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TRCA’s Updated Regional Target Natural Heritage System 2022
December 1, 2022
TRCA updated its regional Natural Heritage System (NHS) in 2022 to incorporate current data and science, including:
- Terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity and habitat needs at regional and local scales,
- Regional and local habitat connectivity priorities,
- Potential vulnerabilities to future changes in land and climate, and
- Priorities of local and regional municipalities.
The updated NHS was approved as a science-based screening tool by TRCA’s Board in October 2022. The integration of this information in the updated NHS helps to identify strategic areas that should be protected, restored, enhanced, and managed for long-term sustainability and resilience of the region’s natural heritage.
TRCA’s updated regional target NHS identifies 35% of the TRCA’s jurisdiction as target NHS comprising of existing natural cover (23.3%) and potential natural cover (11.9%).
An additional 16.5% of the jurisdiction is identified as the Contributing Areas that can provide a higher level of support to the natural heritage features and functions, but where traditional restoration opportunities may be limited due to its existing conditions (e.g., built areas) and/or future plans (e.g., approved for future development).
An interactive StoryMap and Dashboard has been created so you can explore the updated NHS. A total of 37 datasets, both existing and new, that characterizes ecosystem features, functions, and priorities were used in the model that was used to delineate the target NHS.
Please read the Summary Report or contact Namrata Shrestha, Senior Manager, Watershed Planning and Reporting for more information.