Toronto and Region Conservation Now Recruiting New Watershed Committee Members for the Etobicoke-Mimico Creeks, Don River, and Humber River watersheds

- Help Protect, Regenerate and Celebrate Your Watershed -

TORONTO, Dec. 4, 2012 /CNW/ - If you want to take action for the environment, now's your chance to make it a reality. Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA) is looking for committed individuals to become new members for the following community-based Watershed Committees: Don Watershed Regeneration Council, Etobicoke-Mimico Watersheds Coalition and the Humber Watershed Alliance for the 2013-2015 term. These action-oriented committees consist of a diverse group of individuals of all ages and backgrounds who come together with the common purpose to protect, regenerate and celebrate their watershed.

Members will act as watershed champions and assist with the implementation of the Watershed Plans for each watershed, work with communities to deliver watershed management programs, help build capacity for watershed management and sustainable communities, and attend educational sessions.  Members will also have the opportunity to share their knowledge, experience and skills to assist in the design and development of projects that relate to habitat regeneration, heritage, urban agriculture, business sustainability, recreation and education. Examples of projects that the Committees have been involved with include; The Living City Report Card, The Humber Heritage Bridge Inventory, The Don River Watershed Plan, and the Upper Mimico Creek Aquatic Habitat Implementation project. The closing date for applications is February 7, 2013. Interviews with potential candidates will be scheduled in late February / early March. Members will be appointed for a two year term with a possible extension for one additional year. Meetings will begin April, 2013. The committees are represented by residents, community groups, NGO's, the City of Toronto, Region of Peel, York Region, Community Councils, businesses, academic institutions, all levels of government and TRCA.

"The people in our community, from residents, community groups, businesses, academics and other representatives are a vital part of our watershed committees," said Adele Freeman, Director, Watershed Management, Toronto and Region Conservation. "This is a unique opportunity to not only act as a local guardian and champion for the watershed, but to learn about the issues and actions in your community and to help protect and regenerate our watersheds for the people and wildlife that live there."

Candidates should have a demonstrated interest in the watershed/community including a willingness to meet the potential time and work commitments; have geographical representation within the watershed and/or Lake Ontario drainage area; and have knowledge, skills and experience in disciplines that would assist in the implementation of assigned tasks and responsibilities.

Interested individuals can register for a live webinar taking place on January 30^th, 2013 at 7:30pm. Representatives from the Don, Humber, and Etobicoke-Mimico Watersheds will be available to answer any questions regarding the watershed committees, the application process, and the responsibilities associated with your role as a watershed champion.

To apply to a Watershed Committee, register for the webinar, or to learn more, please visit:  http://trca.on.ca/watershed-champion

Toronto and Region Conservation
With over fifty years of experience, Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA) helps people understand, enjoy and look-after the natural environment. Our vision is for The Living City®, where human settlement can flourish forever as part of nature's beauty and diversity.  For more information, call 416-661-6600 or visit us at www.trca.on.ca

SOURCE: Toronto and Region Conservation Authority

For media information contact:
Rowena Calpito, Supervisor, Media Management, Toronto and Region Conservation

416.661.6600     ext 5632, [email protected]