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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, July 3, 2014 | 10 Halton Highlights 2014 July Celebrating 75 years of protecting Regional forests To commemorate the 75 anniversary of the Halton Regional Forests, Halton Region is acquiring 37 hectares of new forest land marking the first addition to the Regional Forests in almost 50 years. Halton Region is also implementing a biodiversity strategy to preserve Regional forests for future generations by protecting our forests and the natural heritage systems that connect wildlife and vegetation across our region. Regional Council considers sustainability in all that we do in order to protect and preserve our natural heritage. th Keeping you informed by highlighting what makes Halton a great place to live. Gary Carr, Regional Chair Protecting and promoting Halton's heritage for future generations In June, Regional Council approved the Halton Region Museum Master Plan which details a long-term plan and vision to transform the Halton Region Museum into the Halton Heritage Centre (HHC). The Master Plan outlines a new and innovative model for the delivery of regional heritage services in which the Museum will continue to care for the Region's own collection and also provide professional services in exhibit planning and design, public program development and artifact conservation. These changes will increase opportunities throughout the region to learn about Halton's vibrant culture and history through innovative, interactive exhibits that make learning fun. The details and strategy for implementing the Halton Heritage Centre will be determined during the Region's next term of Council. The Museum's first new exhibit, Flights of Folly: Learning from the Passenger Pigeon, was recently launched in June. Flights of Folly acknowledges the 100th anniversary of the extinction of the Passenger Pigeon by offering an interactive and educational experience that explores issues surrounding extinction and deextinction and present-day species at risk. The Flights of Folly exhibit represents not just a new visitor experience but a whole new direction for the Museum. To learn more about current offerings at the Museum including the recently launched exhibit, Flights of Folly, visit Halton.ca/museum. As part of the biodiversity strategy, Halton Region will implement seven biodiversity initiatives over the next ten years to maintain and enhance the biodiversity of our forests including: · Implementing strategic control measures for priority invasive species in Regional Forest Tracts; · Expanding the scope of restoration and enhancement activities beyond tree and shrub planting; · Implementing programs to monitor the biodiversity of Regional Forest Tracts; · Promoting Regional Forest Tracts as Living Laboratories; · Engaging the public in enjoying, characterizing and enhancing biodiversity resources in the Regional Forest Tracts; · Engaging in public awareness and educational activities to promote biodiversity; and · Continuing to implement good forestry practices in Regional Forest Tracts in accordance with the Forest Management Plan. For more information on Halton's Regional forests, please visit Halton.ca/forests. Halton's water is too good to waste ­ Be water wise this summer Water consumption can double over the summer months due to the increase in seasonal activities such as lawn watering and car washing. While Halton Region considers sustainability in all we do, we can't do it alone. This summer think twice before turning on your hose in order to reduce your outdoor water use. You can help by following Halton's Outdoor Water Use program. The program is based on a three level, colour-coded system that considers water demand, water storage levels, groundwater levels and weather patterns. To find out the current level for Halton or learn more about how you can conserve water visit Halton.ca/outdoorwateruse. Working together, we can meet our water needs today and tomorrow and keep Halton a great place to live, work, raise a family and retire. Meetings at Halton Region 1151 Bronte Rd., Oakville L6M 3L1 July 7, 9:30 a.m. Budget Review July 9, 9:30 a.m. Regional Council Please contact us as soon as possible if you have any accessibility needs at Halton Region events or meetings. This page has been donated by this newspaper to communicate important information to Halton residents at no cost to taxpayers.