMCA will acknowledge your champion with an engraved pinecone on a trail boardwalk,” said Sue Buckle, Manager Communications and Marketing.
Other initiatives include bursaries and awards for an environment-related studies students at Nipissing University and Canadore College, as well as an environmental high skills major student at each of West Ferris, Almaguin Highlands, FJ McElligott, and Ecole Secondaire Publique Odyssee.
NBMCA is also partnering with Clean Green Beautiful which will coordinate volunteers to lead in cleanups on the Chippewa Creek EcoPath.
The Mattawa River Canoe Race is returning on July 23 with its 64 km and 13 km races after a 2 year hiatus due to COVID and a Watershed Images Photo Contest will be launched in May.
“In the next month, NBMCA will be announcing a partnership with the North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre for the creation of a unique outdoor space where Indigenous and non-Indigenous people can gather, honouring the culture and teachings of the Indigenous community while developing an appreciation of the significance of water to all,” said Buckle.
Information on all of NBMCA’s 50th Anniversary activities can be found on www.nbmca.ca/50thAnniversary&Events
