The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) is recognizing Ontario Parks for its creation of Pinery Provincial Park in the 1950s.
This year, the ABCA is celebrating its 80th anniversary with the presentation of an award for each decade since its founding in 1946.
During the 1950s, the Ausable River Conservation Authority began a land acquisition initiative that formed the foundation for the provincial park located along Lake Huron south of Grand Bend.
The province established Pinery Provincial Park in 1957 and has maintained this important natural area since then.
It's a tourist destination and important natural ecosystem, and protects almost half of the Oak Savanna on the planet.
“We are pleased to receive the Decade Award from the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority during its 80th anniversary year,” said Superintendent of Pinery Provincial Park Mark Custers.
“Pinery Provincial Park has long been a place where nature, community, and conservation come together. This recognition honours the early work that established the park in 1957 and affirms the importance of continuing to safeguard its unique ecosystems for the people who enjoy it today and those who will discover it tomorrow," he said.
Chair of the ABCA Board of Directors Ray Chartrand commented on the award, which was presented during a ceremony this week.
“During ABCA’s 80th anniversary year, we are pleased to present our second Decade Award,” he said. “We are honoured to recognize Ontario Parks for its creation of Pinery Provincial Park in the 1950s and the care and stewardship of this amazing nature area since that time.”
The award for the decade of the 1940s recognized the vision and leadership of municipalities, having formed Ausable River Conservation Authority (Ontario’s first conservation authority) in 1946 and their continued partnership since then.
Plaques will be displayed at the Ausable Bayfield Conservation office, featuring all of the award winners.
