Fish Die-off in the Thames River (media release, February 4, 2021) London, ON - The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) was recently alerted to a large die-off of fish in the Thames River in London. The fish are Gizzard Shad, a species that is prone to large wintertime die-offs. “The most likely cause of the die-off is a combination of stressful winter conditions, high numbers of fish, and the presence of [...]

Beware of Unstable Ice Conditions (media release, January 21, 2021) Jan 21, 2021 - The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) and municipal emergency response agencies are concerned about the increased public use of frozen reservoirs and ponds for activities such as skating and ice fishing. The UTRCA reminds the public that going onto frozen water bodies for recreational activities is hazardous. With schools closed and many families at home, [...]

Conservation Authority’s GM Announces Retirement (media release, January 20, 2021) Jan 20, 2021 - After more than 17 years as General Manager of the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA), Ian Wilcox has announced that he will be retiring this spring. Wilcox has worked for the UTRCA for more than 30 years, starting with a summer job at Wildwood Conservation Area in 1985. He held a variety of other positions [...]

Dec 21, 2020 - The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) reminds the public that Fanshawe (London), Wildwood (St. Marys), and Pittock (Woodstock) Conservation Areas continue to be available for walking and nature viewing. Spending time in nature can reduce stress and help you feel more energized. Please be respectful of nature and other visitors at all times. The UTRCA also reminds everyone that waterways pose a serious safety hazard. River banks [...]

Province Misses Chance to Respond to Ontarians’ Concerns about the Environment (media release, December 8, 2020) NEWMARKET, December 8, 2020 - The Province just missed a chance to show they are listening to Ontarians who care about their environment. Ontario’s Budget Measures Act (Bill 229) was passed today with Schedule 6 intact, and in fact, bolstered with the addition of Minister Zoning Orders which could force a conservation authority to [...]

Changes Fall Short of Addressing Conservation Authorities’ Concerns (media release, December 5, 2020) Conservation Ontario media release, NEWMARKET December 5, 2020 - New changes made to the Schedule 6 amendments proposed for conservation authorities (CAs) fall well short of addressing their concerns and even introduce new additions which create more delays and costs, as well as allow the Minister to disregard CA science-based decision-making for development. “We have to continue to [...]

Supporting Endangered Turtle Research during Pandemic (media release, November 18, 2020) Nov 18, 2020 - The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) is pleased to announce that more than 4,000 endangered Spiny Softshell turtle hatchlings were released this year by the UTRCA Turtle Team! The hatchlings emerged from eggs that had been collected from sites along the Thames River and incubated at the UTRCA Watershed Conservation Centre (WCC). Thanks to [...]

October 7, 2020 - The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) is pleased to announce that new funding is available to encourage farmers to use cover crops. The funding is available through the Clean Water Program for farms throughout the Upper Thames River watershed. The Clean Water Program has been providing technical assistance and financial incentives to improve and protect rural water quality since 2001. “Soil erosion and nutrient runoff [...]