Water quality grants in Huron for limited time
Huron County landowners have limited-time opportunity to apply for grants for water-quality projects in 2026
Landowners in the County of Huron are encouraged to apply, by September 4, 2026, for grants, while available, in categories of: 1. Wetland restoration; 2. Tree planting; 3. Invasive species management; and 4. Forest Management Plans
Grants are available, for a limited time, for landowners in Huron County to complete water quality projects in four categories.
Landowners are encouraged to apply, by September 4, 2026.
While available, there are grants in these four categories:
- Wetland restoration;
- Tree planting;
- Invasive species management; and
- Forest Management Plans.
Nathan Schoelier is Stewardship, Land and Education Manager at Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA). He encourages Huron County landowners to contact stewardship staff at the Ausable Bayfield or Maitland Valley conservation authorities about financial incentives, while available, for their water quality projects.
“An opportunity exists right now, for a limited time, for incentive grants that make it possible for landowners in Huron County to complete projects that protect water quality,” he said. “I encourage people who are interested to contact us as early as possible about funding which can support their projects.”
To apply for grants or to learn more, contact Nathan Schoelier, ABCA Stewardship and Conservation Lands Manager (519-235-2610, ext. 263, or email nschoelier@abca.ca) or Ben Van Dieten, Stewardship Projects Lead, Maitland Valley Conservation Authority (519-335-3557, ext. 245, or email bvandieten@mvca.on.ca).
The funding, for water quality projects, is through the County of Huron’s Clean Water Project.
Between 2004 and 2026, grants from the Huron Clean Water Project (HCWP) supported more than 4,000 water quality projects by county landowners and residents and community groups. The projects built soil health, enhanced habitat and forest conditions, and protected and improved water quality. The County of Huron invested more than five million dollars over more than two decades and that investment resulted in more than $18.5 million in project value, which benefitted land and water and the economy. In many cases, HCWP funding was matched with funding from other sources to make even more possible.
“We are pleased and appreciate that, despite a challenging budget year, the County of Huron recognized the value of the program and supported a plan that allows people to complete projects, in 2026, that they may have been considering,” Schoelier said.
The Huron Clean Water Project grant program finishes at the end of 2026 and, according to the County of Huron website, new project grants will no longer be available after that time.
The budgetary decision to discontinue the Clean Water Project makes it more important than ever to apply for project funding now, while incentives are still available.
Conservation authority staff encourage local landowners to contact them about funding support which may be available through this and other programs. Depending on project location and type, there may be other sources of funding available.