Conservation Projects Ontario Island Drive Wetland Enhancement Project 2010-11
Goals and Objectives
The goals and objectives of the Island Drive Wetland Enhancement Project are to:
· Enhance and reintroduce native aquatic and terrestrial plant species
· Improve habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, fish and other wildlife
· Create wildlife viewing opportunities
· Create a ‘natural classroom’ for school/ youth groups
· Update an existing interpretive display explaining the importance of wetlands and waterfowl
Activities
The Island Drive Wetland Enhancement Project is a one-year project being led by the Thunder Bay District Stewardship Council.
Upon confirmation of funding a site visit with Dr. Peter Lee (wetland plant specialist) will occur to determine the prescription for the site (plant species, densities and location). This initial site visit will occur shortly after ice out in late-April or early-May 2010. Dr. Lee’s recommendations will be reviewed by Ducks Unlimited Canada staff prior to the acquisition of native aquatic and terrestrial vegetation. Referencing the Canadian Wildlife Service’s "Guide to Establishing Aquatic Plants” a variety of native plant species will be obtained from productive local sites in the vicinity of the Island Drive Wetland. In addition, other recommended plant species may be purchased through several Ontario based wetland plant growers.
In late May or early-June 2010, planting of the recommended species will occur on site. Planting will be carried out by members and volunteers of the Thunder Bay District Stewardship Council. The Stewardship Council will also update the interpretive display at this time.
Following the spring plant, an unveiling of the enhanced wetland will take place to showcase the efforts of volunteers and supporting organizations with an emphasis on Wildlife Habitat Canada’s contributions.
Specific Habitat Products/Results to be Supported by WHC’s Contributions
Financial support of the Island Drive Wetland Enhancement Project would directly benefit the 1 hectare wetland area and the various fish and wildlife species which presently use this area. Enhancement of this site would also encourage utilization by other species in the future. The enhancement of this wetland would indirectly benefit a variety of fish and wildlife which utilize the aquatic and terrestrial habitat surrounding the wetland. The enhancement of the Island Drive Wetland would be a direct benefit to residents and visitors of Thunder Bay, Ontario. A unique characteristic to the Island Drive Wetland is its close proximity to surrounding neighborhoods, schools and businesses making it a highly-accessible natural feature within the City.
Benefits to Waterfowl, Wetlands-Associated Species, and/or Other Wildlife
The following bird species were observed at the "2008 Spring Waterfowl Viewing Day” hosted by the Lakehead Regional Conservation Authority at Mission Island Marsh approximately 1.75 km away from the project location:
American Crow
American Pelican
Bald Eagle
Black-Capped Chickadee
Blue Winged Teal
Brown Headed Cow Bird
Bufflehead
Canada Geese
Canvasback
Common Golden Eye
Common Grackle
Common Loon
Common Merganser
Cormorant
Dark Eyed Junco
European Starling
Great Blue Heron
Green Winged Teal
Hairy Woodpecker
Herring Gull
Hooded Merganser
Lesser Scaup
Mallard duck
Merlin
Northern Flicker
Northern Harrier
Northern Pintail
Northern Shoveller
Raven
Red Breasted Merganser
Red Winged Blackbird
Redhead duck
Ring-Billed Gull
Ring-Necked Duck
Rock Pigeon
Song Sparrow
Tree Sparrow
Tree Swallow
Whimbrel
White Throated Sparrow
Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker
Yellow-Rumped Warbler
An enhanced Island Drive Wetland would provide additional nesting, feeding and resting habitat to a number of the species listed in the Lakehead Regional Conservation Area’s Spring Waterfowl Viewing Day catalogue. In addition, the diverse fish community within the Kaministiquia River would benefit from the enhancement of aquatic vegetation in the wetland potentially increasing spawning habitat for a number of fish species.
Relevance to Habitat Planning, Decision Making and/or Management
The enhancement of the Island Drive Wetland will compliment previous efforts of having the wetland created. Creating and protecting natural features such as wetlands in a formerly industrial area is a benefit to the Kaministiquia River ecosystem and the residents of Thunder Bay. Having such accessible natural areas will offer additional viewing and learning opportunities for a number of groups and organizations in Thunder Bay. By providing and promoting an accessible wetland area for viewing and education; residents of Thunder Bay will have an increased appreciation and understanding for the significance of wetlands. The enhancement of the Island Drive Wetland would be a major accomplishment for the parties previously involved in its creation including the City of Thunder Bay, Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Lakehead Regional Conservation Authority. In addition, the Thunder Bay District Stewardship Council would benefit by providing another improvement to the natural resources of Thunder Bay and surrounding area.
Project Location
This project will occur within the City of Thunder Bay on the Kaministiquia River adjacent to Island Drive. The project area includes a riparian area and marsh less than 1km from the entrance to Lake Superior. Migratory game bird hunting is not permitted in this area due to a ‘no discharge of firearms’ bylaw within Thunder Bay city limits. This area serves as a nesting area for local waterfowl in the spring, and a resting/ feeding area in the fall during migration. The area is popular amongst bird watchers as a result of the diversity of bird species in the vicinity of this location.