<html><head><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"></head><body dir="auto"><div><br>Hello GREN, </div><div><br></div><div>Re: Input about standards and certification for aggregate extraction. Input accepted until March 6, 2014.</div><div><br></div><div>Fraser Gibson asked me to circulate this. He is involved with Kitchener's Natural Areas Program, a past president of the KW Field Naturalists, a strong supporter of Ontario Nature, and a Friend of Hidden Valley.</div><div><br></div><div>Please share it with others you know who are concerned about aggregate extraction.</div><div><br></div><div>Thank you,</div><div>Daphne</div><div><br></div><div><br><br></div><blockquote type="cite"><div><blockquote type="cite"><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;"><span style="font-family:'Helvetica'; font-size:medium; color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 1);"><b>Subject: </b></span><span style="font-family:'Helvetica'; font-size:medium;"><b>Important opportunity to reduce the environmental and community impact of aggregate operations</b><br></span></div><br><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-size: medium; "><div lang="EN-CA" link="blue" vlink="purple"><div class="WordSection1" style="page: WordSection1; "><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; ">Dear Nature Network Friends,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; "><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; ">Over the past four years Ontario Nature has been working with a number of environmental and industry partners to develop a certification system for environmentally and socially responsible aggregate operations in Ontario. A key partner in this work is Ron Reid of the Couchiching Conservancy, one of our valued Nature Network member organizations.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; "><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; ">Ron and I helped establish Cornerstone Standards Council, the organization that was formed to develop the standard and the certification process. Cornerstone Standards Council (CSC) released a draft Responsible Aggregate Standard on January 6<sup>th</sup><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>for public comment. The consultation process will close on March 6<sup>th</sup>.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; "><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; ">The overall purpose of this initiative is to create and implement a voluntary certification program for aggregate operations that achieve an environmental and social standard significantly higher than required through current regulation. The standard has many components including ones for natural heritage and biodiversity. The reward for aggregate companies are an improved social license to operate and access to markets for consumers seeking “green” materials (e.g. environmentally responsible developers).<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; "><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; ">Parallels to CSC are the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification for forest products, the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) for fish and seafood and the LEED standards for buildings.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; "><o:p> </o:p></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 12pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; ">There are a many excellent components in the draft Standard. But it needs to be strengthened in some key areas. Many of you are in communities where major aggregate operations exist and new ones are planned. We know the toll that aggregate extraction can take on the natural environment – loss of habitat and species, fragmentation of natural heritage systems, impacts on ground water and more. There is huge demand for aggregate products in Ontario. Our goal is to ensure that CSC certification will reduce the impact of aggregate operations on the environment and on local communities where aggregate is mined.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 12pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; ">Input from our Nature Network groups is important</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; ">.<o:p></o:p></span></p><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; ">A series of public consultation sessions on the Standard is currently underway (<a href="http://www.cornerstonestandards.ca/?p=649" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline; "><span style="color: windowtext; ">http://www.cornerstonestandards.ca/?p=649</span></a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>). We realize that it may not be possible for all to attend these sessions. CSC is willing to host a webinar on the standards if there is a strong interest from our groups. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; "><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; ">If you would be interested in joining a webinar please fill in this poll:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://doodle.com/3882n3m7dwcdadi4" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline; "><span style="color: windowtext; ">http://doodle.com/3882n3m7dwcdadi4</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; ">.</span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; "><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; ">As the consultation is currently underway I ask that you please indicate your interest ASAP so we can make the necessary arrangements.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; "><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; ">In the meantime, the standard is available for download on the Cornerstone Standards Council's website. (<a href="http://www.cornerstonestandards.ca/?p=629" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline; "><span style="color: windowtext; ">http://www.cornerstonestandards.ca/?p=629</span></a>).<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; "><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; ">Also, I would be very happy to answer any questions you might have about the draft standard and the certification process.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; "><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; "><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; ">Very best wishes,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; "><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; "><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; ">Caroline<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; "><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; "><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><b><span style="font-size: 19pt; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 131, 79); ">_____________</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 19pt; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; color: black; "><br></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; color: black; ">Caroline Schultz</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; color: black; "><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; color: black; ">Executive Director<br>Ontario Nature<br>214 King Street West, Suite 612<br>Toronto, ON M5H 3S6<br>Tel: 416-444-8419 ext. 237<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; color: black; ">Toll free: 1-800-440-2366<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; color: black; ">Cell: 416-768-9795<br>Fax: 416-444-9866<br></span><u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; 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