JOCK RIVER Lorem ipsum Subwatershed Report 2016 A report on the environmental health of the Jock River
1 Length of River Welcome to the 66 kilometres Length of Tributaries Jock River Subwatershed 888 kilometres
Catchment Areas • Flowing Creek The Rideau — 50 km2 Watershed • Hobbs Drain — 32 km2 • Jenkinson Drain — 23 km2 • Jock River – Ashton-Dwyer Hill — 81 km2 • Jock River – Barrhaven — 31 km2 • Jock River – Franktown — 79 km2 watershed is an area of land that drains to a river, • Jock River – Leamy Creek lake or stream. In the Rideau Watershed, there are six — 20 km2 A major subwatersheds: Jock River, Kemptville Creek, • Jock River – Richmond Lower Rideau, Middle Rideau, Rideau Lakes and Tay River. — 31 km2 • Jock River – Richmond Fen This report looks at the Jock River Subwatershed. The Jock River — 26 km2 flows from headwater wetlands in Beckwith and Montague • Kings Creek Townships near Franktown, through the rich agricultural lands — 91 km2 in the former municipalities of Goulbourn and Nepean, • Monahan Drain and finally, through Barrhaven in Ottawa’s South Urban — 45 km2 Community to the Rideau River just north of Manotick where • Nichols Creek it connects to the Lower Rideau Subwatershed. — 47 km2
In 2011, the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) Total drainage area released the Jock River Subwatershed Report 2010. The report 556 km2 summarized the health of the Jock River Subwatershed looking at four key indicators: forest cover, wetlands, shoreline vegetation RVCA and Rideau and surface water quality. That report showed mixed results. In Valley Conservation the lower reaches of the Jock River, the more urbanized and Foundation Lands intensively farmed areas were showing the effects of changes to • Brown — 0.8 ha the natural landscape, whereas in the middle to upper reaches, What We Monitor and Why? • Fine — 40.4 ha forests, wetlands and watercourses were generally numerous The RVCA’s goal is for clean water, healthy shorelines and sustainable • Richmond Weir — 0.2 ha and well connected. Similarly, shorelines are typically natural land use. Monitoring environmental conditions helps us see trends over • Richmond — 2.6 ha in many of the same areas and water quality conditions were time, focus our actions where they can do the most good and evaluate • Hearts Desire — 0.1 ha generally fair across the subwatershed. The report called for the effectiveness of our watershed policies and programs. • Hornung — 121.5 ha continued protection and enhancement of these key natural • Lanark County — 5.7 ha features through good land stewardship practices with hopes of This report, together with the more detailed catchment reports • Ruiter — 19.5 ha maintaining, if not improving on, the last reported conditions. prepared for each of the 12 catchments of the Jock River (available at www.rvca.ca), show conditions using the most up-to-date data Total conservation available for key indicators of subwatershed health. This document land area 190.8 ha also highlights any changes and trends in indicator conditions. 2 3 Forest Cover
The Benefits of Forest Cover Forest Cover in the Most of the reported change in forest cover Forest Cover by Catchment Forests are important parts of a healthy Jock River Subwatershed (increase/decrease) across the subwatershed watershed because of their role in the Forest cover in the Jock River was classified using can be attributed to anthropogenic activities Forest Forest hydrologic cycle. Runoff after rain and the 2008 and 2014 DRAPE ortho-imagery (colour (conversion of woodland to crop and Catchment Cover in Change snowmelt, from an area of forested land, is aerial photography). Results for 2008 and 2014 pastureland, settlement and aggregate 2014 Since 2008 significantly less in both its volume and peak show that forest cover remains largely unchanged extraction) and natural processes (reversion Ashton-Dwyer Hill 25.0% -0.42% flow rate than run off from a similar area that in the subwatershed at 26 percent with a decline of crop and pastureland to woodland). Results has been cleared or urbanized. Trees make of less than one percent over this period. and changes to woodland cover are shown in Barrhaven 11.1% -0.88% subwatersheds more resilient to climate the accompanying chart and map. Flowing Creek 25.6% -1.91% change’s heavy rainfall, irregular storms and Across the Jock River, forest cover (in 2014) Franktown 28.8% -0.15% unseasonal precipitation. Forests provide ranges from a high of 41.8 percent in the Urban areas of the subwatershed have seen Hobbs Drain 30.0% -0.71% habitat for many plants and animals. They Nichols Creek Catchment to a low of 7.1 percent greater percentage losses of forest cover as also clean the air and reduce erosion along in the Monahan Drain Catchment. All catchments compared to rural areas, although the physical Jenkinson Drain 26.8% -0.97% riparian areas. have seen a decrease in forest cover (between area of that loss is less. Between 2008 and Kings Creek 41.4% -0.18% 9 and 96 hectares) with the exception being 2014, there was a 13.7 percent (47 ha) decline Leamy Creek 8.0% -0.92% Experts believe a minimum forest cover of the Richmond Fen Catchment where a slight in forest cover in urban areas of the Jock versus Monahan Drain 7.1% -0.81% 30 percent is needed to sustain the natural increase (of two hectares) was recorded. a 2.1 percent (289 ha) loss in rural areas. biodiversity and environmental services Nichols Creek 41.8% -0.18% forests provide. Across the subwatershed, average forest Richmond 17.5% -1.32% cover is below the recommended 30 percent Richmond Fen 17.7% +0.07% minimum,1 suggesting that we are in a high- Subwatershed Average 26.5% -0.60% risk state where the forests may only support less than one half of the potential species and contribute moderately to the health of the tree planting efforts in those areas with low aquatic system. Increasing forest cover will forest and natural shoreline cover. improve biological diversity and help to restore hydrologic functions. For more detailed information on forest cover, please see each of the 12 catchment reports Going forward, efforts should be made to (available at www.rvca.ca). protect what forest cover remains and focus
1 Environment Canada. 2013. How Much Habitat is Enough? Third Edition. Environment Canada. Toronto, Ontario.
4 5 Wetlands
The Benefits of Wetlands regulation as well as flood control. These many areas of the Jock landscape. Many Wetland Cover by Catchment Wetlands are nature’s flood control and water services have been valued at $247 per person of these wetlands are large, well connected supply reservoirs — places for the temporary per year in a 2009 Ontario study. In other to forests and watercourses and are an Wetland Wetland storage of runoff from rain and snowmelt. words, wetlands do for free what we would important and distinctive feature of the mid Catchment Cover in Change Thanks to wetlands, peak flows during floods otherwise have to pay millions of dollars to to upper reaches. 2014 Since 2008 are lower, low flows are sustained during do through technology and infrastructure. In dry weather and groundwater supplies are the long term, sustained water supplies and Today, wetlands cover 132.4 square kilometres Ashton-Dwyer Hill 21.2% -0.75% replenished. Wetlands provide habitat for many effective flood damage reduction will depend, (23.8 percent) of the Jock River Subwatershed Barrhaven 0.5% +0.07% common and rare plants and animals as well as in part, on maintaining the remaining wetland and filter over 950 kilometres of catchment Flowing Creek 9.6% +0.03% fishing, hunting and recreational opportunities. features throughout the watershed. creeks, streams and drains. This cover ranges from a high of 49.4 percent in the Richmond Franktown 48.1% +0.03% RVCA hydrologists estimate that the existing Wetlands in the Fen Catchment to a low of less than one Hobbs Drain 23.7% -0.07% wetlands across the Rideau Watershed are Jock River Subwatershed percent in the Barrhaven, Leamy Creek and Jenkinson Drain 14.2% -0.17% responsible for a peak flow (and its resulting The Jock River Subwatershed contains the Monahan Drain Catchments. Since 2008, five flood damage) that is about 10 percent lower third largest total area of wetland in the catchments have seen a slight increase in Kings Creek 25.8% +0.13% than what we would see without wetlands! Rideau Valley (constituting 16 percent of all wetland cover with another four experiencing Leamy Creek 0.1% 0.00% This flood control function is significant, natural Rideau Valley wetlands). In combination, the a slight decrease (all within less than one Monahan Drain 0.3% 0.00% and free. Wetlands are also recognized for the geological setting, climate and generally flat percent); three remained unchanged over the Nichols Creek 43.0% +0.21% ecological goods and services they provide topography of this area results in high water six-year period. Richmond 15.2% -0.39% such as water supply, waste treatment, climate tables making wetlands a dominant feature in Loss of wetlands since pre-settlement times Richmond Fen 49.4% 0.00% varies widely across the subwatershed: from a Subwatershed Average 23.8% -0.09% 26 percent decline in the upper reaches; to a 51 percent decline in the middle reaches and over a 93 percent decline in the lower reaches and ecological functions, along with related (rivaling the rate of wetland loss in parts of recreational and economic benefits that southern Ontario). Much of this historic loss of wetlands provide, as recommended in wetland, while reducing biological diversity and the 2005 Lower Rideau Watershed Strategy. water retention/storage, has produced gains Consideration should also be given to restoring in farming productivity and provided areas of wetlands in the lower reaches of the Jock River urban settlement. Subwatershed, where feasible.
Efforts should be made to protect remaining For more detailed information on wetland wetlands to maintain critical hydrological cover, please see each of the 12 catchment reports (available at www.rvca.ca).
6 7 Shorelines
The Benefits of A recommended target in the Great Lakes Well-Vegetated Shorelines region is to have 30 metres of natural The riparian zone or shoreline zone is vegetation on both sides of a stream for the special area where land meets water. at least 75 percent of its length.2 Maintaining well-vegetated shorelines is a key goal because of their importance in preserving Shoreline Cover in the water quality and supporting healthy aquatic Jock River Subwatershed habitats. Natural shorelines intercept sediments, Shoreline cover percentages for the Jock River pesticides and fertilizers that could reduce Subwatershed are provided in the table for water quality and harm fish habitat in streams. each of the 12 catchments of the Jock River Well-established vegetative cover protects with two of them meeting or exceeding the stream banks against erosion, improves 75 percent target figure. The map highlights habitat for fish by shading and cooling the (in fuchsia) those watercourses with natural water and provides protective cover for birds shoreline cover falling below that figure along and other wildlife that feed and rear their with any changes in natural cover that have young near water. occurred since 2008.
Experts believe that a naturally-vegetated Three catchments — Flowing Creek, Jenkinson buffer of at least 30 metres on either side Drain and Ashton-Dwyer Hill — account for of a watercourse should be maintained for most of the observed decrease in natural the protection of water quality and instream shoreline cover between 2008 and 2014 in riparian habitat. the subwatershed, which can generally be attributed to the conversion of wetland and woodland to roads, settlement areas and aggregate extraction.
Shoreline Cover by Catchment Much of the altered shoreline in the Jock River Subwatershed is located in its mid to lower Shoreline Shoreline reaches as shown by the many fuchsia-coloured Catchment Cover in Change lines illustrated on the map, which are generally 2014 Since 2008 indicative of previous watercourse straightening Ashton-Dwyer Hill 56.7% -0.61% and wetland drainage efforts to improve surrounding lands for agricultural purposes. Barrhaven 21.0% -0.20% Flowing Creek 39.1% -1.81% Continuing efforts should be made to maintain Franktown 88.1% -0.11% existing natural shorelines and to naturalize those areas where benefits to water quality Hobbs Drain 58.4% -0.49% and in-stream riparian habitat can be realized Jenkinson Drain 40.4% -2.38% without unduly affecting agricultural activity. Kings Creek 74.6% +0.02% Leamy Creek 23.0% +0.01% For more detailed information on shoreline cover, please see each of the 12 catchment Monahan Drain 7.7% -0.18% reports (available at www.rvca.ca). Nichols Creek 91.4% +0.07% Richmond 44.9% -0.65% Richmond Fen 66.6% +0.62%
2 Subwatershed Average 53.4% -0.52% Environment Canada. 2013. How Much Habitat is Enough? Third Edition. Environment Canada. Toronto, Ontario. 8 9 Water Quality
The Benefits of represented by a single rating of Very Poor, within the Jock River Subwatershed over a woodlands in its upper and middle reaches Good Water Quality Poor, Fair, Good or Very Good. This is based 12-year period:3 and increasing urbanization in its lower Clean water is essential for healthy families on the Canadian Council of Ministers of the • Nutrients (total phosphorous, total Kjeldahl reaches, all of which can have an impact on and communities. We rely on clean water Environment Water Quality Index (CCME WQI). nitrogen and nitrates) as indicators of water quality. for farming, fishing, water sports and other Ratings are based on how often a parameter excessive nutrient loadings which may recreational activities. Good water quality exceeds the guideline, how many of the result in abundant vegetation growth and Four of the stream sampling sites attained a promotes a diverse and healthy aquatic different parameters exceed the guideline reduced dissolved oxygen available for the “Fair” rating, and experienced no change in the ecosystem. Healthy waterbodies support and by how much sample results for each aquatic community water quality rating between the two reporting local tourism, business activities and parameter exceed the guideline. • E. coli as an indicator of the presence of periods. One site at Flowing Creek (CK67-008) municipal economies. bacteria from human and animal waste rated “Poor” during both periods. A decline in The final water quality rating for streams • Metals (including aluminum, iron and the water quality rating was observed at the How is Water is based on an analysis of the following copper) that may pose a health risk to Jock River site at Bleeks Road which changed Quality Measured? parameters (22) from water samples taken aquatic life and indicate the presence from “Fair” to “Poor.” For seven sites data is We blended together many water quality at 13 sites by the City of Ottawa through its of pollution only available for the 2010-2015 period. In parameters to allow water quality to be Baseline Water Quality Monitoring Program • Additional chemical/physical characteristics most cases ratings are influenced by elevated such as pH, alkalinity and total suspended nutrient concentrations, high bacterial counts solids which may indicate stresses to aquatic and occasional elevated metals. Kings Creek is life and stream function the only stream in the Jock River Subwatershed to have a “Good” rating in the 2010-2015 Water Quality in the monitoring period. Jock River Subwatershed Water quality at the 13 stream sampling sites Continued efforts should be made to reduce ranged from “Good” to “Poor” depending on known point and non-point sources of pollution. the specific location and adjacent land uses The impacts of human activity should be for both monitoring periods (2004-2009 and minimized with good land stewardship and the 2010-2015). Each monitored site is unique. To use of shoreline best management practices. understand any changes in water quality, one For more detailed information on water quality, needs to look at individual sampling results over please see the 12 catchment reports (available time. In the majority of cases, water quality will at www.rvca.ca). only be improved by reducing nutrient sources, by protecting natural shorelines and by reducing 3 The City of Ottawa Baseline Water Quality Monitoring known point and non-point sources of pollution. Program has also applied the CCME WQI to monitored sites. The parameters used and time periods differ between the The Jock River Subwatershed is dominated RVCA and City of Ottawa’s application of the WQI, resulting in by crop and pastureland, wetlands and different ratings at some sites.
10 11 Actions
healthy watershed supports our local economies and communities. Now is the time Municipalities for all of us to take meaningful steps — big and small — to help maintain and improve A the health of the Jock River Subwatershed. We know that water quality and quantity is • Develop and implement environmental • Use RVCA’s subwatershed and catchment influenced by our use of land, so we need to understand how our actions affect lakes, streams strategies and initiatives such as the City of reports when updating Official Plan policies and wetlands and then take steps to improve conditions. Only by working together will we make Ottawa’s Water Environment Strategy and schedules to protect water resources gains. Here is what each of us can do … • Ensure new development, re-development and the natural environment (including and site alterations adhere to current woodlands, wetlands and shoreline RVCA development standards (as described in cover) and to educate residents about municipal Official Plans, Zoning By-laws and environmental conditions • Initiate actions in key program areas to • Focus new and updated regulatory mapping the Ontario Building Code) • Make use of technical and environmental adapt to the effects of climate change and (floodplain, unstable slopes, wetlands) in • Monitor that conditions outlined in planning recommendations coming from planning mitigate its effect on the watershed areas where there is development pressure and development approvals and environmental staff and professionals • Continue to monitor stream characteristics, • Continue to provide technical and are implemented • Implement best practices for stormwater classify land cover and analyze water quality planning advice to municipalities and • Create a site alteration by-law to protect management including low impact to identify trends for use in watershed provincial ministries on aggregate natural features and other sensitive areas development measures and stormwater reporting, land-use planning, development applications (pits and quarries) and such as wetlands, woodlands, wildlife retrofits for existing development approvals and targeting stewardship efforts environmental assessments (large habitat and shorelines • Work with municipalities to review and scale municipal infrastructure proposals, coordinate water quality monitoring sites utility projects) • Continue to provide technical and financial • Work with municipalities and agencies support to landowners to plant trees, to implement land use planning and naturalize shorelines, adopt agricultural development policies in a more best management practices and undertake consistent manner across the watershed projects that improve water quality to achieve net environmental gains • Promote tile drainage management through (particularly development setbacks and education and funding in partnership with vegetated shorelines) farmers and agricultural organizations • Continue to provide review and • Work with municipalities through land- approval services for septic systems in use planning processes to protect natural the City of Ottawa watercourses, headwater drainage features, • Monitor that conditions of regulatory wetlands and what remains of naturally approvals are implemented vegetated riparian zones • Acquire and protect additional lands that are • Promote low impact development practices ecologically important such as shorelines, and natural channel design in urban and wetlands, floodplains and significant urbanizing areas (bio-swales, pervious wildlife/woodland habitats through land pavers, infiltration trenches, stormwater donations or other land acquisitions management retrofits) • Provide passive recreational and interpretive • Continue regulating development and opportunities at our Conservation Areas providing planning advice to municipalities which are managed using wise resource on hazard lands (flood prone areas, management principles steep slopes, unstable soils) and in • Help municipalities implement environmentally sensitive areas (wetlands, environmental strategies and initiatives shorelines, valleylands) including the City of Ottawa’s Water Environment Strategy
12 Photo: Simon Lunn 13 Actions
Residents, Businesses, Community Groups Help is Out There and Agricultural Associations Working together we can make the Jock River Planning a project on your property? Be sure to • Ensure new development and • Plant trees, especially reforesting retired land Subwatershed even better! check with your municipality and the RVCA to re-development (including houses, • Maintain a healthy, vegetated shoreline see if permits are required. Checking first could septic systems, swimming pools, auxiliary buffer and naturalize degraded or Interested in doing something? There are a save you time and money. Thinking of buying a buildings and decks) meet appropriate ornamental shorelines number of programs that provide technical property? We can let you know if and how the development setbacks from creeks, streams • Implement agricultural best management support and grant dollars. The best way to property might be affected by RVCA policies and rivers (30 metre minimum) practices (retire sensitive lands, control soil learn about these programs is to contact and regulations. • Use advanced wastewater treatment erosion and nutrient loss, restrict livestock the RVCA. Staff will connect you to the best systems where development setbacks streamside grazing, maintain soil moisture program within the RVCA or through partner Rideau Valley Conservation Authority cannot be met through tile drainage best practices, and organizations such as Ducks Unlimited Canada, 1-800-267-3504 or 613-692-3571 • Ensure septic systems and wells are year-round cover crop management) Lanark and Ottawa Stewardship Councils or the [email protected] constructed and functioning properly • Take steps to help prevent the spread of Ontario Soil & Crop Improvement Association. • Reduce property runoff by allowing surface invasive species water to infiltrate into the ground (minimize • Donate environmentally sensitive lands to a hardened surfaces, use permeable public land trust or other such organization materials, direct runoff to vegetated areas, install rain barrels) • Preserve important natural features on properties like woodlots, windbreaks and wetlands
14 15 RIDEAU VALLEY CONSERVATION AUTHORITY How to reach us
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