Long Point Walsingham Forest

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Priority Place

Local conservation groups working together to protect the Long Point Biosphere Region, one of Canada’s high biodiversity ecosystems
Learn more about the LPWF

The Long Point Walsingham Forest (LPWF) Priority Place was selected by Environment and Climate Change Canada because of its high biodiversity, large number of species at risk, highly-engaged local conservation community and significant environmental pressures. Federal and provincial governments are working with local conservation partners and stakeholders to develop and implement a Conservation Action Plan.

The vision for the LPWF Priority Place is to create healthy, resilient, and connected ecosystems that support biodiversity, productive landscapes, and a thriving community.

For more information please visit the government of Canada's Priority Places for Species at Risk website.

Maya the Turtle

Join “Maya” the Blanding’s Turtle for a tour of her home in the south western area of Norfolk County that was chosen as a top priority for conservation investment by the federal government.

Geospatial Maps

Use a “one stop” collection of overlaid maps for sharing research and conservation information about the Long Point Walsingham Forest area and all of Norfolk County.

Research Papers

The Long Point World Biosphere Region has made a searchable database to help conservation practitioners use the best management practices for effective ecosystem and resource management, as well as conservation and restoration.

Location

The Long Point peninsula is the longest freshwater sand spit in the world. The peninsula and surrounding location have the largest variety of plants and animals in Canada and is a world-famous spot for migrating birds and rare Carolinian forests. All this led to the designation of the Long Point area as a Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1986.

The LPWF Priority Place includes the biosphere's significant areas:

  • The core areas on Long Point and Backus woods
  • The buffer zone, which includes the Big Creek National Wildlife Area and the Turkey Point marshes
  • The zone of cooperation in the southwestern portion of Norfolk County

Norfolk County is also home to 65,000 people, and the beautiful natural heritage and enjoyment of it is a key part of the local economy.

LPWF Priority Place Collaborative

In order to effectively implement the Conservation Action plan, a Collaborative of many local conservation groups formed in 2019. This Collaborative will set priorities for improving biodiversity conservation, create new partnerships, seek funding and implement coordinated actions on-the-ground for species at risk and their habitat.

Members of the LPWF Collaborative include:

ALUS Norfolk Inc.
Birds Canada
Carolinian Canada Coalition
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Long Point Basin Land Trust
Long Point Region Conservation Authority
Long Point Biosphere Region
Nature Conservancy of Canada
Natural Resource Solutions Inc.

Norfolk County
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks
Ministry of Norther Development, Mines, Natural Resources, and Forests
Ontario Nature
Ontario Plant Restoration Alliance
Ontario Road Ecology Group
Community Council
Tallgrass Ontario

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