Wetland Conservation on Walpole Island 2009-2010 Final Report (pdf)

Goals and Objectives

To conserve this degraded dyked in 171 acre wetland habitat, investigate rehabilitation actions, map and begin controlling invasive plant species, and involve youth and community members within educational outings and mentoring programs and educate the Walpole Island community to foster awareness of wetland conservation issues and hunting ethics.

During the course of the 10-year conservation lease and with other future funding, we would utilize the wetland as a training site to build capacity within the First Nation community for conducting wetland & wildlife assessments to gather important baseline data regarding water quality, wildlife populations/biodiversity, aquatic vegetation, etc. We would also utilize it as a model to demonstrate to nearby marsh hunt clubs of the benefits of conservation, rehabilitation, and management techniques to restore the functionality of our wetlands.
Activities

1) Habitat conservation of this 171 acre wetland through a 10-year conservation leasing arrangement (beginning in 2009) between the Walpole Island First Nation and the newly registered charitable organization – the Walpole Island Land Trust.

• Surveying the site
• Preparing legal conservation lease
• Completing conservation leasing agreement

2) Mapping the extent of invasive plant species (Phragmites australis) at the site.

• Mapping the extent of Phragmites australis – utilizing GPS and GIS technology

3) Beginning invasive plant species control measures by way of mechanical techniques.

• Conducting invasive plant species control activities (mechanical/manual cutting)

4) Carrying out community education, outreach and communications to gain community support and understanding of the project and empowering youth and community with wetland conservation knowledge.

• Conducting an introductory project lecture/wokshop to inform the community of this collaborative project, and engage the community through open dialogue to gain community support and encourage community involvement
• Organizing mentored waterfowl hunting programs with community youth and hunters to exchange knowledge and skills relating to the contributions that hunters have made to habitat conservation, hands-on safety and survival skills, hunting ethics, wetland restoration opportunities, bird identification & bird-watching exercises, habitat conservation issues, important wetland-associated wildlife species, nest box building techniques, etc.

Specific Habitat Products/Results to be Supported by WHC’s Contributions

1) The conservation of a 171 acre wetland habitat that is part of the Walpole Island First Nation (WIFN), through a 10 year conservation leasing arrangement;

2) The mapping of invasive plant species (Phragmites australis) at the wetland site; and3) Initiating invasive species control measures through mechanical techniques.

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

The benefits & results of this project include:

• The conservation of an ecologically significant wetland habitat
• Contribute to broader initiatives such as the St. Clair River – AOC RAP
• Knowledge & skills transfer and enhanced working relationships amongst partners
• The promotion, education and encouragement of sustainable waterfowl hunting
• Reduction of invasive plant species – Phragmites australis as a result of the control measures
• Increased waterfowl and wildlife access to healthier wetland habitat and enhance wetland functionality
• Better understanding of the wetland habitat’s management needs & issues as a result of the wetland mapping activities

Waterfowl, wetland-associated species and other wildlife that will benefit from the project include:

Least Bittern	Mute Swan	Canada Goose	Wood Duck
Green-winged Teal	Mallard	Blue-winged Teal	Osprey
Red-tailed Hawk	Ring-necked Pheasant	American Coot	Common Snipe
American Woodcock	Mourning Dove	Tree Swallow	Bank Swallow
Barn Swallow	Marsh Wren	American Robin	Black-capped Chickadee
Gray Catbird	European Starling	Northern Cardinal	Field Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird	American Goldfinch	House Sparrow	Grass Pickerel
Common Carp	Spottail Shiner	White Sucker	Sucker
Black Bullhead	Bullhead	White Perch	White Bass
Rock Bass	Green Sunfish	Pumpkinseed	Bluegill
Sunfish	Smallmouth Bass	Largemouth Bass	Black Crappi
Channel Darter

 

Relevance to Habitat Planning, Decision Making and/or Management

• ·The direct results of this project are the conservation of an ecologically significant wetland habitat and initiation of invasive plant species control activities
• Direct benefits will be the increased functionality of the wetland habitat and its ability to support wetland-associated species – particularly waterfowl
• The Walpole Island First Nation members will benefit from this project through the conservation of the habitat and promotion of sustainable waterfowl hunting
• The mapping data will support habitat management planning, future wildlife monitoring, habitat restoration initiatives, and aid in making informed habitat management decisions
• Ducks Unlimited Canada, Friends of the St. Clair River AOC, and Walpole Island First Nation departments, community & youth will all benefit from knowledge & skills transfer and enhanced working relationships

 

Project Location

Walpole Island First Nation, Ontario with five major ecosystems: Coastal wetlands, coastal waterways, Carolinian forests, tallgrass prairies, and oak savannas. p>

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 , President, Walpole Island Land Trust, Wallaceburg, Ontario.