Conservation authorities are local watershed management agencies, mandated to ensure the conservation, restoration and responsible management of Ontario’s water, land and natural habitats through programs that balance human, environmental and economic needs. There are 36 conservation authorities in Ontario, each one representing a grouping of municipalities on a watershed basis and working in partnership with others to manage their respective watersheds. Conservation authorities work under the provincial Conservation Authorities Act.  Today, conservation authorities operate in watersheds in which 90% of the provincial population reside.