Lakehead Conservation is the local referral agency for projects that may require authorizations under the federal Fisheries Act. Under a 1998 agreement with the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), Lakehead Conservation delivers certain aspects of the fish habitat protection program.
Lakehead Conservation's role is to screen out projects that do not need an authorization and assist in referring information about projects that do.
Proponents of projects near watercourses provide Conservation staff with the property location, site plan and project details. Staff will determine whether the proposed works might result in a 'harmful alteration, disruption or destruction' (HADD) of fish habitat. Where a HADD may exist, the file will be forwarded to the DFO office.
It is DFO's responsibility to decide on the granting of authorizations under the Fisheries Act. If an authorization is granted, the proponent will receive a letter from DFO that will specify what is being authorized and will also set out any conditions, mitigative measures and compensation.
Originally
posted: Jan. 28, 2000
