Conservation Projects Ontario Leeds County Community Pasture Riparian Restoration 2010-11
Goals and Objectives
This project is part of ongoing efforts by LCSC and the Leeds County Soil and Crop Association to engage local farmers in wetland and stream restoration. The goals of this project are:
1) To create a demonstration area for the local farmers to encourage the adoption of riparian best management practices on their home farms,
2) To improve water quality and riparian wildlife habitat on the Community Pasture and
3) To engage farm owners, high school students and conservation groups in hands on stewardship activities.
Activities
Winter/ Spring 2010: Preparation of an Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) for the property.
Summer / Fall 2010: Construction of 2200 meters of cattle exclusion fencing along 1.1 kilometers of creek (2 sides). Cedar rail fencing will be used. This is substantially more expensive than page-wire fencing but has been chosen because it is wildlife-friendly. Electric fencing is not desired because of the remote location. Installation of two water crossings (culverts) to permit access across the riparian area. A solar watering system will be installed to water cattle.
Winter 2010/ 11: Wood duck and blue bird boxes will be constructed and installed by local students.
Spring 2011: 3,000 Shrubs and trees will be planted along the stream by local students.
Specific Habitat Products/Results to be Supported by WHC’s Contributions
Upper Beverley Lake includes 558 hectares of provincially significant wetlands with components of both swamp and open marsh. The lake features excellent duck hunting. 25 local farmers 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 and the nest box construction and installation. Stewardship Rangers are four local students who will be involved in the fence construction as summer employment. Typically 10 to 20 volunteer students are involved in nest box installation and 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, bald eagle (there is an active nest on UBL) and a variety of fish species benefit from improved water quality in the water and wetlands. The installation of wood duck and bluebird nest boxes will provide immediate habitat improvements.
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. This project was proposed to the Community Pasture Board by beef farmer Kim Sytsma, who has worked with LCSC and with her husband Charlie on stream restoration projects on their own farms. 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
Leeds County, Rideau Lakes and Leeds and the 1000 Islands Townships (see Map). Upper Beverley Lake is publicly accessible and hunting is permitted.