Lanark County is developing a Natural Heritage System Strategy to identify and map natural areas, wildlife habitats and ecological connections that support biodiversity and environmental health, and officials are looking for public input.
The strategy will combine scientific analysis with local knowledge to identify important natural features, understand how they are connected across the landscape and provide guidance for managing the county’s natural heritage system. The work will also help inform future Official Plan reviews.
Climate and Environmental Coordinator Elizabeth Boldt says residents, landowners and community groups are encouraged to share information about places that matter to them, noting local knowledge can provide valuable insights that may not appear in existing maps or environmental data.
The project includes mapping core natural heritage features and corridors, identifying knowledge gaps and environmental risks, and developing monitoring and management recommendations. North-South Environmental Inc. has been hired to assist with the work.
Residents can contribute through an online mapping survey, where they can pin locations and share observations, photos or comments about forests, wetlands, wildlife habitat, trails, waterways, scenic landscapes and other valued natural areas. The survey remains open until Aug. 31.
Data collection will continue through the summer, with mapping, technical reporting and public consultation planned for the fall. The strategy is expected to be finalized following additional consultation and stakeholder engagement in 2027.
