| Summer 2006 Newsletter |
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Watershed Quarterly |  |
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Greetings! Welcome to the Summer edition of Essex Region Conservation Authority's e-newsletter. Read on to learn about our latest news and upcoming events.
The Essex Region Conservation Authority is continuing to move forward in completing the technical research required to develop Source Water Protection Plans. Data regarding surface and ground water quality conditions, land use, drinking water systems, well sites, soil types, and other important information are currently being analyzed and gaps assessed. Concurrently, the proposed Clean Water Act passed second reading in April, and the Standing Committee is expected to announce dates to receive public input in the near future. The purpose of the proposed act is to protect existing and future sources of municipal drinking water. Stopping contaminants from getting into sources of drinking water —lakes, rivers and aquifers — is the first step in ensuring safe drinking water. Clean, safe water is everyone’s responsibility, and the proposed Clean Water Act would give us the tools we need to develop and implement local plans to protect the sources of water we drink.
2006 marked a record year for the spring tree planting season. The Essex Region Conservation Authority successfully planted and distributed more than two hundred thousand trees, resulting in the restoration of more than 350 acres of habitat. “This is certainly the largest spring restoration season we’ve experience since the early 90s, prior to the closure of Provincial nurseries that provided low cost seedlings,” explains Matthew Child, Coordinator of Habitat and Aquatic Resources. He attributes the success to a number of grant programs currently available for habitat restoration and water quality improvement projects, as well as enhanced landowner stewardship.
On June 14, Ontario Great Lakes Renewal Foundation President & CEO Don Robinson along with Essex Region Board Member Tom Fuerth presented a cheque for $27,400 to Ray Renaud, Chairman of the Essex Region Conservation Authority to assist with the restoration of Vollmer, Smuga and Goron Habitat Restoration projects, as part of the Essex Region Biodiversity Conservation Strategy (BCS). Robinson noted that the three projects are identified high priority BCS restoration opportunities, which when completed will substantially increase the quantity and quality of terrestrial forest and aquatic habitat. To date, the Foundation has directed over $1.5 million to restoration and rehabilitation projects in the Detroit River Watershed, including the Healthy Watersheds program in Southwestern Ontario. ERCA Chair Renaud said, “We are so grateful to the Ontario Great Lakes Renewal Foundation for its continued support when it comes to habitat restoration in the Detroit River watersheds. This generous funding will permit 53 acres of habitat to be restored in our region, in partnership with private landowners. In a region with merely 7.5% natural areas coverage, the critical importance of these partnerships cannot be overstated." Members of the Foundation visited the region to tour several of the projects that they have helped to fund over the past several years of the partnership. In total, more than 200 acres of habitat in this region have been restored as a direct result of the Ontario Great Lakes Renewal Foundation’s efforts.
to ERCA Chair Ray Renaud.
There are serious and longstanding concerns about the sustainability of the shoreline in areas of East Leamington. In spring of 2004, the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) observed significant damages to breakwalls and other unusual activities, adding to the concerns about the stability of the shoreline which have been documented for more than two decades. Additionally, during a significant rainfall event in spring of 2004, the stability of the dykes in the area was compromised, raising further concerns about the long-term safety of residents and property in the affected area. It was determined a study was required to develop a comprehensive sustainability strategy for these areas of Southeast Leamington. This study is progressing, and on June 7, 2006, the Essex Region Conservation Authority, together with their partners in the development of the Sustainable Management Strategy for Southeast Leamington – the Province of Ontario, the Municipality of Leamington, Environment Canada and Parks Canada - hosted a public workshop to receive information from landowners pertaining to the future management of the study area. About 100 residents attended the two sessions to provide their thoughts and ideas on future management options. This latest effort complements the nearly 900 surveys that were mailed to each of the landowners in the affected area. A total of 262 surveys were returned, which is an outstanding response rate and attests to the community support of the study. Of the returned surveys, 74% of respondents felt there would be consequences if a plan for the conservation and protection of the area land resources was not developed. They noted that their greatest areas of concern included declining property values, increased maintenance costs, lost investment in property, inability to sell, reduced safety from storms (flood and erosion hazards), and unreliable infrastructure, such as roads. In terms of lifestyle choices, 75% of respondents indicated that the lifestyle they enjoy in the area is important, yet interestingly, only 10% agreed strongly to paying additional taxes to improve the safety and services required. 80% of respondents agreed that the environment should be protected and enhanced, while 46% felt is should be part of the evaluation criteria. The agricultural respondents indicated a very high percentage of land is in production and the crop mix includes corn, soybeans and vegetables. Some general comments that were submitted expressed the importance about balancing the needs of people with natural and environment protection. They stressed the need for attainable, economical solutions, noting that the public and ERCA should work together to find these solutions. A complete overview of the survey and workshop results should be available by the end of July, 2006.
Ontario Regulation 158/06 (under 97/04) – Development, Interference with Wetlands & Alteration to Shorelines & Watercourses, otherwise referred to as the ‘Generic Regulation’, has passed Provincial approval and is in effect. The main objective of Regulation 158/06 is to ensure public safety with regards to natural hazards through issuance of permits for works within or in proximity to lakes, rivers, streams or wetlands, as may be required. “This new Regulation was required as a result of recommendations from the Red Tape Commission in order to bring clarity and consistency to existing legislation, making it easier to do business in the Province,” explains Ken Schmidt, General Manager of the Essex Region Conservation Authority. “Another primary objective was to maintain legislation that protects public health, safety and the environment.” Public consultation was held on the Generic Regulation in October and November of 2005. The Honourable David Ramsay, Minister of Natural Resources, approved the regulation on May 2 of this year.
All proceeds from the tournament help protect natural resources in the region. As a result of past success, the Chrysler Canada Greenway and LaSalle Woods have been protected for generations to come. We are now focusing our efforts on Spring Garden Complex and Fairplay Woods, among the most biologically diverse areas in the entire region. “This really is one of the best valued tournaments in the region,” explains Tournament Chair Ron Arkell. “It is reasonably prices, and golfers all have a terrific time playing. You certainly can’t beat the location, and most importantly, you are helping to leave a legacy of a sustainable environment for future generations.” There are still some sponsorship opportunities available, and this year’s tournament is expected to be a sell out. If you are interested in learning more, contact Phil Darrell-Smith at 776-5209 ext. 398.
Yet, there is still a long way to go in order to achieve a future of sustainability for this region. The Foundation is dedicated to protecting the natural resources of this region. A minimum of 12% natural areas coverage is required to ensure a healthier environment for this region. And in a region where we have a significantly higher rate of environmentally related human health challenges than another other in the Great Lakes Basin, the importance of this cannot be understated. Action must be taken in order to ensure a legacy of sustainability. We are currently focusing our significant fundraising efforts on the protection of the Spring Garden Complex and Fairplay Woods – two important, yet vulnerable natural areas in the region. Spring Garden Complex – Located in the City of Windsor, the Spring Garden Complex is one of the most vulnerable natural areas due to its highly urbanized locations. It features rare prairie species found nowhere else in Canada. Its long-term protection is critically important to the environmental, and human health, of this region. Fairplay Woods – Located in the Town of Tecumseh, Fairplay Woods is the largest intact mature woodlot in the northern half of the Essex Region. It has been identified as an Environmentally Significant Area (ESA). A total of 185 plant species have been documented in Fairplay Woods, and 12 flora species that have been determined to be rare in Ontario and Canada are found here. We are asking for your assistance in finding the way to make it happen. Please consider making a contribution to the environmental health of our region, and creating a legacy of sustainability for our children...and for theirs. You can make a secure donation online at www.erca.org by clicking on our Foundation link. Please never hesitate to call us if you have any questions or require further information.
As the halcyon days of summer are upon us, you don’t have to travel great distances to enjoy a beautiful beach. Holiday Beach in Amherstburg is one of the most popular conservation areas operated by the Essex Region Conservation Authority. “The beautiful sandy beach is definitely one of the biggest draws to this former Provincial Park,” explains Kevin Money, Coordinator of Conservation Areas. “As well, Holiday Beach is one of the few local areas that offer seasonal and short term treed campsites.” Visitors to the park will also enjoy several kilometers of natural trails, a fabulous viewing tower overlooking Big Creek, a stocked trout pond for the expert and novice anglers alike. The picnic areas and playground are also popular with visitors. “People love to come to come to Holiday Beach for a day trip, or spend a family weekend or vacation camping here,” Money goes on to say. As well, Holiday Beach will host its second Hawk Run on August 20. Holiday Beach Conservation Area is located on the shores of Lake Erie in Amherstburg. For more information, or to reserve a campsite, contact us at 519 736-3772.
This most recent donation adds to those of other Questers chapters that have supported the Homestead in the past. Questers have also donated funds for the restoration of our cutter, and for the reconstruction of the house kitchen window.
Tuesday July 25, 2006
Thursday July 27, 2006
Saturday August 12 & Sunday August 13
Sunday, August 20, 2006
September 9 & 10, 16 & 17, 23
Sunday, September 24, 2006
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Developing Source Protection Plans will
be a community responsibility. Municipalities and
conservation authorities would work very closely
together at every stage of the planning process. It
is anticipated that conservation authorities would
facilitate planning across watersheds, and provide
support to local municipalities in protecting their
drinking water. Municipalities will sit on the local
Source Protection Authority and there will also be
some municipal representation on the Source
Protection Committee, which is anticipated to be
formed after the legislation is finalized, probably near
the end of this year. There is also a significant role
for stakeholders and the general public in the
development of Source Protection Plans, as ensuring
adequate supplies of clean, safe drinking water for
present and future needs is critically important, and
requires a plan that meets the needs of our local
community.
“More and more, private
landowners are recognizing
not only the environmental benefits of planting trees
on their property, but they’re also seeing the
financial incentives as well,” Child says. He cites
reduced home heating and cooling costs, increased
wildlife use, improvements in property values, and an
increase in the enjoyment of their properties as just
a few of the reasons that private landowners are
planting more trees. If you are interested in learning
more about our grant programs and tree planting
initiatives, it is not too early to call us about spring
2007 projects. Contact our Forester at 776-5209
ext. 377 or Agricultural Technician, at ext. 369.
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