Conservation Collaboration - Long Point Region Conservation Authority [PDF]

with further improvements at Backus Heritage Village. As well ... the Backus Grist Mill.” 4 ..... NICK DESERRANNO, Bac

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Long Point Region Conservation Authority Annual Report

Conservation through Collaboration

Contents MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

4

GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORT

5

PROTECTING LIFE & PROPERTY

6

ENHANCING WATERSHED HEALTH

9

CONNECTING PEOPLE TO NATURE

15

FINANCING CONSERVATION

18

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

19

LPRCA TEAM

19

FRONTCOVER PHOTO: KEVIN BABBEY

2

LPRCA Annual Report

Long Point Region Conservation Authority is a community based environmental agency that protects, restores and manages the natural resources in the Long Point Region watershed. For more than six decades, the LPRCA has worked with all levels of government, local communities and landowners to increase natural areas coverage, improve water quality, protect people and property from flooding and erosion, as well as, provide educational programs and recreational facilities. OUR VISION To build a healthy and resilient watershed. OUR MISSION Providing services in partnership to protect, enhance and restore a healthy watershed. OUR VALUES We are dedicated to conservation excellence by both building on existing partnerships, as well as, forging new relationships that benefit the watershed and its constituents. We are committed to open communication that is clear and respectful to all. We will work on creative and resourceful solutions based on the best information available, ever mindful of the boundaries in which we work. We will conduct ourselves in a responsive and dynamic manner that reflects the four cornerstones of the organization - accessibility, transparency, integrity and accountability. 3

Message from the Chair

“I wish to extend a heartfelt thanks to The W. Garfield Weston Foundation for their assistance in restoring to operational status one of the region’s most important historical structures – the Backus Grist Mill.”

4

I have always enjoyed my time with the Long Point Region Conservation Authority, and as its Chair for the last three years, I would have to say one of the accomplishments I am most proud of is the establishment of the 2014-2018 Strategic Plan. It was an exercise that perhaps took longer than we wished due in some part to the huge turnover in Board representation resulting from the 2010 municipal election – but the new Board and staff persevered to develop a blueprint that should ensure a sound direction for the LPRCA over the next 4 years. Preparation of the Plan included a full-business review of our operations, with most of the research, presentations and development of the strategy conducted in-house. This not only saved taxpayers’ dollars, but also gave Board members and staff an even deeper vested interest in the final product. The Strategy will be reviewed on an annual basis and I look forward to watching the progression of this “living document” over the next term. There were a number of other highlights this past year. Phase 1 of the Lakeshore Management Plan (Elgin County) is nearing completion and will be an important tool to assisting municipalities and landowners with “smart” development. I wish to extend a heartfelt thanks to The W. Garfield Weston Foundation for their assistance in restoring to operational status one of the region’s most important historical structures – the Backus Grist Mill. Their kindness not only ensures future generations will continue to learn from and enjoy this engineering

marvel, but hopefully may serve as a catalyst to assist with further improvements at Backus Heritage Village. As well, 2014 continued to present its own set of challenges. Despite inclement weather, LPRCA Park Operations were close to meeting their revenue targets. Staff continued to do an outstanding job in ensuring Forestry Operations provide the environmental, social and economic benefits enjoyed by this watershed’s 97,300 constituents. Politically, municipal leaders continue to push the Province on revisiting the funding formula for conservation authorities especially when it comes to assisting with the infrastructure needs of dams and other water control structures maintained by Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities. I have appreciated the support of Board members – past and present – during my three years as Chair, as well as, staff – all who continue to work hard to make our region one of the best to live in and raise a family. I look forward to continuing to serve on LPRCA and anticipate a great 2015.

ROGER GEYSENS Chair

LPRCA Annual Report

General Manager’s Report

“The enhanced profile for Environment Canada in the watershed is a welcomed addition that hopefully will lead to more partnership opportunities to benefit local constituents.”

The lower reaches of the Long Point Region Conservation Authority’s watershed proved to be a bee hive of activity in 2014. Working with neighbouring conservation authorities, as well as, lower and upper tier municipal governments, the Elgin County Shoreline Management Plan reached the public consultation stage during the summer and is nearing the home stretch as far as completion. The Plan is part of an on-going effort by local conservation authorities to find efficiencies through joint partnerships. While Long Point Region, Catfish Creek, Kettle Creek and Lower Thames Valley conservation authorities already had various independently prepared shoreline plans dating from 1989, it was recognized that said plans were dated and needed to take into consideration current mapping policies, guidelines and technical information pertaining to shoreline hazards. The Plan was in response to a need brought forward by municipal partners who sought out a Shoreline Management Plan for the coastal zone of Lake Erie that would provide a more consistent guide for municipal land use planning. The Plan should also provide a more accurate investigation into the dynamics of the entire extent of the shoreline rather than a sectional or watershed view. Environment Canada was also brought in as a partner – contributing $40,000; it is hoped that the Management Plan can be expanded to include Norfolk and Haldimand counties. Backus Heritage Conservation Area’s Education Centre became the temporary home of Environment Canada’s Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) in 2014. LPRCA and Environment Canada worked out an

agreement to house CWS staffers until their new office on the Long Point causeway has been completed. The enhanced profile for Environment Canada in the watershed is a welcomed addition that hopefully will lead to more partnership opportunities to benefit local constituents. The Bayham ALUS launched its demonstration farm at M and R Orchards on Highway 3 – a significant accomplishment that should not only assist in reducing erosion, improving water quality and enhancing local habitat, but also promote eco-tourism and locally grown food products. In Tillsonburg, LPRCA staff is working with the Town to develop forest management plans for a number of municipallyowned properties in order to improve forest health for the betterment of the community. As always, my thanks to our partners for their assistance, LPRCA staff for their efforts to better the watershed – and our Board and out-going Chair Roger Geysens whose leadership the last three years was instrumental in moving the 2014 -2018 Strategic Plan forward and who made sure LPRCA was always responsive to the needs of the watershed communities it serves.

CLIFF EVANITSKI General Manager/Secretary-Treasurer 5

Protecting

Life & Property

6

Photo: Earl Hartlen

LPRCA Annual Report

2014 Planning & Regulatory Services

LPRCA works with watershed constituents and our municipal partners to ensure environmental integrity and protect people and property from flooding and erosion hazards.

202

Ontario Regulation 178/06 Permits issued

113

 roperty Inquiries P fulfilled

1 131 Official Plan Document reviewed

Municipal Planning Reviews processed

Regulation of construction activities in environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands, shorelines and waterways ensures that activities in these areas will not result in a risk to public safety or property damage. This preventative approach also ensures that natural features of the watershed are protected. Growth and development in the Long Point Region watershed also resulted in planning staff being much busier. The number of permits reviewed, planning applications and general inquiries rose about 15 per cent from 385 in 2013 to 440 in 2014. Technical assistance was provided to Norfolk County to help the municipality define a Hazard Land Zone for Long Point. A considerable amount of time was spent estimating slope stability and flood depths and surveying elevations related to natural hazards.

There is approximately 90 km of Lake Erie shoreline in Elgin County of which 14 km is located within the Long Point Region watershed. LPRCA continued to work with the other three conservation authorities in Elgin County and the municipality to draft a shoreline management plan. The Plan will examine hazards and protection along the shoreline and provide recommendations for sustainable development of shoreline ecosystems and land uses. LPRCA facilitated public involvement in the Draft Elgin County Shoreline Management Plan by hosting an open house. This collaborative plan when approved in 2015 will provide a more consistent guide for municipal land use planning along the shoreline.

7

FLOOD FORECASTING & WARNING The Conservation Authority, in cooperation with local municipalities and the provincial government, plays a key role in reducing the risks to property damage and loss of life from hazards like flooding. LPRCA’s role is to inform member municipalities of potential flooding in order to prevent the loss of life and reduce property damage and social disruption. LPRCA uses a network of stream gauges, precipitation gauges, snow sampling sites and knowledge of the watershed to provide flood forecasting services to municipalities who are responsible for the safety of their residents.

A Dam Safety Review was initiated for the dam at Vittoria Conservation Area. The purpose of the study is to complete a systematic review and evaluation of all aspects of the dam’s design, construction, maintenance, operation, surveillance and any other factors affecting the dam’s safety.

In 2014, only minor flooding was experienced in flood-prone areas, as spring weather conditions allowed the accumulated snowpack to melt slowly. Four warning messages, including vital Watershed Condition Statements, and a Flood Watch were issued during the year. In addition to riverine flooding, LPRCA will issue warnings for damage which may occur from high water and wave action along the Lake Erie shoreline.

8

During the year, LPRCA worked on strategies to help guide future maintenance of its water control structures. Visual engineering inspection of six dams was undertaken with follow-up recommendations for corrective actions noted. Detailed engineering design was completed at Lehman dam and necessary approvals obtained from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry under the Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act. Work to replace the sluice gate is scheduled for completion in March 2015.

The key role of the LPRCA is to inform member municipalities of potential flooding in order to prevent the loss of life and reduce property damage and social disruption.

Enhancing Watershed Health

9

LPRCA delivers local services and programs that protect and manage water and other natural resources. Programs such as reforestation, landscape restoration, stewardship incentive programs, landowner information services and species at risk support help us to make direct improvements to the health of the watershed.

105,109  otal number of trees T planted in 2014

67

 otal number of T participating landowners

131.43

 otal amount of acres T greened

The Conservation Authority not only works to protect, conserve and restore natural habitats, it also helps people understand, enjoy and look after the natural environment.

TREE PLANTING PROGRAM This year, 105,109 seedling trees were planted on private and public lands. Conservation authority crews planted 100,045 trees while 5,064 were planted by landowners. The LPRCA worked with the Township of South West Oxford to plant 50 large stock trees along roadways through the Trees for Roads program. Trees Ontario has a long-term agreement to plant 50 million trees province-wide by 2025. The 50 Million Program encourages the public to plant trees by offering subsidies that significantly reduce landowner costs on large-scale tree planting. Locally, the LPRCA planted more than 88,500 trees on 160 acres involving 18 projects in 2014. LPRCA organized 4 planting events geared to specific groups or volunteers, such as students, a local company and community organizations. LPRCA partnered with the ALUS program in Norfolk County and the Municipality of Bayham to provide support for their conservation programs.

10

LPRCA Annual Report

STEWARDSHIP & RESTORATION SERVICES LPRCA works with landowners, local agricultural and environmental organizations and all levels of government to protect and improve water and soil quality within the watershed. Through the Rural Water Quality Improvement Program financial assistance is available to qualified landowners in the counties of Brant, Elgin, Haldimand and Oxford to share the cost of selected best management practices.

STEWARDSHIP ACTIONS IN 2014 A habitat restoration plan was prepared for the 29-acre extension to Dereham Wetlands Conservation Area. Two wetland cells were created to increase water retention, wildlife habitat and biodiversity with plans to plant trees and control invasive Common Reed. In an effort to share the responsibility for a healthy watershed, LPRCA provides funding support through its Private Land Erosion Control Assistance Program. In 2014, this program helped two landowners; one in Norfolk County and another in the Municipality of Bayham implement projects to reduce soil erosion. LPRCA staff helped landowners take action with 19 projects that will help improve local water quality, reduce soil erosion, and increase natural areas cover. Grant programs provided funding in 2014 to help: build fences to keep livestock away from a creek in Haldimand County

n

plant trees on a site in Brant County

n

construct a wetland in Norfolk County to support species at risk

n

control erosion and establish meadow habitat in Elgin County

n

Photo: ALUS

create 11 wetlands and sediment basins across the watershed

n

LPRCA’s Lands and Waters Supervisor Paul Gagnon (left) received a Carolinian Canada Conservation Award. The award recognizes his efforts in promoting landscape restoration and building partnerships between landowners and conservation agencies.

By offering cost-sharing grants for the implementation of these best management practices, LPRCA helps improve water quality both in-stream and downstream throughout the Long Point Region watershed. 11

MONITORING WATERSHED HEALTH Water quality monitoring is a tool used to assess the health of both ground and surface water, allowing LPRCA to gather information so that we can better understand local environmental issues, focus actions where they are needed and track progress over time. Groundwater and surface water monitoring information supports decision-making on water taking permits, low water response and drinking water source protection.

Throughout the watershed, LPRCA staff collects standardized scientific data through established monitoring programs, including: SURFACE WATER QUALITY Collect samples at 9 strategic sites within the watershed. SURFACE WATER QUANTITY Monitor changes in water levels of the watershed’s watercourses through the use of stream gauges and base flow measurements. AQUATIC HABITAT AND SPECIES Including collection and analysis of benthic macroinvertebrates and stream temperature.

12

GROUNDWATER QUANTITY AND QUALITY Assessed at 11 wells throughout the watershed. Fish populations are monitored by electroshocking to determine if restoration efforts at former dam locations have made a positive difference relative to fish species. While several species were recorded, the highlight of the year was confirming the presence of coldwater species. Rainbow Trout at Rock’s Mill, with Brook Trout, Mottled Sculpin and a Brown Trout netted at Sutton Conservation Area.

LPRCA Annual Report

The LPRCA also works closely with a variety of partners on mutually benefitting initiatives, including: LAMPREY BARRIER INSPECTIONS As part of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Sea Lamprey Control Program, staff inspects and maintains weirs that restrict lamprey access on five watercourses. This partnership helps DFO run their program and provides LPRCA with valuable information on each watercourse. LYNN RIVER AND BIG CREEK WATER QUALITY MONITORING In partnership with Norfolk County, staff undertakes water quality sampling and measures stream flow in Big Creek and the Lynn River to meet the County’s monitoring obligations to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change for both the Delhi and Simcoe wastewater treatment facilities. NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT SAMPLING In partnership with the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, staff samples water quality on Venison Creek 12 times per year. Results from this initiative will give both agencies a better understanding of how nutrients move through the watershed and help to determine Best Management Practices for decreasing nutrient loading in area lakes and rivers. PESTICIDE MONITORING Water samples are collected on Venison Creek during high runoff events in support of University of Guelph’s research to measure the level of pollutants entering creeks, streams and eventually Lake Erie.

13

PROTECTING DRINKING WATER AT THE SOURCE LPRCA continued to work with three other conservation authorities (Catfish Creek, Kettle Creek and Grand River) across the Lake Erie Source Protection Region in 2014. The new municipal groundwater system in Richmond was approved for inclusion in the Long Point Region Source Water Protection work plan in 2014. By late in the year, draft wellhead protection areas had been modeled for the Richmond system. LPRCA conducted threat assessment reviews for municipal drinking water systems in Brant and Norfolk counties. The 345 significant threats originally identified for Norfolk County in the Assessment Report were reduced to 251 following verification.

345

 ignificant threats S originally identified in Norfolk were reduced to

251 14

Results from the Tier 2 water budget study led to a Tier 3 water budget study for portions of Oxford and Norfolk in 2014. The study focused on specific subwatersheds containing municipal water sources that were also identified in the Tier 2 report as having either a moderate or significant potential for water quantity stress. The Tillsonburg, Delhi, Waterford and Simcoe water supplies were investigated this year. The Draft Long Point Region Source Protection Plan was submitted to the Province in December 2012 for its approval. Since then, several sections of the Plan were updated based on comments received in July 2014 from the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change. Staff also completed technical requirements to prepare the Updated Source Protection Plan.

Resubmission of the Proposed Plan along with a revised Assessment Report is expected in mid 2015 following further public consultation.

Connecting People to Nature 15

1

The LPRCA owns about 4,450 hectares (11,000 acres) of land throughout the watershed. This network of conservation lands and forest tracts helps protect natural features within the watershed while making a range of recreational activities and outdoor spaces available for people to enjoy. These properties and their facilities help LPRCA achieve its goal of linking people to the environment through outdoor, education and cultural heritage experiences. Plans to shore up the foundation of the Backus Mill were developed in 2014 and, thanks to donated funds, will be completed by spring 2015. LPRCA is grateful for the commitment made to this project by The W. Garfield Weston Foundation.

 ew camper cabin that N sleeps six was made available at Backus

2

 LPRCA parks - Backus Heritage & Deer Creek - were among the Top Ten Amazing Places in Norfolk County as named by the Long Point World Biosphere Reserve

$150,000+  aised to reach Backus R Mill Restoration campaign goal

16

TOURISM & RECREATION It was a very busy 2014 season at LPRCA’s five conservation areas. An estimated 250,000 visitors entered the parks to enjoy the great out-of-doors. Upgrades to improve accessibility at LPRCA’s administration office were completed, while visitors to Deer Creek Conservation Area found new accessible washroom facilities. The entrance to Backus Heritage Conservation Area was reinvigorated by replacing the gatehouse and redesigning traffic flow.

LPRCA Annual Report

3

3,164

 arasitic wasps were p released in ash bolts in the McConkey Middleton Tract as part of a study being conducted by the Canadian Forestry Service on the control of Emerald Ash Borer

5

forest tracts were independently audited by the Rain Forest Alliance and demonstrated compliance with FSC© (Forest Stewardship Council) certification standards

237

acres within 6 forests were marked, tendered and sold for harvest

<

FOREST MANAGEMENT LPRCA’s forests are harvested in a sustainable manner and are guided and monitored according to an approved Forest Management Plan. Sustainable forest management provides for long-term health of the watershed’s forests while providing social, economic and environmental benefits. >

EDUCATION & OUTREACH LPRCA is committed to engaging the community in conservation issues through a variety of means including publications, events and programs. Conservation scholarships are an important way the LPRCA encourages conservation leaders of the future. LPRCA joined other community partners to present the first Haldimand Children’s Water Festival following the model from successful events in Brant and Oxford counties.

Leighton & Betty Brown Conservation Scholarships awarded to graduating high school students

40+

 dults learned about the ecology and science of a the threatened monarch butterfly in a workshop host by LPRCA and the Monarch Teacher Network, and took with them information on how to enhance butterfly habitat on their property

4,200+

s tudents took part in programs offered at Backus Heritage Conservation Area to learn about nature and experience our pioneer heritage

350+

s tudents attended the inaugural Children’s Water Festival in Haldimand County over two days and learned about the importance of water through a series of hands-on activity stations

17

Financing Conservation 2014 REVENUE

EXPENDITURES

Municipal Levy - Operating

$1,076,330

28%

Watershed Management

$681,931

17%

Municipal Levy - Capital

$130,200

3%

Community Relations

$137,385

4%

Provincial Funding

$68,240

2%

Backus Heritage CA

$579,362

15%

Fees

$2,031,124

53%

Conservation Land Management - Other

$511,906

13%

Forestry Sales

$514,942

14%

Conservation Land Management - Forestry

$402,577

10%

Total

$3,820,836

100%

Conservation Land Management - Parks

$665,151

17%

Corporate Services

$960,114

24%

Total

$3,938,426 100%

SHARE OF OPERATING LEVY $156,682

15%

Norfolk County

$569,812

53%

USE OF OPERATING LEVY

Oxford County

$230,398

21%

Corporate Services

$303,460

28%

Brant County

$63,662

6%

Watershed Management Services

$433,553

40%

Municipality of Bayham

$48,122

4%

Community Relations

$141,819

13%

Malahide Township

$7,654

1%

Backus Heritage CA

$62,581

6%

Total

$1,076,330

100%

Conservation Land Management - Other

$134,917

13%

Total

$1,076,330

100%

18

Haldimand County



2014 Board of Directors

LPRCA Staff

CHAIR ROGER GEYSENS, Norfolk County VICE CHAIR ED KETCHABAW, Municipality of Bayham & Township of Malahide

CLIFF EVANITSKI, General Manager/Secretary-Treasurer JUDY MAXWELL, Manager Corporate Services DAVID HOLMES, Field Superintendent HEATHER SURETTE, Manager Watershed Services (until July) LORRIE MINSHALL, Interim Manager Watershed Services JANICE ROBERTSON, Supervisor of Community Relations

DIRECTORS LEROY BARTLETT, Haldimand County DAVE BERES, Town of Tillsonburg ROBERT CHAMBERS, County of Brant & Township of Norwich BETTY CHANYI, Norfolk County MIKE COLUMBUS, Norfolk County CRAIG GRICE, Haldimand County RON SACKRIDER, Township of South West Oxford DENNIS TRAVALE, Norfolk County LEE BROWN MARSH MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE TOM HASKETT, Chair TREVOR BROWN LARRY CHANDA ROGER GEYSENS BARRY SMITH BACKUS MUSEUM COMMITTEE BETTY CHANYI MIKE COLUMBUS ROGER GEYSENS RON SACKRIDER JULIE STONE MADALINE WILSON

BONNIE BRAVENER, Resource Technician KIM BROWN, Marsh Manager JERRY DEBACKERE, Forestry Technician ROBIN DECLOET, Heritage Programmer/Curator NICK DESERRANNO, Backus Heritage CA Supervisor (until August) PAUL GAGNON, Lands & Waters Supervisor BEN HODI, Water Resources Analyst MEAGHAN INGLEBY, Community Relations Assistant (until July) CRAIG JACQUES, Source Water Protection Technician CAROLYN JONES, Accounting & Administration Supervisor EJAY LAI, GIS Technician/IT Specialist BOB MATTHEWS, Carpenter KYLE MAUTHE, Lands & Waters Technician/Bayham ALUS Coordinator DANA MCLACHLAN, Administrative Assistant JUSTIN MILLER, Resource Planning Assistant DAVE REIMER, Healthy Watershed Technician FRANK SCHRAM, Workshop Supervisor FIONA STREET, Outdoor Educator DEBBIE THAIN, Forestry Technician GINNY VANLOUWE, Accounting Clerk SARAH WADE, Community Relations Assistant (September - December) PAM WALTHER-MABEE, Backus Heritage CA Supervisor (from September) JENNIFER WILSON, Healthy Watersheds Specialist

19

Member of the Conservation Ontario Network

4 Elm Street, Tillsonburg, ON N4G 0C4 Tel.: 519-842-4242 Toll Free: 1-888-231-5408 Fax: 519-842-7123 Email: [email protected]

lprca.on.ca

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