FORMOSA – The Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority has appointed Erik Downing as its general manager/secretary-treasurer.
“Erik has provided strong leadership during this past year as acting general manager/secretary-treasurer,” SVCA board chair Barbara Dobreen said in a Sept. 6 news release announcing the appointment.
“With his deep understanding of the watershed and the organization, we are confident that he will continue to guide SVCA with stability and vision as we move forward.
Downing has more than 20 years of experience in environmental management, natural hazard protection, conservation enforcement, and watershed governance, the release states.
His career extends across multiple conservation authorities, including 17 years with the SVCA. He holds a bachelor of environmental studies from York University, and has “committed his career thus far to balancing safe and sustainable development with environmental protection,” the release said.
Downing “is committed to collaborating with the board, stakeholders, and the broader community to strengthen the organization’s role in environmental conservation,” it said.
He has a personal connection to the Saugeen watershed, where he lives with his family, and a “passion for conserving the local natural environment,” it said.
“Erik’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for SVCA, and his leadership is expected to bring stability and progress as the organization navigates evolving provincial mandates and growing environmental challenges,” it said.
