ABSTRACT
In Ontario, for the watershed community and implementation of the integrated watershed management approach, there is an established institutional and governance framework through the existence of Conservation Authorities. As per Fig. 9.1 (see map), Conservation Authority watershed jurisdictions cover the entire Canadian portion of the Lake Ontario and Lake Erie Basins and the southern Lake Huron Basin to the southern tip of Georgian Bay. Relatively small portions of the northern Lake Huron Basin and Lake Superior Basin and the St. Lawrence River Basin are covered by Conservation Authorities, however, it is important to note that approximately 90% of Ontario’s population resides within Conservation Authority jurisdictional boundaries. Th erefore taking an integrated watershed management approach to the Great Lakes within these jurisdictions alone represents a signifi cant opportunity to address some major threats to the Great Lakes (e.g. urban and shoreline development, non-point source pollution).
