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This research explores how the Nickel District Conservation Authority (NDCA), in Sudbury, northern Ontario was affected by provincial restructuring through a survey of budget data and programs from the period of existing data (1980-2002). Previously identified hinterland characteristics are considered in relation to the NDCA to explore how land base and socio-economic attributes influence operations. Since provincial reforms began in 1992, results show a general decline in NDCA revenues, with a steep decrease in provincial funding by 78.5%, while municipal funding has increased by 22%. Mean annual resource and conservation program spending have decreased 57% and 77% respectively. Conservation, education, and recreation programs accounted for 5% of total program spending from 1996 to 2002. Taken together, existing policy and context challenge the NDCA as an agent of environmental conservation, and highlight the need to develop strategies to address regional issues. The Conservation Authority (CA) founding principles are used to frame the discussion of results and implications for the NDCA. The conclusion provides a brief summary and outlines key areas for further research. Research addressing 1) resident perceptions of and support for CAs, 2) cost-sharing and service alliance assessments, 3) feasibility assessments for user fee generating recreation facilities, and 4) regional quantitative analyses of contextual land base and socio-economic factors affecting CA performance are needed. Satisfying these research needs, among others, will broaden local and regional understanding of Ontario CAs and advance provincial conservation initiatives.
Les auteurs de cette recherche analysent la manière dont le Office de protection de la nature du District du Nickel (OPNDN) de Sudbury, dans le nord de l'Ontario, a été touché par la réorganisation provinciale, en faisant un releve des programmes et des données budgétaires de 1980 à 2002. Les caractéristiques de l'arrière-pays dégagées précédemment y sont examinées afin d'étudier la maniére dont les caractéristiques du territoire et les caractéristiques socioeconomiques influent sur le fonctionnement de l'OPNDN. Depuis le début des réformes provinciales en 1992, les résultats indiquent un déclin général des revenus de l'OPNDN, avec une importante diminution du financement provincial de l'ordre de 78,5 p. 100, alors que le financement municipal a augmenté de 22 p. 100. Les ressources et les dépenses annuelles moyennes ont augmenté de 57 p. 100 et 77 p. 100 respectivement. Les...