What are our strengths and assets? How did these come about and how can we build on them? These were certainly some of the questions with which I wrestled when I became Chairman of Lakehead Conservation during 2001.

Lakehead Conservation's history of successful watershed management has touched all parts of the watershed. We have built the Floodway, fixed erosion sites and guided development out of flood-prone sites. We have taught people about conservation and ways that they can help. We have studied, advocated and advised about resources and built a network of 6,000 acres of conservation lands.

Lakehead Conservation is an agency that can deliver cost-effective results and this leads to new opportunities. For example, The Great Lakes Heritage Coast provided funding to enhance visitor facilities at existing Conservation Areas. The federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans is funding the McVicar's Creek Greenway Stewardship Project to serve as a model for other projects in Ontario.

I am pleased to be part of such a dynamic organization. Through our existing partnerships and the fostering of new ones, we will continue a tradition of enhancing the quality of life and serving the needs of our watershed residents. I would like to thank my fellow Board Members, Lakehead Conservation staff, Foundation members, volunteers, partner agencies and many businesses and individuals that have aided conservation efforts in the past. I look forward to their continued support in the future.