Watershed planning

We work with municipalities and others to draw up plans to protect the environmental features of areas identified for future development, or with challenges that need to be addressed. These are called subwatershed plans. A subwatershed is the area drained by a stream or group of streams within the larger Grand River watershed.

• A subwatershed plan identifies streams,  wetlands, forests, groundwater recharge areas, and other natural areas. It includes an inventory of plants, animals, birds, and other species. Information on stream flows, water quality, groundwater movement and other natural features goes into the plan. 
• The plan lists the policies and actions that will protect environmental features and functions when the area is developed, or actions that can be taken now to improve the health of the area.
• In most cases, municipal governments lead the process. We provide information and advice and often undertake scientific studies. 
• Subwatershed planning is a public process. Interested citizens and representatives of landowners, developers and others may be invited to sit on an advisory committee. Public meetings, open houses and other methods are used to collect comments from the general public.

Current Studies

Please go to our current studies page for information on subwatershed plans now being developed. 

Completed studies

Over the years we have participated in many subwatershed plans. Electronic copies of many of these studies are available on request. Please email Chris Lorenz, Subwatershed Planning Supervisor, or phone 519-621-2763 ext. 2236.