About us

The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) is an independent, corporate body established under the Conservation Authorities Act. We are located in southwestern Ontario bordering the shores of Lake Huron and carry the banner of being the first of 36 conservation authorities formed across Ontario 

In 1946 the municipalities within the Ausable River watershed formed the Ausable River Conservation Authority to deal with serious problems of local flooding, soil erosion, water supply and water quality. In 1972 the jurisdiction was enlarged to include the Bayfield River drainage basin and our name was changed to Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority.

The former Ausable River Conservation Authority was the first Conservation Authority formed in Ontario.

The ABCA encompasses the drainage basins of the Ausable River, Bayfield River, Parkhill Creek and the gullies between Bayfield and Grand Bend draining directly to Lake Huron. The 2,440 square kilometre area of jurisdiction can be classified as largely rural with a population of 45,000.

ABCA Vision Statement
Our vision is one of clean and usable watersheds where human needs and the needs of the natural environment are balanced to ensure quality of life and biological diversity today and in the future.

ABCA Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide leadership and management, in cooperation with the community, to maintain and enhance the watershed resources now and in the future.

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