Action 5.1 Protect and enhance the management of natural areas to improve climate change resilience

• Evaluate and prioritize natural areas restoration opportunities;

• Develop high level policies to inform the development of Natural Areas Management Plans;

• Develop Natural Areas Management Plans;

• Prioritize the preservation of unprotected natural properties especially for consolidation of existing natural areas;

• Increase implementation of natural areas restoration and maintenance;

• Conduct restoration using appropriate zone specific plants focusing on those identified to be able to withstand extreme weather events;

• Monitor, protect and advocate for species at risk;

• Enhance communication and coordination with other agencies;

• Enhance recognition of Trees as assets in all rehabilitation, development and remediation issues.

Action 5.2 Investigate the potential for natural areas to enhance flood attenuation

• Identify where flood attenuation is needed within the City of Windsor;

• Review water retention possibilities in natural areas including lands adjacent to Provincially Significant Wetlands and other wetland associated habitats (e.g. swamp forest, wet prairie, meadow marsh).

Action 5.3 Enhance linkages between and among natural heritage features

• Ensure land retention of natural heritage linkages;

• Investigate increased land connectivity options including land acquisition and landscaped or below grade Eco passages to enhance natural areas linkages.

Action 5.4 Implement an Invasive Species Program

• Hire an invasive species coordinator for the City of Windsor;

• Monitor Windsor’s natural areas for invasive species such as Phragmites, Oak Wilt, the Asian long horned beetle etc.;

• Increase invasive and woody species control measures such as prescribed burns, cutting and physical removal;

• Enhance targeted education to the public regarding best management practices for protecting private trees from invasive species.