Conservation Projects Ontario Charleston Lake Watershed Wetland and Stream Restoration 2010-11
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 goals of this project are:
1) To improve water quality and riparian wildlife habitat on 500 meters of the Elbe creek between the Glen Elbe wetland and Wiltse Lake wetland and
2) To engage farm owners and high school students in hands-on stewardship activities.
Activities
Winter/ Spring 2010: Preparation of an Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) for the property.
Summer / Fall 2010: Construction of 1000 meters of cattle exclusion fencing along 500 meters of creek (2 sides). Dual strand electric fencing will be used.
Installation of a large water crossing to access the north pasture.
A solar watering system will be installed to water cattle.
Spring 2011: 1000 Shrubs and trees will be planted along the stream by local students.
Specific Habitat Products/Results to be Supported by WHC’s Contributions
The property is the only remaining farm between the Glen Elbe wetland and the Wiltse Lake wetland on which cattle have free access to the creek. This project will complete the restoration of the Elbe creek from County Road 5 in the west to County Road 29 in the east, a distance of over 8 kilometers. Approximately 50% of this length is natural creeks and wetlands, the remaining 50% are farmlands where cattle have been excluded from the wetlands and creeks by farmers and LCSC.
Wiltse Lake is a provincially significant wetland which includes 285 hectares of swamp and 672 hectares of open marsh. Glen Elbe swamp comprises 85 hectares. There are populations of mallards, wood ducks and blue-winged teals and canada geese. The entire system provides excellent duck hunting.
One local farmer will be directly engaged, and many more neighbouring farmers will be made aware through word of mouth. Leeds County Stewardship Council community volunteers assist with tree planting. Stewardship Rangers are four local students who will be involved in the fence construction as summer employment. Typically 20 to 30 students participate in riparian tree planting.
These projects build on past efforts to improve connectivity to the existing wetlands and less-disturbed riparian areas in the watershed. Since 2007 in partnership with WHC and many other organizations, LCSC has been involved in the installation of over 14 kilometers of livestock exclusion fencing from wetlands and creeks, 12 alternative watering systems and 11 water crossings in the Gananoque River watershed.
Benefits to Waterfowl, Wetlands-Associated Species, and/or Other Wildlife
Mallards, wood ducks and blue-winged Teal as well as osprey and a variety of fish species benefit from improved water quality in the water and wetlands.
Relevance to Habitat Planning, Decision Making and/or Management
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. Past project participants become advocates for these projects and help facilitate the development of new projects with their friends and neighbours. Will Sytsma is the son of past farm project participants Charlie and Kim Sytsma. The local municipality and Conservation Authority recognize the importance of this watershed in Leeds County and have been very supportive of the work.