The Kawarthas, Naturally Connected: A Natural Heritage System for the Kawartha Lakes Region. Phase 1: Project Report

Natural Heritage Systems design is the process of identifying critical areas on our landscape which serve as a “landscape backbone” – a set of natural areas and linkages that are important to maintain the health of the landscape. The mapping of and information about this “backbone” can be used to support land use planning, stewardship, restoration activities, the conservation of biodiversity, provision of ecosystem services, and other activities. A healthy environment is the foundation upon which a healthy community is built.