The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVC), established in 1968, works in partnership with all levels of government, other agencies and landowners to ensure the proper management of water and land resources in the Mississippi River watershed. MVC provides technical advice and deliver services and/or programs to watershed residents.

MVC's services and programs include:

• Monitoring the effect of development and land use to assess overall watershed conditions,through field monitoring, remote sensing and gathering and interpreting information on the status of water and water related natural resources;
• Regulating development within the flood plain and other environmental hazards to reduce risk to human life and property caused by inappropriate development practices;
• Flood forecasting - through careful monitoring of water levels MVC helps municipal officials and the general public take appropriate action in a flood emergency;
• Operating water control structures on the Mississippi River;
• Managing conservation area lands which are open to the public;
• Developing, implementing and monitoring watershed management plans;
• Addressing additional watershed issues such as, source protection, erosion, drought, wetland conservation and climate change.

MVC is governed by the eleven member municipalities in the watershed which appoint representatives to sit on the MVC Board of Directors. The eleven member mucipalities are City of Ottawa, Town of Carleton Place, Town of Mississippi Mills, Township of Addington Highlands, Tay Valley Township, Township of Beckwith, Township of Central Frontenac, Township of Drummond/North Elmsley, Township of Greater Madawaska, Township of Lanark Highlands, and the Township of North Frontenac.
   
Learn more about your local conservation authority at the Mississippi Valley Conservation website>