Conservation Conservation Projects Ontario Charleston Lake Watershed Wetland and Stream Restoration 2009-10

Charleston Lake Watershed Wetland and Stream Restoration 2009-10

Charleston Lake Watershed Wetland and Stream Restoration Final Project Report 2009/2010 (pdf)

Goals and Objectives

This project is part of a long-term effort by LCSC (Leeds County Stewardship Council) and the Charleston Lake Environmental Association (CLEA) to improve the water quality and riparian wildlife habitat of the entire Charleston Lake watershed (as per their lake management plan). The goal of this project is to improve the water quality and riparian wildlife habitat on two farm properties and engage not only landowners but high school students and conservation groups in hands on stewardship activities.

Activities

Property #1

This 200 acre property which is farmed has approximately 1,000 feet of wetland or stream frontage. The pasture is located adjacent to Wiltse Lake, a provincially significant wetland which feeds into Charleston Lake. The fields are pastured by a herd of 60 to 100 beef cattle. Traditionally the cattle have pastured in the open field and in the woodlot and taken water from the Lake. The property farmers will construct 1 kilometer of two-wire wildlife friendly electric fencing to restrict the cattle to the open fields, which will stop access to the lake and protect the forest buffer. A solar watering system will be installed to water cattle from a spring-fed pond. 20 Blue bird and 10 wood duck boxes will be constructed and installed by Athens District High school students.

Property #2

This property is 200 acres and has 3,600 feet of stream frontage. The creek on this property was fenced last year by LCSC. Working with the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority, a major water crossing (4 culverts) must be installed to permit access to the east fields. The project should be completed by October 15, 2009 prior to fall rains.

An article in The Review-Mirror (March 4, 2010) related to the Charleston Lake Watershed Wetland and Stream Restoration project in which Wildlife Habitat Canada is recognized, is available in pdf format (834 KB).

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. LCSC has been involved in the installation of 11 kilometers of livestock exclusion fencing, 9 alternative watering systems and 8 water crossings in the watershed in the last 3 years. WHC has supported 2 other separate landowner projects within the Beales Creek watershed in the past. Wiltse Lake on property #1 is a provincially significant wetland and provides excellent duck hunting. The creek at property #2 also feeds this wetland. 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 nest box construction and installation. Typically 10 to 20 students are involved in nest box installation. WHC’s contribution will be to used for technical support and labour costs incurred by LCSC (i.e. for the design and installation of the solar watering system) and for the portion of materials costs, such as the culverts, that are not covered by federal and provincial funding. The farm labour is included as an in-kind contribution to the project.

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

Many local species such as osprey, ducks and a variety of fish species which benefit from improved water quality in the water and wetlands will benefit from the project. The installation of 10 wood duck and 10 bluebird nest boxes will provide immediate habitat improvements. Many forest-using wildlife such as wild turkeys and white-tailed deer will benefit from the removal of grazing and the subsequent lush regrowth in the natural forest along Wiltse Lake.

Relevance to Habitat Planning, Decision Making and/or Management

The Charleston Lake Association has an objective in its Lake Management Plan to work in partnership with local landowners to improve stream habitat in the watershed. Wiltse Lake is a tributary/ subwatershed of Charleston Lake which has traditionally supported agricultural activities. Strong support for these projects has been received from the local Ontario Soil and Crop Association and participating farmers. 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

Property #1 is in Athens Township and property #2 is in Elizabethtown.

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.