Long Point Region Conservation Authority Annual Report Conservation through Collaboration Contents MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR 4 GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORT 5 PROTECTING LIFE & PROPERTY 6 ENHANCING WATERSHED HEALTH 9 CONNECTING PEOPLE TO NATURE 15 FINANCING CONSERVATION 18 BOARD OF DIRECTORS 19 LPRCA TEAM 19

FRONTCOVER PHOTO: KEVIN BABBEY

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Long Point Region Conservation Authority is a community based environmental agency that protects, restores and manages the natural resources in the Long Point Region watershed. For more than six decades, the LPRCA has worked with all levels of government, local communities and landowners to increase natural areas coverage, improve water quality, protect people and property from flooding and erosion, as well as, provide educational programs and recreational facilities.

OUR VISION To build a healthy and resilient watershed.

OUR MISSION Providing services in partnership to protect, enhance and restore a healthy watershed.

OUR VALUES We are dedicated to conservation excellence by both building on existing partnerships, as well as, forging new relationships that benefit the watershed and its constituents. We are committed to open communication that is clear and respectful to all. We will work on creative and resourceful solutions based on the best information available, ever mindful of the boundaries in which we work. We will conduct ourselves in a responsive and dynamic manner that reflects the four cornerstones of the organization - accessibility, transparency, integrity and accountability.

3 Message from the Chair

I have always enjoyed my time with the Long Point marvel, but hopefully may serve as a catalyst to assist Region Conservation Authority, and as its Chair with further improvements at Backus Heritage Village. for the last three years, I would have to say one As well, 2014 continued to present its own set of of the accomplishments I am most proud of is the challenges. Despite inclement weather, LPRCA Park establishment of the 2014-2018 Strategic Plan. Operations were close to meeting their revenue It was an exercise that perhaps took longer than targets. Staff continued to do an outstanding we wished due in some part to the huge turnover job in ensuring Forestry Operations provide the in Board representation resulting from the 2010 environmental, social and economic benefits enjoyed municipal election – but the new Board and staff by this watershed’s 97,300 constituents. Politically, persevered to develop a blueprint that should ensure municipal leaders continue to push the Province a sound direction for the LPRCA over the next 4 on revisiting the funding formula for conservation years. Preparation of the Plan included a full-business authorities especially when it comes to assisting review of our operations, with most of the research, with the infrastructure needs of dams and other presentations and development of the strategy water control structures maintained by ’s 36 conducted in-house. This not only saved taxpayers’ conservation authorities. dollars, but also gave Board members and staff an even deeper vested interest in the final product. The I have appreciated the support of Board members – Strategy will be reviewed on an annual basis and past and present – during my three years as Chair, as well as, staff – all who continue to work hard to make “I wish to extend a I look forward to watching the progression of this our region one of the best to live in and raise a family. heartfelt thanks to The “living document” over the next term. I look forward to continuing to serve on LPRCA and There were a number of other highlights this past W. Garfield Weston anticipate a great 2015. Foundation for their year. Phase 1 of the Lakeshore Management Plan assistance in restoring (Elgin County) is nearing completion and will be to operational status an important tool to assisting municipalities and one of the region’s landowners with “smart” development. I wish to most important extend a heartfelt thanks to The W. Garfield Weston historical structures – Foundation for their assistance in restoring to ROGER GEYSENS the Backus Grist Mill.” operational status one of the region’s most important historical structures – the Backus Grist Mill. Their Chair kindness not only ensures future generations will continue to learn from and enjoy this engineering

4 LPRCA Annual Report General Manager’s Report

The lower reaches of the Long Point Region agreement to house CWS staffers until their new office Conservation Authority’s watershed proved to on the Long Point causeway has been completed. be a bee hive of activity in 2014. Working with The enhanced profile for Environment Canada in the neighbouring conservation authorities, as well as, watershed is a welcomed addition that hopefully will lower and upper tier municipal governments, the lead to more partnership opportunities to benefit local Elgin County Shoreline Management Plan reached constituents. the public consultation stage during the summer and The Bayham ALUS launched its demonstration farm is nearing the home stretch as far as completion. The at M and R Orchards on Highway 3 – a significant Plan is part of an on-going effort by local conservation accomplishment that should not only assist in authorities to find efficiencies through joint reducing erosion, improving water quality and partnerships. While Long Point Region, Catfish Creek, enhancing local habitat, but also promote eco-tourism Kettle Creek and Lower Thames Valley conservation and locally grown food products. In Tillsonburg, authorities already had various independently LPRCA staff is working with the Town to develop prepared shoreline plans dating from 1989, it was forest management plans for a number of municipally- recognized that said plans were dated and needed owned properties in order to improve forest health for to take into consideration current mapping policies, the betterment of the community. guidelines and technical information pertaining to shoreline hazards. The Plan was in response to a As always, my thanks to our partners for their assistance, LPRCA staff for their efforts to better the “The enhanced profile need brought forward by municipal partners who watershed – and our Board and out-going Chair for Environment sought out a Shoreline Management Plan for the coastal zone of that would provide a more Roger Geysens whose leadership the last three Canada in the consistent guide for municipal land use planning. years was instrumental in moving the 2014 -2018 watershed is a The Plan should also provide a more accurate Strategic Plan forward and who made sure LPRCA welcomed addition investigation into the dynamics of the entire extent was always responsive to the needs of the watershed that hopefully will lead of the shoreline rather than a sectional or watershed communities it serves. to more partnership view. Environment Canada was also brought in as opportunities to benefit a partner – contributing $40,000; it is hoped that local constituents.” the Management Plan can be expanded to include Norfolk and Haldimand counties. Backus Heritage Conservation Area’s Education Centre became the temporary home of Environment CLIFF EVANITSKI Canada’s Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) in 2014. General Manager/Secretary-Treasurer LPRCA and Environment Canada worked out an 5 Protecting Life & Property

Photo: Earl Hartlen 6 LPRCA Annual Report

2014 Planning & LPRCA works with watershed constituents and Regulatory Services our municipal partners to ensure environmental integrity and protect people and property from 202 flooding and erosion hazards. Ontario Regulation 178/06 Permits issued 113 Property Inquiries Regulation of construction activities in environmentally There is approximately 90 km of Lake Erie shoreline fulfilled sensitive areas such as wetlands, shorelines and in Elgin County of which 14 km is located within the waterways ensures that activities in these areas will not Long Point Region watershed. LPRCA continued to result in a risk to public safety or property damage. work with the other three conservation authorities in This preventative approach also ensures that natural Elgin County and the municipality to draft a shoreline Official Plan features of the watershed are protected. management plan. The Plan will examine hazards Document and protection along the shoreline and provide reviewed Growth and development in the Long Point Region recommendations for sustainable development of 1 watershed also resulted in planning staff being much shoreline ecosystems and land uses. LPRCA facilitated busier. The number of permits reviewed, planning public involvement in the Draft Elgin County Shoreline applications and general inquiries rose about Management Plan by hosting an open house. This 15 per cent from 385 in 2013 to 440 in 2014. collaborative plan when approved in 2015 will provide Technical assistance was provided to Norfolk County a more consistent guide for municipal land use 131 to help the municipality define a Hazard Land Zone planning along the shoreline. Municipal Planning for Long Point. A considerable amount of time was Reviews processed spent estimating slope stability and flood depths and surveying elevations related to natural hazards. 7 FLOOD FORECASTING & WARNING

The Conservation Authority, in cooperation with A Dam Safety Review was initiated for the dam at local municipalities and the provincial government, Vittoria Conservation Area. The purpose of the study plays a key role in reducing the risks to property is to complete a systematic review and evaluation damage and loss of life from hazards like flooding. of all aspects of the dam’s design, construction, LPRCA’s role is to inform member municipalities maintenance, operation, surveillance and any other of potential flooding in order to prevent the loss factors affecting the dam’s safety. of life and reduce property damage and social disruption. LPRCA uses a network of stream gauges, precipitation gauges, snow sampling sites and knowledge of the watershed to provide flood forecasting services to municipalities who are responsible for the safety of their residents. In 2014, only minor flooding was experienced in flood-prone areas, as spring weather conditions allowed the accumulated snowpack to melt slowly. Four warning messages, including vital Watershed Condition Statements, and a Flood Watch were issued during the year. In addition to riverine flooding, LPRCA will issue warnings for damage which may occur from high water and wave action along the Lake Erie shoreline. During the year, LPRCA worked on strategies to help guide future maintenance of its water control The key role of the LPRCA is to structures. Visual engineering inspection of six dams inform member municipalities of was undertaken with follow-up recommendations potential flooding in order to prevent for corrective actions noted. Detailed engineering the loss of life and reduce property design was completed at Lehman dam and necessary damage and social disruption. approvals obtained from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry under the Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act. Work to replace the sluice gate is scheduled for completion in March 2015. 8 Enhancing Watershed Health

9 LPRCA delivers local services and programs that protect and manage water and other natural resources. Programs such as reforestation, landscape restoration, stewardship incentive programs, landowner information services and species at risk support help us to make direct improvements to the health of the watershed. The Conservation Authority not only works to protect, conserve and restore natural habitats, it also helps 105,109 people understand, enjoy and look after the natural environment. Total number of trees planted in 2014 TREE PLANTING PROGRAM This year, 105,109 seedling trees were planted on private and public lands. Conservation authority crews planted 100,045 trees while 5,064 were planted by landowners. The LPRCA worked with the Township of South West 67 Oxford to plant 50 large stock trees along roadways Total number of through the Trees for Roads program. participating landowners Trees Ontario has a long-term agreement to plant 50 million trees province-wide by 2025. The 50 Million Program encourages the public to plant trees by offering subsidies that significantly reduce landowner 131.43 costs on large-scale tree planting. Locally, the Total amount of acres LPRCA planted more than 88,500 trees on 160 acres greened involving 18 projects in 2014. LPRCA organized 4 planting events geared to specific groups or volunteers, such as students, a local company and community organizations. LPRCA partnered with the ALUS program in Norfolk County and the Municipality of Bayham to provide support for their conservation programs.

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STEWARDSHIP & RESTORATION SERVICES

LPRCA works with landowners, local agricultural STEWARDSHIP ACTIONS IN 2014 and environmental organizations and all levels of A habitat restoration plan was prepared for the government to protect and improve water and soil 29-acre extension to Dereham Wetlands Conservation quality within the watershed. Area. Two wetland cells were created to increase water retention, wildlife habitat and biodiversity with plans to Through the Rural Water Quality Improvement Program plant trees and control invasive Common Reed. financial assistance is available to qualified landowners in the counties of Brant, Elgin, Haldimand and Oxford In an effort to share the responsibility for a healthy to share the cost of selected best management watershed, LPRCA provides funding support through practices. its Private Land Erosion Control Assistance Program. In 2014, this program helped two landowners; one in Norfolk County and another in the Municipality of Bayham implement projects to reduce soil erosion. LPRCA staff helped landowners take action with 19 projects that will help improve local water quality, reduce soil erosion, and increase natural areas cover. Grant programs provided funding in 2014 to help:

n build fences to keep livestock away from a creek in Haldimand County

n plant trees on a site in Brant County

n construct a wetland in Norfolk County to support species at risk

n control erosion and establish meadow habitat in Photo: ALUS Elgin County

n create 11 wetlands and sediment basins across the LPRCA’s Lands and Waters Supervisor Paul Gagnon (left) received watershed a Carolinian Canada Conservation Award. The award recognizes his By offering cost-sharing grants for the implementation efforts in promoting landscape restoration and building partnerships of these best management practices, LPRCA helps between landowners and conservation agencies. improve water quality both in-stream and downstream throughout the Long Point Region watershed.

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

Throughout the watershed, LPRCA staff collects standardized scientific data through established monitoring programs, including:

SURFACE WATER QUALITY GROUNDWATER QUANTITY AND QUALITY Collect samples at 9 strategic sites within the Assessed at 11 wells throughout the watershed. watershed. Fish populations are monitored by electro- SURFACE WATER QUANTITY shocking to determine if restoration efforts at Monitor changes in water levels of the watershed’s former dam locations have made a positive watercourses through the use of stream gauges difference relative to fish species. While several and base flow measurements. species were recorded, the highlight of the year was confirming the presence of coldwater species. AQUATIC HABITAT AND SPECIES Rainbow Trout at Rock’s Mill, with Brook Trout, Including collection and analysis of benthic Mottled Sculpin and a Brown Trout netted at macroinvertebrates and stream temperature. Sutton Conservation Area.

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The LPRCA also works closely with a variety of partners on mutually benefitting initiatives, including:

LAMPREY BARRIER INSPECTIONS As part of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Sea Lamprey Control Program, staff inspects and maintains weirs that restrict lamprey access on five watercourses. This partnership helps DFO run their program and provides LPRCA with valuable information on each watercourse.

LYNN RIVER AND WATER QUALITY MONITORING In partnership with Norfolk County, staff undertakes water quality sampling and measures stream flow in Big Creek and the to meet the County’s monitoring obligations to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change for both the Delhi and Simcoe wastewater treatment facilities.

NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT SAMPLING In partnership with the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, staff samples water quality on Venison Creek 12 times per year. Results from this initiative will give both agencies a better understanding of how nutrients move through the watershed and help to determine Best Management Practices for decreasing nutrient loading in area lakes and rivers.

PESTICIDE MONITORING Water samples are collected on Venison Creek during high runoff events in support of University of Guelph’s research to measure the level of pollutants entering creeks, streams and eventually Lake Erie.

13 PROTECTING DRINKING WATER AT THE SOURCE

LPRCA continued to work with three other Resubmission of the Proposed Plan along with a conservation authorities (Catfish Creek, Kettle revised Assessment Report is expected in mid 2015 Creek and Grand River) across the Lake Erie Source following further public consultation. Protection Region in 2014. The new municipal groundwater system in Richmond was approved for inclusion in the Long Point Region Source Water Protection work plan in 2014. By late in the year, draft wellhead protection areas had been modeled for the Richmond system. LPRCA conducted threat assessment reviews for municipal drinking water systems in Brant and Norfolk counties. The 345 significant threats originally identified for Norfolk County in the Assessment Report were reduced to 251 following verification. Results from the Tier 2 water budget study led to a Tier 3 water budget study for portions of Oxford and Norfolk in 2014. The study focused on specific sub- watersheds containing municipal water sources that 345 were also identified in the Tier 2 report as having Significant threats either a moderate or significant potential for water originally identified quantity stress. The Tillsonburg, Delhi, Waterford in Norfolk were and Simcoe water supplies were investigated this reduced to year. The Draft Long Point Region Source Protection Plan was submitted to the Province in December 2012 251 for its approval. Since then, several sections of the Plan were updated based on comments received in July 2014 from the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change. Staff also completed technical requirements to prepare the Updated Source 14 Protection Plan. Connecting People to Nature

15 The LPRCA owns about 4,450 hectares (11,000 acres) of land throughout the watershed. This network of conservation lands and forest tracts helps protect natural features within the watershed while making a range of recreational activities and outdoor spaces available for people to enjoy. These properties and their facilities help LPRCA achieve its goal of linking people to the environment through outdoor, education and cultural heritage experiences. Plans to shore up the foundation of the Backus Mill were developed in 2014 and, thanks to donated funds, will be completed by spring 2015. LPRCA is grateful for the commitment made to this project by The W. 1 Garfield Weston Foundation. New camper cabin that sleeps six was made available at Backus

TOURISM & RECREATION It was a very busy 2014 season at LPRCA’s five conservation areas. An estimated 250,000 visitors entered the parks to enjoy the great out-of-doors. 2 LPRCA parks - Backus Upgrades to improve accessibility at LPRCA’s Heritage & Deer Creek administration office were completed, while visitors - were among the Top to Deer Creek Conservation Area found new Ten Amazing Places accessible washroom facilities. in Norfolk County as named by the Long The entrance to Backus Heritage Conservation Area Point World Biosphere was reinvigorated by replacing the gatehouse and Reserve redesigning traffic flow.

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

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Leighton & Betty Brown Conservation Scholarships awarded 3,164 to graduating high school students parasitic wasps were 3 released in ash bolts in the McConkey Middleton Tract as part of a study being conducted by the Canadian Forestry < 40+ Service on the control FOREST MANAGEMENT adults learned about the ecology and science of of Emerald Ash Borer the threatened monarch butterfly in a workshop LPRCA’s forests are harvested in a sustainable host by LPRCA and the Monarch Teacher manner and are guided and monitored according Network, and took with them information on how to an approved Forest Management Plan. to enhance butterfly habitat on their property Sustainable forest management provides for long-term health of the watershed’s forests while providing social, economic and environmental 5 forest tracts were benefits. 4,200+ independently audited > students took part in programs offered at Backus Heritage Conservation Area to learn about by the Rain Forest EDUCATION & OUTREACH Alliance and nature and experience our pioneer heritage demonstrated LPRCA is committed to engaging the community compliance with FSC© in conservation issues through a variety of means (Forest Stewardship including publications, events and programs. Council) certification Conservation scholarships are an important way standards the LPRCA encourages conservation leaders of the 350+ future. students attended the inaugural Children’s Water LPRCA joined other community partners to present Festival in Haldimand County over two days and learned about the importance of water through a the first Haldimand Children’s Water Festival series of hands-on activity stations following the model from successful events in 237 Brant and Oxford counties. acres within 6 forests were marked, tendered and sold for harvest 17 Financing Conservation 2014

REVENUE EXPENDITURES Municipal Levy - Operating $1,076,330 28% Watershed Management $681,931 17% Municipal Levy - Capital $130,200 3% Community Relations $137,385 4% Provincial Funding $68,240 2% Backus Heritage CA $579,362 15% Fees $2,031,124 53% Conservation Land Management - Other $511,906 13% Forestry Sales $514,942 14% Conservation Land Management - Forestry $402,577 10% Total $3,820,836 100% Conservation Land Management - Parks $665,151 17% Corporate Services $960,114 24% Total $3,938,426 100% SHARE OF OPERATING LEVY Haldimand County $156,682 15% Norfolk County $569,812 53% USE OF OPERATING LEVY Oxford County $230,398 21% Corporate Services $303,460 28% Brant County $63,662 6% Watershed Management Services $433,553 40% Municipality of Bayham $48,122 4% Community Relations $141,819 13% Malahide Township $7,654 1% Backus Heritage CA $62,581 6% Total $1,076,330 100% Conservation Land Management - Other $134,917 13% Total $1,076,330 100%

18 2014 Board of Directors LPRCA Staff

CHAIR CLIFF EVANITSKI, General Manager/Secretary-Treasurer ROGER GEYSENS, Norfolk County JUDY MAXWELL, Manager Corporate Services DAVID HOLMES, Field Superintendent VICE CHAIR HEATHER SURETTE, Manager Watershed Services (until July) ED KETCHABAW, Municipality of Bayham & Township of Malahide LORRIE MINSHALL, Interim Manager Watershed Services JANICE ROBERTSON, Supervisor of Community Relations DIRECTORS LEROY BARTLETT, Haldimand County BONNIE BRAVENER, Resource Technician DAVE BERES, Town of Tillsonburg KIM BROWN, Marsh Manager ROBERT CHAMBERS, County of Brant & Township of Norwich JERRY DEBACKERE, Forestry Technician BETTY CHANYI, Norfolk County ROBIN DECLOET, Heritage Programmer/Curator MIKE COLUMBUS, Norfolk County NICK DESERRANNO, Backus Heritage CA Supervisor (until August) CRAIG GRICE, Haldimand County PAUL GAGNON, Lands & Waters Supervisor RON SACKRIDER, Township of South West Oxford BEN HODI, Water Resources Analyst DENNIS TRAVALE, Norfolk County MEAGHAN INGLEBY, Community Relations Assistant (until July) CRAIG JACQUES, Source Water Protection Technician LEE BROWN MARSH MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE CAROLYN JONES, Accounting & Administration Supervisor TOM HASKETT, Chair EJAY LAI, GIS Technician/IT Specialist TREVOR BROWN BOB MATTHEWS, Carpenter LARRY CHANDA KYLE MAUTHE, Lands & Waters Technician/Bayham ALUS Coordinator ROGER GEYSENS DANA MCLACHLAN, Administrative Assistant BARRY SMITH JUSTIN MILLER, Resource Planning Assistant DAVE REIMER, Healthy Watershed Technician BACKUS MUSEUM COMMITTEE FRANK SCHRAM, Workshop Supervisor BETTY CHANYI FIONA STREET, Outdoor Educator MIKE COLUMBUS DEBBIE THAIN, Forestry Technician ROGER GEYSENS GINNY VANLOUWE, Accounting Clerk RON SACKRIDER SARAH WADE, Community Relations Assistant (September - December) JULIE STONE PAM WALTHER-MABEE, Backus Heritage CA Supervisor (from September) MADALINE WILSON JENNIFER WILSON, Healthy Watersheds Specialist

19 Member of the Conservation Ontario Network

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