Ducks Unlimited makes James N. Allan Provincial Park home to a new wetland preserve

By Mike Renzella

The Haldimand Press

DUNNVILLE—James N. Allan Provincial Park is enjoying the efforts of a recent naturalization enhancement project spearheaded by Ducks Unlimited Canada.

The park, located on Myrnam Beach Road in Dunnville, saw restoration of approximately three acres of agricultural fields into a wetland preserve.

“Initially it came about with the Haldimand Stewardship Council, who has done work with Ontario Parks on upland restoration on other areas of the property. There is a management plan on the property that sets out restoration objectives,” explains Jeff Kretes, a specialist with Ducks Unlimited Canada.

The project was also supported by the Patrick Hodgson Family Foundation, although Patrick Hodgson passed away prior to its completion. Further funding was secured through North American Wetlands Conservation Act, and the project is seen as part of a large-scale plan to improve water quality along the Lake Erie watershed.