SOUTHERN ONTARIO PRIORITY WETLAND HABITATS
 
 

Goals and Objectives

  • To identify the wetlands and associated uplands (within eight priority habitat areas for wetland securement and restoration in Southern Ontario) which are important to the waterfowl resource and which need improvement.
  • To institute direct habitat improvements where possible.
  • To work extensively with private landowners to have them undertake the work themselves. Initial activities will involve the identification of opportunities and implementation of direct and extensive programs where possible.

Activities

  • Identification and landowner negotiation for high level securement (purchase or conservation easement), or for securement through conservation agreement, and design and building of wetland rehabilitation/creation projects.
  • Identification, landowner negotiation and possible provision of funding to landowners for extensive works undertaken by them on their own properties.

Specific Habitat Products/Results to be Supported by WHC’s Contributions

  • 25 wetland rehabilitation/creation projects on 400 acres in conjunction with 25 landowners.
  • Extension projects on 30 projects on 500 acres with 30 landowners.

Benefits to Wildlife

  • Typical waterfowl response is in the range of 25 ducks per acre per year on restored and created wetlands, so estimated duck production is in the order of 100,000 ducks assuming a ten year life.
  • Numerous other wetland dependent species will also benefit from these works, including species of special concern in Southern Ontario wetland habitats.
  • DUC will also work closely with all three levels of government in the appropriate areas to positively impact land use planning and policies.

Relevance to Habitat Planning, Decision Making and/or Management

  • The general public will benefit from wetland rehabilitation works through improved water filtration and resulting improvement in water quality.
  • Wetlands improved under this program will provide additional recreational opportunities to landowners and in some cases the general public if access is allowed.
  • These wetlands will also provide educational and extension opportunities as allowed by private landowners.

Project Location
Southern Ontario.

Please click here to view the project location/map (pdf file).

Project Contact
For more information on this project, please contact Ron Maher, Manager Operations, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Kingston, Ontario.