State of the Bay Program Launched! -continued.. Continued from page one.. Recognizing that this type of program requires cooperation among agencies, GBBR is working closely with the Eastern Georgian Bay Stewardship Council, the Georgian Bay Association, Georgian Bay Forever, and the Georgian Bay Land Trust. Collectively known as the “GB5”, these organizations collaborate on projects with common concerns about the welfare of eastern Georgian Bay.
Who is David Bywater?
While the overall health of Georgian Bay is thought to be in relatively good condition, when compared to other Great Lakes, it is under significant stress from climate change, invasive species, consistently low water levels, development pressures and boating impacts, among others. How we manage human activity on the bay will have a long-term impact on the overall health of the water we all enjoy. Eastern Georgian Bay Stewardship Council Coordinator, Eric McIntyre states “The Stewardship Council wholly supports this objective as an essential ingredient to influence government policies and management strategies to improve the ecological health of eastern Georgian Bay.” David Bywater has been hired to coordinate the program. "The Georgian Bay landscape is an iconic image and its features are valued by residents and cottagers alike. My job is to summarize the many studies that exist for the coast into one document. But equally important, we will be able to identify further research gaps and monitoring needs and recommend specific actions for protecting and restoring any areas of concern. For these reasons I think that the State of the Bay report will be a valuable tool that will allow people to know how their Bay is doing and what is needed to maintain and/or improve its condition. We truly appreciate the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation in getting the program started for our area." The project is also receiving guidance from Judi Brouse, Director of Watershed Programs for the Muskoka Watershed Council. The Council has produced their own “Watershed Report Card” for the District of Muskoka every three years since 2004.
David and his son Fynn in Petra, Jordan.
David and his family have recently returned to the Parry Sound region after spending five years living and working overseas in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. During his time abroad, David worked as a Senior Environmental Scientist with engineering and environmental consulting companies performing environmental impact assessments and other environmental studies. The highlight of their time overseas was returning home (slightly ironic, eh?), when they packed up their little Honda Fit and drove from the UAE to the UK. Since they were without any commitments (besides their almost two year old son), they took their time and spent around 100 days on the road, travelling through 24 countries and covering 21,000 kms. Prior to moving overseas, David and his wife, Meg, lived in Rosseau. For a couple of seasons David worked at White Squall, where he was taught not only how to kayak, but also about the beauty of the Bay. And so given the chance to return to Georgian Bay country, they happily jumped at the opportunity and they‟ve come full circle and have purchased a home south of Parry Sound in Foley.
“Water defines Georgian Bay‟s geography, biology and cultural heritage,” says Brouse. “Our connection to the natural beauty of the land and waterways is very strong. It not only enhances our quality of life, but is the primary element driving our local economy. A strong and healthy environment and watershed are fundamental to sustaining our communities.”
Biosphere News
3