For many years, Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) has benefited from the successful partnership working with the MT M Conservation Association at Marl Lake, Tiny Marsh and Matchedash Bay.

 

Long before the MTM Conservation Association was developed and these three properties were independently managed by the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), DUC came on board to help restore the areas to their original wetland state. Once rich with stands of cattails and bulrushes, open-water, upland forest and grass cover, DUC helped MNR restore these properties and their importance to staging, breeding and migrating waterfowl and other wildlife.

From both technical and funding resources, to hands on involvement such as replacing old dams with earthen berms and water-control structures, implementing wetland management plans including drawdowns, DUC has continued to support and promote their conservation program delivery on these properties, what DUC now considers “one of our largest projects in Ontario and a great example of how previously drained wetlands can be restored”.

 

In 1997, when the Ontario government withdrew from the day-to-day operations, the MTM Conservation Association stepped in to manage the area’s marshes, interpretive centre, walking trails and broad-based recreational opportunities.  DUC continues today to collaborate with and support this highly effective, community-based, volunteer organization through funding, technical support and wetland management practices.

 

“MTM’s dedicated volunteers do an outstanding job of engaging, educating and meeting the needs of a wide variety of visitors” says Jim Brennan, Manager of Provincial Operations, DUC –Ontario. “Students, hikers, families, naturalists, water fowlers and dog field trial groups all enjoy the healthy and productive wetland conditions on these beautiful sites that are home to many species of waterfowl and other wetland-dependant species.  Ducks Unlimited Canada is delighted to continue our co-operative partnership with these conservation leaders in Simcoe County—the MTM Conservation Association and its volunteers.”