​PRWIN marks 25 years of preserving eco-system in Pine River Watershed

The Pine River Watershed Initiative Network (PRWIN) is marking 25 years of improving and preserving the environment as it pertains to the Pine River Watershed.

Chairman David Grant, who has been part of the PRWIN for the past 10 years, was at the Huron-Kinloss committee-of-the-whole meeting, Jan. 13, bringing an update about the group and its achievements throughout 2024.

He described various in-ground projects that PRWIN has completed, including shoreline reforestation and tree-planting.

Among other projects, were the Potted Tree Ash Replacement Program, community engagement, outreach, sponsorship day and the McLarty Environmental Study Area.

The McLarty study area is located at Bruce County Road 6 and Sideroad 20, just west of Ripley. It is open to the public to enjoy the great outdoors! This area is designed for the community to learn about the Pine River Watershed, wetland creation, and the education of the local wildlife and plants that this area supports. PRWIN has installed a trail system throughout the area, created two wetland ponds, planted memorial trees, an osprey nest and planted more than 1,000 tree seedlings.

Grant said the 2024 operational expenses went directly to projects, professional fees, programming, contract services to support in-ground projects, as well as education and outreach.

PRWIN has installed 21 berms and 12 livestock crossings, completed five bank restorations, planted more than 364,000 trees, installed 24 kilometres of livestock exclusion fencing, four nitrate filers, a pollinator garden, and improved seven wetland areas.

“Our audit highlights over $1-million has been invested in Huron-Kinloss, alone, on in-ground projects and programming, by PRWIN,” said Grant.

PRWIN is facing several challenges, he said, including the increase in the price of seedlings for in-ground projects and community seedling programs; obtaining support to cover administrative costs; and its major funding, the Canada Ontario Agreement (COA) grant, administered by the Ontario environment ministry, was not determined until December, 2024.

However, Grant noted that the COA grant represents two years of funding (2024-26), outlined for human resources and in-ground projects. PRWIN is also contacting businesses to help fund 2025 projects and programming.

“We have a legacy fund and apply to sponsorship programs and grant opportunities,” he said. “The support of our sponsors and the Township of Huron-Kinloss is the key to our success.

“We would not be where we are today without our past/present directors’ leadership and dedication to our vision of clean water and a healthy eco-system within the Pine River Watershed.”

“Thanks to PRWIN for all the great things you do,” said mayor Don Murray.