Tree Planting
Municipality of Powassan, NBMCA and Powassan Summer Program kids plant Sugar Maple at Fire Hall
kids showing water
Raven & Parker show Councillor & NBMCA Chair Dave Britton the effects of contaminants in water, part of an environmental game.

(Powassan, August 25, 2022)  The past, present and future of watershed management met Thursday when the Municipality of Powassan, youth from their summer program and the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA) came together to plant a sugar maple tree at Powassan’s firehall in honour of NBMCA’s 50th anniversary.

“I would like to congratulate the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority on their 50th anniversary.  50 years of leadership in environmental protection to area communities is a tremendous milestone,” said Powassan Mayor Peter McIsaac.

Prior to the tree planting, 40 local youth took part in environmental games and activities lead by NBMCA staff to help them understand where drinking water comes, the importance of wetlands, and the flow of water in a watershed.  They also received a red pine seedling to take home and plant.

“Recognizing the conservation authority’s half century of watershed leadership, planting this sugar maple today, and giving our youth an opportunity to be active and discover what it means to be environmental stewards are all good things for the social, economic and environmental health of our community,” said Powassan Councillor and NBMCA Chair Dave Britton.

NBMCA's focus when it began in 1972 was the protection of people and property from natural hazards including flooding, creating flood plain mapping and science-based watershed management studies, advising municipalities on consents and plans of subdivision, as well as the opening of conservation areas for public appreciation, conservation and protection of natural hazard and heritage lands. 

“We are grateful to the Municipality of Powassan for helping us celebrate our 50th anniversary and proud to be planting this sugar maple together in honour of Powassan’s respect for the watershed.  We’re looking forward to continuing to work with Powassan to protect municipal drinking water and the local and upstream waterways for another 50 years,” said Chitra Gowda, NBMCA’s CAO.

Today NBMCA’s programs also include water quality monitoring, flood prevention and forecasting, drinking water source protection, development permitting around wetlands, watercourses and steep slopes, on-site sewage system permitting, stewardship and outreach.

Learn more about NBMCA 50th anniversary activities including the Boardwalk of Champions fundraiser and Watershed Heroes at www.nbmca.ca.

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Kids running
Get Active Powassan Kids racing for habitat game.
two girls
Mya and Carly join in the watershed game!
instructor shows kids
NBMCA's Paula Loranger setting up watershed game with PAC kids.