Niagara conservation group giving grants for wetlands restoration

Rural residents in Niagara Region could get a cash boost when it comes to either decommissioning their wells or hoping to restore their wetland areas.

The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) is seeking applications for its Restoration and Well Water Decommissioning grant programs for projects slated for 2023.

“The Restoration Grant Program is one of several ways the NPCA works to improve the health of the Niagara Peninsula watershed’s natural features, as research has shown it is highly degraded,” says Geoff Verkade, Senior Manager of Integrated Watershed Strategies at NPCA.

“With eight categories and a variety of project options ranging from the creation of wetlands and tree plantings to riparian and upland habitat restoration, we welcome private and public landowners, NGOs, nature clubs, and ‘Friends of’ groups to join us in these efforts.”

Applications for Water Well Decommissioning grants are accepted year-round on a first come, first serve basis. This program provides an 80 per cent grant rate to a maximum amount of $1,000 per well and a maximum of two wells per property.

The application intake date for Restoration Grant Program projects to take place in 2023 is fast approaching on November 21. Feasible projects will be eligible for grants of up to $15,000.

In 2021, the program saw much success with 63,393 trees and 7,926 shrubs planted, 29.23 hectares of land reforested, 1.12 hectares of wetland restored, and 5.56 hectares of riparian habitat enhanced. “We continue to build on this momentum and the shared interest in a healthy and resilient watershed,” adds Verkade.

Both grants are available to qualifying landowners with lands located within the NPCA jurisdiction. To learn more about the Restoration program, click HERE and Water Well Decommissioning grant programs, click HERE.