County introduces interactive map to demonstrate three options for a Natural Heritage System

Cobourg, ON – January 27, 2020 – Northumberland County has developed an online interactive map to demonstrate three options for a local Natural Heritage System Plan. The County is inviting residents to review the interactive map and provide feedback on these options.

Required under provincial legislation, the Northumberland Natural Heritage System will preserve and enhance areas such as wetlands, woodlands and watercourses that have been identified as significant natural features. Once finalized, the plan will result in updates to the Northumberland County Official Plan policies, including the establishment of a new Natural Heritage Area designation that will apply to properties with key natural heritage features.

Based on minimum requirements identified by the province, and input gathered during the previous two rounds of public consultations completed in 2018 and 2019, the County has developed Basic, Comprehensive and Enhanced options for a local system. Each option builds upon the previous option, providing additional connectivity and identifying more key natural heritage features. The Basic option achieves the minimum provincial requirements while the Enhanced option proposes the most conservation-forward system.

Residents are invited to view the interactive map and share their feedback and completing the online form by February 21, 2020.