Long Point Region Conservation Authority

Member of the Conservation Ontario Network 2018 LONG POINT REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

ANNUAL REPORT

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

@longpointca

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@lpr_ca ANNUAL REPORT LONG POINT REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY 3

The 2018 year was a year of change that presented many challenges for the internal operations of the Authority. Staff and Board members together can be proud that MESSAGE FROM despite the uncertainty at times there were many great accomplishments in 2018. CONTENTS Staffing was one area of focus as there were key vacancies in 2018. The senior THE CHAIR & management team of four has been staffed with two new employees and other staff positions were filled due to staff turnover. Reflecting back, it is amazing the support 3 GENERAL that the employee team gave to keeping the operation running smoothly. It is key to Message from The Chair & General Manager ensure organizational health and resilience to carry us into the next four years. The MANAGER former Board from 2014 to 2018 focused the Authority to be financially strong and challenged staff to strive to deliver excellent service. 5 Protecting Life & Property The Board of Directors adopted a new Administrative By-Law in September 2018 as a requirement of the new Conservation Authorities Act. The Conservation Authorities Act, as amended by the Building Better Communities and Conserving 9 Watersheds Act, 2017, required conservation authorities to replace current by- enhancing watershed health laws by December 2018. The new by-laws are designed to ensure compliance MICHAEL COLUMBU Chair, LPRCA with the requirements of Section 19.1 of the amended Act. The goal was to make 15 improvements in the areas of accountability, transparency and have consistency Connecting people to nature amongst the conservation authorities. The work of the Board Committee’s need to be commended as the groundwork 21 they complete is very valuable. The Backus Museum Committee along with staff Financial Highlights continued the focus in 2018 on the Strategic Plan and implemented policies for the Backhouse Historic Site with the goal to enhance visitor and student experiences. 22 JUDY MAXWELL General Manager The Lee Brown Marsh Management Committee initiated the revitalization project of Board of Directors the waterfowl gallery at the Backus Education Center.

22 LPRCA Team ANNUAL REPORT LONG POINT REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY 3

22 LPRCA Team ANNUAL REPORT LONG POINT REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY 5

WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD IN 2019, BUILDING “ON THE STRENGTH AND CAPACITY OF OUR OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE TEAM AND DEDICATED BOARD MEMBERS.”

A very generous donation of 38 acres of was experienced as a result of high Lake unique and ecologically important forest Erie water levels and rain storm events in the was received from Mr. Joseph Blommaert in watershed. The damage caused by flooding December 2018. A dedication event will occur and shoreline erosion has a significant impact in the spring. on public and private property. The municipal election in the fall resulted in 6 We are looking forward in 2019, building on PROTECTING new directors on the LPRCA Board for 2019. the strength and capacity of our outstanding The Strategic Plan update will be a project employee team and dedicated Board in 2019 that staff and directors will partner members. on. As in 2018 opportunities to advocate Thank you to the Board of Directors past and at Queens Park to share the concerns and LIFE AND present, volunteers and staff for continued need for increased provincial funding will dedication and passion towards conservation continue in 2019. There are many challenges for the customers and residents of the Long and one being the level of funding for the Point Watershed. key mandated roles. During 2018, flooding PROPERTY ANNUAL REPORT LONG POINT REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY 5

WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD IN 2019, BUILDING “ON THE STRENGTH AND CAPACITY OF OUR OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE TEAM AND DEDICATED BOARD MEMBERS.”

A very generous donation of 38 acres of was experienced as a result of high Lake unique and ecologically important forest Erie water levels and rain storm events in the was received from Mr. Joseph Blommaert in watershed. The damage caused by flooding December 2018. A dedication event will occur and shoreline erosion has a significant impact in the spring. on public and private property. The municipal election in the fall resulted in 6 We are looking forward in 2019, building on PROTECTING new directors on the LPRCA Board for 2019. the strength and capacity of our outstanding The Strategic Plan update will be a project employee team and dedicated Board in 2019 that staff and directors will partner members. on. As in 2018 opportunities to advocate Thank you to the Board of Directors past and at Queens Park to share the concerns and LIFE AND present, volunteers and staff for continued need for increased provincial funding will dedication and passion towards conservation continue in 2019. There are many challenges for the customers and residents of the Long and one being the level of funding for the Point Watershed. key mandated roles. During 2018, flooding PROPERTY 6 LPRCA 2018 ANNUAL REPORT LONG POINT REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY 7

In total, the LPRCA issued twenty-one formal flood related messages in 2018.

Planning & Regulations Flood Forecasting & Low Water Response

The Long Point Region Conservation In 2017, the LPRCA planning department n Staff met with several consulting engineers Long Point Region Conservation Authority above average and were the highest since The Water and Erosion Control Infrastructure Authority planning and regulation services launched a Customer Service Plan for the that have clients in the watershed to discuss continually monitors weather conditions, 1986. High lake levels combined with a (WECI) program, administered by the Ministry are essential to the prevention of loss of life Planning and Regulations Program to improve policies and standards for development stream gauges, weather stations, and number of strong southwesterly wind events of Natural Resources and Forestry, provided and property damage due to flooding and the permit application process. For 2018 the within flood and erosion hazard areas snowpack measurements to determine the caused minor flooding along the shoreline funding to undertake repairs and technical erosion. Under the Conservation Authorities continuation of this plan was implemented: with the objective of improving their potential for flooding. This is mandated by throughout the year. A particularly strong studies at a number of dams in the Long Act, it is the responsibility of the LPRCA understanding of requirements for permit n The website was updated to provide access the Government of Ontario to reduce the risk event occurred in April 2018 resulting in a Point Region Watershed. Funded projects to regulate development in and around applications and supporting documents. to the LPRCA Policies for the Administration to life and damage to property from flood flood watch being issued by the LPRCA. In included a Dam Safety Review and Condition floodplains, wetlands, watercourses and along of the Development, Interference with hazards. total, the LPRCA issued twenty-one formal Assessment of Hay Creek Dam, engineering the Lake Erie shoreline. In 2018 the planning flood related messages in 2018. This was design to rehabilitate the Teeterville Dam, Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and In February 2018 a significant snowmelt staff reviewed 240 permit applications, a seven more than the previous year. the design for increased flow capacity Watercourses Regulation as well as links to and rain event occurred throughout the number higher than average but less than and rehabilitation of Backus Mill Dam and supporting documents. watershed with extensive flooding in Vienna Overall precipitation throughout the year was were received in 2017. Under the Planning the replacement of fencing at Hay Creek, n and Port Burwell, Ontario. This kept staff above average and helped ensure sufficient Act, we worked with municipalities to review A contract staff member was added in Norwich and Deer Creek dams. busy monitoring forecasts and liaising with base flow during the dry periods of the and provide technical advice on 175 planning the department to improve call-back and various government partners. Lake Erie summer. There were no Low Water Response applications, a sum consistent with the permit turnaround times. average monthly water levels were well declarations issued for 2018. previous year. 6 LPRCA 2018 ANNUAL REPORT LONG POINT REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY 7

In total, the LPRCA issued twenty-one formal flood related messages in 2018.

Planning & Regulations Flood Forecasting & Low Water Response

The Long Point Region Conservation In 2017, the LPRCA planning department n Staff met with several consulting engineers Long Point Region Conservation Authority above average and were the highest since The Water and Erosion Control Infrastructure Authority planning and regulation services launched a Customer Service Plan for the that have clients in the watershed to discuss continually monitors weather conditions, 1986. High lake levels combined with a (WECI) program, administered by the Ministry are essential to the prevention of loss of life Planning and Regulations Program to improve policies and standards for development stream gauges, weather stations, and number of strong southwesterly wind events of Natural Resources and Forestry, provided and property damage due to flooding and the permit application process. For 2018 the within flood and erosion hazard areas snowpack measurements to determine the caused minor flooding along the shoreline funding to undertake repairs and technical erosion. Under the Conservation Authorities continuation of this plan was implemented: with the objective of improving their potential for flooding. This is mandated by throughout the year. A particularly strong studies at a number of dams in the Long Act, it is the responsibility of the LPRCA understanding of requirements for permit n The website was updated to provide access the Government of Ontario to reduce the risk event occurred in April 2018 resulting in a Point Region Watershed. Funded projects to regulate development in and around applications and supporting documents. to the LPRCA Policies for the Administration to life and damage to property from flood flood watch being issued by the LPRCA. In included a Dam Safety Review and Condition floodplains, wetlands, watercourses and along of the Development, Interference with hazards. total, the LPRCA issued twenty-one formal Assessment of Hay Creek Dam, engineering the Lake Erie shoreline. In 2018 the planning flood related messages in 2018. This was design to rehabilitate the Teeterville Dam, Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and In February 2018 a significant snowmelt staff reviewed 240 permit applications, a seven more than the previous year. the design for increased flow capacity Watercourses Regulation as well as links to and rain event occurred throughout the number higher than average but less than and rehabilitation of Backus Mill Dam and supporting documents. watershed with extensive flooding in Vienna Overall precipitation throughout the year was were received in 2017. Under the Planning the replacement of fencing at Hay Creek, n and Port Burwell, Ontario. This kept staff above average and helped ensure sufficient Act, we worked with municipalities to review A contract staff member was added in Norwich and Deer Creek dams. busy monitoring forecasts and liaising with base flow during the dry periods of the and provide technical advice on 175 planning the department to improve call-back and various government partners. Lake Erie summer. There were no Low Water Response applications, a sum consistent with the permit turnaround times. average monthly water levels were well declarations issued for 2018. previous year. 8 LPRCA 2018 ANNUAL REPORT LONG POINT REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY 9

Flood Forecasting and Warning System Improvement Project

In July 2018, LPRCA launched a 2-year project to update and improve its Flood Forecasting and Warning System with funding assistance from the National Disaster Mitigation Program.

Accomplished in 2018:

Rainfall and streamflow data collection has been automated. To do this, LPRCA joined the Western Ontario WISKI hub and implemented WISKI-SODA software to automatically collect and manage the data that LPRCA relies on to forecast and provide flood warning messages to municipal emergency responders and property owners.

Two new rain gauges are ready to be installed in Simcoe and Jarvis to fill the gaps in the rain gauge network.

Several water level gauges were added to the existing stream flow gauge network across the ENHANCING watershed to improve our understanding about how the streams respond to storms.

LPRCA’s GAWSER hydrology model that is used to forecast floods (and also to prepare floodplain mapping) was updated. WATERSHED

The weather and water level thresholds for issuing flood watch and warning message were reviewed and the project will continue into 2019. HEALTH 8 LPRCA 2018 ANNUAL REPORT LONG POINT REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY 9

Flood Forecasting and Warning System Improvement Project

In July 2018, LPRCA launched a 2-year project to update and improve its Flood Forecasting and Warning System with funding assistance from the National Disaster Mitigation Program.

Accomplished in 2018:

Two new rain gauges are ready to be installed in Simcoe and Jarvis to fill the gaps in the rain gauge network.

Several water level gauges were added to the existing stream flow gauge network across the ENHANCING watershed to improve our understanding about how the streams respond to storms.

LPRCA’s GAWSER hydrology model that is used to forecast floods (and also to prepare floodplain mapping) was updated. WATERSHED

The weather and water level thresholds for issuing flood watch and warning message were reviewed and the project will continue into 2019. HEALTH 10 LPRCA 2018 ANNUAL REPORT LONG POINT REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY 11

Tree Planting

At LPRCA we recognize how fundamental trees are to the health of our watershed. They IN 2018 STAFF PARTICIPATED IN A PHRAGMITES improve water quality, create habitat for wildlife, clean the air we breathe and so much more. “AUSTRALIS CONTROL COMMITTEE, FOCUSED ON This year Long Point Region Conservation Authority planted 60,000 trees in many communities CONTROLLING PHRAGMITES IN THE BIG CREEK throughout the watershed. The LPRCA coordinated planting sites and completed funding applications with the following programs: WATERSHED AND DOWNSTREAM MARSHES.” n 40,850 trees planted on 18 sites located n 14,462 seedling sales under the LPRCA’s in Norfolk, Haldimand, Elgin and Oxford Private Land Tree Planting Program. counties with the 50 Million Trees Program, n 238 trees planted with the Trees for Roads a provincially funded program through Program in the Municipality of Bayham and Forests Ontario. Township of South-West Oxford. n 4,450 trees planted on 9 sites with support Stewardship from The Ontario Power Generation (OPG)/ Forest Corridor Project. To ensure a healthy environment for enhance and create wetlands. In total, 14 generations to come, the LPRCA Healthy wetlands were created in partnership with Watershed Program provides services to help Environment Canada’s Habitat Stewardship maintain and restore natural spaces. Projects in Program (including the Essex-Erie program), 2018 included cover crops, wetland creation, OPG Wetlands, Elgin Clean Water Program, erosion control, prairie, and riparian habitat Haldimand Clean Water Program, Tri-County creation. Clean Water Program, National Wetland Conservation Fund (ECCC), COA Funding The LPRCA continued in its collaboration with (MNRF), Ducks Unlimited Canada, and ALUS – municipalities and local conservation authorities Elgin & Norfolk. in rural water quality programs. A total of eight projects were completed with funding from In 2018 staff participated in a Phragmites Elgin Clean Water Program, Haldimand Rural australis control committee, focused on Quality Program, Brant Rural Water Quality controlling Phragmites in the Big Creek Program, and the Tri-County Clean Water watershed and downstream marshes. Funding Program. went towards controlling 11 Phragmites areas in our watershed. There continued to be considerable interest from rural landowners for projects to 12 LPRCA 2018 ANNUAL REPORT LONG POINT REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY 13 ALUS Elgin has created, ALUS enhanced, Water Quality Monitoring The Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) The Long Point Region Conservation program, as well as sampling of groundwater Elgin program is hosted by the LPRCA and has conserved and Authority works with a variety of provincial quality from three well locations. grown from ALUS Bayham in 2012, to ALUS and municipal partners to monitor the water The collection of benthic samples took Elgin to cover the whole county. The program quality of the watershed. Samples from surface place in both spring and fall in 2018, as the focuses on the working landscape where managed over water, groundwater and aquatic ecosystems LPRCA transitions to a fall sampling period important opportunities for conservation are taken to help monitor and manage our for future years. Twenty sites were visited for action exist. Farmers of Elgin County are water resources. Participation continued the sampling of these aquatic bugs. Another encouraged to use their skills and intimate 375 acres of in the Provincial Water Quality Monitoring continuing program involved the monitoring knowledge of the land to return marginal Network (PWQMN), Provincial Groundwater of stream temperature across the LPRCA. Data or ecologically significant areas into natural on-the-ground Monitoring Network (PGMN) and the Ontario was collected from twenty-eight temperature ecosystems. Working in collaboration with Benthos Biomonitoring Network (OBBN), all in loggers that were placed in various farmers and local conservation partners ALUS partnership with the Ministry of Environment, watercourses. Elgin has created, enhanced, conserved conservation Conservation and Parks (MECP). and managed over 375 acres of on-the- A partnership with the LPRCA, the Norfolk Surface water samples were collected from ground conservation projects since 2012. County Drainage Department and Ministry of projects since nine sites for the PWQMN program. A Projects such as wetlands, tall grass prairie, Natural Resources and Forestry focused on the partnership with Norfolk County had staff reforestation, and wild pollinator habitat re-classification of municipal drains and the sampling water quality in both the Lynn River provide ecosystem services (water and air 2012. implementation of a Brook Trout restoration and Big Creek in order to meet the County’s filtration, erosion control, flood control, wildlife project. In total, 22 stations were electro fished monitoring obligations. Water samples to habitat) to the greater population of Elgin on watercourses to gather fisheries data to measure pesticide levels were taken from County and surrounding areas. Our goal in support both projects. Venison Creek for a project in partnership the next coming years is to build our capacity with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, and enrollment through the establishment Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and the of demonstration farms and participant MECP. Groundwater levels were continuously ambassadors for the ALUS Elgin program. monitored at eleven locations for the PGMN 12 LPRCA 2018 ANNUAL REPORT LONG POINT REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY 13 ALUS Elgin has created, ALUS enhanced, Water Quality Monitoring The Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) The Long Point Region Conservation program, as well as sampling of groundwater Elgin program is hosted by the LPRCA and has conserved and Authority works with a variety of provincial quality from three well locations. grown from ALUS Bayham in 2012, to ALUS and municipal partners to monitor the water The collection of benthic samples took Elgin to cover the whole county. The program quality of the watershed. Samples from surface place in both spring and fall in 2018, as the focuses on the working landscape where managed over water, groundwater and aquatic ecosystems LPRCA transitions to a fall sampling period important opportunities for conservation are taken to help monitor and manage our for future years. Twenty sites were visited for action exist. Farmers of Elgin County are water resources. Participation continued the sampling of these aquatic bugs. Another encouraged to use their skills and intimate 375 acres of in the Provincial Water Quality Monitoring continuing program involved the monitoring knowledge of the land to return marginal Network (PWQMN), Provincial Groundwater of stream temperature across the LPRCA. Data or ecologically significant areas into natural on-the-ground Monitoring Network (PGMN) and the Ontario was collected from twenty-eight temperature ecosystems. Working in collaboration with Benthos Biomonitoring Network (OBBN), all in loggers that were placed in various farmers and local conservation partners ALUS partnership with the Ministry of Environment, watercourses. Elgin has created, enhanced, conserved conservation Conservation and Parks (MECP). and managed over 375 acres of on-the- A partnership with the LPRCA, the Norfolk Surface water samples were collected from ground conservation projects since 2012. County Drainage Department and Ministry of projects since nine sites for the PWQMN program. A Projects such as wetlands, tall grass prairie, Natural Resources and Forestry focused on the partnership with Norfolk County had staff reforestation, and wild pollinator habitat re-classification of municipal drains and the sampling water quality in both the Lynn River provide ecosystem services (water and air 2012. implementation of a Brook Trout restoration and Big Creek in order to meet the County’s filtration, erosion control, flood control, wildlife project. In total, 22 stations were electro fished monitoring obligations. Water samples to habitat) to the greater population of Elgin on watercourses to gather fisheries data to measure pesticide levels were taken from County and surrounding areas. Our goal in support both projects. Venison Creek for a project in partnership the next coming years is to build our capacity with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, and enrollment through the establishment Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and the of demonstration farms and participant MECP. Groundwater levels were continuously ambassadors for the ALUS Elgin program. monitored at eleven locations for the PGMN 14 LPRCA 2018 ANNUAL REPORT LONG POINT REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY 15

2018 Watershed Protecting Drinking Water Sources

Report Card 2018 marked the second full year of Long them whether necessary technical work Point Region Source Protection Plan under the Clean Water Act, 2006 has been The Watershed Report Card measures implementation. The LPRCA continued completed. These notices also serve to inform watershed health across the region. It is to work with neighbouring conservation municipalities about source protection plan intended to provide our community with authorities and local municipalities on the amendment timing and allow municipalities information needed to protect and improve continued rollout of the program. to proceed with their drinking water works the natural resources of our watershed. The permit or license applications to the Ministry. LPRCA released its second Report Card in Early in the year a Revised Assessment Report 2018. This report evaluates watershed health and Source Protection Plan for the Long Point Staff also participated in the development based on four key indicators: surface water Region, with new and updated policies for of work plans for the review and update of quality, forest conditions, wetlands cover and areas in Bayham and Norfolk, was submitted Assessment Reports and Source Protection groundwater quality. These evaluations were to the Province. These revisions were still Plans for two neighbouring Source Protection CONNECTING based on data collected from 2012-2016. New under review by the Ministry of Environment, Authorities this year. This experience will be report cards will be produced every five years Conservation and Parks at the conclusion informative to the work plan development for to help us guide conservation and restoration of 2018. Long Point Region in 2019. efforts and monitor our progress. The protection of municipal drinking water Finally, the LPRCA participated in Ontario’s PEOPLE TO supplies across Long Point Region was at the ongoing Water Quantity Management Review. forefront of a new protocol that was put in The local area is one of eight study areas place in 2018. Under this protocol, the Long across the province identified as part of the Point Region Source Protection Authority review that is looking at the sustainability and provides notices to municipalities informing security of water supplies across Ontario. NATURE 14 LPRCA 2018 ANNUAL REPORT LONG POINT REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY 15

2018 Watershed Protecting Drinking Water Sources

Report Card 2018 marked the second full year of Long them whether necessary technical work Point Region Source Protection Plan under the Clean Water Act, 2006 has been The Watershed Report Card measures implementation. The LPRCA continued completed. These notices also serve to inform watershed health across the region. It is to work with neighbouring conservation municipalities about source protection plan intended to provide our community with authorities and local municipalities on the amendment timing and allow municipalities information needed to protect and improve continued rollout of the program. to proceed with their drinking water works the natural resources of our watershed. The permit or license applications to the Ministry. LPRCA released its second Report Card in Early in the year a Revised Assessment Report 2018. This report evaluates watershed health and Source Protection Plan for the Long Point Staff also participated in the development based on four key indicators: surface water Region, with new and updated policies for of work plans for the review and update of quality, forest conditions, wetlands cover and areas in Bayham and Norfolk, was submitted Assessment Reports and Source Protection groundwater quality. These evaluations were to the Province. These revisions were still Plans for two neighbouring Source Protection CONNECTING based on data collected from 2012-2016. New under review by the Ministry of Environment, Authorities this year. This experience will be report cards will be produced every five years Conservation and Parks at the conclusion informative to the work plan development for to help us guide conservation and restoration of 2018. Long Point Region in 2019. efforts and monitor our progress. The protection of municipal drinking water Finally, the LPRCA participated in Ontario’s PEOPLE TO supplies across Long Point Region was at the ongoing Water Quantity Management Review. forefront of a new protocol that was put in The local area is one of eight study areas place in 2018. Under this protocol, the Long across the province identified as part of the Point Region Source Protection Authority review that is looking at the sustainability and provides notices to municipalities informing security of water supplies across Ontario. NATURE 16 LPRCA 2018 ANNUAL REPORT LONG POINT REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY 17

Conservation Areas and Land Holdings

Long Point Region Conservation Authority Conservation Area and Haldimand owns just over 11,000 acres of conservation Conservation Area. A major multi-year lands including five parks with 672 campsites investment in Waterford North Conservation that offer both seasonal and nightly camping Area was initiated in 2018 in an effort to experiences. The 2018 season had an bring water and electricity to all 100 existing estimated 248,000 visitors. Our parks are unserviced campsites in the park. Phase one known for the extensive network of trails of the project will see services brought in to available and water activities like swimming, the first 47 campsites by spring of 2019 with Land Donations canoeing and fishing. Backus Heritage the remainder of the park to be completed by 11,000 Conservation Area is home to the Backhouse May 1, 2020. Backus Heritage Conservation Land donations to the LPRCA benefit the St. Williams Conservation Reserve, the Grist Mill National Historic Site along with 14 Area also saw investments from LPRCA on watershed by creating opportunities for Blommaert Tract has the potential to be Acres of conservation lands other heritage buildings and Conservation a number of building restoration efforts important natural areas to be permanently habitat for numerous endangered flora and Education Centre. including staining of the local history museum protected. The LPRCA was fortunate to fauna and will be managed by the LPRCA to and replacement of the storm windows of the have received a land donation from Joseph enhance the Carolinian forest biodiversity. This past year saw significant capital Backhouse Homestead with period correct Blommaert in memory of his parents, Edward investment in all five parks that included windows. and Queenie. Working with Joseph, a land electrical and water upgrades at Backus 672 donation was submitted to the Ecological Heritage Conservation Area, Norfolk Campsites Gifts Program managed by Environment and Climate Change Canada. This 37.86 acre tract is unique and ecologically important 248,000 due to its location. Neighbouring the Estimated visitors 16 LPRCA 2018 ANNUAL REPORT LONG POINT REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY 17

Conservation Areas and Land Holdings

Forest Management

The Long Point Region Conservation The LPRCA continued to participate in Authority forest tracts are managed to multiple research projects with partners enhance the health of our watershed by throughout the watershed. In 2018 data OVER 10,000 VISITORS ENJOYED MANY practicing sustainable forest management, was compiled to assist in the creation of protecting wildlife habitat and Species at a provincial database for hemlock with “HERITAGE AND CONSERVATION EDUCATION Risk (SAR) and providing opportunities for the goal of monitoring Hemlock Wooley recreation, hunting and education to the Adelgid, a destructive pest, in partnership EVENTS INCLUDING THE WAR OF 1812 public. Objectives for forest management are with the provincial Wooley Adelgid Working RE-ENACTMENT.” outlined in the 20-year Forest Management Committee. Plan, which is scheduled to be renewed in 2019. The LPRCA manages nearly 10,700 acres of natural areas that includes 7,498 acres participating in the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program (MFTIP). Under the guidelines of the MFTIP, a 20-year LPRCA Outreach, Education & Events Managed Forest Plan (2018-2037) was At Backus Heritage Conservation Area, Over 10,000 visitors enjoyed many heritage completed and approved by the Ministry of our Educators continue to bring engaging and conservation education events including Natural Resources and Forestry and formally and unique learning experiences to more the War of 1812 re-enactment and a summer adopted in the spring of 2018. than 5,000 students from throughout the theatre production of “Angel of Long Point: During the 2018 field season, there were watershed. Students in grades 2, 4 and 6 An Erie Melodrama” by Adam Corrigan 165 acres ecologically surveyed on three experienced nature hands on as they explored Holowitz. Vintage baseball was back for a properties for the collection of data for the trails and ponds at Backus. Chores, dance, popular four game tournament as well as Species at Risk (SAR) plants, provincially rare and battle re-enactments brought the past guided tours of the Backus Cemetery and plants and vegetation types. A total of 460 to life as grade 3 and 7 students traveled church services in the historic Teeterville acres were marked and tendered out to local through time and lived the life of early Church. Visitors enjoyed dynamic interpretive sawmills including 165 acres of salvageable Canadian settlers and soldiers of 1812. tours of the Historic Site and experienced the ash which has been impacted by the Emerald life of early settlers of Canada. Ash Borer. 18 LPRCA 2018

Forest Management

2018 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

2018 Revenue Municipal Levy - Operating $ 1,553,674 26% Municipal Levy - Capital $ 368,550 6% Provincial Funding $ 68,240 1% Fees $ 2,504,763 42% Forestry Sales $ 461,019 8% Donation $ 460,000 8% Gain on Sale of Assets $ 518,067 9% Total $ 5,934,313 100%

2018 Expenditures Watershed Management $ 842,529 20% Community Relations $ 61,146 1% Backus Heritage CA $ 632,073 15% Conservation Education favourites, the Owl The LPRCA once again partnered with the Conservation Land Management - Other $ 572,701 13% Prowl and Firefly Walk, were back in 2018 Camp Trillium Organization for the 3rd Conservation Land Management - Forestry $ 318,961 8% and enjoyed by many visiting families. In Annual Pancake Breakfast and Children’s Conservation Land Management - Parks $ 721,844 17% addition to the programming at Backus the Fishing Derby at Rainbow Lake in Waterford. Corporate Services $ 1,113,219 26% Conservation Education team took their This fundraising initiative supports Camp Norfolk wildlife, the Backus Field Guide Total $ 4,262,473 100% programs on the road this summer to bring Trillium and the work that they do to provide exhibit debuted in 2018 and featured a fun filled educational programs to families recreational opportunities to children with selection of paintings by Vic Gibbons. Corporate Services $ 564,757 36% camping at Deer Creek, Norfolk, Haldimand cancer and their families. A total of 225 kids Use of 2018 The Lee Brown Committee awarded the Watershed Management Services $ 422,191 27% and Waterford North Conservation Areas. The registered for the fishing derby that raised Operating Levy $1,000 Leighton & Betty Brown Conservation Community Relations $ 142,132 9% programs were enjoyed by all and will return $9,890 for Camp Trillium. Scholarship to Heather Verhoeve, who is Backus Heritage CA $ 167,008 11% to all 5 LPRCA parks in the summer of 2019. The former Backus Heritage Village was pursuing a post secondary education at the Sir Conservation Land Management - Other $ 257,586 17% Backus Heritage and Deer Creek rebranded and renamed the Backhouse Sanford Fleming College in the environmental Total $ 1,553,674 100% Conservations Areas each hosted a “Bob Historic Site in 2018, a key recommendation field in the hopes of becoming a Conservation Izumi: Kids, Cops and Canadian Tire of the new strategic plan approved by the Officer. Share of 2018 Haldimand County $ 218,044 14% Fishing Derby” in 2018. Both events were LPRCA Board. A new Assistant Curator set up Operating Levy Norfolk County $ 822,699 53% a resounding success boasting over 300 a collections management program for the Oxford County $ 333,559 21% registrants collectively. The success of these care of the artifact and archival collections to Brant County $ 97,809 6% two derbies was due to the support from the museum standards and laid the groundwork Bayham Municipality $ 70,301 5% OPP, community business sponsorships and for a new exhibition program. Themed around Malahide Township $ 11,262 1% volunteers. Total $ 1,553,674 100% 20 LPRCA 2018 ANNUAL REPORT LONG POINT REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY 21

2018 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORS LPRCA STAFF THE LONG POINT REGION WATERSHED

Chair JUDY MAXWELL, General Manager/Secretary-Treasurer LPRCA Watershed Map MICHAEL COLUMBUS, Norfolk County AARON LEDUC, Manager Corporate Services (from December) Jan 2018

LORRIE MINSHALL, Interim Manager Watershed Services Grand River Vice Chair Conservation Authority LPRCA DISCLAIMER STATEMENT BRET COLMAN, Manager Conservation Land Services (from June) Upper Thames River JOHN SCHOLTEN, Township of Norwich Conservation Authority Users of the LPRCA's maps and data are Harley cautioned to consider the provisional nature Niagara Peninsula of the information before using it for decisions that concern personal or public safety or the Directors HELEN BARTENS, Assistant Curator (from June) Conservation Authority conduct of business. LEROY BARTLETT, Haldimand County The Long Point Region Conservation Authority CHRIS BOOTHE, Planning Technician (from April) (LPRCA) assumes no responsibility for the correctness of the information contained in this DAVE BERES, Town of Tillsonburg Norwich BONNIE BRAVENER, Resource Technician map nor liability to any user of such information, regardless of the purpose. DOUG BRUNTON, Norfolk County KIM BROWN, Marsh Manager 59 ROBERT CHAMBERS, County of Brant JEFF CALLIAUW, Carpenter ROGER GEYSENS, Norfolk County MATTHEW CHURLY, Water Resources EIT Waterford North CA CRAIG GRICE, Haldimand County ALYSSA COUSINEAU, ALUS Elgin Coordinator Waterford NOEL HAYDT, Norfolk County JERRY DEBACKERE, Forestry Technician 24 DAVID HAYES, Township of Southwest Oxford Jarvis Legend NATHAN DUNBAR, Interim Carpenter Tillsonburg WAYNE CASIER, Municipality of Bayham & Township of Malahide Catfish Creek Watercourse PAUL GAGNON, Lands & Waters Supervisor Conservation Authority LPRCA Properties Simcoe BRANDON GOOD, Backus Heritage CA Supervisor 6 Lee Brown Marsh Management Committee 3 Haldimand CA LPRCA Watershed Boundary BEN HODI, Water Resources Analyst Brant County TOM HASKETT, Chair CRAIG JACQUES, Water Resources Specialist Elgin County Haldimand County TREVOR BROWN CAROLYN JACQUES, Accounting & Administration Supervisor Port Dover Norfolk CA Norfolk County SHEILA JOHNSON, Curator Oxford County DOUG BRUNTON Langton LEIGH-ANNE MAUTHE, Planning Technician LARRY CHANDA 59 DANA MCLACHLAN, Administrative Assistant MICHAEL COLUMBUS Deer Creek CA FIONA NAVICKAS, Outdoor Educator Vienna BARRY SMITH Turkey Point LYNN PAULSON, Interim Finance & Accounting Supervisor (from July) FRANK SCHRAM, Workshop Supervisor Backus Heritage CA LAKE ERIE Backus Museum Committee Port JARAH STEFEK, Marketing Coordinator (until July) Burwell Port Rowan BETTY CHANYI, Chair DEBBIE THAIN, Forestry Technician MIKE COLUMBUS MORGAN VAN LAEKEN, Lands & Waters Technician ROBERT CHAMBERS GINNY VANLOUWE, Accounting Clerk Long Point ROGER GEYSENS HANNAH WEBER, Marketing Coordinator (from December) © LPRCA GIS SERVICES 2018 Long Point Region Conservation Authority RON SACKRIDER Portions of this map may be... Copyright, Queen's Printer for Ontario JULIE STONE And our many seasonal staff and summer students Kilometers http://www.lprca.on.ca 0 5 10 20 30 MADELINE WILSON 22 LPRCA 2018

2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORS LPRCA STAFF THE LONG POINT REGION WATERSHED

Chair JUDY MAXWELL, General Manager/Secretary-Treasurer LPRCA Watershed Map MICHAEL COLUMBUS, Norfolk County AARON LEDUC, Manager Corporate Services (from December) Jan 2018

ANNUAL REPORT

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