Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority Information

The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) is an independent, corporate body established under the Conservation Authorities Act in Ontario. We are located in Southwestern Ontario bordering the shores of Lake Huron and carry the banner of being the first of 36 conservation authorities formed across Ontario. This local agency is proud to be the first of 36 conservation authorities formed across Ontario. Municipalities within the Ausable River watershed formed the Ausable River Conservation Authority in 1946 to deal with serious problems of local flooding, soil erosion, water supply, and water quality. The jurisdiction was enlarged to include the Bayfield River drainage basin in 1972 and the organization's name was changed to Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority . Ausable Bayfield Conservation encompasses the drainage basins of the Ausable River, Bayfield River, Parkhill Creek and the gullies between Bayfield and Grand Bend draining directly to Lake Huron. The 2,440-square-kilometre area of jurisdiction is largely rural with a population of 45,000. Our mission and vision were set by a diverse group of community members who created our guiding Conservation Strategy in 2012: