Sault College, Conservation Authority plant seed for closer relationship (4 photos)

Sault College and the Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority signed a memorandum of understanding Wednesday, designed to formalize and improve the working relationship between the two organizations.

The SSMRCA was established in 1963, Sault College in 1968, the partnership between the two entities ongoing since then, but Wednesday’s MOU signing dotted some i’s and crossed some t’s to enhance it.

“It’s what I call the final step in recognizing the excellent relationship the Conservation Authority has had with Sault College,” said Rhonda Bateman, SSMRCA general manager, addressing an audience at the college.

“The benefits for the CA includes the receipt of the information that’s gathered through all the studies and programs the students do here, and it also allows the college to help with some of the community programs we have, be it tree planting or garlic mustard pulls. Our staff will also be able to assist in some of the teaching in the college programs. Everyone will get practical on the ground training. We can use the data we get to make good environmental and ecological decisions on our properties,” Bateman said.

Students enrolled in the college’s natural environment programs will benefit, including those in the forestry, natural environment technician, fish and wildlife conservation technician, adventure recreation and parks technician, natural resources and the utility arbourist apprenticeship programs.

“Our students get an absolutely fantastic experience in being able to go out on the various properties the Conservation Authority is responsible for, it’s over 5,000 square miles...the students will gain that practical, experiential experience employers are looking for today,” said David Orazietti, Sault College dean of aviation, natural environment, business, trades and technology.

Examples of past collaboration between the two organizations include eight-day field exercises on SSMRCA property every September, removal of dead and dangerous trees, deer browse surveys, stream health assessments, trail maintenance and volunteer tree planting events.

“It strengthens our relationship. If we decide we can partner on activities, we can both put it in our plans. Professors can now develop their programs around using our properties...and incorporate our properties into their work. It was ad hoc up until now,” Bateman told reporters after Wednesday’s signing.

The MOU signing ceremony was capped off with the planting of a hemlock tree on Sault College property.