1 FORUMFORSTEWARDSHIPCOUNCILSINTHEONTARIOCENTRALZONE SaturdayOctober4th YorkRegionAdministrativeCentre,Newmarket MEETINGNOTES
PARTICIPANTS Ducks Unlimited Mike Williams Dufferin Simcoe Land Stewardship Network (DSLSN) Caroline Mach John Osmok Halton Peel Stewardship Council Alison Qua-Enoo Eastern Georgian Bay Stewardship Council Julia Sutton Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority Kristian Stephens Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Dave May Ontario Nature Caroline Schultz Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association Christine Schmalz Oxford County Stewardship Council Phil Holst Stewardship Grey Bruce Norah Toth Catherine Dickison Carl Sadler Ron Stewart Stewardship Network of Ontario Suzanne Barrett Toronto and Region Conservation Joanne Jeffery York Region Heidi Breen INTRODUCTION The stewardship forum was organized by Suzanne Barrett, Chair of the Stewardship Network of Ontario and Caroline Mach, President of the Dufferin Simcoe Land Stewardship Network. It was one of a series of meetings in Ontario to share information and explore opportunities for collaboration in the stewardship sector. The context for these meetings is in part the ongoing MNR transformation, which included the end of direct coordination for stewardship councils in 2012. MNR now has new district partnership specialists who will work with a wider range of groups in the community. The objectives of the Forum on October 4 were to: 1. Share information on status and projects of stewardship councils in the Central Region 2. Discuss capacity building opportunities 3. Discuss collaboration within the stewardship community and related groups 4. Explore opportunities to work with the Stewardship Network of Ontario The meeting was hosted by Heidi Breen, Stewardship Specialist, York Region. The meeting agenda is attached as Appendix A. The meeting report was prepared by Joanne Jeffery and Suzanne Barrett. 1
STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL UPDATES Dufferin Simcoe Land Stewardship Network (DSLSN) Update provide by John Osmok The original Stewardship Councils were created in 1995 under the MNR Private Forest Sustainability Program. This was later transformed to Private Land Resource Stewardship Program and eventually to Ontario Stewardship Program. The original name was Land Stewardship Network serving the communities of Dufferin and South Simcoe Counties. It was later renamed as the Dufferin South Simcoe Land Stewardship Network. Most of early focus was on landowner outreach & education (ie-workshops, tours, events, information dissemination). The Network progressively increased the on-ground and program development initiatives and partnership project output in late 90 s & early 2000 s. It became very active and aggressive in seeking funds to support their initiatives. They were quite a hands-on council (active in some initiatives, left others to their stewardship coordinator). It was largely a landowner based council, but gradually shifted to landowner / organization based council. Project output & scale increased significantly throughout the 2000 s (some very large projects and programs were led by this council). The Council underwent strategic planning & restructuring exercise between 2008-11. We incorporated as a not-for-profit in 2011 (fuelled by changes in funding transfer payment processes within Ontario government and by legal agreements for large-scale programming activities at that time). We were slightly ahead of the MNR focus encouraging councils to become legal entities. We initiated an amalgamation with the North Simcoe Stewardship Network in 2012, which was finalized in 2013. This prompted the name change to Dufferin Simcoe Land Stewardship Network (DSLSN) We currently operate with 6 directors and 6 other members (largely organization & agency representatives). We meet 4 times per year face to face. The AGM is held in June. DLSLN was successful in securing approximately $3 million in federal funding through Environment Canada s Lake Simcoe & SE Georgian Bay Clean-up Fund and are administering a stewardship outreach & incentive program until March 2017 through this fund. This has allowed the DSLSN to retain a coordinator. Staff for the program are also administered through the DSLSN. We jointly operate a priority tree program using funds secured through Simcoe County (modest scale). We provide 3-4 walking events in the field annually for local residents & the broader public. We attend and support several local events annually (e.g. Dufferin Farm Tour), as well as contributing to partners programs (e.g. NVCA Healthy Waters). We are retaining some linkage to Butternut Recovery programming but have scaled back. We are currently contemplating need for continued tree distribution programming in Dufferin County (have had a program presence in this since 1998). We support some local community groups (e.g. local Streams Network). We still provide some funding support to local CA s although unlikely to be able to maintain this. We inherited some ongoing program support commitments upon amalgamation with North Simcoe (funded by remaining North Simcoe $ transferred a amalgamation) this is nearing its end. We are currently investigating programming opportunities for 2015. 2
Eastern Georgian Bay Stewardship Council (EGBSC) Update provided by Julia Sutton The EGBSC began as a fisheries council in 2000 and has remained mainly fish-focused. The Council has focused on Walleye spawning and completed four Walleye spawning bed rehabilitation projects. They have hosted annual workshops on various topics, including fisheries and declining water levels in Eastern Georgian Bay. They also undertook a Trumpeter swan survey. EGBSC was incorporated into MNR s Ontario Stewardship program in 2006. The group has been fairly inactive since 2012, and since the MNR program was cut, they have lost half of their council members, with seven remaining. Julia was hired as the Coordinator at end of May, and works 2 days per week for the Council. They have approximately 2 years of funding and are finding it challenging to obtain funding for salary dollars and matching funds for additional fundraising applications. Julia is currently trying to get insurance for the Council, and they will be re-vamping their website. EGBSC is somewhat isolated from other Stewardship Councils, but will contact Muskoka/Parry Sound to see what activities they have planned. They are lucky in that there are four other organizations that work in Eastern Georgian Bay that they can partner with. They will be looking to work with more groups on the ground, have more public involvement in the future, and do more work on the outreach side. Other participants recommended that there is a group on Manitoulin Island that may be a good example to follow (www.manitoulinstreams.com). Stewardship Grey Bruce Update provided by Norah Toth This is a new group that re-formed after MNR discontinued the Ontario Stewardship Program. Two councils amalgamated to become Stewardship Grey Bruce (SGB). We are in the Homework phase including creating a mandate, mission statement and core values, and becoming incorporated. We were turned down for charitable status. Our web site is being updated to Stewardship Grey Bruce. We also partner with Community Foundation Grey Bruce; there we have a second web listing where other environmental agencies can join for $20. Projects include funding an arboretum with Grey Sauble Conservation Authority and working with youth on a Youth Expo, Envirothon and attending other youth events and Fairs. We have developed an application form but have been cautious about promoting the fact that we could provide funding to groups as we are not financially sustainable at the present time. We have not been involved in active fundraising and the funds we inherited from the two previous councils would be depleted quickly should we continue to fund projects over the next 5-10 years as we did in the past. Haliburton Highlands Stewardship Council Update provided by David May Haliburton Highlands Stewardship Council is in process of dissolution, as of August 2014. 3
Halton Stewardship Council Update provided by Alison Qua Enno of Credit Valley Conservation The Halton Stewardship Council spent the past year building and maintaining what they have. There are challenges in administrative capacity, so the Council is cautious to pursue new opportunities. The Council needs new volunteers and is looking for sharing opportunities. There has been a decrease in capacity to do outreach especially in the urban areas due to limited volunteer base. Stewardship Committee of the Muskoka Conservancy Update provided by Will Dickinson via email When Ontario Stewardship wound down, the Parry Sound Muskoka Stewardship Network morphed into the Stewardship Committee of the Muskoka Conservancy (a third party arrangement). The transition was relatively smooth. Muskoka Conservancy (MC) provided an office and hired a stewardship coordinator. 75% of the original directors became committee members. The Committee initiated a shoreline program complete with site visits, workshops, and a Working around Water Symposium for contractors (75 attended). The healthy trees program includes site visits/calls, workshops and a Forest Festival scheduled for Nov.14/14. The local Envirothon was competed in April. The Committee administers a stewardship bursary "Charlie Esson Award". They conducted Nature Quests walks, nature interpretation programs and tried an Outdoor Movie Night. They supported and worked with the Stewardship Rangers for five days. Oxford County Stewardship Council Update provided by Phil Holst The Stewardship Council is active in the County of Oxford. On the positive side since the changes in the MNR program: the Council members that have continued with the Council now have a vested interest and are more involved. We are incorporated, developed a web site and have a mandate as a liaison between landowners and other groups. We are helping private landowners with their project paperwork, design work, funding, permitting and putting them in touch with the right groups. We encourage landowners to continue with the project, can take a year from beginning to end. Phil stressed the importance of re-visiting the landowner project once it is complete. Phil noted that some Stewardship Councils feel isolated and would appreciate networking opportunities. Rainy River District Stewardship Council Update provided by David May The Rainy River District Stewardship Council (NW Ontario) is fully incorporated, with current projects including: Pinewood River Watershed Restoration Project, Oak Grove prescribed burning being led by NCC, Fisheries Management Zone 5 actions (addressing data gaps, education and outreach, etc.). There is a focus on 50 agricultural restoration sites that have been prioritized and are ready for funding. 4
York Environmental Stewardship (YES) Update provided by Heidi Breen on behalf of Lorrie Mackness York Environmental Stewardship has partnered with others, including the OFAH, to get through the transition period. Projects include the Envirothon and Stream Program. AGENCY UPDATES Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) Update provided by Alison Qua-Enno CVC s stewardship department is active in education, landowner outreach, terrestrial / aquatic restoration, and community outreach. The landowner outreach group is involved in corporate and resident greening initiatives including workshops on planting native species. Rural outreach includes both agricultural and rural non-farm landowners. Part of a grassland recovery initiative, a new pilot program is Bird Friendly Certified Hay. The pilot was funded by MNR and is intended to create a market for bird friendly hay. There are a lot of equine operators in the watershed that may be interested in purchasing late-cut hay. CVC also has a grassland restoration demonstration site at one of their Conservation Areas. CVC has new funding for rural non-farm landowners that is modeled after the Environmental Farm Plan (EFP). There is a new Online Forum through Greenbelt funding called the Countryside Connection. It is based on a network of landowners from previous workshops that were receiving an e-newsletter. They have been invited to continue to participate through the new on-line forum to discuss issues affecting rural property owners. Ducks Unlimited Update provided by Mike Williams Ducks Unlimited was recently successful in an application to Lake Simcoe/South-eastern Georgian Bay Fund that secured $368K. The funds will help to deliver a wetland conservation program for a phosphorus reduction project. Project components include an integrated wetland, local municipal outreach, GIS and landowner outreach. Ducks Unlimited hired 3 people to implement the project. The project goal is for 23 new projects with 3 new wetlands already in the ground right now. Ducks Unlimited is working with stewardship councils and stewardship rangers, among others. Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) Update provided by Kristian Stephens The NVCA Healthy waters program includes technical and financial support for agricultural BMP s and other water quality related projects. Common landowner requests include the decommissioning of wells and upgrading septic systems. There is a new project tile drainage boxes the NVCA will help to fund landowners to install them. A drainage contractor installs the tile drain control boxes close to the outlets. The farmer then manages the removable panels ( stoplogs ) to help conserve water and nutrients for the crop during the growing season. 5
NVCA is helping to promote the Lake Simcoe South-eastern Georgian Bay stewardship project. They have a phosphorus reduction project grant for up to $70K for livestock owners to help improve manure storage in the Innisfil Creek subwatershed because phosphorus runoff into waterways is a concern in this region. The NVCA also engages school groups and the public in projects such as tree planting. The NVCA is hosting an October 27 workshop on Managing New Urban Development in the NVCA Phosphorus-Sensitive Watershed. It will be held at the NVCA s Tiffin Centre for Conservation in Utopia. All are welcome but need to pre-register here. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) Update provided by David May The MNRF transformation is nearly complete. It includes a leadership shift for landscape level management to regional staff (e.g. Forest Management Planning and Fisheries Management Zone Planning). Recruitment for the new organizational structure is nearly complete, with five Partnership Specialist positions still to be filled. The Modernization of Approvals Project streamlines low-impact authorizations and is online now. MNRF remains committed to partnerships and environmental stewardship, for example: 15 year partnership with DU Youth programs - Stewardship Youth Rangers and Aboriginal Youth Work Exchange Program Land Stewardship and Habitat Restoration Program Species at Risk Stewardship Fund Species at Risk Farm Incentive Program MFTIP and CLTIP Invasive species Invasive Species Centre and fund, Invading Species Awareness Program (with OFAH since 92) and Ontario Invasive Plant Council Community Hatchery Program Partnership Specialists active in Districts and broader landscape level partnership initiatives in collaboration with other district, regional and provincial MNRF staff All Ontario government ministries are on or moving to Ontario OneSite and no longer have their own individual web sites. One Site organizes information by topics and tags, and provides improved search functions (more information attached). Online sources for MNRF information include: Here are some pages you might be interested in exploring: Wildlife and Nature: www.ontario.ca/environment-and-energy/wildlife-and-nature Fishing: www.ontario.ca/travel-and-recreation/fishing Hunting: www.ontario.ca/travel-and-recreation/hunting Outdoors card page: www.ontario.ca/environment-and-energy/get-outdoors-card Hunting/fishing wizard: www.ontario.ca/travel-and-recreation/fishing-and-hunting-wizard Species at risk: www.ontario.ca/environment-and-energy/species-risk Forestry: www.ontario.ca/rural-and-north/forestry Ontario Wood: www.ontario.ca/business-and-economy/ontario-wood For MNRF news and updates you can check the Newsroom or follow @MNRFcentral on twitter. 6
Ontario Nature Update provided by Caroline Schultz Founded in 1931 as Federation of Ontario Nature and the name changed to Ontario Nature 12 years ago. They have 154 member groups across the province and 23 provincial partners. The Nature Network was founded with naturalist groups and has expanded to include other NGO s such as hiking groups and land trusts. Ontario Nature works on a broad range of issues. Those of particular interest from a stewardship perspective include land use planning, forest and freshwater foods, pollinators, Youth Council, Ontario reptile and amphibian atlas (base line information for all of Ontario with over 2400 contributors across the province), and the bioblitz program (recent Eastern Ontario experience was very successful working with farmers). Caroline provided an example of pre- and post- perceptions of landowners to snakes. Ontario Nature has 24 nature reserves and there are groups associated with each one. They also work with surrounding landowners. They are part of the Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) Alliance, a volunteer program that pays farmers to create ecological goods and services piloted in Norfolk County and now in Grey Bruce County. Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) Update provided by Christine Schmalz OSCIA has long-standing partnerships with several SNO members and is a funding source for farmers. The cost share program Growing Forward 2 provides up to $350K. It is a broad program that provides significant opportunities for all types of projects on farm. The grassland bird habitat program is in its final year for now. The Water s Edge Transformation Program (WET) is intended to help with phosphorous reduction on farms. OSCIA works with conservation authorities and Ducks Unlimited on this program. The Species at Risk program has a funding cap of $20K for habitat-based projects. Funding is still available for this year. OSCIA is aiming to share stories on all the great projects that are happening on farm properties to a broader audience. They have developed posters and a booklet with stories that profile several projects. OSCIA has completed a survey with 250 responses from farmers related to species at risk. Stewardship Network of Ontario (SNO) Update provided by Suzanne Barrett SNO is an informally structured network of about 230 government and non-government organizations with an interest in private land stewardship in Ontario. It was initiated in 2004 in response to needs for improved information sharing, collaboration among stewardship agencies and a strong voice for stewardship in Ontario. SNO is also a Working Group of the Ontario Biodiversity Council. SNO s vision is a future where Ontarians care for air, land, water and biodiversity and work together to sustain the natural processes on which all life depends. We recognize that stewardship by private landowners and citizens is a key tool to accomplish this vision. SNO s objectives are to: 7
Demonstrate leadership & encourage collaboration among stewardship agencies, governments, academia, community groups, institutions & businesses Promote the value of stewardship as an effective tool to accomplish biodiversity conservation & environmental improvements Encourage implementation of Ontario s Biodiversity Strategy Increase access to knowledge & experience via our website, e-newsletter SNO Squall, and twitter feed. SNO s current projects include: Outreach to Stewardship Councils Stewardship Case Studies for the State of Ontario Biodiversity Report 2015 Ontario Biodiversity Summit 2015 SNO Squall e-bulletin Over the past year, SNO has been talking to stewardship councils about opportunities for collaboration. Suggestions include: Page on SNO website with links to stewardship council websites and/or contact information Networking and information exchange online and/or in person Promotion of stewardship council activities in SNO Squall e-newsletter Contributions to State of Ontario Biodiversity Report 2015 Special session at Ontario Biodiversity Summit 2015 Participation on SNO Leadership Committee Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) Update provided by Joanne Jeffery The TRCA works across the GTA in York Region, Toronto, Peel Region and Durham Region. Similar to other conservation authorities the TRCA provides extension services to private landowners including the Rural Water Quality Program, Forestry and MFTIP Planning Services and the Private Land Tree Planting Program. In addition to the traditional private land services noted above, the Stewardship and Outreach Education team members also engage homeowners across the GTA. The following 3 examples were shared at the meeting: Greening Your Grounds A Guide to Landscaping for Water Conservation is a 55 page colour book that was created in 2013 through Ontario Trillium Funding. It is used in a workshop setting and is modeled after the rural landowner guide. The workshop content follows the Table of Contents in the guide which takes the participants from an evaluation of their property through step by step instructions for capturing and reusing rain water on their property. Creating Habitat is a new booklet that was created for those groups who want to self-lead tree planting and habitat creation projects in their community. TRCA is working on an outdoor workshop outline for implementation in the spring of 2015. Maintaining Pollinator Habitat is a booklet that was created to guide groups who have established pollinator gardens. It is step by step guide on how to organize your group members around the care and maintenance of pollinator habitat. 8
York Region Forestry Update provided by Heidi Breen The York Region Forestry department has 5 business units /areas: York Regional Forest Forest Conservation By-law Street Trees York Region s Greening Strategy Invasive Species, particularly focused on Emerald Ash Borer Updates: York Region is hosting an upcoming Emerald Ash Borer workshop for woodlot owners on October 6, 2014 York Region celebrates the newest addition to the York Regional Forest: Drysdale Woods Tract. The environmental land donation from the Drysdale family adds 55 hectares to the York Regional Forest York Region Forestry is constructing a new stewardship and education centre at Hollidge Tract. The target open date is April 2015 York Region Forestry is currently constructing a second two kilometre accessible trail in the North Tract, in the Town of East Gwillimbury. The first accessible trail was built in the Hollidge Tract, in the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville, and is temporarily closed due to construction in the Hollidge Tract The York Region Official Plan, 2010 identifies a target for 25% forest cover (it was 22.8% in 2013). York Region staff will be working with partners and other organizations to this target. Please see more information about this topic, in York Region s Committee of the Whole report to the Council of the Regional Municipality of York on March 27, 2014 PANEL DISCUSSION CAPACITY BUILDING Panelists: Phil Holst, Caroline Schultz and David May. Moderator: Suzanne Barrett. Keeping Everyone Working Together Volunteers are the backbone of stewardship. But managing and keeping them can be difficult. For example, because people aren t being paid, they can be unreliable and let you down. Some volunteers take on too much and suffer from burn-out. Others may have different ideas about how to proceed than the rest of the group. Personalities and egos may get in the way. Question: What are your best tips for working effectively with volunteers? + Have a structured program + Match volunteer skills and interests to each job + Have a code of conduct and enforce it + Don t be afraid to fire a volunteer or give them a different role + Harness the benefits of difficult people + Think through your recruitment strategy, and consider including it in an appendix to your ToR/bylaws + Volunteer job posting explaining what the job will entail with defined tasks and timelines (eg each council member might be responsible for leading a project each year) 9
+ Ask volunteers to identify what they enjoy as well as what they are not comfortable doing + During recruitment, clearly articulate the volunteer role, responsibilities and expectations + Speak to new recruits in advance of meetings etc. + Share terms of reference for recruitment + Assess what groups are under-represented at the table and what skills and expertise you need (car salesman or accountant?) + Establish volunteer leadership training + Recruit the right people and set them up to succeed + Value of council model cross-section of stakeholders, balance of skill-sets + Ensure new recruits receive a proper orientation - from business processes to project backgrounds + Have clear, defined tasks, expectations and timelines + Identify project leads responsible for reporting back so it s clear who is responsible + Know your volunteers know their strengths and weaknesses and your requests accordingly + Include volunteers in the completion and celebration of a project + Include recognition and appreciation (e.g. event/dinner to recognize their commitment and time in a group setting) Helping Landowners Stewardship on private lands relies on the good will and involvement of landowners. Question: What trends do you see in landowner contact and how can we do this more effectively? + Consider new ways of contact - using email and social media. Find partners that have large email distribution lists + The cold call isn t dead make use of partner and community networks. For example, the Coalition of Haliburton Property Owners Associations (CHPOA) is a parent organization linking to 45 property owners' associations, representing more than 77 water bodies and 12,500 waterfront property owners + Contact residents through tax mailings + Word of mouth is good + Post cards / mail drop with an image of the property or target areas + Proactive landowners will find support, for example by attending workshops, and this increases their chances of getting funding + Encourage neighbourly peer pressure + Go and see someone at their door step + Approach them with a great plan and let them know they are not alone + Help landowners to see how stewardship projects increase the value of their property. For example, it is now becoming more popular to have wetlands on your property + Banks and insurance companies are also getting interested in the environmental attributes of a property + Tax rebates are available for natural area creation and restoration + Work with land trusts who are doing community outreach around their lands to help with stewardship on their lands as well as on neighbouring properties + Realtors are an untapped resource for the new cottage owner. CVC has a booklet for realtors to distribute called Welcome to the Watershed 10
Telling People about your Work Good communications make all the difference, whether you are raising funds, motivating people to help or reporting back to supporters. Questions: What is your advice on effective messaging? How can groups with limited resources take advantage of social media? Which platforms are most effective and why? + Email and social media are still relatively new forms of contact for many landowners + Make use of partner networks, such as the CHPOA mentioned earlier + Charityvillage.com wealth of resources for NGOs and community groups, including tips for media relations + All partners should be involved in developing objectives and key messages for a project stress the importance that everyone is giving the SAME messaging. Bigger projects probably merit a communications plan. + Engage and empower youth have a youth rep on your stewardship council. Make youth responsible for your social media strategy and implementation + A bursary for students in a leadership role can lead to future Stewardship Council members + MNRF is on Twitter 5 of the 6 most recent posts were on behalf of partners, so take advantage of their followers and send them messages to re-tweet + Twitter works well for our short social media attention span summary, photo and link to more info. + Great potential for cross-promotion by partners + Twitter generally regarded as more professional than Facebook + Remember - It s not about you, it s about them their interests not yours + Communications should speak to the head, heart and the soul + Verbal communication must include active listening. Then you can focus in on what people are looking for and mesh it with a project + Keep it simple / check your writing level + Twitter is quick a photo and a link + Be generous - share what others are doing + Twitter and Facebook caution don t create a beast you can t feed. They require constant attention if you want to use them effectively + Facebook is good because it s very visual + US Demographic analysis 71% on Facebook vs 19% on Twitter + Blog Know your own Bone http://colleendilen.com is a good resource on social media and how to use it + Connection among the 25 MNR Partnership Specialists is being done through internal intranet called OPS-pedia. They are developing their own Community of Practice and sharing monthly partnership success stories. + Finding the Resources Stewardship on the ground requires resources for plant materials and other equipment. Stewardship groups may also need to find a coordinator to ensure that things happen. Questions: What are your top tips for where to go for resources? What are some of the mistakes that small groups often make and how can they avoid them? + Start with your partners they may be able to help with financial, in-kind and technical support 11
+ The people who work in funding agencies are great resources (e.g. EcoAction) + Challenge funds don t discount individuals. E.g. get someone to commit a sum of money that is matched + Avoiding pitfalls be sure to follow the guidelines and answer the specific questions + Proposals should focus on outcome and impacts + Proposal should explain how you will use their funds to build the capacity of the group + Get the best writer in a volunteer group and strive to get your message across simply and explain how the funds will be well spent + Imagine Canada is a great resource http://www.imaginecanada.ca It s expensive but can share amongst a number of users + Contact your local partnership specialist at MNRF for help and put him/her on your Council email correspondence. Your partnership specialist can provide information on MNRF stewardship and conservation incentive programs, and may be able to direct you to other funding programs or partners with the same priorities/focus + Create an intern position for a person to help Stewardship Councils with grant writing + Northern Ontario Heritage Fund is government granting program http://nohfc.ca/en/aboutus/northern-ontario-districts + Don t take on large projects before you re ready to deliver because this can take up a lot of resources and time. Focus on building organizational capacity first. + Look for small successes - this will build momentum as you move on to larger projects + Celebrate your successes + Don t try to fix something that ain t broke + Always look at past projects what worked, what didn t? Build on the good and don t repeat the bad in the next project Reaching Out to Other Groups Given the scarcity of resources, working with other groups (such as nature clubs, businesses, service clubs, conservation authorities, NGOs etc.) is becoming increasingly important to pool resources and get more done by working together. Question: What are some of the pitfalls of collaboration and how can they be avoided? + Have a collaborative agreement, memorandum of understanding or letter of agreement + Clearly identify what will be part of your collaborative effort. Define what you want to do together. This will help to avoid disagreements about previous commitments + Identify responsibilities, in-kind and financial commitments + Don t over-organize the collaboration + Watch out for partners who do not want to share the glory + Don t get intimidated by one larger group or partner at the table; power comes in different forms + Avoid being too fair. Having everyone involved in the decision-making can create paralysis vs a small group that can move things forward + Problems can arise if one partner has a hidden agenda + Identify shared interests and collectively define objectives with all partners + Not all individual interests of the partners will be or need to be shared + Agree on what is in scope and out of scope for your collaboration 12
ROUND TABLE REFLECTION, COLLABORATION OPPORTUNITIES, NEXT STEPS Suzanne asked the group for their reflections on the forum and suggestions for next steps. Everyone agreed that it was very useful to get together and share information, and that the panel discussion was very worthwhile. Specific suggestions included: Stewardship Council Directory on SNO s website www.stewardshipnetwork.ca Explore a list serve + Meet Face to Face once or twice a year + Next SNO Squall will have a summary of today s meeting. Stewardship councils can submit article and success stories for future issues + Consider case studies for the State of Ontario Biodiversity Report 2015 + Include stewardship council representation on SNO Leadership Committee + Share and compare insurance program information + Host similar sessions for northern Ontario and south-western Ontario 13
APPENDIX A. 9:30am 10:00am 10:15am 11:15am 11:30am 12:30pm 1:15pm 1:30pm 3:00pm FORUMFORSTEWARDSHIPCOUNCILSINTHEONTARIOCENTRALZONE SaturdayOctober4 th from9:30am 3:30pm SeminarRoom,YorkRegionAdministrativeCentre,17250YongeStreet NewmarketONL3Y6Z1 AGENDA RefreshmentsandNetworking WelcomeandIntroductions StewardshipCouncilUpdates Break Agency/NGOUpdates Lunch StewardshipNetworkofOntario: OverviewandOpportunities PanelonCapacityBuildinge.g. Tipsforsuccessfulfundraising Organizationdevelopment Landownercontactandassistance Communications Workingwithvolunteers Effectivecollaboration Round+table Reflection,Collaboration Opportunities&NextSteps CarolineMach,President,DufferinSimcoeLand StewardshipNetwork 10minseach 5minseach SuzanneBarrett,Chair,SNO PhilHolst,landownerandvicechairofOxford CountyStewardshipCouncil CarolineSchultz,ExecutiveDirectorofOntario Nature DavidMay,PartnershipSpecialist,Bancroft District,MNR All 14