City of Hamilton Rapid Transit Initiative Terrestrial and Avian Ecology Report - FINAL March 2009

1. INTRODUCTION

Dillon Consulting Limited (Dillon) was retained by the City of Hamilton to undertake a review of Terrestrial and Avian Ecology conditions along the Main/King B-Line Corridor between University Plaza and Eastgate Square/Centennial Parkway (Figure 1). This corridor is associated with the City of Hamilton’s Rapid Transit Initiative, which would involve the construction of a Light Rail Transit (LRT) system within the built area. The purpose of this report is to document the existing conditions and potential impacts of the proposed LRT on the terrestrial and avian community.

The majority of the corridor is an urban section of downtown Hamilton, which contains individual tree plantings spaced intermittently along Main Street and King Street. Four areas of natural/semi-natural vegetation occur in distinct locations within the corridor, including Chedoke Creek, Gage Park, Red Hill Creek Escarpment Valley and Coldwater Creek. These areas as they relate to the proposed undertaking are the main subject of this report.

2. METHODS

The methods employed for the investigation of natural features included a combination of background data review and field investigations in the study area during January 2009. Specific methods for components of the investigation are described below.

2.1 Background Review - Natural Features and Designations

Consultation with the OMNR (Art Timmerman – Guelph District Fish and Wildlife Biologist, Anne Yagi – Niagara Area Fish and Wildlife Biologist) and the Hamilton Conservation Authority (Shari Faulkenham – Ecologist) was conducted as part of the initial background review. Information regarding study area natural features, relevant reports and digital mapping was requested and received. The Hamilton Naturalists Club was also contacted for input but a reply was not received at the time of writing.

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Figure 1. Hamilton Rapid Transit Initiative - Proposed B-Line Route

Legend / " Proposed B-Line Route Chedoke Creek Study Area Waterbodies 1 : 35,000 0 1,000 2,000 3,000 Highway Gage Park Study Area Created By: SFG Secondary Roads Red Hill Creek Escarpment Valley Study Area Checked By: MB Railway Date Created: 01-05-09 Coldwater Creek Crossing Study Area Date Modified:02-05-09 File Path: I:\GIS\081306 - Hamilton LRT River Terrestrial - Avian\Mapping\Report Figures Woodlots 020509\Figure 1 Proposed B -Line Route.mxd City of Hamilton Rapid Transit Initiative Terrestrial and Avian Ecology Report - FINAL March 2009

2.2 Ecological Land Classification

During field investigations, vegetation was characterized using the Ecological Land Classification (ELC) System for Southern Ontario (Lee et al. 1998), with the use of revisions made to the manual in early 2007. Where present, vegetation community boundaries were determined through the review of aerial photography, and then further refined to the lowest permissible classification level (e.g. vegetation level) through on- site vegetation studies. Patches of vegetation less than 0.5 ha or disturbed/planted vegetation were described to the community level only. Long linear vegetation features consisting of trees and shrubs are classified as hedgerows. Due to the time of year, no soil investigations were possible.

Vegetation communities were then mapped on aerial photography according to ELC nomenclature to graphically represent the specific spatial pattern in the vegetation cover according to species composition, physiognomy, and physical site characteristics.

2.3 Botanical Survey

Botanical surveys consisted of wandering transects to determine species presence within the study area. Species were recorded as they were encountered within each ELC community. This approach limits the possibility that potentially significant species would be missed. Species nomenclature is based on the Ontario List (Newmaster et al. 1998). Plant species were documented by ELC community and the status of individual species was presented.

2.4 Avian Community

A review of Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas data (2001-2005) for atlas squares 17NH89, 17NH88, 17NH99, 17NH98 and 17PH08, within which the study area is contained, and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC) database were used to determine the possible presence of provincially or federally rare bird species. This background review was used to determine if there are

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any Hamilton-Wentworth regional conservation priority bird species that may utilize habitats present in the study area.

Due to the time of year, a formal breeding bird survey was not possible; as a result, a cursory level assessment of nesting habitat was completed, which takes into account vegetation community, habitat structure and anthropogenic disturbance. The assessment was used in conjunction with historical rare bird species accounts from the NHIC and Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas data to refine species of significance that could potentially nest in the Study Area and may be of management concern with respect to the proposed undertaking.

Recommendations for preventing the destruction of active nests/birds as well as timing restrictions on vegetation removal are presented. These strategies are based on communication with Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) and Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR) staff and adhere to the Migratory Bird Conventions Act, 1994 (MBCA), which protects wild birds and their nests.

2.5 Species at Risk

Several sources, including: the Natural Heritage Information Centre database; the Atlas of Mammals of Ontario (Dobbyn 1994); the Ontario Herpetofaunal Atlas (Oldham and Weller 2000); the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA) Public Registry (http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/default_e.cfm); and the provincial Species at Risk (SAR) list (http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/MNR/speciesatrisk/status.html) formed the basis to establish the possible presence of species at risk in or immediately adjacent to the Study Area. Consultation with the OMNR and the Hamilton Conservation Authority was also conducted.

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3. RESULTS

3.1 Natural Heritage Features and Designations

3.1.1 Chedoke Creek

Both the King and Main Street segment of the LRT B-Line cross Chedoke Creek at the intersection with Highway 403, located between Macklin Street North and Dundurn Street. Chedoke Creek at this location is conveyed via a large culvert, flows northward and empties into Cootes Paradise. Based on communication with Hamilton Conservation Authority, the Chedoke sub-watershed has several rare and significant species but is generally highly impacted and degraded by human activity. The proposed B-Line Route crosses Chedoke Creek within the Lower Chedoke Creek sub-watershed. Within this sub-watershed warm water fisheries have been identified north of King Street (HCA 2008a).

King Street, which is the most northerly crossing in this area, comes to within 50 meters of the Cootes Paradise Environmentally Significant Area (ESA). The approximate boundary of the Cootes Paradise ESA in relation to the proposed B-Line route is indicated on Figure 2a. Cootes Paradise is the largest remaining Great Lakes Shoreline Marsh at the western end of Lake Ontario and contains many significant species, including a high diversity of native plant species, and also contains interior forest habitat. Cootes Paradise is also an important staging ground for waterfowl and provides connectivity between the significant terrestrial habitats in the Dundas Valley and significant aquatic habitats in Hamilton Harbour (Hamilton Naturalists Club 1995a).

The larger Cootes Paradise area also contains a Provincially Significant Wetland and Life Science Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) as classified by the MNR. However, the boundaries for the ANSI and Provincially Significant Wetland (PSW) designated areas are situated further north and are not relevant to the proposed undertaking. Additional natural heritage information for Cootes Paradise can be found in Appendix A, NHIC database information, and Appendix B, ESA background information.

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3.1.2 Gage Park

Gage Park, located along the south side of Main Street between Gage Avenue and King Street, is a public park that is classified as Urban Area in the Niagara Escarpment Plan (Figure 2b). This park consists of recreational structures, manicured lawns, with areas of planted trees, shrubs and gardens.

3.1.3 Red Hill Creek Escarpment Valley

The LRT B-Line crosses over the Red Hill Creek Escarpment Valley between Parkdale Avenue and Centennial Parkway. This Valley feature is designated as a Life Science Site by the MNR and an ESA according to Map 4 of the Hamilton-Wentworth Official Plan (Official Plan). The approximate boundary of the Red Hill Creek Escarpment Valley ESA in relation to the proposed B-Line route is indicated on Figure 2c. Only the Official Plan ESA boundary is indicated, as the MNR does not maintain mapping for this feature. The Red Hill Creek Valley is part of a branching urban greenspace that includes floodplains and both passive and active recreational lands. The natural area is bounded by a mix of urban, suburban and industrial development in both Hamilton and Stoney Creek. The Red Hill Creek Valley is crossed by roadways, railways, hydro corridors and sewage mains and the Red Hill Valley Parkway currently runs along much of the creek valley. The valley is a part of the continuous corridor of natural vegetation along the Niagara Escarpment. Despite human impacts, this site still contains a high biological diversity due to varied topography, substrates and microclimates. Several rare and uncommon species inhabit the Red Hill Creek Escarpment Valley (Hamilton Naturalists Club 1995b). A summary of background information from the NHIC database for this feature is provided in Appendix A. Further natural heritage data relating to the Red Hill Creek Escarpment Valley can also be found in Appendix B.

3.1.4 Coldwater Creek

The proposed LRT B-Line route crosses Coldwater Creek, also known as Ancaster Creek, along Osler Drive (part of the Highway 8/Main Street Corridor) on the east side of

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University Plaza. Coldwater Creek is a part of the Ancaster Creek sub-watershed and at this location is conveyed under Osler Drive via a large culvert, flowing northward towards Cootes Paradise (HCA 2008b). This creek and associated valley contains several designated natural heritage features adjacent to the proposed B-Line route. Cootes Paradise, designated as an ESA under the Official Plan and described above, is found along the north side of Osler Drive with the boundary at the road right of way (see Figure 2d).

The Dundas Valley, designated as an ESA under the Official Plan, is found along the south side of Osler Drive and has boundaries approaching to within approximately 150 meters of the road right of way (see Figure 2d). This large area is a re-entrant valley in the Niagara Escarpment, which is characterized by several forest types and a wide variety of topographies and microclimates. Significant wildlife populations and high biodiversity are found within the Dundas Valley including many found only in the Carolinian zone of Canada (NHIC database 2008).

The Ancaster Creek Valley, designated as a Life Science ANSI by the MNR, is also found to the south of Osler Drive approximately 150 meters from the proposed B-Line route (see Figure 2d). Several forest communities are found in the valley, and bottomland meadow marshes and marshes are supported by the presence of seeps. The mature hemlock kame valley slope forests found in the valley are considered the best example of this forest type in the Niagara Peninsula area; there is also a high representation of thickets, and a moderate representation of moist broadleaf forests, mixed valley forests and broadleaf bottomland forests (NHIC database 2008). A summary of background information from the NHIC database for this feature is provided in Appendix A.

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JA CKS ON ST W Figure 2a. Hamilton Rapid Transit Initiative - Chedoke Creek 1:2,600

Legend 0 60 120 180 m Coote's Paradise Environmentally FODM7-9: Fresh-Moist Exotic Highway MT: Manicured Trees Significant Area Lowland Deciduous Forest Type Created By: SFG Railway CUM1-1: Cultural Old Field Meadow HR: Hedgerow Checked By: MB Date Created: 01-05-09 FODM7-7: Fresh-Moist Manitoba Maple Date Modified:01-06-09 River MG: Mowed Grass Lowland Deciduous Forest Type File Path: I:\GIS\081306 - Hamilton LRT / Terrestrial - Avian\Mapping\Field Maps\Base Map.mxd

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Figure 2c. Hamilton Rapid Transit Initiative - Red Hill Creek 1:1,500

Legend 0 50 100 150 m HEATHER RD Highway Red Hill Creek Escarpment Valley FODM7-3: Fresh-Moist Willow / HEATHER RD OAO: Open Aquatic ESA/Life Science Site Lowland Deciduous Forest Type Railway Created By: SFG FOD7-4: Fresh-Moist Black Walnut CUM1-1: Cultural Old Field Meadow HR: Hedgerow Checked By: MB River Lowland Deciduous Forest Date Created: 01-05-09 Date Modified:01-06-09 Significant Woodlots FODM6-5: Fresh-Moist Sugar Maple File Path: I:\GIS\081306 - Hamilton LRT MG: Mowed Grass Waterbody (Hamilton OP) Deciduous Forest Terrestrial - Avian\Mapping\Field Maps\Base Map.mxd D

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Dundas Valley Ancaster Creek Valley ESA Life Science ANSI Figure 2d. Hamilton Rapid Transit Initiative - Coldwater Creek 1:2,000 0 50 100 150 m Legend Road Environmentally Significant Area FOD7-7: Fresh-Moist Manitoba Maple MG: Mowed Grass Created By: KWR Lowland Deciduous Forest Checked By: RB Date Created: 02-03-09 Railway Area of Natural or Significant Interest FOD6-5: Fresh-Moist Sugar Maple Date Modified:02-05-09 Hardwood Deciduous Forest File Path: I:\GIS\081306 - Hamilton LRT Terrestrial - Avian\Mapping\Report Figures 020509\ River CUM1-1: Cultural Old Field Meadow HR: Hedgerow . Cold Water Creek.mxd City of Hamilton Rapid Transit Initiative Terrestrial and Avian Ecology Report - FINAL March 2009

3.2 Ecological Land Classification

The study area is comprised of a mixture of natural, semi-natural and cultural vegetation communities, ranging from deciduous forest to mowed lawn. Due to the cultural nature of the site, no communities were identified as rare. Descriptions of each of the communities observed within the study area are included below.

3.2.1 Chedoke Creek Crossing

This area contains a number of small vegetation communities that have been heavily influenced by human activity (see Figure 2a). To the northeast of the King Street- Highway 403 junction, the existing fragmented forests along the railway tracks and on the west side of the cathedral are classified as Fresh-Moist Exotic Lowland Deciduous Forest Type (FODM7-9) and are composed mainly of the exotic Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila) and Manitoba maple (Acer negundo). Surrounding the large cathedral are manicured lawns and various large planted trees including sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), red oak (Quercus rubra), spruce (Picea sp.) and red pine (Pinus resinosa). Small hedgerows of Siberian elm and apple trees (Malus sp,) are present along the edges of the cathedral parking lot. Cultural Old Field Meadow (CUM1-1) can be found near the off ramp onto the northbound Highway 403 lanes.

South of King Street, east of Highway 403, there is a large park that is mainly mowed grass with a hedgerow of large deciduous trees including honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos), red maple (Acer rubrum) and Norway maple (Acer platanoides), running along its eastern side and Cultural Old Field Meadow along its west and north sides.

On the northwest side of the King Street-Highway 403 junction there is a Fresh-Moist Manitoba Maple Lowland Deciduous Forest Type (FODM7-7) surrounding Chedoke Creek as well as small patches of Manitoba maple interspersed among residences, with Cultural Old Field Meadow running along Highway 403.

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The habitats surrounding Main Street as it crosses Highway 403 are mainly composed of Cultural Old Field Meadow with a small patch of mixed hedgerow and landscaped grounds with large planted trees surrounding an apartment building. Representative photographs of this site are found in Appendix C, photographs 1-5.

3.2.2 Gage Park

No ELC community classes were applied to Gage Park, as it is entirely composed of manicured grounds with a variety of mature native and non-native trees planted (see Figure 2b). Tree species found here include sycamore, a planted individual Kentucky coffee tree (Gymnocladus dioicus), eastern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis), Austrian pine (Pinus nigra), red pine, sugar maple (Acer saccharum ssp. saccharum), Norway maple, and basswood (Tilia americana). Trees found immediately adjacent to the road include northern catalpa (Catalpa speciosa) (2 individuals), horse chestnut (Aescullus hippocastanum) (3 individuals), white spruce (36 individuals), white ash (8 individuals), red ash (2 individuals), an introduced larch species (Larix sp.) (5 individuals), crab apple (Malus sp.) (4 individuals), eastern white cedar (29 individuals), non-native yew shrubs (Taxus sp) (5 individuals), an ornamental beech hedge (Fagus sp.), red pine (7 individuals), sycamore (3 individuals), scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris) (1 individual), eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) (1 individual), and an introduced fir species (6 individuals).

3.2.3 Red Hill Creek Escarpment Valley Crossing

This site contains a small number of deciduous forest communities surrounded by Cultural Old Field Meadow and manicured landscapes (see Figure 2c). On the northeast side of Queenston Road (part of the Main-King corridor) there is a strip of Fresh-Moist Black Walnut Lowland Deciduous Forest (FOD7-4) along the west side of Potruff Road. To the west of this forest strip, there is a pond surrounded by a Cultural Old Field Meadow community. There is a narrow edge of mowed grass on the east side of the forest with small native species planted including white pine (Pinus strobus) and downy serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea).

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On the southeast side of Queenston Road, there is a patch of Fresh-Moist Willow Lowland Deciduous Forest (FOD 7-3). To the east of this patch on the corner of Queenston Road and Potruff Road there is a small patch of mowed grass with young planted trees including tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), black gum (Nyssa sylvatica) and blue beech (Carpinus caroliniana). Cultural Old Field Meadow is found along the west side of the forest patch.

On the northwest side of Queenston Road, the habitat consists of Cultural Old Field Meadow with a mixed hedgerow. The Red Hill Valley Creek runs along the west side of the Red Hill Valley Parkway and there are small patches of common reed (Phragmites australis), broad-leaved cattail (Typha latifolia) and red osier dogwood (Cornus stolonifera).

On the southwest side of Queenston Road, there is a Fresh-Moist Sugar Maple Hardwood Deciduous Forest (FOD 6-5) found along the meander of the Red Hill Valley Creek. To the east of this patch is Cultural Old Field Meadow. Representative photographs of this site are found in Appendix C, photographs 6-13.

3.2.4 Coldwater Creek Crossing

This site contains two deciduous forest communities with smaller interspersions of Cultural Oldfield Meadow, mowed grass and hedgerow habitats (see Figure 2d). The majority of forest habitat present is Fresh-Moist Manitoba Maple Lowland Deciduous Forest (FODM7-7), which is found in a large patch on the north side of Osler Drive and in a smaller patch south of Osler Drive. A patch of Fresh-Moist Sugar Maple Hardwood Deciduous Forest (FOD6-5) is found on a slope on the southwest side of Osler Drive.

Small patches of Cultural Old Field Meadow are found within the large patch of Manitoba maple forest north of Osler Drive and along the south edge of Osler. Patches of mowed grass with occasional planted trees (black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), apple species, Austrian pine) are found along the north side of Osler Drive at the western

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end and on the south edge of Osler at the far east end. A hedgerow present along an apartment building on the south edge of Osler Drive is composed of Manitoba maple. Representative photographs of this site are found in Appendix C, photographs 14-18.

3.3 Vegetation

Due to weather conditions (approximately one foot of snow covered the ground) and the time of year during the terrestrial survey, the plant list compiled should not be considered a complete list of species present (Table D.1, Appendix D). However, given the disturbed nature of the areas examined, the list can be used as supporting material to infer the general quality of the habitats. In total, 68 flora species were identified within the study area. Of these, 21(30.8%) are listed as exotic or non-native species. In total, 14 (20.6%) of the species encountered have a coefficient of conservatism of 6 or greater; 7 of these species were obviously planted individuals. To put that into context, the coefficients of conservatism (CC) ranges from 0 to 10 and represents an estimated probability that a plant is likely to occur in a landscape relatively unaltered from what is believed to be a pre-settlement condition. For example, a CC of 0 is given to plants such as Manitoba maple (Acer negundo), which have demonstrated little fidelity to any remnant natural community (e.g., may be found almost anywhere). Similarly, a CC of 10 is applied to plants like shrubby cinquefoil (Potentilla fructicosa) that are almost always restricted to a pre-settlement remnant (e.g., a high quality natural area). Introduced plants were not part of the pre-settlement flora, so no CC value is applied to these. High quality species within natural habitats in the study area, as defined by their CC values, include bitternut hickory (Carya cordiformis), American beech (Fagus grandifolia), yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis), alternate-leaved dogwood (Cornus alternifolia), white oak (Quercus alba) and red oak (Quercus rubra). Other high quality species observed, which are planted individuals and situated in manicured landscapes, include blue beech, Kentucky coffee-tree, tulip tree, black gum, white spruce (Picea glauca), red pine and sycamore.

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According to the Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC), all native unplanted vegetation species observed within the study area are considered secure (S5) or apparently secure (S4) in the province of Ontario.

3.4 Avian Community

During field work, 9 species of birds were observed in the study area including: Canada goose and red-tailed hawk flying over at the Chedoke Creek crossing; white-breasted nuthatch and black-capped chickadee at Gage Park; American robin, mourning dove, black-capped chickadee and song sparrow at the Red Hill Creek Escarpment Valley crossing; and black-capped chickadee, house sparrow, downy woodpecker and Canada goose at the Coldwater Creek Crossing.

Background avian data is provided in Appendix E. Breeding bird atlas data indicates that a total of 125, 114, 109, 89 and 103 species observed in atlas squares 17NH89, 17NH88, 17NH99, 17NH98 and 17PH08 respectively during the second atlas project. Eleven Species at Risk were observed to exhibit breeding evidence in the breeding bird atlas squares, including:

• Least bittern (Ixobrychus exilis)(S3B) • Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) (S2S3B) • Short-eared owl (Asio flammeus) (S3S4B) • Barn owl (Tyto alba) (S1) • Chimney swift (Chaetura pelagica) (S4B) • Red-headed woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) (S3B) • Canada warbler (Wilsonia canadensis) (S5B) • Hooded warbler (Wilsonia citrina) (S3B) • Prothonotary warbler (Protonotaria citrea) (S1S2B) • Louisiana waterthrush (Seiurus motacilla) (S3B) • Yellow-breasted chat (Icteria virens) (S2S3B)

According to Couturier (1999), 90 species of conservation priority in the Hamilton- Wentworth Region were observed in the atlas squares (see Table E.1 in Appendix E).

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Most of these bird species would not occur in the study area due to a lack of suitable habitat. Chimney swift could be found breeding within the downtown core of Hamilton but should not be impacted by the construction activities of the proposed LRT B-Line route as they nest in structures that will not be impacted. Peregrine falcons have nested successfully at the Hamilton Sheraton Hotel, which is located on King Street near the Bay Street intersection on the proposed B-Line route, since 1995. These falcons are accustomed to street level disturbance during the breeding season and should not be impacted (Anne Yagi, Pers. Comm.). It is possible that species like Louisiana waterthrush or redheaded woodpecker could breed within the forested creek valleys crossed by the proposed LRT route. However, as the construction of the LRT project will not expand upon the existing infrastructures footprint, impacts to rare birds that occur near the study area are not expected.

Other common native species that may possibly use the habitat present include blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata), American robin (Turdus migratorius), white-breasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis), northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) and Baltimore oriole (Icterus galbula).

3.5 Wildlife

Other incidental wildlife sightings during field surveys included: several squirrel leaf nests at the Chedoke Creek crossing; 5 grey squirrels at Gage Park; eastern cottontail tracks, squirrel tracks and several squirrel nests at the Red Hill Creek Escarpment Valley crossing; and white-tailed deer tracks, squirrel tracks, leaf nests and eastern cottontail tracks at Coldwater Creek. Information on mammal and herptile species potentially occurring in the general area is provided in Tables F.1 and F.2 respectively of Appendix F. Based on observed species and habitat, there is unlikely to be any habitat for mammal and herptile species of management concern.

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3.6 Species at Risk

NHIC database information indicates the presence of several species of conservation concern in the vicinity of the project study area. None of these species were observed during fieldwork.

3.6.1 Plants

The NHIC database indicates that historical occurrences of 12 species of rare plants have been observed in the vicinity of the study area including:

• Giant pinedrops (Pterospora andromedea) (S2) • Red mulberry (Morus rubra) (S2) • Bluebells (Mertensia virginica) (S3) • American chestnut (Castanea dentata) (S2) • Few flowered club rush (Trichophorum planifolium) (S1) • White wood aster (Eurybia divaricata) (S2) • Spotted wintergreen (Chimaphila maculata) (S1) • Eastern yellow star-grass (Hypoxis hirsuta) (S3) • Yellow pond-lily (Nuphar advena) (S3) • Square stemmed rose pink (Sabatia angularis) (SX) • Shaggy false gromwell (Onosmodium molle ssp. hispidissimum) (S2) • Puttyroot (Aplectrum hyemale) (S2)

Few of the plant records are recent, and as the construction of the LRT project will not expand upon the existing infrastructure footprint, impacts to rare plant species that may still occur near the study area are not expected.

3.6.2 Mammals

The NHIC database indicates that a historical occurrence of 1 species of rare mammal has been observed in the vicinity of the study area including:

• Least shrew (Cryptotis parva) (SH)

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The record for least shrew is from 1947 and this species is unlikely to still occur in the study area due to a lack of suitable habitat.

A population of southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans) is known to occur in the Red Hill Creek Escarpment Valley. This species is classified as Special Concern under Schedule 3 of the Federal Species at Risk Act. It currently is not listed in Ontario but is considered “uncommon to rare” in the Hamilton-Wentworth Natural Areas Inventory. However, this study noted that no southern flying squirrels were located north of King Street in the Red Hill Valley (Bednarczuk and Judge 2003). The proposed B-Line at Queenston Road is well north of King Street.

3.6.3 Herptiles

The NHIC database indicates that historical occurrences of 3 species of rare herptiles have been observed in the vicinity of the study area including:

• Eastern milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum) (S3) • Blanding’s turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) (S3) • Jefferson X blue-spotted salamander (Ambystoma hybrid population 1 (jeffersonianum genome dominates)) (S2)

The most recent records for both Eastern milksnake and Blanding’s turtle are from 1991 and no date is given for the Jefferson X blue-spotted salamander. Blanding’s turtle is usually found in productive lakes ponds and wetlands, none of which occur in the study area. It is possible that the Eastern milksnake and Jefferson X blue-spotted salamander could be found in some of the riparian forest and other habitats that are close to valley crossings of the proposed LRT B-Line route (CARCN 2009). However, as the construction of the LRT project will not expand beyond the existing right-of-way, impacts to herptile species that still occur near the study area are not expected.

4. POTENTIAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION

It is our understanding that minimal expansion of the current right-of-way is planned in order to facilitate the construction and operation of the LRT system. Based on this, we

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 19 City of Hamilton Rapid Transit Initiative Terrestrial and Avian Ecology Report - FINAL March 2009

do not anticipate impacts to the natural environment. The proposed B-Line route is an urbanized area and has limited habitat value for vegetation communities and wildlife. No direct impact to vegetation, wildlife, wildlife habitat or Species at Rick is anticipated.

If the removal of some streetscape trees is necessary to facilitate the construction of stop locations, provisions should be made for their replacement. The potential removal of vegetation could affect nesting habitat for migratory birds. The federal Migratory Bird Act prohibits the destruction of birds, their nests or young. Based on the above, the following mitigation measures are recommended for consideration:

• Minimize vegetation removal to the extent possible and stabilize disturbed areas with appropriate measures; • Vegetation removal should occur outside of the core breeding period for birds in southern Ontario, which is approximately from the period of May to end of July (Bird Studies Canada 2005); • If construction does take place during the core breeding season, it is recommended that a qualified biologist conduct nest searches in areas to be cleared and identify nests that will require protection until young have fledged. Based on this nest search, an appropriate buffer should be provided for each nest based on an initial determination by the biologist on site and further consultation with Environment Canada.

The temporary increase in the anthropogenic disturbance during the construction period is unlikely to result in a significant increase in indirect impacts (i.e., habitat degradation, noise disturbance, etc.) to habitat features or wildlife along the LRT route as many of them are situated in a high noise, high traffic area.

5. POTENTIAL ALIGNMENT ALTERNATIVES

Based on background information reviewed and fieldwork completed, there are no downtown alignment preferences as they relate to terrestrial and avian features.

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6. SUMMARY

An investigation took place in the winter of 2009 to examine the existing terrestrial and avian community adjacent to the B-Line route for the proposed Hamilton LRT. The proposed B-Line route crosses three watercourses including Chedoke Creek, Red Hill Creek and Coldwater Creek. Chedoke Creek is conveyed via a large culvert in the study area and the King Street crossing is within 50m of the Cootes Paradise ESA. Red Hill Creek is part of the Red Hill Escarpment Valley feature, which is designated as a Life Science Site by the MNR and an ESA in the Hamilton-Wentworth Official Plan. Coldwater Creek is also conveyed under Osler Drive via a large culvert and the Cootes Paradise ESA skirts this crossing along the north edge of Osler Drive. The Dundas Valley ESA and Ancaster Creek Valley Life Science ANSI are located adjacent to the Coldwater creek crossing but are unlikely to be impacted, as they are approximately 150 meters south of the existing roadway.

Based on Ecological Land Classification investigations, the areas investigated were mainly comprised of cultural communities with smaller interspersed patches of deciduous forest communities. All naturally occurring native vegetation species observed within the study area are considered secure or apparently secure in Ontario. No Species at Risk were documented during the field investigation. Based on the evaluation of habitat occurring in the study area and potential species occurring in adjacent areas, suitable habitat for Species at Risk are not considered likely to occur immediately adjacent to the LRT route.

No impacts to the natural environment are anticipated to occur as a result of the undertaking, provided the LRT route remains on the existing road right-of way. Based on background information reviewed and fieldwork completed, there are no downtown alignment preferences as they relate to terrestrial and avian features.

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7. REFERENCES

Anne Yagi. 2009. Ministry of Natural Resources Niagara Region Biologist. Personal Communication.

Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Ontario, 2001-2005. Bird Studies Canada, Environment Canada, Ontario Field Ornithologists, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, and Ontario Nature. Editors: Michael D. Cadman, Donald A. Sutherland, Gregor G. Beck, Denis Lepage, and Andrew R. Couturier. 728 pages.

Bednarczuk, E. and K. Judge. 2003. City of Hamilton Southern Flying Squirrel Study, 1999-2001. Dougan and Associates.

Bird Studies Canada. 2005. Migration and Nesting Dates for Ontario’s Bird Species. Accessed December 11 2008. http://www.ofnc.ca/birding/bbanestdates.html

Canadian Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Network (CARCN). Accessed January 2009. http://www.carcnet.ca/english/tour/b_0.html

Couturier, A. 1999. Conservation Priorities for the Birds of Southern Ontario. Unpublished Bird Studies Canada Report, 17pp (plus appendices). through Bird Studies Canada’ web page. http://www.bsc-eoc.org/conservation/priorlists.html

Dobbyn, J.S. 1994. Atlas of the Mammals of Ontario. Federation of Ontario Naturalists, Don Mills, Ontario.

Hamilton Conservation Authority. 2008a. Chedoke Creek Sub-watershed Stewardship Action Plan.

Hamilton Conservation Authority. 2008b. Ancaster Creek Sub-watershed Stewardship Action Plan

Hamilton Naturalists Club. 1995a. Natural Areas Inventory Project, Hamilton-Wentworth Region. Cootes Paradise Site Summary.

Hamilton Naturalists Club. 1995b. Natural Areas Inventory Project, Hamilton-Wentworth Region. Red Hill Creek Escarpment Valley Site Summary.

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Lee, H., W. Bakowsky, J. Riley, J. Bowles, M. Puddister, P. Uhlig, S. McMurray. 1998. Ecological Land Classification for Southern Ontario.

Newmaster, S. G., A. Lehela, P. W. C. Uhlig, S. McMurray, and M. J. Oldham. 1998. Ontario Plant List. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Ontario Forest Research Institute, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Forest Research. Information Paper Number 123, 550 pages + appendices.

Oldham, M.J. and W.F. Weller. 2000. Ontario Herpetofaunal Atlas. Natural Heritage Information Centre, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/MNR/nhic/herps/ohs.html (updated 15-01-2001)

Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas. 2001. Guide for Participants. Atlas Management Board, Federation of Ontario Naturalists, Don Mills.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Natural Heritage Information Centre Database. Accessed December 2008. Available: http://nhic.mnr.gov.on.ca/nhic_.cfm.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2008. Species at Risk List. http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/Species/2ColumnSubPage/246809.html Effective June 30, 2008.

Regional Municipality of Hamilton-Wentworth. Towards a Sustainable Region: Hamilton Wentworth Official Plan. June 2005.

Species at Risk Act Public Registry. Accessed 2008. http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/default_e.cfm

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NHIC Maps

Figure A.1. Coldwater Creek Crossing Area

Figure A2. Chedoke Creek Crossing Area.

Figure A3. Gage Park Area.

Figure A4. Redhill Creek Escarpment Valley Crossing Area.

Figure A5. Centennial Parkway Area.

Table A1. NHIC Rare Species Information UTM Common Centroid EO_ID Scientific Name Name (rounded) Srank MNR COSEWIC Date 60140 Pterospora Giant 17 584000 S2 7/1/1902 andromedea Pinedrops 4791000

11348 Morus rubra Red Mulberry 17 584000 S2 END 5/24/1902 4791000 91136 Lampropeltis Milksnake 17 586000 S3 SC 1986-10-? triangulum 4791000 91136 Lampropeltis Milksnake 17 587000 S3 SC 6/11/1991 triangulum 4791000 91136 Lampropeltis Milksnake 17 588000 S3 SC 1985- -? triangulum 4791000 91136 Lampropeltis Milksnake 17 589000 S3 SC 9/23/1986 triangulum 4792000 91136 Lampropeltis Milksnake 17 589000 S3 SC 1984- -? triangulum 4792000 91136 Lampropeltis Milksnake 17 589000 S3 SC 10/3/1984 triangulum 4792000 91136 Lampropeltis Milksnake 17 589000 S3 SC 1985-? triangulum 4792000 23350 Mertensia virginica Bluebells 17 588000 S3 1999-05-20 4788000 21249 Castanea dentata American 17 586000 S2 END 10/21/1983 Chestnut 4788000 16507 Wilsonia citrina Hooded 17 587000 S3B THR 6/8/1980 Warbler 4791000 13027 Trichophorum Few-flowered 17 588000 S1 END 5/24/2000 planifolium Club-rush 4791000

91141 Lampropeltis Milksnake 17 589000 S3 SC 6/14/1990 triangulum 4789000 91141 Lampropeltis Milksnake 17 589000 S3 SC 6/14/1990 triangulum 4789000 1709 Eurybia divaricata White Wood 17 590000 S2 THR 7/20/1955 Aster 4790000 5507 Chimaphila Spotted 17 591000 S1 END 1886-07-01 maculata Wintergreen 4790000 59465 Hypoxis hirsuta Eastern 17 593000 S3 1898-06-10 Yellow Star- 4790000 grass 2404 Nuphar advena Yellow Pond- 17 593000 S3 7/27/1952 lily 4789000 60162 Sabatia angularis Square- 17 593000 SX stemmed 4789000 Rose Pink 60240 Onosmodium molle Shaggy False 17 594000 S2 ssp. hispidissimum Gromwell 4788000

35351 Ambystoma hybrid Jefferson X 17 597000 S2 ND population 1 Blue-spotted 4786000 (jeffersonianum Salamander, genome dominates) Jefferson genome dominates

35526 Cryptotis parva Least Shrew 17 586000 SH 6/17/1947 4791000

15692 Clinostomus Redside Dace 17 587000 S2 THR 8/6/1970 elongatus 4791000 32405 Emydoidea Blanding's 17 587000 S3 THR 6/12/1991 blandingii Turtle 4791000 3254 Aplectrum hyemale Puttyroot 17 593000 S2 1889-04-19 4790000

NHIC Natural Area Information

REDHILL CREEK ESCARPMENT VALLEY AREA_ID: 5393

Significance Area Type Size Centroid UTM Map # Life Science Site 594.0 ha 17,597500,4785500 30M/4

Description This large natural area, located on the east side of the City of Hamilton, encompasses much of the re-entrant in the Niagara Escarpment now occupied by Redhill Creek. It is part of a branching urban greenspace which includes floodplain lands, and active and passive recreational greenspace. Most of the study area is publicly owned parkland. The greenspace north of the Niagara Escarpment is presently designated an Environmentally Sensitive Area in the Hamilton- Wentworth Regional Official Plan.

The study area is bordered by the urban development of Hamilton and Stoney Creek, to west and east respectively, by industrial and suburban development to the south, and by the Lake Ontario shoreline transportation corridor and associated industries to the north. It is traversed by roads, railways, hydro corridors, and sewage mains. The proposed Redhill Creek Expressway would use this natural corridor to form a north-south connector between Queen Elizabeth Expressway (QEW) and Highway #403.

This area is part of the continuous corridor of natural vegetation along the Niagara Escarpment. Although disrupted, the ecosystem is inherently diverse due to the varied topography, substrates, moisture regimes, and micro-climates present. This diversity is reflected in the number of flora and fauna species recorded here, including many rare and uncommon species. [Heagy 1993]

Vegetation Terrestrial, aquatic, and wetland habitats are present. Community mapping and description is incomplete. Upland, escarpment, and floodplain woods; and second-growth fields, thickets, and plantations are most common. The present plant community structure and composition is strongly influenced by past disturbances. However, the Redhill Creek Escarpment Valley ecosystem is inherently diverse due to the varied topography, substrates, moisture regimes, and micro-climates present.

Community Description: AQUATIC - SHALLOW WATER STREAM: Bedrock/rubble/gravel/Silt substrate. Waterfalls at Niagara Escarpment. Gabion baskets line the banks in some areas. Limited vegetation; locally macrophytes, algal blooms.

WETLAND - MARSH: Giant Bur-reed - Narrow-leaved Cattail - Sedges (Scirpus sp.) - Common Arrowhead. Restored mill pond. Approximately 25% open water.

TERRESTRIAL - BROADLEAF UPLAND WOODs: Sugar Maple - Staghorn Sumac - Trembling Aspen / Mesic. (Wooded ravine.) Sugar Maple - American Beech - Black Cherry / Mesic. (Moderate ravine slopes and flat sections. Mature stand. Trail system throughout. Refuse dumping in some areas.)

TERRESTRIAL - WOODED ESCARPMENT RIM: Red Oak - Sugar Maple - American Beech - Black Cherry -White Oak / Mesic to Dry-Mesic. A narrow community stretched along the escarpment rim. Trail system throughout. Heavy trampling in some areas.

TERRESTRIAL - WOODED TALUS SLOPE: Sugar Maple - Black Maple / Mesic. (Many limestone outcrops. Trail system throughout. Heavy trampling in some areas. Medium aged to mature stand.) Sugar Maple - White Ash - Black Walnut - Butternut / Mesic. (Limestone outcrops throughout. Mature stand. Herb layer dominated by Garlic Mustard.) Sugar Maple - Butternut - Basswood / Mesic. (Limestone outcrops and talus throughout. Extensive cutting in the past. Many open sections in canopy. Young to medium aged woods.) Sugar Maple -Black Maple - American Beech / Mesic. (Limestone outcrops and talus throughout. Mature stand. Highly variable herb layer.)

TERRESTRIAL - BROADLEAF FLOODPLAIN FOREST: Black Maple - Black Walnut - White Ash / Mesic. (Young to medium aged woods.) Sugar Maple - Black Walnut - White Elm - Willow sp. / Wet-Mesic to Mesic. (Open wooded floodplain with dense shrub and herb layers.) Willow - Manitoba Maple / Wet-Mesic to Mesic. (Medium aged woods along active stream channel.)

TERRESTRIAL - RIPARIAN DRY MEADOW: Graminoids dominant / Wet-Mesic to Mesic.

TERRESTRIAL - CONIFEROUS PLANTATION: Red Pine - Norway Spruce.

TERRESTRIAL - BROADLEAF PLANTATION: Red Oak - Sugar Maple.

TERRESTRIAL - OLD FIELD

TERRESTRIAL - TALL SHRUB THICKET: Hawthorns, Dogwoods and Staghorn Sumac

TERRESTRIAL - MAINTAINED SITES: Playing fields, lawns, golf courses, hydro corridor. [Heagy 1993]

Representation

Landform Physiography and Topography: The Redhill Creek Escarpment Valley includes parts of three major physiographic regions, from north to south: the Iroquois Plain, the Niagara Escarpment, and the Haldimand Clay Plain. The study area is located within a broad northeast-opening notch carved into this north-facing, 50 m high cuesta of the prominent Niagara Escarpment. Waterfalls are present at the head of this notch where two small creeks cross the escarpment.

The area below the escarpment is a north-sloping plain exhibiting stranded shoreline features and with locally steeper slopes due to dissection of the underlying overburden and soft shale bedrock. Above the escarpment, the topography is gently rolling reflecting the irregular bedrock surface and the presence of low moraines.

Total surface relief is some 125 m, mostly due to the height of the Niagara Escarpment. The entire area is part of the Redhill Creek watershed and drains northerly into Lake Ontario via Hamilton Harbour.

Bedrock Geology: This study area crosses the trend of the bedrock structure and includes a relatively complete cross-section of the regional geology. The sedimentary rocks underlying the Redhill Creek Escarpment Valley range in age from upper Ordovician through to the middle Silurian (460 to 425 million years before present).

Below the Niagara Escarpment, red shales of the Queenston Formation are present. These are locally exposed, particularly in bluffs alongside the creek. The steep escarpment face and slope is comprised of the sequence from the Grimsby Formation upwards to the Ancaster chert beds (in the Goat Island Member of the Lockport Formation). This section is particularly well exposed in the vicinity of Albion Falls, at the head of the main valley. This natural exposure of the Silurian stratigraphy has been identified as an earth science feature of regional significance by OMNR.

Above the falls, the Vinemount shale beds of the unnamed lower member of the Lockport Formation outcrop in the creek bed. In the southern section of the study area, the bedrock surface forms a broad basin bounded on three sides by the discontinuous, low scarp face of the Eramosa Escarpment, and truncated to the north by the much larger Niagara Escarpment. Dolostone of the Eramosa Member of the Lockport Formation was formerly quarried along the Eramosa Escarpment near Hannon, at the southern edge of the study area. Bedrock elevations range from about 198 m along the Eramosa scarp, to just under 180 m at the lip of Albion Falls.

Redhill and Buttermilk Creeks have cut small gorges into the Niagara Escarpment at the head of the larger Mount Albion re-entrant. A narrow, linear bedrock valley extends northeast from the escarpment to the present Lake Ontario shoreline. The present Redhill Creek is coincident with this bedrock valley in part, but in many places the older valley is completed filled with overburden.

The rocks of the Niagara Escarpment in Hamilton-Wentworth Region exhibit the transition between the Appalachian basin and the Algonquin Arch sedimentary environments. Comparison of the rock exposures at Albion Falls with the many other natural and man-made exposures in the Region provides important information for deciphering the complex depositional environments of the western margin of the Appalachian basin.

Surficial Deposits: Except along the escarpments and locally along the stream courses, this area is covered by overburden deposited during or since the last glaciation. Halton Till deposits are found throughout most of the study area as a till-plain of variable thickness.

Above the escarpment, the till layer varies from 0 to 10 m in thickness due to the irregular bedrock surface and the presence of the Vinemount Moraine, the northernmost of the series of low end moraines which generally parallel the escarpment brow. The low ridge of the Vinemount Moraine has been breached and eroded by the Redhill Creek drainage and is apparent only in the southwestern arm of the study area. Except for the bedrock exposures and till exposures along the moraine, the upper tableland is covered with a thin blanket of clay and silt sediments deposited at the northern margin of an extensive proglacial lake, Lake Warren.

Below the escarpment, the Halton Till may be up to 30 m thick on the shale plain or where lodged against the lower escarpment. Following the retreat of the Lake Ontario lobe of the glacier, the area below the escarpment was, depending on the level of the predecessors of present-day Lake Ontario, variously submerged or exposed. A large area of sand in the eastern part of the study area along Mount Albion Road, was deposited in a lake some 70 m higher than the present Lake Ontario. King Street is built on beach sands and gravels deposited as a barrier bar across the mouth of the Redhill re-entrant by Lake Iroquois, which was some 30 m higher than Lake Ontario shoreline. Redhill Creek flows through a breach in this bar. Davis Creek and the smaller drainages are blocked by the bar and run west parallel to the bar before joining Redhill Creek.

Several of the landform features of the Redhill re-entrant, including the Vinemount Moraine and the Redhill barrier bar, have been excluded from the present study area because they have been built on and are therefore not considered part of the "natural area"; however, these features are geologically linked to the Redhill re-entrant and are visible from vistas within the Redhill Creek Escarpment Valley study area. Thus, they contribute to the physical significance of the area, and also to its visual diversity and educational potential.

Soils: The soils of the study area are well-drained. Much of this study area encompasses active stream system with little soil development on the recent stream alluvium and ravine slopes. Elsewhere, Oneida loam and silt loam have developed on the till and glaciolacustrine sediments respectively. Small patches of Grimsby and Winona sandy loam and Farmington loam are also present.

Hydrogeology: Well data near the edge of the escarpment and below the escarpment are sparse. Groundwater flow is northerly, towards Lake Ontario. Piezometric elevations are at approximately 190 m above the escarpment, and at 80 m near the lake. A collection system is in place to intercept leachate from the Upper Ottawa landfill site. Groundwater in the Queenston shales below the escarpment is of poor quality, being high in minerals and salts.

Groundwater recharge is likely occurring in the areas of shallow soils and along the moraines above the escarpment. Groundwater discharge from the high quality Lockport aquifer occurs as seeps along the escarpment face and is also contributing to the baseflow of Redhill Creek and its tributaries. Available data are insufficient to assess the volume or significance of groundwater recharge and discharge. However, retention of the groundwater discharge regime is important to the any future rehabilitation of surface waters.

Hydrology and Surface Drainage: The Redhill Creek Escarpment Valley study area encompasses much of the waterfalls, ravines and floodplain areas of the Redhill Creek watershed. This stream system receives stormwater drainage from a highly urbanized watershed. A small mill pond on Redhill Creek immediately above Albion Falls has been restored; elsewhere, the stream channel has been straightened and there are few retention areas. Consequently, flow volumes fluctuate markedly and water quality is generally poor. The hydrological characteristics of the present vegetation and stream channels in this large natural area moderate these conditions by filtering and retaining surface runoff. [Heagy 1993]

References

• Heagy, A.E. (ed.) 1993. Hamilton - Wentworth Natural Areas Inventory. Volume II: Site Summaries. Hamilton Naturalists' Club, Hamilton, Ontario. 352 pp.

• Heagy, A.E. (ed.) 1993. Redhill Creek Escarpment Valley Site Summary. Pp. 300-306, in, Hamilton - Wentworth Natural Areas Inventory, Volume II: Site Summaries. Hamilton Naturalists' Club. 352 pp.

COOTES PARADISE- WETLAND AREA_ID: 7025

Significance Area Type Size Centroid UTM Map # Provincial Wetland 121.7 ha 17,587500,4791500 30M/5

Description A Provincially significant, Coastal wetland complex, made up of four individual wetlands, composed of two wetland types (81% swamp and 19% marsh) (Coulson et al., 1986).

Vegetation Vegetation Communities (Coulson et al., 1986): M1: submergents; M2: narrow-leaved emergents; M3: robust emergents; M4: free-floating plants; submergents; M5: floating plants; free-floating plants; submergents; S1: deciduous trees; ground cover; narrow-leaved emergents; tall shrubs; S2: tall shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents;

Representation

Landform Soils (Coulson et al., 1986): 100% clays, loams or silts; Site Type (Coulson et al., 1986): 100% lacustrine on enclosed bay;

References

• Coulson, D., and A. Timmerman. ND. Guelph District Wetland Species List.. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 29 pp.

• Coulson, D.P., E. O'Neill, and M. Ross. 1986. Wetland Data Record and Evaluation- Cootes Paradise. Second Edition. August 28, 1986. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Cambridge District. Manuscript. 20 pp + 1 map + 10 pp supplement.

• Holmes, J.A. 1988. Potential for Fisheries Rehabilitation in the Hamilton Harbour-Cootes Paradise Ecosystem of Lake Ontario. Great Lakes Resources 14(2):131-141.

• McLarty, A.W. and A.G. Thachuk. 1986. Cootes Paradise Study. Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Water Resources Assessment Unit, Technical Support Section, West Central Region, Hamilton.

• Sismer, W.L. 1979. Changes in the Aquatic Biota of Cootes Paradise Marsh. Royal Botanical Gardens, Hamilton, Technical Bulletin No. 12.

COOTES PARADISE DROWNED VALLEY AREA_ID: 1148

Significance Area Type Size Centroid UTM Map # Provincial Life Science ANSI 423.0 ha 17,588000,4792000 30M/5

Description

Vegetation Most of the uplands and valley slopes are covered in dry-to-moist broadleaf forests of Red Oak, with White Oak, Black Oak and Red Maple as common secondary species and occasional co- dominant species on drier sites. Sugar Maple and Black Cherry are also frequent, with the occasional groves of White Pine. Moister lower valley slopes have Sugar Maple and Beech forests and, on cooler slopes, mixed stands of Hemlock and Sugar Maple and a stand of Hemlock - White Birch. The uplands and valleys also sustain a few successional stands of Black Walnut and Large-toothed Aspen, and thickets of Hawthorn and Staghorn Sumac.

Crack Willow and Manitoba Maple forests cover a broad expanse of bottomlands on the western side of Cootes Paradise, with smaller bottomland stands in valleys south and north of Cootes. These valley bottomlands also contain seeps of Skunk Cabbage, Spotted Jewelweed and Spotted Joe-Pye-weed meadow marshes and swamps of White Elm, White Ash, Yellow Birch and Silver Maple. Two embayments on the south side of Cootes Paradise support thicket swamps of Speckled Alder - Red-osier Dogwood, marshes of Common Cattail and Water-willow, and open water covered in Common Duckweed.

The wetlands on the western side of Cootes Paradise are dominated by Common Cattail in deeper waters and Long Manna Grass in more shallow waters. Open waters along the shore sustain floating and submerged aquatic communities of Fragrant Water-lily, Bullhead Lily and Sago Pondweed. [Varga and Jalava, 1995]

Representation Cootes Paradise is highly representative of Dundas Valley features on the Lake Iroquois Plain, with high representation of dry and moist broadleaf and mixed upland and valley forests, and moderate representation of meadow marshes, marshes and thicket swamps. The site has the largest open water lacustrine community in the Niagara Peninsula Section. It also sustains the largest Red Oak forests and the largest wetland complex in the Dundas Valley. Of note are the Speckled Alder and Water-willow wetland communities, with northern affinities; the latter community is not represented elsewhere in the biophysical section. Also of note are the most extensive seasonal mudflats on the Canadian side of Lake Ontario. [Varga and Jalava, 1995]

Landform Cootes Paradise is situated at the base of Dundas Valley, a large escarpment re-entrant valley almost completely buried by glacial and post-glacial sediments. Uplands deeply dissected by narrow valleys surround the shallow waters of Cootes Paradise, a waterbody 1 km wide and 2 km long. The valley around Cootes Paradise was flooded by glacial Lake Iroquois, a larger version of today's Lake Ontario. Following the retreat of this glacial lake, numerous small creeks cut valleys 15 m deep into the sandy loam lacustrine soils on the uplands around Cootes Paradise. Subsequently, Cootes Paradise was flooded over the past 6000 years or so by rising Lake Ontario water levels, creating a "drowned valley". The waterbody is separated from Hamilton Harbour by the Hamilton Bar, laid down originally as a baymouth gravel bar in glacial Lake Iroquois. [Varga and Jalava, 1995]

References

• Coulson, D.P., E. O'Neill, and M. Ross. 1986. Wetland Data Record and Evaluation- Cootes Paradise. Second Edition. August 28, 1986. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Cambridge District. Manuscript. 20 pp + 1 map + 10 pp supplement.

• Cuddy, D.G., K.M. Lindsay and I.D. Macdonald. 1976. Significant Natural Areas along the Niagara Escarpment: A Report on Nature Reserve Candidates and other Significant Natural Areas in the Niagara Escarpment Planning Area. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Parks Planning Branch, Toronto. 426 pp.

• Draper, W.B. 1992. Botanical Survey: Access Route to Tower 76 and Ancaster Creek Crossing, Burlington, TS x Horning Mountain Junction 115 kV Refurbishment. ENCON Services - Central Lines Division, Ontario Hyrdo. Manuscript.

• Ecologistics Limited. 1976. Hamilton-Wentworth Region Environmentally Sensitive Areas Study. Hamilton Region Conservation Authority, Ancaster; Grand River Conservation Authority, Cambridge; Halton Region Conservation Authority, Milton; Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, Allanburg.

• Fish Species Distribution Data System. 1995. Fish Species Distribution Data System. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Natural Resource Inventories Section, Peterborough.

• Glooschenko, V., B. Parker, L.Coo, R. Kent, C. Wedeles, A. Mason, J. Dawson, D. Herman and P. Smith. 1987. Provincially and Regionally Significant Wetlands in Southern Ontario. OMNR, Wildlife Branch, Toronto. 321 pp.

• Gould, J. 1989. Life Science Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest in Site District 7-3 Outside the Niagara Escarpment Planning Area: Review and Assessment of Significant Natural Areas. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation Areas Section, Central Region, Richmond Hill, Ontario. SR OFER 8901. iv + 32 pp. + maps.

• Heagy, A.E. (ed.) 1993. Hamilton - Wentworth Natural Areas Inventory. Volume II: Site Summaries. Hamilton Naturalists' Club, Hamilton, Ontario. 352 pp.

• Holmes, J.A. 1988. Potential for Fisheries Rehabilitation in the Hamilton Harbour-Cootes Paradise Ecosystem of Lake Ontario. Great Lakes Resources 14(2):131-141.

• Kaiser, J. 1991. Identification and Mapping of Rare Vascular Plants along the Burlington TS to Horning Mountain Junction Transmission Line in Halton and Hamilton-Wentworth. Prepared for Ontario Hydro, Transmission Lines Programs Department in consultation with W.B. Draper, Environmental Planner, Ontario Hydro. 20 pp. + appendices.

• McLarty, A.W. and A.G. Thachuk. 1986. Cootes Paradise Study. Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Water Resources Assessment Unit, Technical Support Section, West Central Region, Hamilton.

• Ontario Bird Records Committee. 1995. Ontario Bird Records Committee files to 1992. Royal Ontario Museum, Department of Ornithology. • Ontario Conservation Data Centre. 1989. Managed Area Basic Record: Royal Botanical Gardens. [2 pp.].

• Ontario Rare Breeding Bird Program. 1992. Ontario Rare Breeding Bird Program (ORBBP), unpublished database to 1992. Federation of Ontario Naturalists and Long Point Bird Observatory.

• Pomfret, B. 1995. Wildlife monitoring - Summer 1994. Pappus (14)1: 9-12.

• Pringle, J.S. 1969. Checklist of the Spontaneous Vascular Flora of the Royal Botanical Gardens, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Royal Botanical Gardens Technical Bulletin No. 4. 46 pp.

• Rice, P. and W.L. Simser (eds.). In prep. Biological Resource Inventory of Royal Botanical Gardens Wildlife Sanctuaries (Draft Report). Royal Botanical Gardens, Hamilton. Manuscript.

• Royal Botanical Gardens. 1993. 1993 Status Report: Royal Botanical Gardens. Manuscript. [with waterbird monitoring section]

• Royal Ontario Museum. 1995. Ontario Nest Records Scheme (ONRS) file cards to 1994. Royal Ontario Museum, Department of Ornithology.

• Simser, W.L. and B. Pomfret. 1991. Water bird usuage of Cootes Paradise and the surrounding area during the spring, summer, fall of 1990. Pappus (10)2: 19-30.

• Sismer, W.L. 1979. Changes in the Aquatic Biota of Cootes Paradise Marsh. Royal Botanical Gardens, Hamilton, Technical Bulletin No. 12.

• Speirs, J.M. 1985. Birds of Ontario. Volume II. Natural Heritage/Natural History Inc., Toronto, Ontario. 986 pp.

• Varga, S. 1993. Cootes Paradise. Unpublished field notes and vegetation community map, on file, Natural Heritage Information Centre, Peterborough. [vegetation survey]

• Varga, S. and J.V. Jalava. 1995. Cootes Paradise Site Summary. Pp. 139-145, in, J.L. Riley, J.V. Jalava and S. Varga. 1996. Ecological Survey of the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve. Volume I: Significant Natural Areas. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Southern Region, Aurora. Open File Site Report 9601. v + 629 pp.

ANCASTER CREEK VALLEY AREA_ID: 1012

Significance Area Type Size Centroid UTM Map # Regional Life Science ANSI 150.0 ha 17,585000,4789000 30M/5

Description

Vegetation The uplands are covered by successional forests of Black Walnut, White Elm, White Ash and Large-toothed Aspen, thickets of Hawthorn and Staghorn Sumac, and regenerating fields. Occasionally, older Sugar Maple forests occur on the uplands. The valley slopes are moist broadleaf forests of Sugar Maple and Beech and, on cooler slopes, stands mixed with Hemlock. Drier upper slopes sustain broadleaf forests of Red Oak with a scattering of Sugar Maple and a mixed forest of Hemlock - Sugar Maple - Red Oak. White Ash and Black Walnut are common secondary species, and occasional dominants in younger valley forests. Minor communities on the valley slopes include thickets of Staghorn Sumac and European Alder, and an unconsolidated bluff.

The valley bottomlands are predominantly younger forests of Black Walnut, Crack Willow and Manitoba Maple. There are also bottomland stands of Black Maple and, on higher terraces, forests of Sugar Maple and White Ash. Seepage emanating from the valley slopes sustain scattered bottomland meadow marshes and marshes of Canada Blue-joint, Lake Sedge, Fowl Manna Grass, Common Arrowhead and Narrow-leaved Cattail. [Varga and Jalava, 1995]

Representation The Ancaster Creek Valley provides moderate representation of Dundas valley kame and delta features. The site's mature Hemlock kame valley slope forest is the best example in the Niagara Peninsula Section. Ancaster Creek Valley also has high representation of thickets, and moderate representation of moist broadleaf and mixed valley forests, and broadleaf bottomland forests. [Varga and Jalava, 1995]

Landform The Ancaster Creek Valley is situated in Dundas Valley, a large escarpment re-entrant valley almost completely covered by glacial and postglacial deposits. The terrain consists of a low hummocky kame and delta laid down in glacial lakes adjacent to the melting ice front. The lower portion of the valley, through the central valley of the site (105 m asl) were flooded by postglacial Lake Iroquois, the larger precursor to today's Lake Ontario. Subsequently, Coldwater Creek, its two tributaries, Sulphur Creek and Ancaster Creek, and a smaller tributary, have cut three major valleys into the sandy loam lacustrine soils, exposing underlying glacial sediments. The valleys are 15 to 35 m deep, with bottomlands 50 to 150 m wide, becoming 200 m wide around Coldwater Creek. Between these tributary valleys, rolling uplands rise up to 137 m asl. [Varga and Jalava, 1995]

References

• Cuddy, D.G., K.M. Lindsay and I.D. Macdonald. 1976. Significant Natural Areas along the Niagara Escarpment: A Report on Nature Reserve Candidates and other Significant Natural Areas in the Niagara Escarpment Planning Area. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Parks Planning Branch, Toronto. 426 pp. • Duncan, B. 1994. Mammal, Herpetofauna and Bird Checklists for Clearview Estates ANSI, Dundas Management Resource Centre ANSI and Ancaster Valley ANSI. Manuscript on file, Natural Heritage Information Centre, Peterborough.

• Heagy, A.E. (ed.) 1993. Hamilton - Wentworth Natural Areas Inventory. Volume II: Site Summaries. Hamilton Naturalists' Club, Hamilton, Ontario. 352 pp.

• Jalava, J. and B. Cragg. 1993,1994. Ancaster Creek Valley. Unpublished field notes and vegetation community map, on file, Natural Heritage Information Centre, Peterborough. [breeding bird survey, vegetation survey]

• Kaiser, J. 1991. Identification and Mapping of Rare Vascular Plants along the Burlington TS to Horning Mountain Junction Transmission Line in Halton and Hamilton-Wentworth. Prepared for Ontario Hydro, Transmission Lines Programs Department in consultation with W.B. Draper, Environmental Planner, Ontario Hydro. 20 pp. + appendices.

• Varga, S. and J. Jalava. 1995. Ancaster Creek Valley Site Summary. Pp. 136-138, in, J.L. Riley, J.V. Jalava and S. Varga. 1996. Ecological Survey of the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve. Volume I: Significant Natural Areas. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Southern Region, Aurora. Open File Site Report 9601. v + 629 pp.

AREA CODE Site Summary AREA NAME DUND-15 Cootes Paradise

COOTES PARADISE

Municipality ESA # Conservation Authority City of Hamilton 42 Hamilton Formerly Lot Watershed Town of Dundas/City of Hamilton 16-22 Spencer, Borer’s, & Hopkins Creeks Approximate Area Concession Ownership 1100 hectares 1-2 Mostly Public

GENERAL SUMMARY geomorphological features, soils, water, sunlight, and The Cootes Paradise study area is located between the associated vegetation and microclimate effects Dundas Valley and Hamilton Harbour, on the northwest • provides habitat for rare or endangered species that are fringe of the Hamilton-Ancaster-Dundas urban centre. endangered regionally, provincially, or nationally This large natural area is centred on Cootes Paradise, a • area is large and undisturbed, potentially affording a shallow flooded basin of open water and marsh habitat sheltered habitat for species which are intolerant of created behind the Hamilton Bar landform. The human disturbance surrounding terrestrial habitat, consisting of rolling hills • location of the area, combined with its natural features, and ravines covered with woods and successional make it particularly suitable for scientific research and communities, is also included in the study area. Most of conservation education purposes this area is publicly owned land managed as a nature • combination of landforms and habitats is identified as reserve and conservation education centre by the Royal having high aesthetic value in the context of the Botanical Gardens (RBG) 459 . surrounding landscape and any alteration would significantly lower its amenity value The topography and landforms in this area demonstrate the effects of the marked variations in the water levels in NAI 459 the Lake Ontario basin over the past 12,000 years. The Significant Natural Area Cootes Paradise wetland is the largest remaining Great • serves an important ecological function Lakes shoreline marsh at the western end of Lake • serves an important hydrological function Ontario 143, 144 . Numerous nationally and provincially • exhibits a high diversity of biotic features significant plant and animal species occur here. Many of • encompasses significant biotic communities the plant species present in this area have not been • provides habitat for significant species reported elsewhere in the City of Hamilton 459 . OMNR This large wetland lies between the significant terrestrial Provincial Life Science ANSI habitats of the Dundas Valley and the significant aquatic Provincially Significant Wetland habitats of Hamilton Harbour. These three adjacent areas are hydrologically and ecologically connected and PRESENT EVALUATION constitute an outstanding natural heritage resource ESA Criteria situated at the apex of the highly urbanized Golden • Significant Earth Science Feature Horseshoe region 459 . - the area contains an array of drowned valley landform features which demonstrate the evolution As a result of surveys conducted by Nature Counts of Lake Iroquois and Lake Ontario naturalists, an extension has been added to this natural • Significant Ecological Function area (Map 12, Proposed ESA Extension). This addition - the area contains significant species connects two arms of the study area making it a more - the area contains interior forest habitat (at least 100- continuous habitat. 200m from forest edge) - the area contains a high diversity of native plant HISTORICAL EVALUATION species 1976 Study 56 - the area contains rare biotic communities Identified the following significant features - the area provides an essential staging area for • plant and animal communities of the area are identified waterfowl and provides habitat for species requiring as unusual or of high quality locally within the extensive shallow water or upland woods habitat municipality, Ontario, or Canada - the area contains the largest Great Lakes shoreline • unusual habitat with limited representation in the marsh and shallow water pond communities in municipality, Ontario, or Canada Hamilton • has unusually high diversity of biological communities and associated plants and animals due to a variety of 1 AREA CODE Site Summary AREA NAME DUND-15 Cootes Paradise

• Significant Hydrological Function Paradise and Hamilton Harbour, and under Lake - the area acts as a nutrient and sediment trap for Ontario 459 . waters entering the western end of Hamilton Harbour The entire study area is underlain by red shales of the • Educational or Research Value Queenston Formation; bedrock outcrops only along the - the natural features of the area have been the subject ravines and stranded shoreline bluff in the northern of scientific research projects portion of the study area. The bedrock surface slopes - the unusual features of this area make it suitable for from the north (120 to 30 m elevation) and south (60 to 30 educational purposes m elevation) into the narrow ENE-trending gorge of • Aesthetic Value unknown depth 459 . - the area contains natural landscapes that are aesthetically important The origin of the Dundas Valley re-entrant and the associated buried gorge is controversial. Various PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION researchers attribute its formation wholly to erosion by Physiography and Topography pre-glacial and inter-glacial rivers, wholly to erosion by The Cootes Paradise study area is located along the axis glacial meltwater streams, or to a combination of fluvial of the Dundas Valley buried gorge, between the Dundas and glacial processes 300 . Valley and Hamilton Harbour. The central feature of this study area is the broad, shallow wetland and open water Overburden Geology pond area known as Cootes Paradise or Dundas Marsh. Halton Till is present in the bedrock gorge and underlies The waterbody is some 2 km long, and up to 1 km wide. most of the study area. The till forms a plain, which is This lagoon is separated from Hamilton Harbour by the generally blanketed by Lake Iroquois and Lake Ontario Hamilton Bar, a baymouth bar formed in post-glacial lacustrine sediments. Till is only locally exposed on steep Lake Iroquois 459 . banks in the northern and western portions of the study area 459 . This area is situated in the Iroquois Plain physiographic region and exhibits many characteristic geomorphological This area was flooded by Lake Iroquois some 12,000 features of the region. Erosion of the sand and gravel years before present, when drainage down the St. sediments deposited in Lake Iroquois some 12,000 years Lawrence Valley was still blocked by glacial ice. Lake before present created the rolling hills and ravines that Iroquois occupied the Lake Ontario basin at a level some surround the central wetland. The shoreline of this post- 35 m higher then the present-day Lake Ontario. The glacial lake forms a bluff that encircles the study area, and present study area formed an inlet in Lake Iroquois, a baymouth bar in Lake Iroquois formed the gravel bar at extending west into the Dundas Valley re-entrant. The the eastern end of Cootes Paradise. A gradual, long-term stranded shoreline of Lake Iroquois is marked by a fairly rise in the level of Lake Ontario as a result of glacial continuous bluff at between 105 and 100 m elevation that rebound created the present lagoon, which is a relatively encircles the study area 459 . recent feature. The higher lake levels have partially inundated the dissected topography west of the Hamilton A large alluvial fan complex, known as the Dundas Fan, Bar, resulting in the formation of the “drowned valley” developed near the head of this inlet at the mouth of the landscape 459 . ancestor of Spencer Creek drainage 202 . The gravel fan slopes east, from the base of the Niagara Escarpment at The rising level of Lake Ontario has produced similar Spencer Gorge to the western end of the Cootes Paradise. “drowned valley” landforms at the mouth of most stream Much of the town of Dundas is built on this fan 459 . systems at the western end of the lake. The Cootes Paradise drowned valley, however, is unique because of The eastern boundary of the study area follows the its size, the juxtaposition of the Dundas Valley buried Burlington Heights causeway, which is built on a natural, gorge, the Lake Iroquois bar and lagoon, and the Lake 6 km long, gravel bar known as the Hamilton Bar. The Ontario drowned valley landform. The educational and Hamilton Bar, and the associated Aldershot Bar to the scientific value of the geomorphological features of northeast, formed as baymouth bars across the mouth of Cootes Paradise are enhanced by the proximity of the the Dundas Valley inlet in Lake Iroquois. These bars are bedrock and glacial features of the Dundas Valley and similar in origin and form to the present Burlington Bar, Spencer Gorge areas to the west, and the Lake Ontario which separates Hamilton Harbour from Lake Ontario. shoreline in the Hamilton Harbour area to the east 459 . Silty sand accumulated on the floor the lagoon created behind the bars. The lagoon sediments formed a level Bedrock Geology plain, at about 100 m elevation, known as the Westdale Cootes Paradise lies immediately east of the opening of Plain 202 . the prominent Dundas Valley re-entrant in the Niagara Escarpment. This area is situated on the axis of the deep During the low water period that followed the drainage of buried bedrock gorge that extends for more than 18 km, Lake Iroquois, the Iroquoian bars and sediments were from the head of the Dundas Valley, through Cootes exposed to sub-aerial and fluvial process. Ancestral 2 AREA CODE Site Summary AREA NAME DUND-15 Cootes Paradise

Spencer Creek and other streams dissected ravines into The following summary of the main communities is the sediments and alluvium in the former lagoon; largely based on the 1984-85 vegetation study 115 . More however, the drainage apparently continued to flow information on plant communities within this area may be around the northern end of the Hamilton Bar 459 . found in Riley et. al. (1996) 440 .

Gradual uplift of the eastern outlet of the Lake Ontario Community Description basin, amounting to some 60 metres over the last 10,000 GREAT LAKES years, has resulted in the gradual rise in the level of Lake POND Ontario to its present day elevation of approximately 75 Shallow open water pond. metres above sea level. Water from Lake Ontario has Connected to Hamilton Harbour and Lake Ontario via the backed up through the Harbour to behind the Hamilton Desjardins Canal. Macrophyte vegetation has undergone major changes in the century due to increased sedimentation, high Bar, creating a broad shallow pond. The lower reaches of turbidity and destructive action of carp. Some patches of water the ravines created during the low water stage are now lilies ( Nymphaea odorata, Nuphar variegatum ). Sago flooded and form inlets along the shoreline of the pond. pondweed ( Potamogeton pectinatus ) dominant submergent Siltation is occurring at a rapid rate, particularly at the species. western end of the wetland. The naturally high rate of SHORELINE MARSH Dominated by broadleaf cattail in deeper water, rough manna siltation in the flooded stream valley is exacerbated by the grass ( Glyceria maxima ) and nodding beggarticks ( Bidens increased sediment loading due to agricultural and urban cernua ) in shallower water 115 . development in the upstream drainage area 459 . Formerly much more extensive, now largely restricted to protected inlets, but this is changing due to carp exclusions added in 1998. Soils The wetland/water area in the centre of this area is TERRESTRIAL underlain by recent sediments and muck formed in the BROADLEAF UPLAND WOODS marsh. Well-drained Grimsby sand loam and Springvale Red oak, white oak, sugar maple, and red maple sandy loam soils have developed on the surrounding dominated upland woods. 459 uplands except along the steep eroded ravine slopes . Black cherry and American beech are also common canopy species. Witch hazel is the prevalent subcanopy species. Hydrogeology Manitoba maple and red ash. Wet-mesic No water well data are available for this area. Regional Common on wet-mesic soils in ravines and lowland areas. groundwater flow patterns indicate that groundwater is MIXED UPLAND WOODS flowing east towards Hamilton Harbour and Lake Oak-maple woods as above but with white pine and Ontario 459 . eastern hemlock on north-facing slopes. BROADLEAF FLOODPLAIN FOREST Hydrology and Surface Drainage Crack Willow - Black Willow Other canopy species include Manitoba maple, red ash, Cootes Paradise is the receiving body for Spencer Creek, trembling aspen, eastern cottonwood. Speckled alder and Borer’s Creek, Chedoke Creek, and a few other small basket willow are present along riverbank. Manna grass is the creeks. Water flows from Cootes Paradise into Hamilton dominant ground cover. Harbour via the cut made in the Hamilton Bar for the TALL SHRUB THICKET Desjardins Canal. The water level in Cootes Paradise is Hawthorn and Large-toothed Aspen – Wild Apple – directly affected by fluctuations in the level of Lake Wild Pear – Hawthorn Ontario and Hamilton Harbour . Although much reduced Late successional communities. in extent, the marsh vegetation in this area serves an OLD FIELD Most open areas are regularly mowed. important hydrological function in filtering contaminants 459 CONIFEROUS PLANTATION from the surface water . MAINTAINED SITES Parts of this large area have been developed as a botanical ECOLOGICAL LAND CLASSIFICATION garden and as parkland. An extensive trail system is present. The Royal Botanical Gardens completed limited ELC surveys. The Nature Counts project did not conduct ELC FLORA AND FAUNA SUMMARY inventories within this area. Vascular Plants Adequate coverage. This area has received thorough PLANT COMMUNITIES 459 coverage in the past; therefore, Nature Counts botanists This study area is centred on a large shallow pond- only conducted brief surveys. A total of 172 species were wetland area, but also includes the surrounding rolling observed in 2001 and 2002. Of these, six are locally rare, uplands and ravine systems. Much of this large natural seven are locally uncommon, two are locally and area is managed as a nature preserve by the RBG and is provincially rare, and one is locally uncommon and a the subject of ongoing biological studies. Consequently, COSEWIC threatened species 531, 1000 . Prior to 2001, 853 no fieldwork was carried out at this study area during the species were recorded including 75 locally uncommon 1991 NAI. species, 118 locally rare species, one locally uncommon and COSEWIC threatened species, 24 locally and provincially rare species, and four locally, provincially, 3 AREA CODE Site Summary AREA NAME DUND-15 Cootes Paradise

and nationally rare species. Also among these are 206 threatened species, the Common Musk Turtle, 15, 21, 466 (24%) introduced species and 41 Carolinian species (Sternotherus odoratus ), was found here in 2001 ; eight 108, 177, 290, 346, 366, 392, 433, 440, 479, 501, 531, 996 . This area contains species were observed in 2000,of which two are locally the second highest total of rare plant species along the uncommon 417 . A total of 21 species were recorded from Niagara Escarpment 440 . 1984 to 1999 including two locally rare species, three locally uncommon species, one locally rare and Butterflies COSEWIC special concern species, one locally, Inadequate coverage in 2001 and 2002. Nature Counts provincially, and nationally rare species, and one surveyors recorded only one species, the locally rare COSEWIC special concern species 108, 342, 370, 429, 999, 1000 . eastern pine-elfin ( Incisalia niphon ), in 2002 1001 . Three common species were observed in 2000 417 . From 1988 to Breeding Birds 1991, a total of 28 species were found including three Adequate coverage. Breeding birds have also been well- locally uncommon species, two locally rare species, and documented in this area; thus, Nature Counts surveyors one COSEWIC special concern species 998, 1000 . did not spend much time in this area. One species, the locally, provincially, and nationally rare hooded warbler Fish (Wilsonia citrina ) was found in 2002 1001 . Prior to 2002, a Cootes Paradise is the largest marsh in western Lake total of 97 species were observed including 12 locally rare Ontario and identified as the principal fish nursery area species, 29 locally uncommon species, one locally and for that part of the lake. It has both coastal and rivermouth provincially rare species, and two locally, provincially, marsh environments. Its water sources include three large and nationally rare species 108, 115, 334, 342, 393, 403, 417, 428, 500, tributaries, Chedoke, Spencer and Borer’s Creeks, as well 997, 1000, 1001 . Twelve interior forest species have also been as seven small spring-fed brooks and hundreds of small located within this area 115, 393, 417, 500, 1000, 1001 . springs. As a result, a broad range of habitat conditions can be found around the marsh. Mammals Adequate coverage for small mammals and bats. The A total of 87 species have been documented in Cootes Nature Counts project conducted small mammal trapping Paradise, with 65 species identified during the 1990s 486 . and bat mist netting in 2002 and a total of 13 species were Only one of these species had not been recorded in recorded 1001 . From 1947 to 1991 a total of eight species previous surveys, the round goby ( Neogobious were observed including one locally uncommon species melanostomus ), which was first documented in the marsh and one locally rare species 108, 259, 346, 375, 1000 . in 1999. One species, the yellow bullhead ( Ameiurus natalis ), was recorded as common in the 1980s but not in SIGNIFICANT SPECIES the 1990s, suggesting that its identification may have City of been incorrect. Species (Year Found) COSEWIC MNR SRank Hamilton Vascular Plants Currently, most species exist at very low population Purplefalse Oats, levels, with the exception of common carp ( Cyprinus Trisetum melicoides (PRE 1969, 1993) 15, 440 S3S4 rare carpio ), alewife ( Alosa pseudoharengus ), spottail shiner American Chestnut, Castanea (Luxilus chrysocephalus ), white sucker ( Catostomus dentata (PRE 1969) 15 THR S3 uncommon commersoni ), brown bullhead, gizzard shad ( Dorosoma American Hazel, Corylus 15 cepedianum ) and white perch ( Morone americana ). americana (PRE 1969) S5 rare Aquatic Sedge, Carex Alewife, gizzard shad and white perch are native to the aquatilis (PRE 1969) 15 S5 rare Great Lakes - St. Lawrence watershed, but not native to Arrow-leaved Violet, Viola Cootes Paradise. The expansion of their range into this sagittata (PRE 1969) 15 S4 rare area is a result of the loss of marsh vegetation, creating a Awned Sedge, Carex 15 more open, pelagic environment. Since 1997, large carp atherodes (PRE 1969) S4S5 rare Barnyard Grass, Echinochloa have been excluded from the marsh by the Cootes muricata (1992) 177 S2S3 rare Paradise Fishway. Bashful Bulrush, Trichophorum planifolium (1958, pre 1969, 1984, 1991, END- Of the 87 species recorded, one is extirpated from Ontario 15, 433, 501 (Atlantic salmon [Salmo salar]), and two are of national 1997, ) END R S1 rare Bearded Shorthusk, special concern. Since 1990, four provincially significant Brachyelytrum erectum (PRE species and 25 regionally significant species have been 1969) 15 S4S5 rare recorded. Black Huckleberry, Gaylussacia baccata (PRE 1969) 15 S4 rare Herpetofauna Brainerd's Hawthorn, Adequate coverage during the Hamilton Herpetofaunal Crataegus brainerdii (PRE Atlas. Because reptiles and amphibians are well-studied 1969) 15 S2 rare in this area, Nature Counts surveyors did not record herpetofauna. Recently, a locally rare and COSEWIC 4 AREA CODE Site Summary AREA NAME DUND-15 Cootes Paradise

City of City of Species (Year Found) COSEWIC MNR SRank Hamilton Species (Year Found) COSEWIC MNR SRank Hamilton Vascular Plants (cont’d) Vascular Plants (cont’d) Broad Beech Fern, Fringed Brome Grass, Phegopteris hexagonoptera Bromus ciliatus (PRE 1969) 15 S5 rare (1956, pre 1969) 15, 501 SC S3 rare Fringed Gentian, Broadleaf Panic Grass, Gentianopsis crinita Panicum latifolium (pre 1969, (PRE 1969) 15 rare 1984) 15, 479 S4 rare Frostweed, Helianthemum Bur Cucumber, Sicyos canadense (PRE 1969) 15 S4 rare angulatus (PRE 1969) 15 S5 rare Grass-of-Parnassus, Bushy Naiad, Najas flexilis Parnassia glauca (PRE 1969) 15 S5 rare (PRE 1969) 15 S5 rare Canada Brome, Green Violet, Hybanthus Bromus pubescens concolor (pre1990) 21 S2 uncommon 15, 1001 (PRE 1969, 2001) S4 rare Green Water-milfoil, Canada Hawkweed, Myriophyllum verticillatum Hieracium canadense (PRE (PRE 1969) 15 S5 rare 15 1969) SU rare Greenish Pyrola, Pyrola Canada Milk-vetch, chlorantha (PRE 1969) 15 S4S5 rare Astragalus canadensis Hairy Buttercup, Ranunculus 15 (PRE 1969) S4 rare hispidus var. hispidus Canada Wild-rye, (1979) 479 S3 rare Elymus canadensis Hairy Rock-cress, Arabis 15, 1001 (PRE 1969, 2001) S4S5 rare hirsuta pycnocarpa (PRE Clammy-weed, Polanisia 1969) 15 S5 rare dodecandra (1954, 2001) 479, Hairy Wild-rye, Elymus 1001 S4 rare villosus (1992) 177 S4 rare Climbing False Buckwheat, Halberd-leaved Atriplex, Polygonum scandens (PRE Atriplex prostrata (PRE 1969) 15 S4S5 rare 1969) 15 S5 rare Clinton's Club-rush, Scirpus Hawthorn, Crataegus clintonii (1954, pre 1969) 15, 501 S2 rare chrysocarpa (PRE 1969) 15 S5 rare Coarse Cyperus, Cyperus Hawthorn, Crataegus dissona odoratus (PRE 1969) 15 S3 rare 15, 440 (PRE 1969, 1993) S5 rare Hawthorn, Crataegus Cow-wheat, Melampyrum formosa (1977) 501 S2 rare 15 lineare (PRE 1969) S4S5 rare Hawthorn, Crataegus Deflexed Stickseed, Hackelia fulleriana (PRE 1969) 15 S2? rare 440 deflexa (1993) S5 rare Hawthorn, Crataegus Downy Fox Glove, macracantha (PRE 1969) 15 rare 501 Aureolaria virginica (1957) S1 rare Hawthorn, Crataegus Drooping Sedge, scabrida (PRE 1969) 15 S3? rare Carex prasina Hawthorn, Crataegus 15, 501 (1959, PRE 1969) S4 rare schuettei (PRE 1969) 15 S4 rare Dwarf Cinquefoil, Potentilla Hay-scented Fern, 15 canadensis (PRE 1969) SU rare Dennstaedtia punctilobula Dwarf Ginseng, Panax (PRE 1969) 15 S5 rare 479 trifolius (1961) S4 rare Head-like Sedge, Carex Dwarf Scouring-rush, cephaloidea (PRE 1969) 15 S5 rare Equisetum scirpoides Horned Pondweed, 479 (1957) S5 rare Zannichellia palustris Early Buttercup, Ranunculus (pre1990) 21 S4 rare 15 fascicularis (PRE 1969) S4 rare Impoverished Panic Grass, False Foxglove, Aureolaria Panicum depauperatum (PRE pedicularia 1969) 15 S4 rare (1956, pre 1969, 1979, 1993, Indian Grass, Sorghastrum 15, 440, 479, 501, 1001 2001) S3 rare nutans (1985, 2001) 479, 1001 S4 rare Flat-stemmed Pondweed, Indian Physic, Potamogeton zosteriformis Porteranthus trifoliatus 15 (PRE 1969) S5 rare (1957, PRE 1969) 15, 501 SX rare Flat-topped White Aster, Inflated Sedge, Carex Aster umbellatus (PRE vesicaria (PRE 1969) 15 S5 rare 15 1969) S5 rare Intermediate Spike-rush, Forked Panic Grass, Panicum Eleocharis intermedia (PRE 15, 501 dichotomum (1954) S2 rare 1969) 15 S4 rare Fragrant Cudweed, James's Sedge, Carex jamesii Gnaphalium obtusifolium (PRE 1990) 21 S3 rare 15 (PRE 1969) S5 rare Knotty Pondweed, Fragrant Water-lily, Potamogeton nodosus (PRE 440 Nymphaea odorata (1993) 1969) 15 S5 rare

5 AREA CODE Site Summary AREA NAME DUND-15 Cootes Paradise

City of City of Species (Year Found) COSEWIC MNR SRank Hamilton Species (Year Found) COSEWIC MNR SRank Hamilton Vascular Plants (cont’d) Vascular Plants (cont’d) Languid Poa, Poa languida Raspberry, Rubus (PRE 1969) 15 S3 rare pensilvanicus (PRE 1969) 15 SU rare Leafy Pondweed, Rattlesnake Manna Grass, Potamogeton foliosus Glyceria canadensis (PRE (PRE 1969) 15 S5 rare 1969) 15 S4S5 rare Little Bluestem, Red Mulberry, Morus rubra Schizachyrium scoparium (pre 1969, 1977) 15, 501 END S2 rare (pre 1969, 1985, 1993, Red-sheathed Bulrush, 2001) 15, 440, 479, 1001 S4 rare Scirpus microcarpus (PRE Marsh Cinquefoil, 1969) 15 S5 rare Potentilla palustris River Bank Wild-rye, Elymus (PRE 1969, 1993) 15, 440 S5 rare riparius (pre 1969, 1993) 15, 479 S4? rare Marsh Pea, Lathyrus palustris River Bulrush, Scirpus (PRE 1969) 15 S5 rare fluviatilis (1993) 440 Marsh Rush, Juncus Rough Hedge-nettle, Stachys canadensis (PRE 1969) 15 S5 rare hispida (PRE 1969) 15 S4S5 rare Marsh-bellflower, Campanula Rubus arundelanus (PRE aparinoides (PRE 1969)15 S5 rare 1969) 15 rare Water-marigold, Rue-anemone, Thalictrum Megalodonta beckii thalictroides (pre 1969, 1993, (PRE 1969) 15 S5 rare 1997) 15, 440, 433 S3 rare Moss-like Love Grass, Sage-leaved Willow, Salix Eragrostis hypnoides (PRE candida (PRE 1969) 15 S5 rare 15 1969) S4 rare Saskatoon-berry, Amelanchier Naked-flowered Tick-trefoil, alnifolia (PRE 1969) 15 S4? rare Desmodium nudiflorum (PRE Schreber's Aster, Aster 15 1969) S4 rare schreberi (PRE 1969) 15 S2 rare Narrow-leaved Panic Grass, Sharp-leaved Goldenrod, Panicum linearifolium (PRE Solidago arguta var. arguta 15 1969) S4S5 rare (1958, 1993) 479, 501 S3 rare Nimble Will, Muhlenbergia Sharp-scaled Oak Sedge, 15 schreberi (PRE 1969) S4 rare Carex albicans var. albicans Nodding Chickweed, (1958, pre 1969, 1980, Cerastium nutans (PRE 1999) 15, 392, 479, 501 rare 15 1969) S4 rare Short-awned Foxtail, Northern Beech Fern, Alopecurus aequalis (PRE Phegopteris connectilis (PRE 1969) 15 S4S5 rare 15 1969) S5 rare Sleepy Catchfly, Northern Bog Violet, Viola Silene antirrhina 15 nephrophylla (PRE 1969) S4 rare (pre 1969, 2001) 15, 1001 S5 rare Northern Dewberry, Rubus Slender Wheat Grass, Elymus 15 flagellaris (PRE 1969) S4 rare trachycaulus trachycaulus Northern Manna Grass, (pre 1969, 1993) 15, 479 SU rare Glyceria borealis (PRE Small Beggar-ticks, Bidens 15 1969) S5 rare discoidea (1992) 177 S4 rare Northern Meadow Spikemoss, Small Pondweed, Selaginella apoda Potamogeton berchtoldii 15 (PRE 1969) SP rare (PRE 1969) 15 S4S5 rare Northern Wild-rice, Zizania Small White Water-lily, 15 palustris (PRE 1969) S4 rare Nymphaea odorata ssp. Nuttall's Bur-reed, odorata (PRE 1969) 15 S5 rare Sparganium americanum Small's Spike-rush, 15 (PRE 1969) S4? rare Eleocharis smallii (PRE One-flowered Cancer-root, 1969) 15 S5 rare Orobanche uniflora (PRE Smooth-sheathed Sedge, 15 1969) S4 rare Carex laevivaginata (PRE Panicled Hawkweed, 1969, 1993) 15, 440 S4 rare Hieracium paniculatum Northern Mountainash, 15, 501 (1956, pre 1969) S2 rare Sorbus decora (PRE 1969) 15 S5 rare Panicled Tick-trefoil, Southern Blue Flag, Iris Desmodium paniculatum virginica (PRE 1969) 15 S5 rare 15 (PRE 1969) S4 rare Spatterdock, Nuphar advenum Pondweed, Potamogeton (1952, pre 1969) 15, 501 rare 15 perfoliatus (PRE 1969) S4 rare Spotted Coral-root, Poor-man's Pepper-grass, Corallorhiza maculata (PRE Lepidium virginicum (PRE 1969) 15 S5 rare 15 1969) S5 rare Stiff-leaved Goldenrod, Prickly Wild Rose, Rosa Solidago rigida rigida (pre 15 acicularis sayi (PRE 1969) S5 rare 1990, 1997, 2001) 21, 433, 1001 S3 rare 6 AREA CODE Site Summary AREA NAME DUND-15 Cootes Paradise

City of City of Species (Year Found) COSEWIC MNR SRank Hamilton Species (Year Found) COSEWIC MNR SRank Hamilton Vascular Plants (cont’d) Vascular Plants (cont’d) Stout Goldenrod, Solidago Yellow Stargrass, Hypoxis squarrosa (PRE 1969) 15 S5 rare hirsuta (PRE 1969) 15 S3 rare Strange Cinquefoil, Potentilla Butterflies paradoxa (1957) 501 S3 rare Eastern Pine-Elfin, Incisalia Striate Knotweed, Polygonum niphon (2002) 1001 S5 rare achoreum (1992) 177 S5 rare Harvester, Feniseca Sunflower, Helianthus tarquinius (1988, 1989, strumosus (PRE 1969, 1991) 998 S4 rare 1993) 15, 440 S5 rare Monarch, Danaus plexippus Swamp Black Currant, Ribes (1988,1991) 998 SC NIAC S5 lacustre (PRE 1969) 15 S5 rare Northern Cloudy-Wing, Swamp Candles, Lysimachia Thorybes pylades (1988) 998 S5 rare terrestris (PRE 1969) 15 S5 rare Sweet Pignut Hickory, Carya Fish glabra (1957, pre 1969, American Brook Lamprey, 1997) 15, 433, 501 SU rare Lampetra appendix (1996- 486 Sycamore, 98) S3 rare Platanus occidentalis Bigmouth Buffalo, Ictiobus (pre1990, 1993) 21, 440 S4 rare cyprinellus (1999) 486 SC NIAC SU rare Tall Brome Grass, Black Bullhead, Ameiurus Bromus latiglumis melas (1999) 486 S3 uncommon 177, 440, 479 (1982, 1992, 1993) S4 rare Bowfin, Amia calva (1999) 486 S4 rare Thin-leaved Sunflower, Channel Catfish, Ictalurus Helianthus decapetalus (PRE punctatus (1999) 486 S4 rare 1969) 15 S5 rare Lake Trout, Salvelinus Tick-trefoil, Desmodium namaycush (1999) 486 S5 rare cuspidatum (PRE 1969) 15 S3 rare Longear Sunfish, Lepomis Tufted Love Grass, megalotis (1999) 486 NAR S3 Eragrostis pectinacea Longnose Gar, Lepisosteus (1992) 177 S4 rare osseus (1996-98) 486 S4 rare Two-rayed Poa, Poa Mimic Shiner, Notropis saltuensis (PRE 1969) 15 S4 rare volucellus (1999) 486 S5 rare Two-stamened Sedge, Carex Quillback, Carpiodes diandra (PRE 1969) 15 S5 rare cyprinus (1994-96) 486 S4 rare Umbellate Sedge, Carex Rosyface Shiner, Notropis umbellata (1993, 1999) 392, 479 S5 rare rubellus (1997-98) 486 S4 rare Upland White Aster, Solidago ptarmicoides (1993) 479 S5 rare Herpetofauna Upland Willow, Salix humilis Blanding's Turtle, Emydoidea (pre 1969, 1993) 15, 479 S5 rare blandingii (1984, 1985, 1986, Violet, Viola septentrionalis 1987, 1988, 1991, 1999) 370, 999 S4 rare (PRE 1969) 15 SU rare Common Mudpuppy, Water-meal, Wolffia arrhiza Necturus maculosus (PRE 1969)15 rare maculosus (1989) 999 NAR NIAC S4 rare Water-meal, Wolffia borealis Common Musk Turtle (PRE 1969) 15 S4S5 rare (Stinkpot), Sternotherus 466 Water-willow, Decodon odoratus (2001) THR S4 rare verticillatus (PRE 1969, Eastern Milk Snake, 1993) 15, 440 S5 rare Lampropeltis triangulum Wedge Grass, Sphenopholis triangulum (1984, 1986, 999 nitida (1957, pre 1969) 15, 501 S1 rare 1991) SC S4 White Wood Aster, Aster Eastern Spiny Softshell, divaricatus (1955) 501 THR S1 rare Apalone spinifera spinifera 370, 999 Whorled Milkwort, Polygala (1984, 1999) THR THR S3 rare verticillata (PRE 1969) 15 S4 rare Northern Map Turtle, Wild Germander, Teucrium Graptemys geographica 999 canadense viscidum (PRE (1984, 1985, 1987, 1991) SC S4 rare 15 1969) SU rare Breeding Birds Winged Loosestrife, Lythrum 21 American Bittern, Botaurus alatum (pre1990) S3 rare lentiginosus (1985) 115 S4 rare Wood Millet, Milium effusum American Coot, Fulica 15, 479 (Pre 1969, 1984) S4S5 rare americana (1968) 500 NAR S4 rare Yellow False Foxglove, Black Tern , Chlidonias niger Aureolaria flava (PRE 500 15 (1965, 1967, 1968, 1969) NAR VUL S3 extirpated 1969) S3 rare Black-crowned Night-Heron, Yellow Giant Hyssop, Nycticorax nycticorax S3S, Agastache nepetoides (PRE (1995) 342 SZN rare 1969) 15 S4 rare

7 AREA CODE Site Summary AREA NAME DUND-15 Cootes Paradise

City of Harbour (HAMI-66), and the wooded Dundas Valley Species (Year Found) COSEWIC MNR SRank Hamilton (DUND-14) study area. Furthermore, several streams Breeding Birds (cont’d) draining the area above or along the Niagara Escarpment Black-throated Green enter Cootes Paradise; these include: Spencer Creek, Warbler, Dendroica virens Borer’s Creek, Chedoke Creek, and Boathouse Creek 143 . (1984-85, 1994) 115, 393 S5 rare Blue-winged Teal , Anas These riparian corridors connect to the Borer’s Falls – discors (1985) 115 S5 rare Rock Chapel (DUND-16) and Spencer Gorge (FLAM-41) Carolina Wren, Thryothorus study areas 459 . ludovicianus (1989, 1990, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000) 334, 393, 417, 500 S4 rare RECOMMENDATIONS Cerulean Warbler, Dendroica S3B, 1. The area should be protected from development or cerulea (1989, 1990)500 SC VUL SZN rare other impacts. Common Moorhen, Gallinula 2. Existing linkages with other natural areas should be chloropus (1984-85, 1989, maintained and enhanced. 1993, 1997, 1998) 115, 334, 393, 997 S4 rare Gadwall, Anas strepera 3. The integrity of the entire study area should be (1984-85) 115 S4 rare restored, including remediation of water quality and Golden-winged Warbler, restoration of fish and wildlife habitat in the central Vermivora chrysoptera 115 marsh/pond area. (1984) S4 rare 4. Future field work should include ELC and Hooded Warbler, Wilsonia S3B, citrina (2002) 1001 THR SZN rare monitoring significant species and communities. Least Bittern, Ixobrychus exilis (1984, 1995, 1986, LITERATURE CITED 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 15. Pringle, J.S. 1969. Checklist of the Spontaneous Vascular 1992, 1995, 1997, 1998, Flora of the Royal Botanical Gardens. Royal Botanical 1999) 115, 334, 342, 393, 500 THR VUL S3 rare Gardens Technical Bulletin No. 4, Hamilton, Ontario Osprey, Pandion haliaetus (1998, 1999) 393 S4 rare 21. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 1984. Wetland Data Prothonotary Warbler, and Evaluation Records. OMNR Cambridge District. Protonotaria citrea (1954, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1994, END- 56. Ecologistics Ltd. 1976. Hamilton-Wentworth Region 1997, 1998, 1999) 334, 393, 500 END R S1S2 rare Environmentally Sensitive Areas Study. Hamilton Region, Tufted Titmouse, Baeolophus Grand River, Halton Region, and Niagara Peninsula bicolor (1984, 1985, 1989, Conservation Authorities. 1991, 1994, 1998) 115, 393, 395, 500, 1000 S2S3 rare 108. Canadian Wildlife Service. 1990. Memo: Region Owned Whip-poor-will, Caprimulgus Lands Near the Olympic Drive Waste Site. vociferus (1985) 115 S4 rare 115. Rice, P. and L. Simser (eds.). 1986. Biological Resource Mammals Inventory of RBG Wildlife Sanctuaries: Draft Report. Least Shrew, Cryptotis parva Royal Botanical Gardens, Hamilton, Ontario. (1947) 375 SH rare 143. Geomatics International Inc. 1991. Environmentally Sensitive Areas Development Sensitivity Study. Regional LAND USE AND LINKAGES Municipality of Hamilton-Wentworth, Hamilton, Ontario. Present Land Use Historically, Cootes Paradise supported a flourishing 144. Gould, J. 1989. Life Sciences Areas of Natural and Scietific marsh community. However, the extent and quality of the Interest in Site District 7-3 Outside the Niagara Escarpment aquatic and wetland vegetation in this area has undergone Planning Area: Review and Assessment of Significant Natural Areas. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Parks a dramatic decline during this century. The reasons for and Recreational Areas Section, Central Region, Richmond this decline are complex and include excessive Hill. sedimentation, excessive turbidity, the spread of non- native species, and water level changes 175 . Feeding and 175. Painter, S., K. J. McCabe, and W. L. Simser. 1989. Past and Present Limnological Conditions in Cootes Paradise spawning activities by the large carp population in this Affecting Aquatic Vegetation. Royal Botanical Gardens, water body are believed to have played a major role in the Technical Bulletin No. 13. loss of wetland vegetation 180 . The water quality and loss of wetland habitat problems in Cootes Paradise are being 177. Draper, W. 1992. Botanical Survey: Access Route to Tower 76 and Ancaster Creek Crossing. ENCON Services - addressed in conjunction with the comprehensive Central, Lines Division, Ontario Hydro. Hamilton Harbour restoration program 180 . Since 1998, large areas of submergent and emergent marsh vegetation 180. Rodgers, K. 1987. Remedial Action Plan for Hamilton have been added. Harbour: Draft Summary Report. Remedial Action Plan for Hamilton Harbour.

Linkages with Other Natural Areas 202. Karrow, P.F. 1987. Quaternary Geology of the Hamilton- Cootes Paradise is both a core natural area and a Cambridge Area, Southern Ontario. Ontario Geological significant link between the open waters of Hamilton Survey , Report 255.

8 AREA CODE Site Summary AREA NAME DUND-15 Cootes Paradise

259. Smith, P. 1985. Beavers in Cootes Paradise. The Wood 486. Royal Botanical Gardens. 2002. Cootes Paradise Fish Duck 38(6):111. Accounts 1920 - 1999.

290. MacKinnon Hensel and Associates. 1994. Environmental 500. Ontario Rare Breeding Bird Program (ORBBP). 1989-1991. Impact Study for the Proposed Dundas Business Park. Unpublished database. Federation of Ontario Naturalists and Long Point Bird Observatory. 300. Kor, P.S.G. 1991. An Earth Science Inventory and Evaluation of the Dundas Valley Area of Natural and 501. Rare Plants of Ontario: Hamilton-Wentworth Region. 1950- Scientific Interest. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 1989. Print-out of database. 23-June-1989. Canadian Central Region. Museum of Nature, Botany Division, Rare and Endangered Plants Project, Ottawa, Ontario. 334. Dobos, R. 1998. Summary of Records of Regionally Significant Breeding Birds in H-W from Wood Duck 531. Rothfels, Carl. 2003. Unpublished data for the Royal Noteworthy Bird Records. Hamilton Naturalists’ Club. Botanical Gardens. Hamilton, Ontario. 996. Hamilton Study Area: Noteworthy Plant Records. 1988- 342. Long Point Bird Observatory. 1998. Marsh Bird and 1992. Unpublished Database comprised of plant records Amphibian Communities in the Hamilton Harbour AOC, published in Wood Duck . Hamilton Naturalists’ Club. 1995 – 1996. Hamilton, Ontario.

346. Geomatics International. 1991. A Wetland Assessment and 997. Hamilton Study Area: Noteworthy Bird Records. 1981-1992. Evaluation of Volunteer Marsh, Town of Dundas. Unpublished Database comprised of Noteworthy Bird Records published in Wood Duck . Hamilton Naturalists’ 366. Ursic, K. 1999. Rare Plant Additions for University Club. Hamilton, Ontario. Gardens (Cootes Paradise). 998. Hamilton Study Area: Butterfly Records. 1988-1992. 370. Canadian Wildlife Service. 1999. Bask-A-Thon Field Unpublished database. Hamilton Naturalists’ Club. Sheets, 1999. Hamilton, Ontario.

375. Warren, A., L. A. Prince and P. F. Henderson. 1950. A 999. Hamilton Herpetofaunal Atlas (HHA). 1983-1992. Survey of the Mammalian Fauna of Wentworth County, Unpublished database. Hamilton Naturalists’ Club. Ontario. Hamilton, Ontario.

392. Goodban, A. 1999. Memorandum re. New Vascular Plant 1000. Hamilton-Wentworth Natural Areas Inventory (NAI). 1991. Records. Hamilton Naturalists’ Club. Hamilton, Ontario. Unpublished database. Hamilton Naturalists’ Club. Hamilton, Ontario. 393. Dobos, R. 1999. Summary of Records of Regionally Significant Breeding Birds in Hamilton-Wentworth from 1001. Nature Counts. 2001-2002. Unpublished database. Hamilton Wood Duck , 1992 – 1999. Naturalists’ Club. Hamilton, Ontario.

403. Wormington, A. 1970. Ontario Nest Records Card - Northern Shoveler - Cootes Paradise, 1970. Royal Ontario SITE VISITS Museum, Burlington, Ontario. Date Duration Purpose Observers 12-Jun-1991 1.0 h Flora D. Bradley 417. Canadian Wildlife Service. 2000. Bask-a-thon Field Sheets, 17-Jun-1991 3.5 h Birds A. Wormington 2000. 09-Oct-1991 Flora D. Bradley

01-Oct-2001 Flora A. Goodban 428. Johnson, J. 2000. Birds Noted Along Spencer Creek Trail Between Canadian Tire and Cootes Drive Bridge. 15-Oct-2001 Flora A. Goodban

429. Smith, P. 1999. Red- bellied Snake, Royal Botanical Gardens, Town of Dundas, October 8, 1999.

433. Lundholm, J. and H. Middleton. 1997. Rare Plant Confirmation Forms - Cootes Paradise, Rock Chapel/Borer's Falls. Royal Botanical Gardens. Burlington, Ontario.

440. Riley, J.L., J.V. Jalava and S. Varga. 1996. Ecological Survey of the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve. Volume I. Significant Natural Areas. Volume II. Technical Appendices. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Southcentral Region, Peterborough, Ontario. Open File Site Report SR 9601. v + 629 pp., vii + 310 pp.

459. Heagy, A. 1993. Hamilton-Wentworth Natural Areas Inventory (NAI):Vol I & II. Hamilton Naturalists’ Club. Hamilton, Ontario.

466. Pomfret, B. 2002. The Re-Appearance of the Stinkpot. Wood Duck 55(9):1.

479. A. Goodban. 2002. Hamilton Flora Miscellaneous Records. Hamilton Naturalists’ Club. Hamilton, Ontario.

9 AREA CODE Site Summary AREA NAME DUND-15 Cootes Paradise

Map 12. Map Cootes Paradise (DUND-15) mapping. mapping. (DUND-15) Paradise Cootes

10 AREA CODE Site Summary AREA NAME HAMI-69 Red Hill Creek Escarpment Valley

RED HILL CREEK ESCARPMENT VALLEY

Municipality ESA # Conservation Authority City of Hamilton 52 Hamilton Formerly Lot Watershed City of Hamilton 1-4 Red Hill Creek Approximate Area Concession Ownership 594 hectares 7-8 Mostly Public

GENERAL SUMMARY • combination of landforms and habitats is identified as This large natural area, located on the east side of the City having high aesthetic value in the context of the of Hamilton, encompasses much of the re-entrant in the surrounding landscape and any alteration would Niagara Escarpment now occupied by Red Hill Creek. It significantly lower its amenity value is part of a branching urban greenspace that includes floodplain lands, and active and passive recreational NAI 459 greenspace. Most of the study area is publicly owned Significant Natural Area parkland 459 . • serves an important ecological function • exhibits a high diversity of abiotic features The study area is bordered by the urban development of • provides habitat for significant wildlife species Hamilton and Stoney Creek, to west and east respectively, by industrial and suburban development to the south and OMNR - none by the Lake Ontario shoreline transportation corridor and associated industries to the north. It is traversed by roads, PRESENT EVALUATION railways, hydro corridors, and sewage mains. The ESA Criteria proposed Red Hill Creek Expressway will use this natural • Significant Earth Science Feature corridor to form a north-south connector between the - the area encompasses locally significant features Queen Elizabeth Expressway (QEW) and Highway • Significant Ecological Function 403 459 . - the area contains interior forest habitat (100-200m from forest edge) This area is part of the continuous corridor of natural - the area contains a high diversity of native plant vegetation along the Niagara Escarpment. Although species disrupted, the ecosystem is inherently diverse due to the - the area contains rare biotic communities varied topography, substrates, moisture regimes, and - the riparian area serves as a link between natural micro-climates present. This diversity is reflected in the areas number of flora and fauna species recorded here, - the area provides habitat for significant species including many rare and uncommon species 459 . Significant Site Criteria This area was included in the 1976 study and the1991 • Aesthetic Value NAI. Nature Counts surveyors collected data on birds, - the waterfalls and vistas along this section of the butterflies, herpetofauna, plants, mammals, and ELC. Niagara Escarpment and in the upper valley, and the contrast between this area and the surrounding HISTORICAL EVALUATION developed area are aesthetically important 1976 Study 56 • Educational or Research Value Identified the following significant features: - the natural features of the area have been the subject • represents a distinctive and unusual landform within of scientific research projects municipality, Ontario, or Canada - the unusual features of this area make it suitable for • serves a vital ecological function such as maintaining educational purposes the hydrologic balance over a widespread area • plant and animal communities of the area are identified PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION as unusual or of high quality locally within the Physiography and Topography municipality, Ontario, or Canada The Red Hill Creek Escarpment Valley includes parts of • has unusually high diversity of biological communities three major physiographic regions: the Iroquois Plain, the and associated plants and animals due to a variety of Niagara Escarpment, and the Haldimand Clay Plain. The geomorphological features, soils, water, sunlight, and study area is located within a broad northeast-opening associated vegetation and microclimate effects notch carved into this north-facing, 50 m high cuesta of • provides habitat for rare or endangered species that are the prominent Niagara Escarpment. Waterfalls are endangered regionally, provincially, or nationally 1 AREA CODE Site Summary AREA NAME HAMI-69 Red Hill Creek Escarpment Valley

present at the head of this notch where two small creeks and man-made exposures in the area provides important cross the escarpment 459 . information about complex depositional environments of the western margin of the Appalachian basin 459 . The area below the escarpment is a north-sloping plain exhibiting stranded shoreline features, and with locally Overburden Geology steeper slopes due to dissection of the underlying Except along the escarpments and locally along the overburden and soft shale bedrock. Above the stream courses, this area is covered by overburden escarpment, the topography is gently rolling reflecting the deposited during or since the last glaciation. Halton Till irregular bedrock surface and the presence of low deposits are found throughout most of the study area as a moraines 459 . till-lain of variable thickness 459 .

Total surface relief is some 125 m, mostly due to the Above the escarpment, the till layer varies from 0 to 10 m height of the Niagara Escarpment. The entire area is part in thickness due to the irregular bedrock surface and the of the Red Hill Creek watershed and drains northerly into presence of the Vinemount Moraine. This moraine is the Lake Ontario via Hamilton Harbour 459 . northernmost of the series of low-end moraines, which generally parallel the escarpment brow. The low ridge of Bedrock Geology the Vinemount Moraine has been breached and eroded by This study area crosses the trend of the bedrock structure the Red Hill Creek drainage, and is apparent only in the and includes a relatively complete cross-section of the southwestern arm of the study area. Except for the regional geology. The sedimentary rocks underlying the bedrock exposures and till exposures along the moraine, Red Hill Creek Escarpment Valley range in age from the upper tableland is covered with a thin blanket of clay upper Ordovician through to the middle Silurian (460 to and silt sediments deposited at the northern margin of 425 million years before present) 459 . Lake Warren, an extensive proglacial lake 459 .

Below the Niagara Escarpment, red shales of the Below the escarpment, the Halton Till may be up to 30 m Queenston Formation are present. These are locally thick on the shale plain or where lodged against the lower exposed, particularly in bluffs alongside the creek. The escarpment. Following the retreat of the Lake Ontario steep escarpment face and slope is comprised of the lobe of the glacier, the area below the escarpment was, sequence from the Grimsby Formation upwards to the depending on the level of the predecessors of present-day Ancaster chert beds (in the Goat Island Member of the Lake Ontario, variously submerged or exposed. A large Lockport Formation). This section is particularly well area of sand in the eastern part of the study area along exposed in the vicinity of Albion Falls, at the head of the Mount Albion Road was deposited in a lake some 70 m main valley 459 . higher than the present Lake Ontario. King Street is built on beach sands and gravels deposited as a barrier bar Above the falls, the Vinemount shale beds of the across the mouth of the Red Hill re-entrant by Lake unnamed lower member of the Lockport Formation Iroquois, which was some 30 m higher than Lake Ontario outcrop in the creek bed. In the southern section of the shoreline. Red Hill Creek flows through a breach in this study area, the bedrock surface forms a broad basin bar. Davis Creek and the smaller drainages are blocked bounded on three sides by the discontinuous, low scarp by the bar and run west parallel to the bar before joining face of the Eramosa Escarpment, and is truncated to the Red Hill Creek 459 . north by the Niagara Escarpment. Dolostone of the Eramosa Member of the Lockport Formation was Several of the landform features of the Red Hill re- formerly quarried along the Eramosa Escarpment near entrant, including the Vinemount Moraine and the Red Hannon, at the southern edge of the study area. Bedrock Hill barrier bar, have been excluded from the present elevations range from about 198 m along the Eramosa study area. This is because they have been built on and scarp, to just under 180 m at the lip of Albion Falls 459 . are therefore not considered part of the “natural area”. These features, however, are geologically linked to the Red Hill and Buttermilk Creeks have cut small gorges Red Hill re-entrant and are visible from vistas within the into the Niagara Escarpment at the head of the larger Red Hill Creek Escarpment Valley study area. Thus, they Mount Albion re-entrant. A narrow, linear bedrock valley contribute to the physical significance of the area, and extends northeast from the escarpment to the present Lake also to its visual diversity and educational potential 459 . Ontario shoreline. The present Red Hill Creek is coincident with this bedrock valley in part, but in many Soils places, the older valley is completely filled with The soils of the study area are well-drained. Much of the overburden 459 . site encompasses an active stream system with little soil development on the recent stream alluvium and ravine The rocks of the Niagara Escarpment in Hamilton exhibit slopes. Elsewhere, Oneida loam and silt loam have the transition between the Appalachian basin and the developed on the till and glaciolacustrine sediments Algonquin Arch sedimentary environments. Comparison respectively. Small patches of Grimsby and Winona of the rock exposures at Albion Falls with other natural sandy loam and Farmington loam are also present 459 . 2 AREA CODE Site Summary AREA NAME HAMI-69 Red Hill Creek Escarpment Valley

Hydrogeology canadensis ) dominate mature talus slopes at the head of Well data near the edge of the escarpment and below the the Mount Albion re-entrant (Map 63, Polygon 8). Sugar escarpment are sparse. Groundwater flow is northerly, maple – ironwood – white ash treed carbonate cliffs occur towards Lake Ontario. Piezometric elevations are at intermittently above the talus community. Deeper soils at approximately 190 m above the escarpment and at 80 m the base of the talus slope and adjacent to the lowland near the lake. A collection system is in place to intercept forest support moist - sugar maple - black maple forest. leachate from the Upper Ottawa landfill site. Blue cohosh ( Caulophyllum thalictroides ), wild ginger Groundwater in the Queenston shales below the (Asarum canadense ), and zig-zag goldenrod ( Solidago escarpment is of poor quality, being high in minerals and flexicaulis ) are abundant in the rich ground layer. salts 459 . Disturbed talus slopes with scattered trees and vines including basswood ( Tilia americana ), Norway maple Groundwater recharge is likely occurring in the areas of (Acer platanoides ), and horse chestnut ( Aesculus shallow soils and along the moraines above the hippocastanum ) surround a large open coltsfoot escarpment. Groundwater discharge from the high quality (Tussilago farfara ) seep east of Albion Falls. Oak – Lockport aquifer occurs as seeps along the escarpment hardwood forest (Map 63, FOD2-4) dominates a south- face, and is also contributing to the baseflow of Red Hill facing corner of this community above the confluence of Creek and its tributaries. Available data are insufficient Buttermilk and Red Hill Creek. to assess the volume or significance of groundwater recharge and discharge. Retention of the groundwater Mature black maples dominate the rocky floodplain discharge regime, however, is important to any future terrace below the escarpment (Map 63, Polygon 7). rehabilitation of surface waters 459 . Associates include sugar maple, white ash, basswood, hemlock, and black walnut ( Juglans nigra ). Prickly-ash Hydrology and Surface Drainage (Zanthoxylum americanum ) occurs in the open shrub The Red Hill Creek Escarpment Valley study area layer. Zig-zag goldenrod, wild ginger, blue cohosh, early encompasses much of the waterfalls, ravines, and meadow-rue ( Thalictrum dioicum ), squirrel-corn floodplain areas of the Red Hill Creek watershed. This (Dicentra canadensis ), violet ( Viola spp.), toothwort stream system receives stormwater drainage from a highly (Cardamine spp.), and trillium species ( Trillium spp.) are urbanized watershed. A small mill pond on Red Hill abundant in the rich herbaceous layer. Creek immediately above Albion Falls has been restored; elsewhere, the stream channel has been straightened and Downstream, adjacent to the golf course, the black maple there are few retention areas. Consequently, flow lowland is more disturbed with variable associates. volumes fluctuate markedly and water quality is generally Choke cherry ( Prunus virginiana ssp. virginiana ), poor. The hydrological characteristics of the present honeysuckle ( Lonicera spp.), and raspberry species vegetation and stream channels in this large natural area (Rubus spp.) are found in the shrub layer. Garlic mustard moderate these conditions by filtering and retaining (Alliaria petiolata ) dominates the lower layers (Map 63, surface runoff 459 . Polygon 11).

ECOLOGICAL LAND CLASSIFICATION Mature upland sugar maple forest covers the steep valley Summary slope east of the floodplain (Map 63, Polygon 12). Large This natural area encompasses terrestrial, aquatic, and oaks ( Quercus ssp.) are predominant on the dry ridge. A wetland habitats. Upland, escarpment, and floodplain younger beech forest (Map 63, FOD4-1) borders the open woods and second-growth fields, thickets, and plantations meadow the east. Choke cherry forms the understory are most common. The present plant community with garlic mustard, trout lily ( Erythronium americanum structure and composition is strongly influenced by past ssp. americanum ), and false Solomon’s seal disturbances. The Red Hill Creek Escarpment Valley (Maianthemum racemosum ssp. racemosum ) abundant in ecosystem, however, is inherently diverse due to the the ground layer. varied topography, substrates, moisture regimes, and micro-climates 56, 459 . Sugar maple forest also dominates a north-facing escarpment slope (Map 63, Polygon 9). Black cherry Prominent escarpment features include open carbonate (Prunus serotina ) and butternut ( Juglans cinerea ) are cliff communities at Albion Falls and Buttermilk Falls occasional associates. Choke cherry, alternate-leaved (Map 63, Polygon 16). Mature treed cliff surrounds dogwood ( Cornus alternifolia ), garlic mustard, false Buttermilk Falls gorge while common lilac ( Syringa Solomon’s seal, and wild ginger are abundant in the vulgaris ) thicket or disturbed treed thicket is more sparse understory layers. common around the open and much larger Albion Falls gorge. The sugar maple slope forest surrounds a section of disturbed tableland. Young white ash is abundant in this Sugar maple ( Acer saccharum ssp. saccharum ), black old Scots pine plantation with both species co-dominant maple ( Acer saccharum ssp. nigrum ), and occasionally in the canopy (Map 63, Polygon 10). Sugar maple and white ash ( Fraxinus americana ) and hemlock ( Tsuga black walnut occur occasionally. Hawthorn savannah 3 AREA CODE Site Summary AREA NAME HAMI-69 Red Hill Creek Escarpment Valley

dominates canopy gaps and is abundant in the sub-canopy Bedrock is also exposed along the terraced creek bed and with maple, ash, and common apple ( Malus pumila ). banks on a short section of the creek west of the quarry Grey dogwood ( Cornus foemina ssp. racemosa ) forms the and just north and south of Rymal Road. Mature black shrub layer with honeysuckle and raspberry species. maple, sugar maple and rarely, white oak, shagbark Garlic mustard dominates the ground layer. hickory, swamp white oak ( Quercus bicolor ), and rock elm ( Ulmus thomasii ) line this section of the creek. Reed Extensive bottomlands in the northern segments of the canary grass meadow marsh dominates the open creek natural area are open or loosely forested with an channel south of Rymal Road (Map 63, Polygon 17). abundance of Manitoba maple ( Acer negundo ), willow Norway maple dominates a narrow stand of trees between species ( Salix spp.), scattered eastern cottonwoods the abandoned quarry and the creek valley (Map 63, (Populus deltoides ssp. deltoides ), and mature black Polygon 3). walnuts (Map 63, Polygon 14). Garlic mustard and grasses dominate the floodplain meadows with numerous Small forest remnants exist north and south of the Lincoln ash, white elm ( Ulmus americana ), hawthorn ( Crataegus Alexander Parkway. White ash, green ash ( Fraxinus spp.), grey dogwood, honeysuckle, and raspberry thickets pennsylvanica ), shagbark hickory, and red oak dominate also present. the vernally flooded remnant to the north (Map 63, Polygon 5). Higher elevations contain upland forest with Disturbed valley slopes above the floodplain support red, white, and black oak. South of the highway, red oak similar bottomland species. Grasses dominate open and shagbark hickory dominate the well-drained upper meadow slopes with scattered black walnut, Manitoba slopes with shagbark hickory and bur oak ( Quercus maple, ash species, and eastern cottonwood (Map 63, macrocarpa ) at lower elevations along the creek (Map 63, Polygon 15). Undisturbed slopes support mature to mid – Polygon 4). White elm is abundant in the sub-canopy. age sugar maple forest with red oak ( Quercus rubra ), Adjacent to the highway, the tableland section of this black cherry, shagbark hickory ( Carya ovata ) and to a forest remnant supports scattered vernal pools with black lesser extent, American beech ( Fagus grandifolia ), white ash ( Fraxinus nigra ), green ash, jewelweed ( Impatiens pine ( Pinus strobus ), and white oak ( Quercus alba ). Hop capensis ), and sedge species ( Carex spp.) abundant in the hornbeam ( Ostrya virginiana ) dominates the sub-canopy standing water. A small bur oak swamp with swamp with choke cherry and maple-leaved viburnum ( Viburnum white oak and ash species as associates occur to the north acerifolium ) in the understory layer. Garlic mustard is (Map 63, SWD1-2). prolific in the ground layer. Tableland ridges and upland knolls support mature red, white and occasionally black Community Descriptions 460 oak ( Quercus velutina ) forests with sugar maple and Polygon 1- Dry – Moist Old Field Meadow Type (CUM1-1) American beech as associates (Map 63, FOD2-4). Polygon Description Environmental Characteristic Topographic Features Tableland Community Pioneer Meadow Large and very mature red oaks, with sugar maple, white Ranking None oak, white ash, and rarely black oak as associates, stand along the dry escarpment crest (Map 63, Polygon 13). Polygon 1 Complex- Gray Dogwood Cultural Thicket Type (CUT1-4) Hop hornbeam, white cedar ( Thuja occidentalis ), and Polygon 1 Complex- Hawthorn Cultural Savannah Type (CUS1-1) serviceberry species ( Amelanchier spp.) form the open sub-canopy. Choke cherry, round-leaved dogwood Polygon 1 Complex- Mineral Cultural Woodland Ecosite (CUW1) (Cornus rugosa ), and snowberry ( Symphoricarpos albus ) occur in the understory. Occasional open rims on the Polygon 1 Complex- Dry – Fresh Aspen Deciduous Forest Type (FOD3-1) valley crest sustain uncommon species such as yellow Ranking- G5, S5 pimpernel ( Taenidia integerrima ). North of Buttermilk Falls, even-aged red oak woodland, which is mowed and Polygon 2- Open Aquatic (OAO) maintained as a park, provides restoration potential for Polygon Description Environmental Characteristic oak savannah habitat. Topographic Features Bottomland Community Pioneer Thicket Ranking None Adjacent old field meadows dominate large tableland areas (Map 63, Polygon 1). Grey dogwood and hawthorn Polygon 2 Inclusion- Open Carbonate Cliff Rim Type (CLO1-5) thickets are common with patches of regenerating Ranking- G5, S2 woodland. Red Hill Creek flows through the southern Polygon 3- Dry - Fresh Sugar Maple Deciduous Forest Ecosite (FOD5) most section of the old field meadow complex. Polygon Description Environmental Characteristic Immediately north of Rymal Road, an abandoned quarry Topographic Features Tableland sustains an open aquatic community, which drains into Community Mature Forest Red Hill Creek (Map 63, Polygon 2). Exposed bedrock Ranking S5 and open limestone cliff rim the quarried area (Map 63, CLO1-5).

4 AREA CODE Site Summary AREA NAME HAMI-69 Red Hill Creek Escarpment Valley

Polygon 4- Dry – Fresh Oak – Hickory Deciduous Forest Type Polygon 10- Dry – Fresh White Ash Deciduous Forest Type (FOD4-2) (FOD2-2) Polygon Description Environmental Characteristic Polygon Description Environmental Characteristic Topographic Features Tableland Topographic Features Tableland Community Pioneer Thicket Community Mature Forest Ranking G?, S5 Ranking G4?, S3S4 Polygon 10 Complex-Scotch Pine Coniferous Plantation Type (CUP3-3) Polygon 4 Complex- Fresh – Moist Shagbark Hickory Deciduous Forest Type (FOD9-4) Polygon 10 Complex- Hawthorn Cultural Savannah Type (CUS1-1) Ranking- S4 Polygon 11- Fresh – Moist Black Maple Lowland Deciduous Forest Polygon 4 Complex- Ash Mineral Deciduous Swamp Ecosite (SWD2) Type (FOD7-5) Polygon Description Environmental Characteristic Polygon 4 Inclusion- Bur Oak Mineral Deciduous Swamp Type Topographic Features Bottomland (SWD1-2) Community Mature Woodland Ranking- G2G3Q, S3 Ranking S3

Polygon 5- Fresh – Moist Ash Lowland Deciduous Forest Type Polygon 11 Complex- Fresh -- Moist Lowland Deciduous Forest Ecosite (FOD7-2) (FOD7) Polygon Description Environmental Characteristic Topographic Features Bottomland Polygon 12- Dry – Fresh Sugar Maple Deciduous Forest Type (FOD5-1) Community Mid – Age Forest Polygon Description Environmental Characteristic Ranking S4S5 Topographic Features Valley Slope Community Mature Forest Polygon 6- Hawthorn Cultural Savannah Type (CUS1-1) Ranking G5?, S5 Polygon Description Environmental Characteristic Topographic Features Bottomland Polygon 12 Inclusion- Dry – Fresh Beech Deciduous Forest Type Community Pioneer Savannah (FOD4-1) Ranking None Ranking- G4G5, S4S5

Polygon 6 Complex- Gray Dogwood Cultural Thicket Type (CUT1-4) Polygon 13- Dry – Fresh Red Oak Deciduous Forest Type (FOD1-1) Polygon Description Environmental Characteristic Polygon 6 Complex- Fresh – Moist White Elm Lowland Deciduous Topographic Features Tableland Forest Type (FOD7-1) Community Mature Woodland Ranking- S4S5 Ranking G?, S5

Polygon 7- Fresh – Moist Black Maple Lowland Deciduous Forest Type Polygon 13 Complex- Dry – Fresh Oak – Hardwood Deciduous Forest (FOD7-5) Type (FOD2-4) Polygon Description Environmental Characteristic Ranking- S4S5 Topographic Features Bottomland Community Mature Forest Polygon 14- Fresh – Moist Black Walnut Lowland Deciduous Forest Ranking S3 Type (FOD7-4) Polygon Description Environmental Characteristic Polygon 8- Fresh – Moist Sugar Maple Carbonate Treed Talus Type Topographic Features Bottomland (TAT1-4) Community Young Woodland Polygon Description Environmental Characteristic Ranking G4?, S2S3 Topographic Features Talus Community Mature Forest Polygon 14 Inclusion- Bur-reed Mineral Shallow Marsh Type (MAS2-7) Ranking G3G5, S3 Ranking- G4G5, S4

Polygon 8 Complex- Sugar Maple – Ironwood – White Ash Treed Polygon 14 Inclusion- Narrow-leaved Sedge Mineral Shallow Marsh Carbonate Cliff Type (CLT1-2) Type (MAS2-3) Ranking- G?, S3 Ranking- G4?, S5

Polygon 8 Complex- Fresh – Moist Sugar Maple – Black Maple Polygon 15- Dry – Fresh Sugar Maple Deciduous Forest Type (FOD5-1) Deciduous Forest Type (FOD6-2) Polygon Description Environmental Characteristic Ranking- G?, S3? Topographic Features Valley Slope Community Mid – Age Forest Polygon 8 Inclusion- Dry – Fresh Oak – Hardwood Deciduous Forest Ranking G5?, S5 Type (FOD2-4)

Ranking- S4S5 Polygon 15 Complex- Dry-Fresh Black Walnut-White Ash Successional Forest Type (FOD4-4) Polygon 9- Dry – Fresh Sugar Maple – Ironwood Deciduous Forest Type (FOD5-4) Polygon 15 Inclusion- Dry – Fresh Oak – Hardwood Deciduous Forest Polygon Description Environmental Characteristic Type (FOD2-4) Topographic Features Valley Slope Ranking- S4S5 Community Mature Forest Ranking G?, S5 Polygon 15 Inclusion- Scotch Pine Coniferous Plantation Type (CUP3-3)

5 AREA CODE Site Summary AREA NAME HAMI-69 Red Hill Creek Escarpment Valley

Polygon 16- Open Carbonate Cliff Rim Type (CLO1-5) above the Niagara Escarpment. That channel is almost Polygon Description Environmental Characteristic entirely within a large storm sewer. Topographic Features Cliff Community N/A Ranking G5, S2 Fish have been assessed in the Red Hill Creek 134, 291, 294, 357, Escarpment Valley between 1967 and 1997 Polygon 16 Complex- Carbonate Treed Cliff Ecosite (CLT1) 359 . In total, 26 species have been collected with 15 species recorded since 1990. Northern redbelly dace Polygon 17- Reed-canary Grass Mineral Meadow Marsh Type (MAM2-2) (Phoxinus eos ) and pearl dace ( Margariscus margarita ) Polygon Description Environmental Characteristic have not been recorded in the 1990s, while brown Topographic Features Bottomland bullhead ( Ameiurus nebulosus ), brown trout ( Salmo Community Mature Stream trutta ), common carp ( Cyprinus carpio ), Chinook salmon Ranking None (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha ), emerald shiner ( Notropis

Polygon 17 Inclusion- Reed-canary Grass Bedrock Meadow Marsh Type atherinoides ), gizzard shad ( Dorosoma cepedianum ), lake (MAM1-1) chub ( Couesius plumbeus ), logperch (Percina caprodes ), northern hognose sucker ( Hypentelium nigricans ), Polygon 18- Hawthorn Cultural Savannah Type (CUS1-1) northern pike ( Esox lucius ), pumpkinseed ( Lepomis Polygon Description Environmental Characteristic gibbosus ), rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ), spottail Topographic Features Bottomland shiner ( Notropis hudsonius ), threespine stickleback Community Young Thicket Ranking None (Gasterosteus aculeatus ), and white perch ( Morone americana ) were found in the 1990s, but not recorded Polygon 18 Complex- Gray Dogwood Cultural Thicket Type (CUT1-4) before that decade.

Polygon 19- Dry – Moist Old Field Meadow Type (CUM1-1) Herpetofauna Polygon Description Environmental Characteristic Topographic Features Tableland Adequate coverage. Nature Counts surveyors recorded Community Young Meadow seven species including one COSEWIC special concern 1001 Ranking None species . From 1984 to 1999, 12 species were observed including one COSEWIC special concern species 398, 999, Polygon 19 Inclusion- Cultural Woodland (CUW) 1000 .

FLORA AND FAUNA SUMMARY Breeding Birds Vascular Plants Adequate coverage. This area provides habitat for a rich Adequate coverage. Nature Counts surveyors recorded diversity of bird species including a number of species 194 species in 2001 or 2002. Of these, one is a locally that utilize interior forest. Nature Counts surveyors uncommon species and 46 (24%) are introduced 1001 recorded 88 species in 2001 or 2002. Of these, 28 are species . Many floral surveys were completed in this locally uncommon species, eight are locally rare species, area previous to 2001. A total of 352 species have been and nine are interior forest species 1001 . A total of 55 documented including 17 locally uncommon species, 15 species were observed from 1968 to 2000 including 12 locally rare species, two locally and provincially locally uncommon species and six locally rare species 56, significant species, 17 Carolinian species and 46 (13%) 95, 393, 400, 436, 500 57, 479, 996, 1000 . introduced species . Mammals Butterflies Adequate coverage for small mammals. The Nature Adequate coverage. During 2001 or 2002, Nature Counts 1001 Counts project conducted small mammal trapping in July, surveyors recorded 12 species . From 1989 to 1991, 36 August and September of 2002. Eight species were species were observed in this area including one locally recorded during this time 1001 . A study was conducted rare species and one COSEWIC special concern 998, 1000 during the late 1990s and the early 2000s documenting a species . number of southern flying squirrels ( Glaucomys volans ) in the area 453 . From 1976 to 1999, 11 species were Fish observed including one COSEWIC special concern Red Hill Creek flows through the Red Hill Creek species 57, 398, 1000 . Five species were documented previous Escarpment Valley natural area. The creek drops over the to the 1300s including the black bear ( Ursus americanus ). Niagara Escarpment at Albion Falls, then tumbles rapidly down through stepped pools in the steep gorge, being then SIGNIFICANT SPECIES joined by the tiny Buttermilk Creek. It flows through City of steep terrain across a golf course, past playing fields and Species (Year Found) COSEWIC MNR SRank Hamilton riparian wetlands and forests then under large culverts for Vascular Plants railway and road crossings. The stream valley has been Giant Ragweed, Ambrosia constricted by filling in the lower reaches, including two trifida (1995, 2000) 479 S5 rare Smooth Rock-cress, Arabis closed landfill sites. Flows are very flashy as a result of 479, 1000 urbanization in the watershed of the main stream channel laevigata (1991, 1995) S5 rare 6 AREA CODE Site Summary AREA NAME HAMI-69 Red Hill Creek Escarpment Valley

City of City of Species (Year Found) COSEWIC MNR SRank Hamilton Species (Year Found) COSEWIC MNR SRank Hamilton Vascular Plants (cont’d) Breeding Birds (cont’d) Tall Brome Grass, Bromus Northern Saw-whet Owl, latiglumis (1995) 479 S4 rare Aegolius acadicus (1985) 95 S4 rare Sharp-scaled Oak Sedge, Purple Finch, Carpodacus Carex albicans var. albicans purpureus (2002) 1001 S5 rare (1995) 479 rare Short-eared Owl, Asio S3S4B, Awned Sedge, Carex flammeus (1976) 56 SC SZN rare atherodes (1995) 479 S4S5 rare Sedge Wren, Cistothorus Umbellate Sedge, Carex platensis (2002) 1001 NAR S4 rare umbellata (1995) 479 S5 rare Sharp-shinned Hawk, Coarse Cyperus, Cyperus Accipiter striatus (2002) 1001 NAR NIAC S5 rare odoratus (1995) 479 S5 rare Yellow-breasted Chat, Icteria S2S3B, Goldie's Wood Fern, virens (1988) 500 SC VUL SZN rare Dryopteris goldiana (1995) 479 S4 rare Yellow-billed Cuckoo, River Bank Wild-rye, Elymus Coccyzus americanus riparius (1995) 479 S4? rare (2001) 1001 S4 rare Green Violet, Hybanthus concolor (1976, 1991, LAND USE AND LINKAGES 57, 479, 1000 1995) S2 uncommon Present Land Use Slender Satin Grass, Muhlenbergia tenuiflora The Red Hill Creek valley system encompasses a large (1995) 479 S2 rare greenspace area located in a heavily urbanized setting. Sycamore, Platanus The natural areas within this greenspace are generally occidentalis (1976,1995) 57, 479 S4 rare confined to hazard lands and, consequently, form strips River Bulrush, Scirpus along the stream ravines and along the escarpment. This fluviatilis (1995) 479 S4S5 rare American Bulrush, Scirpus elongate, branching study area is over 6 km long, but is pungens (1991, 1995) 1000, 479 S5 rare less than a kilometre wide. In many places, the natural Soapberry, Shepherdia area is restricted to a ribbon of riparian vegetation less canadensis (1976, 1991, 459 57, 479, 1000 than 300 m wide . 1995) S5 rare Hairy Goldenrod, Solidago Much of the present study area is used for passive hispida var. hispida (1991, 1995) 1000, 479 S5 rare recreational activities only, including the Bruce Trail. Horned Pondweed, Active recreational facilities have been developed in parts Zannichellia palustris of this greenspace, both above and below the escarpment. 479 (1997) S4 rare These recreation areas are mostly on the periphery of the Butterflies greenspace, but locally extend into the escarpment and Monarch, Danaus plexippus 998, 1000 riparian corridors, creating gaps in the natural vegetation. (1991) SC NIAC S5 Refuse dumping and trampling problems are evident in Northern Cloudy-Wing, 459 Thorybes pylades (1991) 998, some areas . 1000 S5 rare Land use on adjoining lands above the escarpment is Herpetofauna Eastern Milk Snake, rapidly changing from agricultural to industrial. Other Lampropeltis triangulum adjoining land uses above the escarpment are suburban triangulum (1984, 1988, residential areas, two closed landfill sites, and the 436, 999, 1000 1991, 2000) SC S4 Canadian National rail line. Below the escarpment, the Breeding Birds greenspace is surrounded by dense urbanization Black-crowned Night-Heron, (residential and industrial) 459 . Nycticorax nycticorax S3S, 436 (2000) SZN rare Several east-west arterial roads and railways cross the Blue-winged Teal, Anas discors (Pre 1300) 400 S5 rare natural area. At present the north-south Red Hill Creek 459 Carolina Wren, Thryothorus valley is used by a few utility corridors . ludovicianus (1998, 2002) 393, 1001 S4 rare Linkages with Other Natural Areas Cooper's Hawk, Accipiter The Red Hill Creek Escarpment Valley study area cooperii (1995, 2001, 2002) 393, 1001 NAR NIAC S4B rare encompasses parts of two natural corridors, the Niagara Common Nighthawk, Escarpment corridor and the Red Hill Creek corridor. Chordeiles minor (2001, The Niagara Escarpment corridor is a provincially 2002) 1001 S4 rare significant natural corridor some 700 km in length. The Long-eared Owl, Asio otus short incised segment of the escarpment included in the (1968, 2002) 500, 1001 S4 rare Louisiana Waterthrush, Red Hill Creek Escarpment Valley study area is Seiurus motacilla (1997) 393 SC VUL S3 rare continuous with the Hamilton Escarpment (HAMI-65)

7 AREA CODE Site Summary AREA NAME HAMI-69 Red Hill Creek Escarpment Valley

study area to the west, and the Felker’s Falls Escarpment 294. C. Portt and Associates. 1997. Red Hill Creek Watershed (HAMI-72) study area to the east 459 . Study: Fisheries - Phase 1: Background Inventory (Working Draft for Discussion). Prepared for the City of

Hamilton. Hamilton, Ontario. The Red Hill Creek valley system provides a natural riparian corridor linking Hamilton Harbour (HAMI-66) 357. Hamilton Naturalists' Club. 1995. Biological Inventory of and Van Wagner’s Ponds and Marshes (HAMI-61) study the Red Hill Valley. Prepared for Hamilton Region areas with the Niagara Escarpment. The Red Hill Creek Conservation Authority. Ancaster, Ontario.

Escarpment Valley study area is continuous with the Van 359. Wenghofer, C., B. Duncan and J. Struger. 1997. Red Hill Wagner’s Marsh study area broken only by a railway Creek, Hamilton, Ontario: Water and Sediment Quality, and crossing. In addition to being used for local movement by Effects on Fish and Fish Habitat, September 1995 - resident wildlife, the Red Hill Creek riparian corridor is December, 1996. Hamilton Region Conservation Authority. Ancaster, Ontario. used by migrating songbirds as a route inshore from the urbanized Lake Ontario shoreline to the natural areas of 393. Dobos, R. 1999. Summary of Records of Regionally the Niagara Escarpment 459 . Significant Breeding Birds in Hamilton-Wentworth from Wood Duck , 1992 – 1999. This study area is not directly linked to the parallel Stoney 398. Konze, K. 1999. Memorandum re. Southern Flying Creek Ravine study area (HAMI-62), located 2.5 km east. Squirrels in Red Hill Valley, Hamilton, ON. Dougan and Above the escarpment, some tenuous linkages such as Associates. Guelph, Ontario. hedgerows and ditches are present in the remaining agricultural lands, but no such linkages have been 400. Fox, W. 1967. A Hillside Midden, King's Forest Park Site. 459 Ontario Archaeology No. 10. integrated into the developed areas . 436. Ursic, K. and K. Konze. 2000. Memorandum re. Due to its size and strategic position at the intersection of Significant Species Sightings, Red Hill Valley. Dougan and two natural corridors, the Red Hill Creek Escarpment Associates. Guelph, Ontario. Valley area serves an important ecological function. The 453. Bednarczuk, E. 2000. Red Hill Creek Valley Southern setting of this natural area within a large urban greenspace Flying Squirrel Population Study 2000. Dougan and 459 is also an important consideration . Associates. Guelph, Ontario.

RECOMMENDATIONS 459. Heagy, A. 1993. Hamilton-Wentworth Natural Areas Inventory (NAI):Vol I & II. Hamilton Naturalists’ Club. 1. The area should be protected from development or Hamilton, Ontario. other impacts. 2. The continuity of the existing ribbons of natural 460. Lee, H.T., W.D. Bakowsky, J. Riley, J. Bowles, M. vegetation along the Red Hill Creek corridor and the Puddister, P. Uhlig, and S. McMurray. 1998. Ecological Land Classification for Southern Ontario: First Niagara Escarpment corridor should be maintained, Approximation and Its Application. Ontario Ministry of particularly the nodal area at the corridor intersection. Natural Resources, Southcentral Science Section, Science 3. The natural area should be enhanced by naturalizing Development and Transfer Branch. SCCSS Field Guide FG- manicured greenspace and maintained stream channels, 02.

and by improving water quality and regulating 479. A. Goodban. 2002. Hamilton Flora Miscellaneous Records. stormwater runoff should be assessed. Hamilton Naturalists’ Club. Hamilton, Ontario. 4. Future studies should include the monitoring of significant species populations and communities. 500. Ontario Rare Breeding Bird Program (ORBBP). 1989-1991. Unpublished database. Federation of Ontario Naturalists and Long Point Bird Observatory. LITERATURE CITED 56. Ecologistics Ltd. 1976. Hamilton-Wentworth Region 996. Hamilton Study Area: Noteworthy Plant Records. 1988- Environmentally Sensitive Areas Study. Hamilton Region, 1992. Unpublished Database comprised of plant records Grand River, Halton Region, and Niagara Peninsula published in Wood Duck . Hamilton Naturalists’ Club. Conservation Authorities. Hamilton, Ontario.

57. Wormington, A. 1976. Hamilton Region ESA Field Studies 998. Hamilton Study Area: Butterfly Records. 1988-1992. Report on Area No. 25 - Red Hill Creek. Hamilton Region Unpublished database. Hamilton Naturalists’ Club. Conservation Authority. Ancaster, Ontario. Hamilton, Ontario.

95. Cadman, M., P. F. Eagles and F. M. Helleiner. 1987. Atlas 999. Hamilton Herpetofaunal Atlas (HHA). 1983-1992. of the Breeding Birds of Ontario. Federation of Ontario Unpublished database. Hamilton Naturalists’ Club. Naturalists and Long Point Observatory, University of Hamilton, Ontario. Waterloo Press, Waterloo, Ontario.

1000. Hamilton-Wentworth Natural Areas Inventory (NAI). 1991. 134. Holmes, J. 1986. Rehabilitation of the Fishery in the Unpublished database. Hamilton Naturalists’ Club. Hamilton Harbour-Cootes Paradise Ecosystem. Master of Hamilton, Ontario. Science Thesis, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario. 1001. Nature Counts. 2001-2002. Unpublished database. Hamilton 291. C. Portt and Associates. 1992. Fisheries Assessment for Naturalists’ Club. Hamilton, Ontario. Drainage Works Proposed in the Red Hill Creek Watershed. Phase 1: Inventory and Overview of Concerns.

8 AREA CODE Site Summary AREA NAME HAMI-69 Red Hill Creek Escarpment Valley

SITE VISITS Date Duration Purpose Observers 30-May-1991 6.0 h Flora/Birds A. Wormington, B. Lamond 31-May-1991 5.0 h Flora/Birds A. Wormington, B. Lamond 19-June-1991 Birds A. Wormington, B. Lamond 27-June-1991 2.0 h Birds/ A. Wormington, Butterflies G. Tako 02-Oct-1991 3.0 h Flora B. Lamond 01-Oct-1991 6.0 h Flora B. Lamond Aug-1991 Small mammal trapping; 33 traps x 2 nights. 27-April-2001 1.3 h Fauna B. Curry 14-May-2002 1.0 h ELC A. Garofalo, L. Bertoni 15-May-2002 5.0 h ELC A. Garofalo, L. Bertoni 16-May-2002 5.0 h ELC A. Garofalo, L. Bertoni 21-May-2002 3.0 h ELC B. Bullough, A. Garofalo, M. Ogilvie 22-May-2002 3.0 h ELC B. Bullough, A. Garofalo, L. Bertoni, M. Ogilvie 23-May-2002 5.0 h ELC B. Bullough, A. Garofalo, T. Lanthier, M. Ogilvie 05-June-2001 Flora A. Goodban 18-June-2002 1.25 h Fauna B. Curry 10-July-2002 1.0 h Fauna B. Curry 04-Sept-2002 2.0 h ELC A. Garofalo, M. Ogilvie

9 AREA CODE Site Summary AREA NAME HAMI-69 Red Hill Creek Escarpment Valley

Map 63. Red Hill Creek Escarpment Valley (HAMI-69) ELC mapping.

10

City of Hamilton, Light Rail Transit Proposed B-Line Route Study Area Photographs

Photo 1

Photograph of manicured trees surrounding cathedral on the northeast side of King Street Highway 403 junction, looking north.

January 12, 2009.

Photo 2

Photograph of Siberian elm hedgerow on shoulder of exit ramp on northeast side of King Street Highway 403 junction, looking west.

January 12, 2009. City of Hamilton, Light Rail Transit Proposed B-Line Route Study Area Photographs

Photo 3

Photograph of Fresh- Moist Exotic Lowland Deciduous Forest between off ramps and Highway 403 north of King Street Highway 403 junction, looking north.

January 12, 2009

Photo 4

Photograph of Fresh- Moist Manitoba Maple Lowland Deciduous Forest surrounding Chedoke Creek on the northwest side of King Street Highway 403 junction, looking north.

January 12, 2009.

City of Hamilton, Light Rail Transit Proposed B-Line Route Study Area Photographs

Photo 5

Photograph of Cultural Oldfield Meadow surrounding Highway 403 south of King Street Highway 403 junction, looking southeast.

January 12, 2009.

Photo 6

Photograph of Fresh- Moist Black Walnut Lowland Deciduous Forest on northeast side of Queenston Road (Main Street corridor) Redhill Valley Parkway junction, looking northeast.

January 12, 2009.

City of Hamilton, Light Rail Transit Proposed B-Line Route Study Area Photographs

Photo 7

Photograph of Cultural Oldfield Meadow surrounding pond on northeast side of Queenston Road (Main Street corridor) Redhill Valley Parkway junction, looking north.

January 12, 2009.

Photo 8

Photograph of Cultural Oldfield Meadow near Redhill Creek on northwest side of Queenston Road (Main Street corridor) Redhill Valley Parkway junction, looking northeast.

January 12, 2009.

City of Hamilton, Light Rail Transit Proposed B-Line Route Study Area Photographs

Photo 9

Photograph of hedgerow on northwest side of Queenston Road (Main Street corridor) Redhill Valley Parkway junction, looking north.

January 12, 2009.

Photo 10

Photograph of Fresh- Moist Sugar Maple Hardwood Deciduous Forest on southwest side of Queenston Road (Main Street corridor) Redhill Valley Parkway junction, looking south.

January 12, 2009.

City of Hamilton, Light Rail Transit Proposed B-Line Route Study Area Photographs

Photo 11

Photograph of Cultural Oldfield Meadow surrounding Redhill Creek on southwest side of Queenston Road (Main Street corridor) Redhill Valley Parkway junction, looking south.

January 12, 2009.

Photo 12

Photograph of Cultural Oldfield Meadow on southeast side of Queenston Road (Main Street corridor) Redhill Valley Parkway junction, looking south.

January 12, 2009.

City of Hamilton, Light Rail Transit Proposed B-Line Route Study Area Photographs

Photo 13

Photograph of Fresh- Moist Willow Lowland Deciduous Forest on southeast side of Queenston Road (Main Street corridor) Redhill Valley Parkway junction, looking south.

January 12, 2009.

Photo 14

Photograph of Fresh- Moist Manitoba Maple Lowland Deciduous Forest on north side of Osler Drive (Main Street corridor) at Coldwater Creek, looking east.

January 30 2009 City of Hamilton, Light Rail Transit Proposed B-Line Route Study Area Photographs

Photo 15

Photograph of mowed grass area on north side of Osler Drive (Main Street corridor) at Coldwater Creek, looking east.

January 30, 2009

Photo 16

Photograph of Fresh- Moist Sugar Maple Hardwood Deciduous Forest on south side of Osler Drive (Main Street corridor) at Coldwater Creek, looking south.

January 30, 2009

City of Hamilton, Light Rail Transit Proposed B-Line Route Study Area Photographs

Photo 17

Photograph of Cultural Oldfield Meadow on south side of Osler Drive (Main Street corridor) at Coldwater Creek, looking west.

January 30, 2009

Photo 18

Photograph of Fresh- Moist Manitoba Maple Lowland Deciduous Forest on south side of Osler Drive (Main Street corridor) at Coldwater Creek, looking south west.

January 30 2009

Table D.1. Plant list for Hamilton LRT proposed B-Line Study Area, January 12 2009 site visit.

Coefficient Coefficient Scientific Name Common Names Conservation Wetness SRank Introduced Acer negundo Manitoba Maple 0 -2 S5 Acer platanoides Norway Maple 0 5 SE5 I Acer rubrum Red Maple 4 0 S5 Acer saccharum ssp. saccharum Sugar Maple 4 3 S5 Aesculus hippocastanum Horse Chestnut 0 5 SE2 I Alliaria petiolata Garlic Mustard 0 0 SE5 I Amelanchier arborea Downy Serviceberry 5 3 S5 Arctium minus ssp. minus Common Burdock 0 5 SE5 I Aster lateriflorus var. lateriflorus One-sided Aster 3 -2 S5 Aster sp Aster Species Betula alleghaniensis Yellow birch 6 0 S5 Carpinus caroliniana Blue Beech 6 0 S5 Carya cordiformis Bitternut Hickory 6 0 S5 Catalpa speciosa Northern Catalpa 0 3 SE1 I Centaurea sp Knapweed Species Cichorium intybus Chicory 0 5 SE5 I Cirsium vulgare Bull Thistle 0 4 SE5 I Alternate-leaved Cornus alternifolia Dogwood 6 5 S5 Cornus foemina ssp. racemosa Grey Dogwood 2 -2 S5 Cornus stolonifera Red-osier Dogwood 2 -3 S5 Crataegus sp Hawthorn Species Dactylis glomerata Orchard Grass 0 3 SE5 I Daucus carota Wild Carrot 0 5 SE5 I Dipsacus fullonum ssp. sylvestris Common Teasel 0 5 SE5 I Fagus grandifolia American Beech 6 3 S5 Fraxinus americana White Ash 4 3 S5 Fraxinus pennsylvanica Red Ash 3 -3 S5 Gleditsia triacanthos Honey Locust 3 0 S2 Gymnocladus dioicus Kentucky Coffee-tree 6 5 S2 Juglans nigra Black Walnut 5 3 S4 Juniperus virginiana Eastern Red Cedar 4 3 S5 Lactuca serriola Prickly Lettuce 0 0 SE5 I Liriodendron tulipifera Tulip Tree 8 2 S4 Lonicera tatarica Tartarian Honeysuckle 0 3 SE5 I Malus pumila Common Apple 0 5 SE5 I Nyssa sylvatica Black Gum 9 -4 S3 Ostrya virginiana Hop Hornbeam 4 4 S5 Phalaris arundinacea Reed Canary Grass 0 -4 S5 Phragmites australis Common Reed 0 -4 S5 Picea glauca White Spruce 6 3 S5 Picea sp Spruce Species

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 1 Coefficient Coefficient Scientific Name Common Names Conservation Wetness SRank Introduced Pinus nigra Austrian Pine 0 -5 SE2 I Pinus resinosa Red Pine 8 3 S5 Pinus strobus Eastern White Pine 4 3 S5 Platanus occidentalis Sycamore 8 -3 S4 Polygonum cuspidatum Japanese knotweed 0 3 SE4 I Populus deltoides ssp. deltoides Eastern Cottonwood 4 -1 S5 Prunella vulgaris ssp. lanceolata Heal-all 5 5 S5 Prunus avium Sweet Cherry 0 5 SE4 I Prunus serotina Black Cherry 3 3 S5 Quercus alba White Oak 6 3 S5 Quercus macrocarpa Bur Oak 5 1 S5 Quercus rubra Red Oak 6 3 S5 Rhamnus cathartica Common Buckthorn 0 3 SE5 I Rhus typhina Staghorn Sumac 1 5 S5 Robinia pseudo-acacia Black Locust 0 4 SE5 I Rosa sp Rose Species Rubus occidentalis Black Raspberry 2 5 S5 Rumex crispus Curly Dock 0 -1 SE5 I Salix sp Willow Species Solidago sp Goldenrod Species Thuja occidentalis Eastern White Cedar 4 -3 S5 Tilia americana Basswood 4 3 S5 Tsuga canadensis Eastern hemlock 7 3 S5 Typha latifolia Broad-leaved cattail 3 -5 S5 Ulmus pumila Siberian Elm 0 5 SE3 I Verbascum thapsus Common Mullein 0 5 SE5 I Vitis riparia Riverbank Grape 0 -2 S5

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Table E.1 Species at risk and Hamilton-Wentworth Regional Conservation Priority Species with Breeding Evidence in the Study Area Atlas Squares Study Area Typical BCR 13 Breeding primary SARA3 or Family Scientific Name Common Name G Rank S Rank Priority Evidence: breeding ESA4 Species BBA habitat

PODICIPEDIDAE Podilymbus podiceps Pied-billed Grebe G5 S4B, SZN No Yes Yes Marsh ARDEIDAE Butorides virescens Green-backed Heron G5 S4B, SZN No Yes Yes Treed shrubby swamp Nycticorax nycticorax Black-crowned Night- G5 S3B, SZN No Yes Yes Islands heron Ixobrychus exilis Least Bittern G5 S3B, SZN THR3,4 Yes Yes Marsh ANATIDAE Aix sponsa Wood Duck G5 S5B, SZN No Yes Yes Marsh Anas rubripes American Black Duck G5 S5B, SZN No Yes Yes Marsh Anas discors Blue-winged Teal G5 S5B, SZN No Yes Yes Agricultural Anas strepera Gadwall G5 S4B, SZN No No Yes Lakes/ponds/rive rs RALLIDAE Fulica americana American Coot G5 S4B, SZN No Yes Yes Marsh Gallinula chloropus Common Moorhen G5 S4B, SZN No Yes Yes Marsh Porzana carolina Sora G5 S4B, SZN No Yes Yes Marsh Rallus limicola Virginia Rail G5 S4B, SZN No Yes Yes Marsh LARIDAE Sterna hirundo Common Tern G5 S4B, SZN No Yes Islands SCOLOPACIDAE Actitis macularia Spotted Sandpiper G5 S5B, SZN No No Yes Beaches Bartramia longicauda Upland Sandpiper G5 S4B, SZN No Yes Yes Agricultural Gallinago gallinago Wilson’s Snipe G5 S5B, SZN No No Yes Marsh Scolopax minor American Woodcock G5 S5B, SZN No Yes Yes Early successional ACCIPITRIDAE Accipiter cooperii Cooper’s Hawk G5 S4B, SZN No No Yes Deciduous woodlands Accipiter gentilis Northern Goshawk G5 S4 No Yes Yes Coniferous woodlands Accipiter striatus Sharp-shinned Hawk G5 S5B, SZN No No Yes Coniferous woodlands Buteo platypterus Broad-winged Hawk G5 S5B, SZN No No Yes Mixed woodlands PANDIONIDAE Pandion haliaetus Osprey G5 S4B, SZN No No Yes Marsh

1 Study Area Typical BCR 13 Breeding primary SARA3 or Family Scientific Name Common Name G Rank S Rank Priority Evidence: breeding ESA4 Species BBA habitat

CATHARTIDAE Cathartes aura Turkey Vulture G5 S4B, SZN No No Yes Cliffs FALCONIDAE Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon G4 S2S3B, ZN THR3, Yes Yes Barrens/cliffs ENG4 Falco sparverius American Kestrel G5 S5B, SZN No Yes Yes Agricultural PHASIANIDAE Bonasa umbellus Ruffed Grouse G5 S5 No No Yes Mixed woodlands CUCULIDAE Coccyzus Black-billed Cuckoo G5 S4B, SZN No Yes Yes Early erythropthalmus successional Coccyzus americanus Yellow-billed Cuckoo G5 S4B, SZN No No Yes Early successional STRIGIDAE Asio flammeus Short-eared Owl G5 S3S4B, SZN SC3,4 Yes Yes Prairie/Grassland s Asio otus Long-eared Owl G5 S4 No Yes Yes Coniferous woodlands TYTONIDAE Tyto alba Common Barn-owl G5 S1 ENG3,4 Yes Yes Prairie/Grassland s CAPRIMULGIDAE Chordeiles minor Common Nighthawk G5 S4B, SZN No Yes Yes Woodlands APODIDAE Chaetura pelagica Chimney Swift G5 S5B, SZN No Yes Yes Urban TROCHILIDAE Archilochus colubris Ruby-throated G5 S5B, SZN No No Yes Woodlands Hummingbird PICIDAE Dryocopus pileatus Pileated Woodpecker G5 S4S5 No No Yes Mixed woodlands Melanerpes carolinus Red-bellied G5 S4 No No Yes Deciduous Woodpecker woodlands Melanerpes Red-headed G5 S3B, SZN SC3,4 Yes Yes Woodlands erythrocephalus Woodpecker ALAUDINIDAE Eremophila alpestris Horned Lark G5 S5B, SZN No No Yes Agricultural CERTHIIDAE Certhia americana Brown Creeper G5 S5B, SZN No No Yes Mixed woodlands EMBERIZIDAE Ammodramus Grasshopper Sparrow G5 S4B, SZN No Yes Yes Prairies/Grasslan savannarum ds Melospiza georgiana Swamp Sparrow G5 S5B, SZN No No Yes Marsh

2 Study Area Typical BCR 13 Breeding primary SARA3 or Family Scientific Name Common Name G Rank S Rank Priority Evidence: breeding ESA4 Species BBA habitat

Passerculus Savannah Sparrow G5 S5B, SZN No Yes Yes Agricultural sandwichensis Pipilo Eastern Towhee G5 S4B, SZN No Yes Yes Open woodlands erythrophthalmus Pooecetes gramineus Vesper Sparrow G5 S4B, SZN No Yes Yes Agricultural Spizella pallida Clay-coloured Sparrow G5 S4B, SZN No No Yes Early successional Spizella pusilla Field Sparrow G5 S5B, SZN No Yes Yes Early successional Zonotrichia albicollis White-throated Sparrow G5 S5B, SZN No No Yes Early successional FRIGILLIDAE Carduelis tristis American Goldfinch G5 S5B, SZN No No Yes Early successional Carpodacus purpureus Purple Finch G5 S5B, SZN No No Yes Coniferous woodlands HIRUNDINIDAE Hirundo rustica Barn Swallow G5 S5B, SZN No No Yes Agricultural Petrochelidon Cliff Swallow G5 S5B, SZN No No Yes Urban pyrrhonota Progne subis Purple Martin G5 S4B, SZN No No Yes Lakes/ponds/rive rs Riparia riparia Bank Swallow G5 S5B, SZN No Yes Yes River banks/Sandy cliffs Stelgidopteryx Northern Rough- G5 S5B, SZN No No Yes Lakes/ponds/rive serripennis winged Swallow rs ICTERIDAE Dolichonyx oryzivorus Bobolink G5 S4B, SZN No Yes Yes Agricultural Icterus spurius Orchard Oriole G5 SZB, SZN No No Yes Open woodlands Sturnella magna Eastern Meadowlark G5 S5B, SZN No Yes Yes Agricultural Sturnella neglecta Western Meadowlark G5 S4B, SZN No No Yes Prairies/grasslan ds MIMIDAE Mimus polyglottos Northern Mockingbird G5 S4B, SZN No No Yes Early successional

3 Study Area Typical BCR 13 Breeding primary SARA3 or Family Scientific Name Common Name G Rank S Rank Priority Evidence: breeding ESA4 Species BBA habitat

Toxostoma rufum Brown Thrasher G5 S5B, SZN No Yes Yes Early successional PARIDAE Baeolophus bicolor Tufted Titmouse G5 S2S3 No No Yes Deciduous woodlands Poecile atricapillus Black-capped G5 S5 No No Yes Mixed Chickadee woodlands PARULIDAE Dendroica magnolia Magnolia Warbler G5 S5B, SZN No No Yes Mixed woodlands Dendroica Chestnut-sided Warbler G5 S5B, SZN No No Yes Early pensylvanica successional Dendroica pinus Pine Warbler G5 S5B, SZN No No Yes Coniferous woodlands Dendroica virens Black-throated Green G5 S5B, SZN No No Yes Coniferous Warbler woodlands Icteria virens Yellow-breasted Chat G5 S2S3B, SZN SC3,4 Yes Yes Early successional Mniotilta varia Black-and-white G5 S5B, SZN No No Yes Mixed Warbler woodlands Oporornis philadelphia Mourning Warbler G5 S5B, SZN No No Yes Open woodlands Protonotaria citrea Prothonotary Warbler G5 S1S2B, SZN END3,4 Yes Yes Treed swamp Seiurus aurocapillus Ovenbird G5 S5B, SZN No No Yes Deciduous woodlands Seiurus motacilla Louisiana Waterthrush G5 S3B, SZN SC3,4 Yes Yes Riparian woodlands Seiurus noveboracensis Northern Waterthrush G5 S5B, SZN No No Yes Treed /shrubby swamp Vermivora chrysoptera Golden-winged G4 S4B, SZN No Yes Yes Early Warbler successional Vermivora pinus Blue-winged Warbler G5 S4B, SZN No Yes Yes Early successional Setophaga ruticilla American Redstart G5 S5B, SZN No No Yes Deciduous woodlands

4 Study Area Typical BCR 13 Breeding primary SARA3 or Family Scientific Name Common Name G Rank S Rank Priority Evidence: breeding ESA4 Species BBA habitat

Wilsonia canadensis Canada Warbler G5 S5B, SZN No Yes Yes Deciduous woodlands Wilsonia citrina Hooded Warbler G5 S3B, SZN THR3,4 Yes Yes Deciduous woodlands SITTIDAE Sitta canadensis Red-breasted Nuthatch G5 S5B, SZN No No Yes Coniferous woodlands SYLVIIDAE Polioptila caerulea Blue-gray Gnatcatcher G5 S4B, SZN No No Yes Deciduous woodlands THRAUPIDAE Piranga olivacea Scarlet Tanager G5 S5B, SZN No No Yes Deciduous woodlands TROGLODYTIDAE Cistothorus palustris Marsh Wren G5 S5B, SZN No No Yes Marsh Cistothorus platensis Sedge Wren G5 S4B, SZN No Yes Yes Meadows Thryothorus Carolina Wren G5 S3S4 No No Yes Open woodlands ludovicianus Troglodytes troglodytes Winter Wren G5 S5B, SZN No No Yes Coniferous woodlands TURDIDAE Catharus fuscenscens Veery G5 S4B, SZN No No Yes Mixed woodlands Hylocichla mustelina Wood Thrush G5 S5B, SZN No Yes Yes Deciduous woodlands Sialia sialis Eastern Bluebird G5 S4S5B, SZN No No Yes Agricultural TYRANNIDAE Empidonax alnorum Alder Flycatcher G5 S5B, SZN No No Yes Treed/shrubby swamp Sayornis phoebe Eastern Phoebe G5 S5B, SZN No No Yes Woodlands Tyrannus tyrannus Eastern Kingbird G5 S5B, SZN No Yes Yes Early successional VIREONIDAE Vireo flavifrons Yellow-throated Vireo G5 S4B, SZN No No Yes Deciduous woodlands

5

Mammals

Mammals potentially occurring in the study area are taken from Dobbyn (1994). Table F.1 summarizes all mammal species along with their national, provincial and OMNR status.

Table F.1.

Mammals potentially occurring in the study area (Dobbyn 1994) or observed during fieldwork.

MNR Observed Provincial Status National Status Status during field Common Name Scientific Name (COSSARO) (COSEWIC) (SRank) work* Virginia Opossum Didelphis virginiana NAR NAR S4 Common Shrew (masked Sorex cinereus NAR NAR S5 shrew) Smoky shrew Sorex fumeus NAR NAR S5 Northern Short-tailed Blarina brevicauda NAR NAR S5 Shrew Star-nosed Mole Condylura cristata NAR NAR S5 Little Brown Bat Myotis lucifugus NAR NAR S5 Silver haired bat Lasionycteris NAR NAR S4 noctivagans Eastern Pipistrelle Pipistrellus subflavus NAR NAR S3? Big Brown Bat Eptesicus fuscus NAR NAR S5 Eastern Red Bat Lasiurus borealis NAR NAR S4 Hoary Bat Lasiurus cinereus NAR NAR S4 Eastern Cottontail Sylvilagus floridanus NAR NAR S5 * European Hare Lepus europaeus NAR NAR SE Eastern Chipmunk Tamias striatus NAR NAR S5 Woodchuck Marmota monax NAR NAR S5 Gray Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis NAR NAR S5 * Red Squirrel Tamiasciurus NAR NAR S5 hudsonicus Beaver Castor canadensis NAR NAR S5 White –footed Mouse Peromyscus leucopus NAR NAR S5 Meadow Vole Microtus NAR NAR S5 pennsylvanicus Muskrat Ondatra zibethicus NAR NAR S5 Norway Rat Rattus norvegicus NAR NAR SE Meadow Jumping Mouse Zapus hudsonius NAR NAR S5 Striped skunk Mephitis mephitis NAR NAR S5 Mink Mustela vison NAR NAR S5 Long-tailed weasel Mustela frenata NAR NAR S4 Coyote Canis latrans NAR NAR S5 Red Fox Vulpes vulpes NAR NAR S5 White-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus NAR NAR S5 Raccoon Procyon lotor NAR NAR S5 * To be determined

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 1 Herpetozoa

Herptile species potentially occurring in the study area are taken from Oldham and Weller (2000) and summarized in Table F.2, along with their national, provincial and OMNR status.

Table F.2:

Herpetozoa species potentially occurring in the study area (Oldham and Weller 2000) or observed during fieldwork.

Observed Provincial Status National Status MNR Status During Common Name Scientific Name (COSSARO) (COSEWIC) (SRANK) Fieldwork* Common Mudpuppy Necturus maculosus NAR NAR S4 Red-spotted Newt Notophthalmus NAR NAR S5 viridescens viridescens Blue Spotted Salamander Ambystoma laterale NAR NAR S4 Jefferson Salamander Ambystoma THR THR S2 jeffersonianum Jefferson/Blue-spotted Ambystoma NAR NAR S2 Salamander polyploids jeffersonianum-laterale polyploids Northern (Eastern) Redback Plethodon cinereus NAR NAR S5 Salamander Spotted Salamander Ambystoma maculatum NAR NAR S4 American Toad Bufo americanus NAR NAR S5 Spring Peeper Pseudacris crucifer NAR NAR S5 Western Chorus Frog Pseudacris triseriata NAR NAR S4 Gray Treefrog Hyla versicolor NAR NAR S5 Wood Frog Rana sylvatica NAR NAR S5 Northern Leopard Frog Rana pipiens NAR NAR S5 Pickerel Frog Rana palustris NAR NAR S4 Green Frog Rana clamitans NAR NAR S5 Bullfrog Rana catesbeiana NAR NAR S4 Common Snapping Turtle Chelydra serpentina NAR NAR S5 Common musk turtle Sternotherus odoratus THR THR S3 Midland Painted Turtle Chrysemys picta NAR NAR S5 marginata Map Turtle Graptemys geographica SC SC S3 Blanding’s Turtle Emydoidea blandingii THR THR S3 Eastern Spiny Softshell Apalone spinifera THR THR S3 spinifera Eastern Garter Snake Thamnophis sirtalis NAR NAR S5 sirtalis Northern Water Snake Nerodia sipedon sipedon NAR NAR S5 Brown Snake Storeria dekayi NAR NAR S5 Northern Ringneck Snake Diadophis punctatus NAR NAR S4 edwardsi Eastern Milksnake Lampropeltis triangulum SC SC S3

* To be determined

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