The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) has been given the Canada Water Award. Water Canada, a magazine that focuses on management, research, stewardship, and trends on water in Canada, held its annual summit, recognizing projects and people across the country. The LTVCA’s Precision Phosphorous Reduction Program (PPRP) won the Conservation Project Award. “It brings me great pride to present this award to one of our fellow conservation authorities,” said Angela Coleman, general manager of Conservation Ontario. “This initiative highlights the importance of working collaboratively with the local agricultural community to advance our shared mission of responsible management of Ontario’s water land and natural habitats now and into the future.” PRPP started in 2024, with a four-year, $13 million commitment from the Canada Water Agency, through the Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative. It “adopts a precision conservation approach to reduce phosphorus loads from entering Lake Erie through priority sub-watersheds of the Lower Thames River to help prevent harmful algal blooms and areas of low oxygen.” The program is in its third year and has worked with 626 participants, implementing 158,378 acres of agriculture best management practices. The program also supports water monitoring at 28 different sites throughout the watershed. “The program would not be possible without the strong partnerships we’ve built with landowners, the financial support of our funders, and the dedication of our staff who work hard to bring these projects to life,” said Donna Small, agricultural and phosphorus reduction program coordinator. “It’s through this shared commitment that we’re able to turn conservation goals into meaningful action.”
