Quinte Conservation is one of Ontario's 36 Conservation Authorities formed under the Conservation Authorities Act of 1946. Due to years of mismanagement of Ontario's natural resources, concerned groups and agencies prompted the government to take action and to work towards repairing and preserving our natural environments. Municipalities were the driving force behind establishing an authority for their region.
The Moira River Conservation Authority and the Napanee Region Conservation Authority were both established in 1947. Prince Edward Region Conservation Authority soon followed and was formed in 1965.
Due to extensive budget cuts, the three authorities amalgamated in 1996 and formed Quinte Conservation.