By Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
Northumberland County has developed an online interactive map to demonstrate three options for a local Natural Heritage System Plan, and residents are invited to review the interactive map and give feedback on these options.
The Northumberland Natural Heritage System – required under provincial legislation – will preserve and enhance such areas 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, as well as input gathered during two previous rounds of public consultations, the county has developed Basic, Comprehensive and Enhanced options for a local system. The Basic option achieves the minimum provincial requirements, while the other options build on that with additional connectivity and more key natural heritage features identified.
You can view the interactive map and share your feedback via the on-line form by February 21 by visiting //Northumberland.ca/NHS.