Two swamps within the UTRCA are being recognized as Canadian Protected and Conserved Areas in Canada.
DORCHESTER/STRATFORD - The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority has become the eighth conservation authority to have lands recognized as Canadian Protected and Conserved Areas in Canada.
Terrestial Biologist Cathy Quinlan says this is a huge honour.
"We're very happy to be amongst the first to do it and hopefully other conservation areas that are working towards long term protection will be recognized in the future. Someone has to lead the way and I'm glad we were one of them."
Ellice Swamp and Dorchester Swamp have both met the criteria for lands that count towards Canada’s Biodiversity Goals. Quinlan says it's a very rigorous screening process in order to be recognized and she's glad the UTRCA was able to get out of the starting gates early.
She says both of the wetlands have a lot of great functions for society.
"They hold rain water, prevent flooding, purify the ground water and they offer large habitats for species that need large habitats to complete their cycles."
Ellice Swamp is actually the largest natural area in the UTRCA and Perth County with over 1,000 hectares. It's located north of Stratford while Dorchester Swamp is located south of Dorchester and east of London.

3rd Annual Running with the Bulls Shines
Mischief in Tillsonburg is Under Investigation
Upgrades Completed for Woodstock Disc Golf Course
OPP Enforcement for Civic Holiday Weekend
Woodstock Candidate Profile - Anthony Scalisi
Drug Trafficking Investigation Leads to Charges
EZT Candidate Profile - Don Chowan
Oxford County Requesting Public Input
Norwich Man Charged in Brant County
SPWH Wants You to Know Drinking Risks
Charges Laid after Truck Hits Bridge
Ingersoll Candidate Profile - Mike Tucker
Motorcyclist Killed in Oxford Collision
Tip Tuesday with the Oxford OPP - July 2026
Oxford OPP Briefs - July 28th, 2026
Cat Thrown from Vehicle in Norfolk County
Environment Canada Issues Yellow Watch for Thunderstorms
Oxford Mosquito Traps Tests Positive for West Nile
Woodstock Candidate Profile - Sandeep Sidhu
Comments
Add a comment