Marsh Stewardship

Wetlands are one the most diverse ecosystems in the world and have an extraordinary impact on wildlife, plant life, and water quality.

As a “classroom” wetlands teach about our natural heritage and our natural resources. Over 70% of Canada’s wetlands have disappeared due to environmental stressors such as land development, upstream runoff, and invasive species.

This makes the Wye Marsh an ecological jewel to be conserved at all costs – for the quality of water in the Georgian Bay watershed; for the fourteen species at risk that call the Wye Marsh home and for the education of future generations. In 1988, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR) signed a 99-year Conservation Agreement with Ducks Unlimited Canada to manage and maintain the water levels and controls in the Provincial Wildlife Area (PWA). In 1996, the OMNR asked Friends of the Wye Marsh to assume stewardship responsibilities of the PWA. A custodial agreement was reached in 1998 among the Friends of Wye Marsh, the OMNR and Ducks Unlimited Canada.