Conservation Conservation Projects Ontario Beales Creek Stream Restoration 08-09

Beales Creek Stream Restoration 08-09

beales creek stream restoration project photo Restoration of Beales Creek stream near Addison (Photo courtesy of Martin Streit, Leeds County Stewardship Council)

Beales Creek Stream Restoration Final Project Report 2008/2009 (pdf; 786 KB)

Goals and Objectives

This project is part of a long-term effort by the Leeds County Stewardship Council (LCSC) and the Charleston Lake Environmental Association (CLEA) to improve the water quality and riparian wildlife habitat of the entire Charleston Lake watershed.  The goal of this project is to improve the water quality and riparian wildlife habitat along 1 kilometer of the creek on two properties.

Activities

Property #1:              
The creek on this property feeds directly into Lake Eloida, a shallow lake/wetland near the headwaters of the system. The fields are used as pasture.

  • Electric livestock exclusion fencing will be installed on 2 sides of a 500 meter creek segment. The buffer will vary from 5 to 10 m.
  • One limited access creek crossing will be installed.
  • Alternate watering source: heated watering bowl.
  • Tree planting was completed last year: livestock are currently excluded from the planted trees by a temporary fencing installation.
  • Installation of blue bird and wood duck boxes.

Property #2:
Located on the Elbe creek section of the watershed, which is a creek/wetland complex. Substantial work was completed in 2007 on several properties downstream of this location. The fields are pastured by a herd of 60 dairy cattle.

  • Electric livestock exclusion fencing will be installed on 2 sides of a 1,000 meter creek segment. The buffer will vary from 5 to 10 m.
  • Two nose pump watering systems to be installed.
  • Trees and shrubs will be planted along the entire buffer.
  • Working with the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority, a water crossing will be repaired.
  • Installation of blue bird and wood duck boxes.

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

These projects build on past efforts to improve connectivity to the existing wetlands and less-disturbed riparian areas in the watershed. For instance, 6 kilometers of livestock exclusion fencing were constructed in 2007. The creeks flow into two wetlands located along the system. Two property owners will be directly engaged, and neighbours will be made aware through word of mouth. Leeds County Stewardship Council volunteers assist with the school tree planting and nest box construction and installation. Typically 20 to 30 students are involved in tree planting and nest box installation.

Benefits to Waterfowl, Wetlands-Associated Species, and/or Other Wildlife

All local species which benefit from improved water quality in the water and wetlands will benefit from the project. The installation of wood duck and bluebird nest boxes will provide immediate habitat improvements. Over time, many other cavity nesting species will benefit from the trees planted along these riparian areas.

Relevance to Habitat Planning, Decision Making and/or Management

The Charleston Lake Association has an objective in its Lake Plan to work in partnership with local landowners to improve stream habitat in the watershed. Strong support for these projects has been received from the local Ontario Soil and Crop Association and participating farmers. Although the current project participants are not currently members of the Association, these projects serve as springboards to encourage participation in the Environmental Farm Plan process, which leads to other environmental improvements. The local municipality and Conservation Authority recognize the importance of this watershed in Leeds County and have been very supportive of the work.

Project Location

The two properties are located in Athens Township in Leeds County, Ontario

Project Contact

For more information on this project, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Stewardship Coordinator, Leeds County Stewardship Council, Brockville, Ontario.