The following suggestions for the formation and operation of a Conservation Advisory Committee are based largely on the experience and approach developed and used by the Regional Municipality of Waterloo to revise the Waterloo Region’s Significant Species List: Breeding Birds Component.

  • Clearly stated objectives will help to guide the actions of the CAC and will keep it focused on the most important tasks.
  • Initial selection of tasks for the CAC should emphasize the strengths of the panel of experts. Staff at the Regional Municipality of Waterloo began with the Bird Component of the Region’s Significant Species List because birds are better known than other groups of wildlife, there is a broader base of available expertise, and the list of birds is of a manageable length. The examination of reptiles and amphibians species and their respective habitats might also provide a starting point because there are few species in the province and many of them are found in wetland habitats.
  • Invite the most knowledgeable experts to a series of evening meetings. The participants might represent a broad spectrum of backgrounds and interests: consultants; OMNR, CWS and other government agency staff; university professors; municipal staff or council members; and local naturalists.
  • Prospective members need not live in the municipality. However they must be familiar with the flora and fauna in the planning area. Awareness of the important ecological considerations involved in the identification, evaluation, and protection of natural heritage features and areas would an important asset. CAC candidates should be willing to work with other members towards the development of a natural heritage system for the municipality. However they must realize that their primary role is to assist the planning authority with decisions concerning the conservation of important areas within the municipality.
  • Include in the invitation, an explanation of the proposed objectives of the CAC, a description of the specific tasks to be undertaken by committee members, any pertinent information related to these specific tasks (e.g., list of bird species, written reports), a polite request that the recipient review the enclosed information, an explanation about why the recipient has received an invitation and the need for his or her involvement, an agenda, location, and schedule of meetings, and a request that the recipient call by a certain date to indicate a willingness to attend, or send written comments.
  • Informal, informative presentations at the first meeting (and subsequent meetings if desired) can provide participants with the necessary background information, and a sense of the current situation (e.g., existing information, knowledge gaps, priorities) as well as set the stage for future involvement by them.
  • As early as possible, try to agree by consensus on the approaches that will be used to work on the specific tasks before the CAC. Sometimes this may require some facilitation.
  • Encourage feedback from participants by making time available for discussion and remaining flexible.
  • To keep the process moving, provide “homework” for committee members during interludes between meetings. This might include research, reading, revision of lists and data sources, or site visits.

Prior to adoption of CAC recommendations, encourage public awareness and participation in CAC decisions through advertised information sessions. Occasional newsletters might help to inform local residents and provide opportunities for comments.