Conservation Projects Ontario Southern Ontario Priority Wetland Habitat 2010-11
Goals and Objectives
Our objective is to increase wetlands and their associated upland habitats by 1,300 acres in this, the fourth year of this proposal.
Activities
DUC’s plan is to identify the wetlands and associated uplands to be impacted under this program in the first part of the fiscal year, within identified priority program delivery areas that are important to the waterfowl resource and which need recovery. We will institute direct habitat improvements where possible during the second half of the year, or secure areas that cannot be improved under long term (10 year or more) agreements. We will also work extensively with private landowners throughout the year to have them undertake restoration work themselves. We have identified crucial and continentally significant waterfowl areas that currently provide for a key component of lifecycle needs of waterfowl and have targeted them for permanent securement—through Conservation Easements, donations or purchase. Activities will involve the identification of opportunities and implementation of direct and extensive programs within the fiscal year. As well, a concerted and coordinated effort will be made to ensure municipalities consider wetland protection in their official planning processes. This is the fourth year of an ongoing project undertaken with the assistance of WHC and numerous other agencies.
Specific Habitat Products/Results to be Supported by WHC’s Contributions
We will conserve (through long term conservation agreements) and restore 400 acres of wetlands and associated uplands in FY11 (April 1, 2010 through March 31, 2011) on 11 discrete projects. These projects will involve at least 11 landowners (some projects may have more than one landowner). We will also directly engage, through extension efforts, an additional 15 landowners through stewardship plans and positively impact an additional 900 acres of wetlands and uplands by providing wetland enhancement expertise where applicable. Through workshops and project tours, another 175 landowners will learn about conservation practices that they can voluntarily undertake on their lands.
Benefits to Waterfowl, Wetlands-Associated Species, and/or Other Wildlife
Typical waterfowl response to habitat restoration efforts to be undertaken by DUC in this proposal is in the range of 2 ducks per acre per year on restored and created wetlands, so the estimated increase in duck production is in the order of 8,700 ducks assuming a ten year life. Existing habitat for 19,000 waterfowl over the next ten years will also be impacted by stewardship plans under this proposal. In addition to direct benefits to waterfowl, numerous other wetland dependent species will benefit from these works, including several species of special concern in Southern Ontario wetland habitats. DUC will also work closely with all three levels of government in the appropriate areas to positively impact land use planning and policies.
Relevance to Habitat Planning, Decision Making and/or Management
The general public will benefit from wetland rehabilitation works through flood attenuation and improved water filtration with a resulting improvement in water quality. Wetlands improved under this program will provide additional recreational opportunities to landowners and in some cases the general public if access is allowed. These wetlands will also provide educational and extension opportunities as allowed by private landowners. DUC proactively demonstrates to municipalities how wetlands improve water quality and attenuate flooding. This ensures that wetland protection continues to become further entrenched as part of municipal official planning processes. As all wetlands in Southern Ontario are located in the Great Lakes watershed, water quality of these systems will be improved. Wetlands also help mitigate the effects of climate change through carbon sequestration and by keeping water on the land during periods of drought and through runoff and storm event flood attenuation.
Project Location
This program will be delivered throughout Southern Ontario with a focus on priority landscapes as shown on the attached map. Access to private properties will be at the discretion of the landowner. DUC has identified eight priority habitat areas for wetland securement and restoration in Southern Ontario (see attached map). These areas were developed in conjunction with the Eastern Habitat Joint Venture (EHJV) of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP) technical committee as areas of strategic focus. These priority habitat areas require the majority of wetland improvement work within Southern Ontario, due to waterfowl numbers, development pressures and the economies of working within them. However, strategic opportunities to enhance or secure important wildlife habitats outside of these areas will be pursued as they arise. The priority areas where we will undertake wetland restoration within this proposal are in the Welland River watershed in Niagara, the Trent River Watershed in the Peterborough area, the Moira River watershed north of Belleville, and the Prince Edward County area. As well, we anticipate extensive techniques to be delivered in Hamilton/Halton Region, Grey/Bruce Counties, Simcoe County, the Kawarthas, Quinte Region, Cataraqui Region, Rideau Valley as well as key coastal wetlands along the Lake St. Clair, the Detroit River, the north shores of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, and the upper St. Lawrence River region.