The Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) has managed the natural environment in partnership with the City of Hamilton and the Province of Ontario to help ensure a safe and sustainable community. As one of 36 conservation authorities in the province, HCA protects water sources, guards against flooding and erosion, manages conservation and recreational lands, and promotes environmental stewardship and education.[1]
The Authority is the region's largest environmental management agency, owning or managing about 4.000 hectares (10,000 acres) of environmentally significant land. Its recreational lands range from long distance trails and relatively passive natural areas, such as the Dundas Valley, Christie Lake and Valens conservation areas, to more developed sites on the lakefront, like Confederation Beach Park and Fifty Point Conservation Area and Marina.[1]