New partnership working to conserve local wetlands

From the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority – Highlights of the Board of Directors Meeting, Sept. 26, 2014

Alexandra Service of Ducks Unlimited Canada presented to the board on the recently established Lake Simcoe Georgian Bay Wetland Collaborative. Ducks Unlimited, NVCA, Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority and the Severn Sound Environmental Association have teamed up to reduce phosphorus and improve water quality in Lake Simcoe and Georgian Bay through wetland conservation. This includes municipal engagement (technical support, policy BMP), research (updated wetlands mapping), and landowner outreach (funding, technical support).

Ms. Service outlined the benefits wetlands offer for flood control, water quality, wildlife habitat and recreation. She highlighted the role wetlands can and will play in mitigating the effects of climate change. Based on her presentation, the board directed NVCA to review the Authority’s pond policy in 2015 as it relates to considerations for wetland/habitat projects.

Nature Conservancy of Canada donates 85 acres of Minesing Wetlands to NVCA

Lands secured as part of long-term acquisition program

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) donated 85 acres of land within the Minesing Wetlands to NVCA. More than 10,000 acres in the Minesing Wetlands has been donated by NCC and other partners as part of the Authority’s long-standing Minesing Wetland Acquisition Program. The new parcel, consisting primarily of silver maple and black ash swamp, is located between Angus and Brentwood.

Tiffin Tornado Damage Update

The board heard of the continuing clean-up efforts stemming from the tornado that hit the Tiffin Centre in June of this year. Over the last month, volunteers have planted more than 120 large (4’) trees on the property. The trail network and public areas are by-in-large re-opened to the public.

NVCA to provide enforcement services under Clean Water Act 

Collingwood, New Tecumseth, Mono and Shelburne transfer responsibilities

The South Georgian Bay Lake Simcoe Region Source Protection Plan, invoking powers under Part IV of the Clean Water Act, requires that municipalities manage significant threats to drinking water. Municipalities may assume this responsibility, or may transfer it to another public body such as a Source Protection Authority (NVCA serves as the source protection authority for the watershed). At this meeting, the board approved staff to enter into agreements with the municipalities of Collingwood, New Tecumseth, Mono and Shelburne to provide risk management services under the Clean Water Act. Further, the board appointed Ryan Post, NVCA Hydrogeologist, as the Risk Management Official and Inspector for the NVCA, as required by the Clean Water Act.

NVCA to participate in new groundwater studies

With approval of the board, NVCA staff will participate in two Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry-funded studies. The first study will look at the effects of barometric pressure and groundwater recharge lag time (how long it takes for water in a stream to move into the aquifer) during periods of drought. The second study will look at the relationship between the rare Hine’s Emerald Dragonfly (HED), water levels and water quality. As part of this study, staff will conduct an invasive species survey within HED habitat areas, and identify potential threats to HED or its habitat. Both studies are expected to be completed during the first part of 2015.