Protecting environment has financial benefits for us all

Arthur Weiss head of the department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology of University of Toronto gave a speech recently at the Koffler Scientific Reserve about environmental incentives people can take during a free workshop organized by the A free environmental conservation workshop was held at Koffler Scientific Reserve, recently, which offered incentives for guests.

The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) and the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation hosted the event, called Rural Rewards.

Financial benefits involving such things as conservation land tax, managed forest tax and grant-funding programs were discussed.

Arthur Weiss of the department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Toronto, said that these environmental project and practice incentives have lasting environmental and financial benefits. "This workshop is an opportunity for landowners to learn all they need," commented Weiss.

Kate Potter, project coordinator for Caring for the Moraine Project, said with these incentives people are able to help preserve the Oak Ridges Moraine.

"For the past 10 years, there have been a great initiative in keeping the Moraine safe and helping those living on the Moraine get what they deserve out of their land," said Potter.

Potter commented that residents need to invest in the health of the landscape, while improving the value of their property.

Lori McLean, stewardship technician of LSRCA, said this was a worthy cause, in trying to protect one of many of Ontario's watersheds, particularly the Oak Ridges Moraine.

"As it's LSRCA's mission to properly protect and restore Lake Simcoe. I also think it's important to raise this manner for all bodies of water in Ontario," said McLean.

"Every part of nature is important."