Significant Wildlife Habitat Criteria Schedules for Ecoregion 7E January, 2015

Significant Wildlife Habitat Criteria Schedules For Ecoregion 7E January, 2015

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Regional Operations Division: Southern Region Resources Section: 300 Water Street, 4th Floor South Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, K9J 8M5 Table of Contents – SWH Ecoregion 7E Criterion Schedule

IDENTIFICATION OF Significant Wildlife Habitat 3 1. 1 Seasonal Concentration Areas of Animals 3 Waterfowl Stopover and Staging Areas (Terrestrial) 3 Waterfowl Stopover and Staging Areas (Aquatic) 4 Shorebird Migratory Stopover Area 5 Raptor Wintering Area 6 Bat Hibernacula 7 Bat Maternity Colonies 8 Turtle Wintering Areas 9 Reptile Hibernaculum 10 Colonially -Nesting Bird Breeding Habitat (Bank and Cliff) 11 Colonially -Nesting Bird Breeding Habitat Breeding Habitat (Tree/Shrubs) 12 Colonially -Nesting Bird Breeding Habitat (Ground) 13 Migratory Butterfly Stopover Areas 13 Landbird Migratory Stopover Areas 15 Deer Winter Congregation Areas 16

1.2 Rare Vegetation Communities or Specialized Habitat for Wildlife 17 1.2.1 Rare Vegetation Communities Cliffs and Talus Slopes 18 Sand Barren 18 Alvar 19 Old Growth Forest 20 Savannah 21 Tallgrass Prairie 21 Other Rare Vegetation Communities 22

1.2.2 Specialized Habitat for Wildlife January 2015 Eco-Region 7E Waterfowl Nesting Area 23 Bald Eagle and Osprey Nesting, Foraging and Perching Habitat 23 Woodland Raptor Nesting Habitat 24 Turtle Nesting Areas 25 Seeps and Springs 26 Amphibian Breeding Habitat (Woodland) 27 Amphibian Breeding Habitat (Wetlands) 28 Woodland Area-Sensitive Bird Breeding Habitat 29

1.3 Habitat for Species of Conservation Concern (Not including Endangered or Threatened Species) Marsh Bird Breeding Habitat 30 Open Country Bird Breeding Habitat 30 Shrub/Early Successional Bird Breeding Habitat 31 Terrestrial Crayfish 32 Special Concern and Rare Wildlife Species 33

1.4 Animal Movement Corridors Amphibian Movement Corridors 37

1.5 Exceptions for EcoRegion 7E Eco-District 39 Bat Migratory Stopover Area

2 January 2015 Eco-Region 7E SCHEDULE 7E: IDENTIFICATION OF Significant Wildlife Habitat

This schedule is designed to provide the recommended criteria for identifying Significant Wildlife Habitat (SWH) within Ecoregion 7Eccxvi. Tables 1.1 through 1.4 within the Schedules provide guidance for SWH designation for the four categories of SWH outlined in the Significant Wildlife Habitat Technical Guide and its Appendices cxlviii, cxlix. Table 1.5 contains and provides descriptions for exceptions criteria for ecoregional SWH which will be identified at an ecodistrict scaleccxvi. Exceptions occur when criteria for a specific habitat are different within an ecodistrict compared to the remainder of an ecoregion or if a habitat only occurs within a restricted area of the ecoregion.

The schedules, including description of wildlife habitat, wildlife species, and the criteria provided for determining SWH, are based on science and expert knowledge. The ELC Ecosite codes are described using the Ecological Land Classification (ELC) for Southern Ontario lxxviii. The information within these schedules will require periodic updating to keep pace with changes to wildlife species status in the Species at Risk in Ontario (SARO) list, or as new scientific information pertaining to wildlife habitats becomes available. Therefore, MNRF will occasionally need to review and update these schedules and provide addenda. A reference document for all SWH is found after the schedules and includes citations for all ecoregional schedules. Each citation used to assist with the criteria for SWH will be indicated by a roman numeric symbol. Where no reference exists, MNRF expert opinion was used for determination of criteria, this symbol “Ⓔ” represents when MNRF expert opinion was utilized to develop defining criteria.

Criteria For Significant Wildlife Habitat in Ecoregion 7E

1. 1 Seasonal Concentration Areas of Animals

Seasonal concentration areas are areas where wildlife species occur annually in aggregations at certain times of the year. Such areas are sometimes highly concentrated with members of a given species, or several species, within relatively small areas. In spring and autumn, migratory wildlife species will concentrate where they can rest and feed. Other wildlife species require habitats where they can survive winter. Examples of seasonal concentration areas include deer wintering areas, breeding bird colonies and hibernation sites for reptiles, amphibians and some mammals cxlviii. Table 1.1 outlines what wildlife habitats and defining criteria that are considered for seasonal concentration areas within Ecoregion 7E.

Table 1.1 Seasonal Concentration Areas of Animals. Wildlife Habitat Wildlife Species CANDIDATE SWH CONFIRMED SWH ELC Ecosite Habitat Criteria and Defining Criteria Codes Information Sources Waterfowl American Black Duck CUM1 Fields with sheet water during Studies carried out and verified Stopover and Northern Pintail CUT1 Spring (mid-March to May). presence of an annual Staging Areas Gadwall - Plus evidence of • Fields flooding during spring concentration of any listed 3 January 2015 Eco-Region 7E Wildlife Habitat Wildlife Species CANDIDATE SWH CONFIRMED SWH ELC Ecosite Habitat Criteria and Defining Criteria Codes Information Sources (Terrestrial) Blue-winged Teal annual spring melt and run-off provide species, evaluation methods to Green-winged Teal flooding from melt important invertebrate follow “Bird and Bird Habitats: Rationale: American Wigeon water or run-off foraging habitat for migrating Guidelines for Wind Power Habitat Northern Shoveler within these waterfowl. Projects”ccxi important to Tundra Swan Ecosites. • Agricultural fields with waste • Any mixed species migrating - Fields with grains are commonly used by aggregations of 100Ⓔ or more waterfowl. seasonal flooding waterfowl, these are not individuals required. and waste grains considered SWH unless they • The flooded field ecosite in the Long Point, have spring sheet water habitat plus a 100-300m Rondeau, Lk. St. available cxlviii. radius, dependant on local Clair, Grand Bend Information Sources site conditions and adjacent and Pt. Pelee • Anecdotal information from land use is the significant areas may be the landowner, adjacent wildlife habitat cxlviii. important to landowners or local naturalist • Annual use of habitat is Tundra Swans. clubs may be good documented from information information in determining sources or field studies occurrence. (annual use can be based on • Reports and other studies or determined by past information available from surveys with species numbers Conservation Authorities and dates). • Sites documented through • SWH MISTcxlix Index #7 waterfowl planning provides development effects processes (eg. EHJV and mitigation measures. implementation plan) • Field Naturalist Clubs • Ducks Unlimited Canada • Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC) Waterfowl Concentration Area Waterfowl Canada Goose MAS1 • Ponds, marshes, lakes, bays, Studies carried out and verified Stopover and Cackling Goose MAS2 coastal inlets, and presence of: Staging Areas Snow Goose MAS3 watercourses used during • Aggregations of 100Ⓔ or (Aquatic) American Black Duck SAS1 migration. Sewage treatment more of listed species for 7 Northern Pintail SAM1 ponds and storm water daysⒺ, results in > 700

4 January 2015 Eco-Region 7E Wildlife Habitat Wildlife Species CANDIDATE SWH CONFIRMED SWH ELC Ecosite Habitat Criteria and Defining Criteria Codes Information Sources Rationale: Northern Shoveler SAF1 ponds do not qualify as a waterfowl use days. Important for American Wigeon SWD1 SWH, however a reservoir • Areas with annual staging local and Gadwall SWD2 managed as a large wetland of ruddy ducks, migrant Green-winged Teal SWD3 or pond/lake does qualify. canvasbacks, and waterfowl Blue-winged Teal SWD4 • These habitats have an redheads are SWH cxlix populations Hooded Merganser SWD5 abundant food supply (mostly • The combined area of the during the Common Merganser SWD6 aquatic invertebrates and ELC ecosites and a 100m spring or fall Lesser Scaup SWD7 vegetation in shallow water) radius area is the SWH cxlviii migration or Greater Scaup Information Sources • Wetland area and both periods Long-tailed Duck • Environment Canada shorelines associated with combined. Sites Surf Scoter • Naturalist clubs often are sites identified within the identified are White-winged Scoter aware of staging/stopover SWHTG cxlviii Appendix K usually only one Black Scoter areas. cxlix are significant wildlife of a few in the Ring-necked duck • OMNRF Wetland habitat. eco-district. Common Goldeneye Evaluations indicate • Evaluation methods to Bufflehead presence of locally and follow “Bird and Bird Redhead regionally significant Habitats: Guidelines for Ruddy Duck waterfowl staging. Wind Power Projects”ccxi Red-breasted • Sites documented through • Annual Use of Habitat is Merganser waterfowl planning Documented from Brant processes (eg. EHJV Information Sources or Canvasback implementation plan) Field Studies (Annual can Ruddy Duck • Ducks Unlimited projects be based on completed • Element occurrence studies or determined from specification by Nature past surveys with species Serve: numbers and dates http://www.natureserve.org recorded). • Natural Heritage Information • SWH MISTcxlix Index #7 Centre (NHIC) Waterfowl provides development Concentration Area effects and mitigation measures. Shorebird Greater Yellowlegs BBO1 • Shorelines of lakes, rivers Studies confirming: Migratory Lesser Yellowlegs BBO2 and wetlands, including • Presence of 3 or more of Stopover Area Marbled Godwit BBS1 beach areas, bars and listed species and > 1000Ⓔ

5 January 2015 Eco-Region 7E Wildlife Habitat Wildlife Species CANDIDATE SWH CONFIRMED SWH ELC Ecosite Habitat Criteria and Defining Criteria Codes Information Sources Hudsonian Godwit BBS2 seasonally flooded, muddy shorebird use days during Rationale: Black-bellied Plover BBT1 and un-vegetated shoreline spring or fall migration High quality American Golden- BBT2 habitats. period. (shorebird use days shorebird Plover SDO1 • Great Lakes coastal are the accumulated number stopover habitat Semipalmated Plover SDS2 shorelines, including groynes of shorebirds counted per is extremely rare Solitary Sandpiper SDT1 and other forms of armour day over the course of the and typically has Spotted Sandpiper MAM1 rock lakeshores, are fall or spring migration a long history of Semipalmated MAM2 extremely important for period) use. Sandpiper MAM3 migratory shorebirds in May • Whimbrel stop briefly Pectoral Sandpiper MAM4 to mid-June and early July to (<24hrs) during spring White-rumped MAM5 October. migration, any site with Sandpiper • Sewage treatment ponds and >100Ⓔ Whimbrel used for 3 Baird’s Sandpiper storm water ponds do not years or more is significant. Least Sandpiper qualify as a SWH. • The area of significant Purple Sandpiper Information Sources shorebird habitat includes Stilt Sandpiper • Western hemisphere the mapped ELC shoreline Short-billed Dowitcher shorebird reserve network. ecosites plus a 100m radius Red-necked Phalarope • Canadian Wildlife Service area cxlviii Whimbrel (CWS) Ontario Shorebird • Evaluation methods to follow Ruddy Turnstone Survey. “Bird and Bird Habitats: Sanderling • Bird Studies Canada Guidelines for Wind Power Dunlin • Ontario Nature Projects”ccxi • Local birders and naturalist • SWH MISTcxlix Index #8 clubs provides development effects • Natural Heritage Information and mitigation measures. Centre (NHIC) Shorebird Migratory Concentration Area Raptor Rough-legged Hawk Hawks/Owls: • The habitat provides a Studies confirm the use of these Wintering Area Red-tailed Hawk Combination of combination of fields and habitats by: Northern Harrier ELC Community woodlands that provide • One or more Short-eared Rationale: American Kestrel Series; need to roosting, foraging and resting Owls or; One of more Bald Sites used by Snowy Owl have present one habitats for wintering raptors. Eagles or; At least10 multiple species, Community • Raptor wintering (hawk/owl) individuals and two of the

6 January 2015 Eco-Region 7E Wildlife Habitat Wildlife Species CANDIDATE SWH CONFIRMED SWH ELC Ecosite Habitat Criteria and Defining Criteria Codes Information Sources a high number Special Concern: Series from each sites need to be > 20 ha cxlviii, listed hawk/owl speciesⒺ of individuals Short-eared Owl land class; cxlix with a combination of • To be significant a site must and used Bald Eagle Forest: forest and upland.xvi, xvii, xviii, xix, be used regularly (3 in 5 annually are FOD, FOM, FOC. xx, xxi. years) cxlix for a minimum of most significant • Least disturbed sites, 20 days by the above number Upland: idle/fallow or lightly grazed of birdsⒺ. CUM; CUT; CUS; field/meadow (>15ha) with • The habitat area for an Eagle CUW. adjacent woodlands cxlix winter site is the shoreline • Field area of the habitat is to forest ecosites directly Bald Eagle: be wind swept with limited adjacent to the prime hunting Forest community snow depth or accumulation. areaⒺ Series: FOD, • Eagle sites have open water • Evaluation methods to follow FOM, FOC, SWD, and large trees and snags “Bird and Bird Habitats: SWM or SWC on available for roosting cxlix Guidelines for Wind Power shoreline areas Information Sources: Projects”ccxi adjacent to large • OMNRF Ecologist or • SWH MISTcxlix Index #10 and rivers or adjacent Biologist #11 provides development to lakes with open • Naturalist clubs effects and mitigation water (hunting • Natural Heritage Information measures. area). Centre (NHIC) Raptor Winter Concentration Area • Data from Bird Studies Canada • Results of Christmas Bird Counts • Reports and other information available from Conservation Authorities. Bat Big Brown Bat Bat Hibernacula • Hibernacula may be found in • All sites with confirmed Hibernacula Tri-coloured Bat may be found in caves, mine shafts, hibernating bats are SWH Ⓔ. these ecosites: underground foundations • The area includes 200m Rationale: CCR1 and Karsts. radius around the entrance Bat hibernacula CCR2 • Active mine sites should not of the hibernaculum cxlviii, ccvii, are rare habitats CCA1 be considered as SWH Ⓔ for most development 7 January 2015 Eco-Region 7E Wildlife Habitat Wildlife Species CANDIDATE SWH CONFIRMED SWH ELC Ecosite Habitat Criteria and Defining Criteria Codes Information Sources in all Ontario CCA2 • The locations of bat types and 1000m for wind landscapes. (Note: buildings hibernacula are relatively farms ccv. are not poorly known. • Studies are to be conducted considered to be Information Sources during the peak swarming SWH) • OMNRF for possible period (Aug. – Sept.). locations and contact for Surveys should be local experts conducted following methods • Natural Heritage Information outlined in the “Bats and Bat Centre (NHIC) Bat Habitats: Guidelines for Hibernaculum Wind Power Projects”ccv. • Ministry of Northern • SWH MISTcxlix Index #1 Development and Mines for provides development location of mine shafts. effects and mitigation • Clubs that explore caves measures. (eg. Sierra Club) • University Biology Departments with bat experts. Bat Big Brown Bat Maternity colonies • Maternity colonies can be • Maternity Colonies with Maternity Silver-haired Bat considered SWH found in tree cavities, confirmed use by; Colonies are found in vegetation and often in • >10 Big Brown BatsⒺ forested Ecosites. buildlingsxxii, xxv, xxvi, xxvii, xxxi • >5 Adult Female Silver- Rationale: (buildings are not considered haired BatsⒺ Known locations All ELC Ecosites to be SWH). • The area of the habitat of forested bat in ELC • Maternity roosts are not includes the entire woodland maternity Community found in caves and mines in or a forest stand ELC colonies are Series: Ontarioxxii. Ecosite or an Ecoelement extremely rare FOD • Maternity colonies located in containing the maternity in all Ontario FOM Mature deciduous or mixed coloniesⒺ. ccix, ccx, ccv landscapes. SWD forest stands with • Evaluation methods for SWM >10/ha large diameter maternity colonies should be ccvii (>25cm dbh) wildlife trees conducted following methods • Female Bats prefer wildlife outlined in the “Bats and Bat tree (snags) in early stages Habitats: Guidelines for 8 January 2015 Eco-Region 7E Wildlife Habitat Wildlife Species CANDIDATE SWH CONFIRMED SWH ELC Ecosite Habitat Criteria and Defining Criteria Codes Information Sources of decay, class 1-3 ccxiv or Wind Power Projects”ccv. class 1 or 2 ccxii . • SWH MISTcxlix Index #12 • Silver-haired Bats prefer provides development older mixed or deciduous effects and mitigation forest and form maternity measures. colonies in tree cavities and small hollows. Older forest areas with at least 21 snags/ha are preferredccx, lxiv

Information Sources • OMNRF for possible locations and contact for local experts • University Biology Departments with bat experts. Turtle Midland Painted Turtle Snapping and • For most turtles, wintering • Presence of 5 over-wintering Wintering Midland Painted areas are in the same Midland Painted Turtles is Areas Special Concern: Turtles; ELC general area as their core significantⒺ. Northern Map Turtle Community habitat. Water has to be • One or more Northern Map Snapping Turtle Classes; SW, deep enough not to freeze Turtle or Snapping Turtle Rationale: MA, OA and SA, and have soft mud over-wintering within a Generally sites ELC Community substrates. wetland is significantⒺ. are the only Series; FEO and • Over-wintering sites are • The mapped ELC ecosite known sites in BOO permanent water bodies, area with the over wintering the area. Sites large wetlands, and bogs or turtles is the SWH. If the with the highest Northern Map fens with adequate Dissolved hibernation site is within a number of Turtle; Open Oxygen cix, cx, cxi, cxii stream or river, the deep- individuals are Water areas such • Man-made ponds such as water pool where the turtles most significant. as deeper rivers sewage lagoons or storm are over wintering is the or streams and water ponds should not be SWH. lakes with current considered SWH. • Over wintering areas may be can also be used Information Sources identified by searching for as over-wintering 9 January 2015 Eco-Region 7E Wildlife Habitat Wildlife Species CANDIDATE SWH CONFIRMED SWH ELC Ecosite Habitat Criteria and Defining Criteria Codes Information Sources habitat. • EIS studies carried out by congregations (Basking Conservation Authorities. Areas) of turtles on warm, • Field Naturalists Clubs sunny days during the fall • OMNRF Ecologist or (Sept. – Oct.) or spring (Mar. Biologist – May) cvii. Congregation of • Natural Heritage Information turtles is more common Centre (NHIC) where wintering areas are limited and therefore significant cix, cx, cxi, cxii. • SWH MISTcxlix Index #28 provides development effects and mitigation measures for turtle wintering habitat. Reptile Snakes: For all snakes, • For snakes, hibernation Studies confirming: Hibernaculum Eastern Gartersnake habitat may be takes place in sites located • Presence of snake Northern Watersnake found in any below frost lines in burrows, hibernacula used by a Rationale: Northern Red-bellied ecosite other rock crevices and other minimum of five individuals of Generally sites Snake than very wet natural or naturalized a snake sp. or; individuals of are the only Northern Brownsnake ones. Talus, locations. The existence of two or more snake spp. known sites in Smooth Green Snake Rock Barren, features that go below frost • Congregations of a minimum the area. Sites Northern Ring-necked Crevice, Cave, line; such as rock piles or of five individuals of a snake with the highest Snake and Alvar sites slopes, old stone fences, and sp. or; individuals of two or number of may be directly abandoned crumbling more snake spp. near individuals are Special Concern: related to these foundations assist in potential hibernacula (eg. most significant. Milksnake habitats. identifying candidate SWH. foundation or rocky slope) on Eastern Ribbonsnake • Areas of broken and fissured sunny warm days in Spring Observations or rock are particularly valuable (Apr/May) and Fall congregations of since they provide access to (Sept/Oct)Ⓔ snakes on sunny subterranean sites below the • Note: If there are Special warm days in the frost linexliv, l, li, lii, cxii . Concern Species present, spring or fall is a • Wetlands can also be then site is SWH good indicator. important over-wintering • Note: Sites for hibernation habitat in conifer or shrub possess specific habitat swamps and swales, poor parameters (e.g. temperature, fens, or depressions in 10 January 2015 Eco-Region 7E Wildlife Habitat Wildlife Species CANDIDATE SWH CONFIRMED SWH ELC Ecosite Habitat Criteria and Defining Criteria Codes Information Sources bedrock terrain with sparse humidity, etc.) and trees or shrubs with consequently are used sphagnum moss or sedge annually, often by many of the hummock ground cover. same individuals of a local Information Sources population (i.e. strong • In spring, local residents or hibernation site fidelity). Other landowners may have critical life processes (e.g. observed the emergence of mating) often take place in snakes on their property (e.g. close proximity to hibernacula. old dug wells). The feature in which the • Reports and other hibernacula is located plus a information available from 30 m radius area is the Conservation Authorities. SWHⒺ • Field Naturalist Clubs • SWH MISTcxlix Index #13 • University herpetologists provides development effects • Natural Heritage Information and mitigation measures for Centre (NHIC) snake hibernacula.

Colonially - Cliff Swallow Eroding banks, • Any site or areas with Studies confirming: Nesting Bird Northern Rough- sandy hills, exposed soil banks, • Presence of 1 or more Breeding winged Swallow (this borrow pits, steep undisturbed or naturally nesting sites with 8cxlix or Habitat (Bank species is not colonial slopes, and sand eroding that is not a more cliff swallow pairs and Cliff) but can be found in piles Cliff faces, licensed/permitted aggregate and/or rough-winged swallow Cliff Swallow colonies) bridge abutments, area. pairs during the breeding Rationale: silos, barns. • Does not include man-made season. Historical use structures (bridges or • A colony identified as SWH and number of Habitat found in buildings) or recently (2 will include a 50m radius nests in a the following years) disturbed soil areas, habitat area from the colony make ecosites: such as berms, peripheral nestsccvii this habitat CUM1 CUT1 embankments, soil or • Field surveys to observe and significant. An CUS1 BLO1 aggregate stockpiles. count swallow nests are to be identified colony BLS1 BLT1 • Does not include a completed during the can be very CLO1 CLS1 licensed/permitted Mineral breeding season. Evaluation important to CLT1 Aggregate Operation. methods to follow “Bird and local Information Sources Bird Habitats: Guidelines for 11 January 2015 Eco-Region 7E Wildlife Habitat Wildlife Species CANDIDATE SWH CONFIRMED SWH ELC Ecosite Habitat Criteria and Defining Criteria Codes Information Sources populations. All • Reports and other Wind Power Projects”ccxi swallow information available from • SWH MISTcxlix Index #4 population are Conservation Authorities. provides development effects declining in • Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas and mitigation measures Ontario. • Bird Studies Canada; NatureCounts http://www.birdscanada.org/b irdmon/ • Field Naturalist Clubs. Colonially - Great Blue Heron SWM2 SWM3 • Nests in live or dead standing Studies confirming: Nesting Bird Black-crowned Night- SWM5 SWM6 trees in wetlands, lakes, • Presence of 2Ⓔ or more Breeding Heron SWD1 SWD2 islands, and peninsulas. active nests of Great Blue Habitat Great Egret SWD3 SWD4 Shrubs and occasionally Heron or other listed species. (Tree/Shrubs) Green Heron SWD5 SWD6 emergent vegetation may also • The habitat extends from the SWD7 FET1 be used. edge of the colony and a Rationale; • Most nests in trees are 11 to minimum 300m radius or Large colonies 15 m from ground, near the extent of the Forest Ecosite are important to top of the tree. containing the colony or any local bird Information Sources island <15.0ha with a colony population, • Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas is the SWH cc, ccvii typically sites ccv, colonial nest records. • Confirmation of active are only known • Ontario Heronry Inventory heronries are to be achieved colony in area 1991 available from Bird through site visits conducted and are used Studies Canada or NHIC during the nesting season annually. (OMNRF). (April to August) or by • Natural Heritage Information evidence such as the Centre (NHIC) Mixed Wader presence of fresh guano, Nesting Colony dead young and/or eggshells • Aerial photographs can help • SWH MISTcxlix Index #5 identify large heronries. provides development effects • Reports and other information and mitigation measures. available from Conservation Authorities. • MNRF District Offices. 12 January 2015 Eco-Region 7E Wildlife Habitat Wildlife Species CANDIDATE SWH CONFIRMED SWH ELC Ecosite Habitat Criteria and Defining Criteria Codes Information Sources • Field Naturalist Clubs.

Colonially - Herring Gull Any rocky island • Nesting colonies of gulls and Studies confirming: Nesting Bird Great Black-backed or peninsula terns are on islands or • Presence of > 25 active Breeding Gull (natural or peninsulas associated with nests for Herring Gulls or Habitat Little Gull artificial) within a open water or in marshy Ring-billed Gulls, >5 active (Ground) Ring-billed Gull lake or large river areas. nests for Common Tern or Common Tern (two-lined on a • Brewers Blackbird colonies >2 active nests for Caspian Rationale: Caspian Tern 1;50,000 NTS are found loosely on the TernⒺ. Colonies are Brewer’s Blackbird map). ground in or in low bushes in • Presence of 5 or more pairs important to close proximity to streams for Brewer’s BlackbirdⒺ. local bird Close proximity to and irrigation ditches within • Any active nesting colony of population, watercourses in farmlands. one or more Little Gull, and typically sites open fields or Information Sources Great Black-backed Gull is are only known pastures with • Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas, significantⒺ. colony in area scattered trees or rare/colonial species records. • The edge of the colony and a and are used shrubs (Brewer’s • Canadian Wildlife Service minimum 150m radius area annually. Blackbird) • Reports and other information of habitat, or the extent of the available from Conservation ELC ecosites containing the MAM1 – 6; Authorities. colony or any island <3.0ha MAS1 – 3; • Natural Heritage Information with a colony is the SWH cc, CUM CUT Centre (NHIC) Colonial ccvii CUS Waterbird Nesting Area • Studies would be done • MNRF District Offices. during May/June when • Field Naturalist Clubs. actively nesting. Evaluation methods to follow “Bird and Bird Habitats: Guidelines for Wind Power Projects”ccxi • SWH MISTcxlix Index #6 provides development effects and mitigation measures. Migratory Painted Lady Combination of A butterfly stopover area will be Studies confirm: Butterfly Red Admiral ELC Community a minimum of 10 ha in size with • The presence of Monarch Stopover Areas Series; need to a combination of field and forest Use Days (MUD) during fall 13 January 2015 Eco-Region 7E Wildlife Habitat Wildlife Species CANDIDATE SWH CONFIRMED SWH ELC Ecosite Habitat Criteria and Defining Criteria Codes Information Sources Special Concern have present one habitat present, and will be migration (Aug/Oct)xliii. Rationale: Monarch Community located within 5 km of Lake Erie MUD is based on the number Butterfly Series from each or Lake Ontario cxlix. of days a site is used by stopover areas landclass: • The habitat is typically a Monarchs, multiplied by the are extremely combination of field and number of individuals using rare habitats Field: forest, and provides the the site. Numbers of and are CUM CUT butterflies with a location to butterflies can range from biologically CUS rest prior to their long 100-500/dayxxxvii, significant important for migration south xxxii, xxxiii, variation can occur between butterfly species Forest: xxxiv, xxxv, xxxvi. years and multiple years of that migrate FOC FOD • The habitat should not be sampling should occur xl, xlii. south for the FOM CUP disturbed, fields/meadows • Observational studies are to winter. with an abundance of be completed and need to be Anecdotally, a preferred nectar plants and done frequently during the candidate site for woodland edge providing migration period to estimate butterfly stopover shelter are requirements for MUD. will have a history cxlviii, cxlix this habitat . • MUD of >5000 or >3000 of butterflies • Staging areas usually with the presence of Painted being observed. provide protection from the Ladies or Red Admiral’s is to elements and are often spits be considered significant.Ⓔ of land or areas with the • SWH MIST cxlix Index #16 shortest distance to cross the provides development effects xxxvii, xxxviii, xxxix, Great Lakes and mitigation measures. xl, xli. Information Sources • MNRF District Offices • Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC) • Agriculture Canada in Ottawa may have list of butterfly experts. • Field Naturalist Clubs • Toronto Entomologists Association

14 January 2015 Eco-Region 7E Wildlife Habitat Wildlife Species CANDIDATE SWH CONFIRMED SWH ELC Ecosite Habitat Criteria and Defining Criteria Codes Information Sources • Conservation Authorities

Landbird All migratory All Ecosites • Woodlots >5 haⒺ in size and Studies confirm: Migratory songbirds. associated with within 5 km iv, v, vi, vii, viii, ix, x, • Use of the habitat by >200 Stopover Areas these ELC xi, xii, xiii, xiv, xv of Lake Erie birds/day and with >35 spp Canadian Wildlife Community and Lake Ontario. If with at least 10 bird spp. Rationale: Service Ontario Series; woodlands are rare in an recorded on at least 5 Sites with a high website: FOC area of shoreline, woodland different survey datesⒺ. This diversity of http://www.ec.gc.ca/nature/ FOM fragments 2-5ha can be abundance and diversity of species as well default.asp?lang=En&n=42 FOD considered for this habitatⒺ migrant bird species is 1B7A9D-1 as high numbers SWC • If multiple woodlands are considered above average are most SWM All migrant raptors located along the shoreline and significant. significant. SWD species: those Woodlands <2km from • Studies should be completed Lake Erie and Lake Ontario during spring (Mar to May) cxlix Ontario Ministry of are more significant and fall (Aug to Oct) Natural Resources: • Sites have a variety of migration using standardized Fish and Wildlife habitats; forest, grassland assessment techniques. cxlix Conservation Act, and wetland complexes . Evaluation methods to follow 1997. Schedule 7: • The largest sites are more “Bird and Bird Habitats: Specially Protected significant cxlix Guidelines for Wind Power ccxi Birds (Raptors) • Woodlots and forest Projects” fragments are important • SWH MIST cxlix Index #9 habitats to migrating provides development effects birdsccxviii, these features and mitigation measures. located along the shore and located within 5km of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario are Candidate SWH cxlviii. Information Sources • Bird Studies Canada • Ontario Nature • Local birders and field naturalist clubs • Ontario Important Bird Areas 15 January 2015 Eco-Region 7E Wildlife Habitat Wildlife Species CANDIDATE SWH CONFIRMED SWH ELC Ecosite Habitat Criteria and Defining Criteria Codes Information Sources (IBA) Program

Deer Winter White-tailed Deer All Forested • Woodlots >100 ha in size or if Studies confirm: Congregation Ecosites with large woodlots are rare in a • Deer management is an Areas these ELC planning area MNRF responsibility, deer Community woodlots>50haⒺ winter congregation areas Rationale: Series; • Deer movement during winter considered significant will be Deer movement FOC in the southern areas of mapped by MNRF cxlviii. during winter in FOM Ecoregion 7E are not • Use of the woodlot by white- the southern FOD constrained by snow depth, tailed deer will be determined areas of Eco- SWC however deer will annually by MNRF, all woodlots region 7E are SWM congregate in large numbers in exceeding the area criteria not constrained SWD suitable woodlands cxlviii. are significant, unless by snow depth, • Large woodlots > 100ha and determined not to be however deer Conifer up to 1500 ha are known to be significant by MNRF Ⓔ will annually plantations much used annually by densities of • Studies should be completed congregate in smaller than 50 deer that range from 0.1-1.5 during winter (Jan/Feb) when large numbers ha may also be deer/ha ccxxiv. >20cm of snow is on the in suitable used. • Woodlots with high densities of ground using aerial survey woodlands to deer due to artificial feeding techniquesccxxiv , ground or reduce or avoid are not significantⒺ. road surveys. or a pellet the impacts of Information Sources count deer density winter • MNRF District Offices. surveyccxxv. conditions cxlviii. cxlix • LIO/NRVIS • SWH MIST Index #2 provides development effects and mitigation measures.

16 January 2015 Eco-Region 7E 1.2 Rare Vegetation Communities or Specialized Habitat for Wildlife

1.2.1 Rare Vegetation Communities

Rare vegetation communities often contain rare species, particularly plants and small invertebrates, which depend on such habitats for their survival and cannot readily move to or find alternative habitats. When assessing rare vegetation communities, one of the most important criteria is the current representation of the community in the planning area based on its area relative to the total landscape or the number of examples within the planning area. There are a number of criterion used to define rare vegetation communities, however the NHIC uses a system that considers the provincial rank of a species or community type as a tool to prioritize protection efforts. These ranks are not legal designations but have been assigned using the best available scientific information, and follow a systematic ranking procedure developed by The Nature Conservancy (U.S.). The ranks are based on three factors: estimated number of occurrences, estimated community aerial extent, and estimated range of the community within the province:

S1 Extremely rare - usually 5 or fewer occurrences in the province, or very few remaining hectares. S2 Very rare - usually between 5 and 20 occurrences in the province, or few remaining hectares. S3 Rare to uncommon - usually between 20 and 100 occurrences in the province; may have fewer occurrences, but with some extensive examples remaining.

The setting of criteria for significant wildlife habitat (SWH) has incorporated this ranking system into its process of determining rare vegetation communities and as such, a rare vegetation community is defined to include areas that contain a provincially rare vegetation community and/or areas that contain a vegetation community that is rare within the planning area.

SWH Table 1.2.1 contains a listing of rare vegetation communities that are considered SWH for the planning area contained within Ecoregion 7E.

Table 1.2.1 Rare Vegetation Communities. Rare Vegetation CANDIDATE SWH CONFIRMED SWH Community ELC Ecosite Habitat Detailed Information and Defining Criteria Code Description Sources Cliffs and Talus Any ELC Ecosite A Cliff is vertical to Most cliff and talus slopes • Confirm any ELC Vegetation Slopes within near vertical occur along the Niagara Type for Cliffs or Talus Slopes Community bedrock >3m in Escarpment. lxxviii Rationale: Series: height. Cliffs and Talus Slopes TAO CLO Information Sources • SWH MISTcxlix Index #21 are extremely rare TAS CLS A Talus Slope is • The Niagara provides development effects habitats in Ontario. TAT CLT rock rubble at the Escarpment and mitigation measures. base of a cliff made Commission has 17 January 2015 Eco-Region 7E Rare Vegetation CANDIDATE SWH CONFIRMED SWH Community ELC Ecosite Habitat Detailed Information and Defining Criteria Code Description Sources up of coarse rocky detailed information on debris location of these habitats. • OMNRF Districts • Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC) has location information available on their website • Field Naturalist Clubs • Conservation Authorities Sand Barren ELC Ecosites: Sand Barrens A sand barren area >0.5ha • Confirm any ELC Vegetation SBO1 typically are in sizeⒺ. Type for Sand Barrens lxxviii Rationale: SBS1 exposed sand, Sand barrens are rare SBT1 generally sparsely Information Sources • Site must not be dominated by in Ontario and support vegetated and • OMNRF Districts. exotic or introduced species rare species. Most Sand Vegetation cover caused by lack of • Natural Heritage (<50% vegetative cover are Barrens have been lost varies from moisture, periodic Information Centre exotic sp.)Ⓔ. due to cottage patchy and fires and erosion. (NHIC) has location development and barren to Usually located information available on • SWH MISTcxlix Index #20 forestry continuous within other types their website. provides development effects meadow of natural habitat • Field Naturalist Clubs and mitigation measures. (SBO1), thicket- such as forest or • Conservation Authorities like (SBS1), or savannah. more closed and Vegetation can treed (SBT1). vary from patchy Tree cover and barren to tree always < 60%. covered, but less than 60%. Alvar ALO1 An alvar is typically An Alvar site > 0.5 ha in • Field studies that identify four ALS1 a level, mostly size lxxv. of the fiveⒺ Alvar Indicator Rationale: ALT1 unfractured Alvar is particularly rare in Species lxxv, cxlix at a Candidate Alvars are extremely FOC1 calcareous bedrock Ecoregion 7E where the Alvar site is Significant. 18 January 2015 Eco-Region 7E Rare Vegetation CANDIDATE SWH CONFIRMED SWH Community ELC Ecosite Habitat Detailed Information and Defining Criteria Code Description Sources rare habitats in FOC2 feature with a only known sites are found • Site must not be dominated by Ecoregion 7E. CUM2 mosaic of rock in the western islands of exotic or introduced species CUS2 pavements and Lake Erie.cxcix (<50% vegetative cover are CUT2-1 bedrock overlain by Information Sources exotic sp.). CUW2 a thin veneer of • Alvars of Ontario (2000), soil. The hydrology Federation of Ontario • The alvar must be in excellent Five Alvar of alvars is Naturalists lxxvi. condition and fit in with Indicator complex, with • Ontario Nature – surrounding landscape with few Species: alternating periods Conserving Great Lakes conflicting land uses lxxv 1) Carex crawei of inundation and Alvarsccviii. 2) Panicum drought. Vegetation • cxlix philadelphicum • Natural Heritage SWH MIST Index #17 3) Eleocharis cover varies from Information Centre provides development effects compressa sparse lichen-moss (NHIC) has location and mitigation measures. 4) Scutellaria associations to information available on parvula grasslands and their website. 5) Trichostema shrublands and brachiatum • OMNRF Staff. comprising a • Field Naturalist Clubs. number of These indicator • Conservation Authorities. characteristic or species are very indicator plants. specific to Alvars Undisturbed alvars within Ecoregion can be phyto- and 7EⒺcxlix zoogeographically diverse, supporting many uncommon or are relict plant and animals species. Vegetation cover varies from patchy to barren with a less than 60% tree cover lxxviii. Old Growth Forest Forest Old Growth forests Woodland area is >0.5ha Field Studies will determine:

19 January 2015 Eco-Region 7E Rare Vegetation CANDIDATE SWH CONFIRMED SWH Community ELC Ecosite Habitat Detailed Information and Defining Criteria Code Description Sources Community are characterized Ⓔ. • If dominant trees species of the Rationale: Series: by heavy mortality are >140 years old, then the Due to historic logging FOD or turnover of over- Information Sources area containing these trees is practices and land FOC storey trees • OMNRF Forest Significant Wildlife Habitat cxlviii clearance for FOM resulting in a Resource Inventory • The forested area containing the agriculture, old growth SWD mosaic of gaps that mapping old growth characteristics will forest is rare in SWC encourage • OMNRF Districts. have experienced no Ecoregion 7E. SWM development of a • Field Naturalist Clubs recognizable forestry activities multi-layered • Conservation Authorities cxlviii (cut stumps will not be canopy and an • Sustainable Forestry present) abundance of Licence (SFL) • The area of forest ecosites snags and downed companies will possibly combined or an eco-element woody debris. know locations through within an ecosite that contain the field operations. old growth characteristics is the • Municipal forestry SWH. departments • Determine ELC vegetation types for the forest forest area containing the old growth characteristics lxxviii • SWH MISTcxlix Index #23 provides development effects and mitigation measures. Savannah TPS1 A Savannah is a No minimum size to site Ⓔ Field studies confirm one or more of TPS2 tallgrass prairie Site must be restored or a the Savannah indicator species Rationale: TPW1 habitat that has natural site. Remnant sites listed in cxlix Appendix N should be Savannahs are TPW2 tree cover between such as railway right of ways present Ⓔ. Note: Savannah plant extremely rare habitats CUS2 25 – 60%lxxix, lxxx, are not considered to be spp. list from Ecoregion 7E should in Ontario. lxxxi, lxxxii, lxxxiii. SWH. be usedcxlviii.

Information Sources • Area of the ELC Ecosite is the In ecoregion 7E, • Natural Heritage SWH. known Tallgrass Information Centre • Site must not be dominated by Prairie and (NHIC) has location data exotic or introduced species savannah available on their (<50% vegetative cover are 20 January 2015 Eco-Region 7E Rare Vegetation CANDIDATE SWH CONFIRMED SWH Community ELC Ecosite Habitat Detailed Information and Defining Criteria Code Description Sources remnants are website. exotic sp.). scattered between • OMNRF Districts. • SWH MISTcxlix Index #18 Lake Huron and • Field Naturalists Clubs. provides development effects Lake Erie, near • Conservation Authorities. and mitigation measures. Lake St. Clair, north of and along the Lake Erie shoreline, in Brantford and in the Toronto area (north of Lake Ontario). Tallgrass Prairie TPO1 A Tallgrass Prairie No minimum size to site Ⓔ. Field studies confirm one or more of TPO2 has ground cover Site must be restored or a the Prairie indicator species listed in Rationale: dominated by natural site. Remnant sites cxlix Appendix N should be present Tallgrass Prairies are prairie grasses. An such as railway right of ways Ⓔ. Note: Prairie plant spp. list from extremely rare habitats open Tallgrass are not considered to be Ecoregion 7E should be usedcxlviii in Ontario. Prairie habitat has SWH. < 25% tree cover Information Sources • Area of the ELC Ecosite is the lxxix, lxxx, lxxxi, lxxxii, lxxxiii . • OMNRF Districts. SWH. • Natural Heritage In ecoregion 7E, Information Centre • Site must not be dominated by known Tallgrass (NHIC) has location exotic or introduced species Prairie and information available on (<50% vegetative cover are savannah their website. exotic sp.). remnants are • Field Naturalists Clubs. scattered between • Conservation Authorities. • SWH MISTcxlix Index #19 Lake Huron and provides development effects Lake Erie, near and mitigation measures. Lake St. Clair, north of and along the Lake Erie shoreline, in Brantford and in

21 January 2015 Eco-Region 7E Rare Vegetation CANDIDATE SWH CONFIRMED SWH Community ELC Ecosite Habitat Detailed Information and Defining Criteria Code Description Sources the Toronto area (north of Lake Ontario).

Other Rare Vegetation Provincially Rare Rare Vegetation ELC Ecosite codes that Field studies should confirm if an Communities S1, S2 and S3 Communities may have the potential to be a ELC Vegetation Type is a rare vegetation include beaches, rare ELC Vegetation Type vegetation community based on Rationale: communities are fens, forest, marsh, as outlined in appendix M listing within Appendix M of Plant communities that listed in barrens, dunes and cxlviii SWHTGcxlviii. often contain rare Appendix M of swamps. species which depend the SWHTGcxlviii . The OMNRF/NHIC will • Area of the ELC Vegetation Type on the habitat for Any ELC Ecosite have up to date listing for polygon is the SWH. survival. Code that has a rare vegetation possible ELC communities. • SWH MIST cxlix Index #37 Vegetation Type Information Sources provides development effects that is • Natural Heritage and mitigation measures. Provincially Rare Information Centre is Candidate (NHIC) has location SWH. information available on their website. • OMNRF Districts. • Field Naturalists Clubs. • Conservation Authorities.

22 January 2015 Eco-Region 7E

1.2.2 Specialized Habitat for Wildlife

Some wildlife species require large areas of suitable habitat for their long-term survival. Many wildlife species require substantial areas of suitable habitat for successful breeding. Their populations decline when habitat becomes fragmented and reduced in sizecxlviii. Specialized habitat for wildlife is a community or diversity-based category, therefore, the more wildlife species a habitat contains, the more significant the habitat becomes to the planning area. The largest and least fragmented habitats within a planning area will support the most significant populations of wildlife. The specialized habitats for wildlife that are considered as SWH are outlined in Table 1.2.2.

Table 1.2.2 Specialized Habitats of Wildlife considered SWH.

Specialized Wildlife Species CANDIDATE SWH CONFIRMED SWH Wildlife ELC Ecosite Habitat Criteria and Information Defining Criteria Habitat Codes Sources Waterfowl American Black Duck All upland habitats A waterfowl nesting area extends Studies confirmed: Nesting Area Northern Pintail located adjacent to 120 m cxlix from a wetland (> 0.5 ha) • Presence of 3 or more Northern Shoveler these wetland ELC or a wetland (>0.5ha) and any small nesting pairs for listed Rationale: Gadwall Ecosites are wetlands (0.5ha) within 120m or a species excluding Important to Blue-winged Teal Candidate SWH: cluster of 3 or more small (<0.5 ha) MallardsⒺ, or; local waterfowl Green-winged Teal MAS1 MAS2 wetlands within 120 m of each • Presence of 10 or more populations, Wood Duck MAS3 SAS1 individual wetland where waterfowl nesting pairs for listed sites with Hooded Merganser SAM1 SAF1 nesting is known to occur cxlix. species including greatest Mallard MAM1 MAM2 • Upland areas should be at least MallardsⒺ. number of MAM3 MAM4 120 m wide so that predators • Any active nesting site of species and MAM5 MAM6 such as racoons, skunks, and an American Black Duck is highest SWT1 SWT2 foxes have difficulty finding considered significant. number of SWD1 SWD2 nests. • Nesting studies should be individuals are SWD3 SWD4 • Wood Ducks and Hooded completed during the significant. Mergansers utilize large spring breeding season Note: includes diameter trees (>40cm dbh) in (April - June). Evaluation adjacency to woodlands for cavity nest sites. methods to follow “Bird and Provincially Information Sources Bird Habitats: Guidelines Significant • Ducks Unlimited staff may know for Wind Power Projects”ccxi Wetlands the locations of particularly • A field study confirming productive nesting sites. waterfowl nesting habitat • OMNRF Wetland Evaluations for will determine the boundary 23 January 2015 Eco-Region 7E Specialized Wildlife Species CANDIDATE SWH CONFIRMED SWH Wildlife ELC Ecosite Habitat Criteria and Information Defining Criteria Habitat Codes Sources indication of significant of the waterfowl nesting waterfowl nesting habitat. habitat for the SWH, this • Reports and other information may be greater or less than available from Conservation 120 m cxlviii from the wetland Authorities. and will provide enough habitat for waterfowl to successfully nest. • SWH MISTcxlix Index #25 provides development effects and mitigation measures. Bald Eagle Osprey ELC Forest Nests are associated with lakes, Studies confirm the use of and Osprey Community Series: ponds, rivers or wetlands along these nests by: Nesting, Special Concern FOD, FOM, FOC, forested shorelines, islands, or on • One or more active Osprey Foraging and Bald Eagle SWD, SWM and structures over water. or Bald Eagle nests in an Perching SWC directly areacxlviii . Habitat adjacent to riparian • Osprey nests are usually at the • Some species have more areas – rivers, top a tree whereas Bald Eagle than one nest in a given Rationale: lakes, ponds and nests are typically in super area and priority is given to Nest sites are wetlands canopy trees in a notch within the the primary nest with fairly tree’s canopy. alternate nests included uncommon in • Nests located on man-made within the area of the SWH. Ecoregion 7E objects are not to be included as • For an Osprey, the active and are used SWH (e.g. telephone poles and nest and a 300 m radius annually by constructed nesting platforms). around the nest or the these species. Information Sources contiguous woodland stand Many suitable • Natural Heritage Information is the SWH ccvii, maintaining nesting Centre (NHIC) compiles all undisturbed shorelines with locations may known nesting sites for Bald large trees within this area be lost due to Eagles in Ontario. is important cxlviii. increasing • MNRF values information • For a Bald Eagle the active shoreline (LIO/NRVIS) will list known nest and a 400-800 m development nesting locations. Note: data from radius around the nest is pressures and NRVIS is provided as a point and the SWH. cvi, ccvii Area of 24 January 2015 Eco-Region 7E Specialized Wildlife Species CANDIDATE SWH CONFIRMED SWH Wildlife ELC Ecosite Habitat Criteria and Information Defining Criteria Habitat Codes Sources scarcity of does not represent all the habitat. the habitat from 400-800m habitat. • Nature Counts, Ontario Nest is dependant on site lines Records Scheme data. from the nest to the • OMNRF District. development and inclusion • Check the Ontario Breeding Bird of perching and foraging Atlas ccv or Rare Breeding Birds habitat cvi in Ontario for species • To be significant a site documented must be used annually. • Reports and other information When found inactive, the available from Conservation site must be known to be Authorities. inactive for > 3 years or • Field Naturalists clubs suspected of not being used for >5 years before being considered not significant. ccvii • Observational studies to determine nest site use, perching sites and foraging areas need to be done from early March to mid August. • Evaluation methods to follow “Bird and Bird Habitats: Guidelines for Wind Power Projects”ccxi • SWH MISTcxlix Index #26 provides development effects and mitigation measures Woodland Northern Goshawk May be found in all All natural or conifer plantation Studies confirm: Raptor Cooper’s Hawk forested ELC woodland/forest stands >30ha with • Presence of 1 or more Nesting Sharp-shinned Hawk Ecosites. >4ha of interior habitat lxxxviiii, lxxxix, xc, active nests from species Habitat Red-shouldered Hawk xci, xciii, xciv, xcv,xcvi, cxxxiii. Interior habitat list is considered Barred Owl May also be found determined with a 200m buffercxlviii significantcxlviii. Rationale: Broad-winged Hawk in SWC, SWM, • Stick nests found in a variety of • Red-shouldered Hawk and 25 January 2015 Eco-Region 7E Specialized Wildlife Species CANDIDATE SWH CONFIRMED SWH Wildlife ELC Ecosite Habitat Criteria and Information Defining Criteria Habitat Codes Sources Nests sites for SWD and CUP3 intermediate-aged to mature Northern Goshawk – A these species conifer, deciduous or mixed 400m radius around the are rarely forests within tops or crotches of nest or 28 ha area of habitat identified; trees. Species such as Coopers is the SWH ccvii. (the 28 ha these area hawk nest along forest edges habitat area would be sensitive sometimes on peninsulas or applied where optimal habitats are small off-shore islands. habitat is irregularly shaped often used • In disturbed sites, nests may be around the nest) annually by used again, or a new nest will be • Barred Owl – A 200m radius these species. in close proximity to old nest. around the nest is the SWH Information Sources ccvii. • OMNRF Districts. • Broad-winged Hawk and • Check the Ontario Breeding Bird Coopers Hawk,– A 100m Atlas ccv or Rare Breeding Birds radius around the nest is in Ontario for species the SWHccvii. documented. • Sharp-Shinned Hawk – A • Check data from Bird Studies 50m radius around the nest Canada. is the SWHccvii. • Reports and other information • Conduct field investigations available from Conservation from early March to end of Authorities. May. The use of call broadcasts can help in locating territorial (courting/nesting) raptors and facilitate the discovery of nests by narrowing down the search area. • SWH MIST cxlix Index #27 provides development effects and mitigation measures. Turtle Nesting Midland Painted Turtle Exposed mineral • Best nesting habitat for turtles are Studies confirm: Areas soil (sand or close to water and away from • Presence of 5 or more Special Concern gravel) areas roads and sites less prone to loss nesting Midland Painted 26 January 2015 Eco-Region 7E Specialized Wildlife Species CANDIDATE SWH CONFIRMED SWH Wildlife ELC Ecosite Habitat Criteria and Information Defining Criteria Habitat Codes Sources Rationale: Species adjacent (<100m) of eggs by predation from skunks, TurtlesⒺ These habitats Northern Map Turtle cxlviii or within the raccoons or other animals. • One or more Northern Map are rare and Snapping Turtle following ELC • For an area to function as a turtle- Turtle or Snapping Turtle when Ecosites: nesting area, it must provide sand nesting is a SWHⒺ. identified will MAS1 and gravel that turtles are able to • The area or collection of often be the MAS2 dig in and are located in open, sites within an area of only breeding MAS3 sunny areas. Nesting areas on the exposed mineral soils site for local SAS1 sides of municipal or provincial where the turtles nest, plus populations of SAM1 road embankments and shoulders a radius of 30-100m around turtles. SAF1 are not SWH. the nesting area dependant BOO1 • Sand and gravel beaches on slope, riparian FEO1 adjacent to undisturbed shallow vegetation and adjacent weedy areas of marshes, lakes, land use is the SWH.cxlviii and rivers are most frequently • Travel routes from wetland used. to nesting area are to be Information Sources considered within the SWH • Use Ontario Soil Survey reports as part of the 30-100m area and maps to help find suitable of habitat.cxlix substrate for nesting turtles (well- • Field investigations should drained sands and fine gravels). be conducted in prime • Check the Ontario Herpetofaunal nesting season typically late Summary Atlas records or other spring to early summer. similar atlases for uncommon Observational studies turtles; location information may observing the turtles help to find potential nesting nesting is a recommended habitat for them. method. • Natural Heritage Information • SWH MIST cxlix Index #28 Centre (NHIC) provides development • Field Naturalist Clubs effects and mitigation measures for turtle nesting habitat.

Seeps and Wild Turkey Seeps/Springs are Any forested area (with <25% Field Studies confirm: Springs Ruffed Grouse areas where meadow/field/pasture) within the • Presence of a site with 2 or 27 January 2015 Eco-Region 7E Specialized Wildlife Species CANDIDATE SWH CONFIRMED SWH Wildlife ELC Ecosite Habitat Criteria and Information Defining Criteria Habitat Codes Sources Spruce Grouse ground water headwaters of a stream or river moreⒺ seeps/springs Rationale: White-tailed Deer comes to the system cxvii, cxlix. should be considered SWH. Seeps/Springs Salamander spp. surface. Often they • Seeps and springs are important • The area of a ELC forest are typical of are found within feeding and drinking areas ecosite or an ecoelement headwater headwater areas especially in the winter will within ecosite containing areas and are within forested typically support a variety of plant the seeps/springs is the often at the habitats. Any and animal species cxix, cxx, cxxi, cxxii, SWH. The protection of the source of forested Ecosite cxiii, cxiv. recharge area considering coldwater within the Information Sources the slope, vegetation, streams. headwater areas of • Topographical Map. height of trees and a stream could • Thermography. groundwater condition need have • Hydrological surveys conducted to be considered in seeps/springs. by Conservation Authorities and delineation the habitat cxlviii. MOE. • SWH MIST cxlix Index #30 • Field Naturalists Clubs and provides development landowners. effects and mitigation • Municipalities and Conservation measures Authorities may have drainage maps and headwater areas mapped. Amphibian Eastern Newt All Ecosites • Presence of a wetland, pond or Studies confirm; Breeding Blue-spotted associated with woodland pool (including vernal • Presence of breeding Habitat Salamander these ELC pools) >500m2 (about 25m population of 1 or more of (Woodland). Spotted Salamander Community Series; diameter) ccvii within or adjacent the listed newt/salamander Gray Treefrog FOC (within 120m) to a woodland (no species or 2 or more of the Rationale: Spring Peeper FOM minimum size).clxxxii, lxiii, lxv, lxvi, listed frog species with at These habitats Western Chorus Frog FOD lxvii, lxviii, lxix, lxx Some small least 20 individuals (adults are extremely Wood Frog SWC wetlands may not be mapped or eggs masses) lxxi or 2 or important to SWM and may be important breeding more of the listed frog amphibian SWD pools for amphibians. species with Call Level biodiversity • Woodlands with permanent Codes of 3Ⓔ. within a Breeding pools ponds or those containing water • A combination of landscape and within the woodland in most years until mid-July are observational study and call often or the shortest more likely to be used as count surveys cviii will be 28 January 2015 Eco-Region 7E Specialized Wildlife Species CANDIDATE SWH CONFIRMED SWH Wildlife ELC Ecosite Habitat Criteria and Information Defining Criteria Habitat Codes Sources represent the distance from forest breeding habitat cxlviii required during the spring only breeding habitat are more Information Sources (March-June) when habitat for significant because • Ontario Herpetofaunal Summary amphibians are local they are more likely Atlas (or other similar atlases) for concentrated around amphibian to be used due to records suitable breeding habitat populations reduced risk to • Local landowners may also within or near the migrating provide assistance as they may woodland/wetlands. amphibians hear spring-time choruses of • The habitat is the wetland amphibians on their property. area plus a 230m radius of • OMNRF Districts and wetland woodland arealxiii, lxv, lxvi, lxvii, evaluations lxviii, lxix, lxx, lxxi . If a wetland • Field Naturalist clubs area is adjacent to a • Canadian Wildlife Service woodland, a travel corridor Amphibian Road Call Survey connecting the wetland to • Ontario Vernal Pool Association: the woodland is to be http://www.ontariovernalpools.org included in the habitat. • SWH MIST cxlix Index #14 provides development effects and mitigation measures. Amphibian Eastern Newt ELC Community • Wetlands>500m2 (about 25m Studies confirm: Breeding American Toad Classes SW, MA, diameter) ccvii ,supporting high • Presence of breeding Habitat Spotted Salamander FE, BO, OA and species diversity are significant; population of 1 or more of (Wetlands) Four-toed Salamander SA. some small or ephemeral the listed newt/salamander Blue-spotted habitats may not be identified on species or 2 or more of the Rationale: Salamander Typically these MNRF mapping and could be listed frog/toad species with Wetlands Gray Treefrog wetland ecosites important amphibian breeding at least 20 individuals supporting Western Chorus Frog will be isolated habitats clxxxii. (adults or eggs masses) lxxi breeding for Northern Leopard (>120m) from • Presence of shrubs and logs or 2 or more of the listed these Frog woodland ecosites, increase significance of pond for frog/toad species with Call amphibian Pickerel Frog however larger some amphibian species Level Codes of 3Ⓔ. or; species are Green Frog wetlands containing because of available structure for Wetland with confirmed extremely Mink Frog predominantly calling, foraging, escape and breeding Bullfrogs are important and Bullfrog aquatic species concealment from predators. significantⒺ. fairly rare (e.g. Bull Frog) may • Bullfrogs require permanent • The ELC ecosite wetland 29 January 2015 Eco-Region 7E Specialized Wildlife Species CANDIDATE SWH CONFIRMED SWH Wildlife ELC Ecosite Habitat Criteria and Information Defining Criteria Habitat Codes Sources within Central be adjacent to water bodies with abundant area and the shoreline are Ontario woodlands. emergent vegetation. the SWH. landscapes. Information Sources • A combination of • Ontario Herpetofaunal Summary observational study and call Atlas (or other similar atlases) count surveys cviii will be • Canadian Wildlife Service required during the spring Amphibian Road Surveys and (March-June) when Backyard Amphibian Call Count. amphibians are • OMNRF Districts and wetland concentrated around evaluations. suitable breeding habitat • Reports and other information within or near the wetlands. available from Conservation • If a SWH is determined for Authorities. Amphibian Breeding Habitat (Wetlands) then Movement Corridors are to be considered as outlined in Table 1.4.1 of this Schedule. • SWH MIST cxlix Index #15 provides development effects and mitigation measures. Woodland Yellow-bellied All Ecosites • Habitats where interior forest Studies confirm: Area- Sapsucker associated with breeding birds are breeding, • Presence of nesting or Sensitive Red-breasted these ELC typically large mature (>60 yrs breeding pairs of 3 or more Bird Nuthatch Community Series; old) forest stands or woodlots >30 of the listed wildlife Breeding Veery FOC ha. cv, cxxxi, cxxxii, cxxxiii, cxxxiv, cxxxv, cxxxvi, species. Ⓔ Habitat Blue-headed Vireo FOM cxxxvii, cxxxviii, cxxxix, cxl, cxli, cxlii, cxliii, cxliv, • Note: any site with Northern Parula FOD cxlv, cxlvi, cl, cli, clii, cliii, cliv, clv, clvi, clvii, clviii, breeding Cerulean Rationale: Black-throated Green SWC clix, Warblers or Canada Large, natural Warbler SWM • Interior forest habitat is at least Warblers is to be blocks of Blackburnian Warbler SWD 200 m from forest edge habitat. considered SWH.Ⓔ mature Black-throated Blue clxiv • Conduct field investigations woodland Warbler Information Sources in spring and early summer 30 January 2015 Eco-Region 7E Specialized Wildlife Species CANDIDATE SWH CONFIRMED SWH Wildlife ELC Ecosite Habitat Criteria and Information Defining Criteria Habitat Codes Sources habitat within Ovenbird • Local birder clubs. when birds are singing and the settled Scarlet Tanager • Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) defending their territories. areas of Winter Wren for the location of forest bird • Evaluation methods to Southern Pileated Woodpecker monitoring. follow “Bird and Bird Ontario are • Bird Studies Canada conducted Habitats: Guidelines for important Special Concern: a 3-year study of 287 woodlands Wind Power Projects”ccxi habitats for Cerulean Warbler to determine the effects of forest • SWH MIST cxlix Index #34 area sensitive Canada Warbler fragmentation on forest birds and provides development interior forest to determine what forests were of effects and mitigation song birds. greatest value to interior species measures. • Reports and other information available from Conservation Authorities.

31 January 2015 Eco-Region 7E 1.3 Habitat for Species of Conservation Concern (Not including Endangered or Threatened Species)

Habitats of Species of Conservation Concern include wildlife species that are listed as Special Concern or rare, that are declining, or are featured species. Habitats of Species of Conservation Concern do not include habitats of Endangered or Threatened species as identified by the Endangered Species Act 2007. Table 1.3 assists with the identification of SWH for Species of Conservation Concern.

Table 1.3. Habitats of Species of Conservation Concern considered SWH. Wildlife Species CANDIDATE SWH CONFIRMED SWH ELC Ecosite Habitat Criteria and Defining Criteria Information Sources Marsh Breeding American Bittern MAM1 • Nesting occurs in wetlands. Studies confirm: Bird Habitat Virginia Rail MAM2 • All wetland habitat is to be • Presence of 5 or more nesting Rationale: Sora MAM3 considered as long as there pairs of Sedge Wren or Marsh Wetlands for these Common MAM4 is shallow water with Wren or breeding by any bird species are Moorhen MAM5 emergent aquatic vegetation combination of 4 or more of the typically productive American Coot MAM6 present cxxiv. listed species Ⓔ. and fairly rare in Pied-billed Grebe SAS1 • For Green Heron, habitat is • Note: any wetland with breeding of Southern Ontario Marsh Wren SAM1 at the edge of water such as 1 or more Black Terns, Trumpeter landscapes. Sedge Wren SAF1 sluggish streams, ponds and Swan, Green Heron or Yellow Rail Common Loon FEO1 marshes sheltered by shrubs is SWH Ⓔ. Green Heron BOO1 and trees. Less frequently, it • Area of the ELC ecosite is the Trumpeter Swan may be found in upland SWH. For Green Heron: shrubs or forest a • Breeding surveys should be done All SW, MA and considerable distance from in May/June when these species Special CUM1 sites. water. are actively nesting in wetland Concern: Information Sources habitats. Black Tern • OMNRF District and wetland • Evaluation methods to follow “Bird Yellow Rail evaluations. and Bird Habitats: Guidelines for • Field Naturalist clubs Wind Power Projects”ccxi • Natural Heritage Information • SWH MIST cxlix Index #35 provides Centre (NHIC) Records. development effects and • Reports and other mitigation measures information available from Conservation Authorities. • Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas. Open Country Upland Sandpiper CUM1 • Large grassland areas Field Studies confirm: 32 January 2015 Eco-Region 7E Wildlife Species CANDIDATE SWH CONFIRMED SWH ELC Ecosite Habitat Criteria and Defining Criteria Information Sources Bird Breeding Grasshopper CUM2 (includes natural and cultural • Presence of nesting or breeding of Habitat Sparrow fields and meadows) >30 ha 2 or more of the listed species. Ⓔ Vesper Sparrow clx, clxi, clxii, clxiii, clxiv, clxv, clxvi, clxvii, • A field with 1 or more breeding Rationale: Northern Harrier clxviii, clxix. Short-eared Owls is to be This wildlife habitat Savannah • Grasslands not Class 1 or 2 considered SWH. is declining Sparrow agricultural lands, and not • The area of SWH is the throughout Ontario being actively used for contiguous ELC ecosite field and North America. Special Concern farming (i.e. no row cropping areas. Species such as Short-eared Owl or intensive hay or livestock • Conduct field investigations of the the Upland pasturing in the last 5 years) most likely areas in spring and Sandpiper have Ⓔ. early summer when birds are declined • Grassland sites considered singing and defending their significantly the significant should have a territories. past 40 years history of longevity, either • Evaluation methods to follow “Bird based on CWS abandoned fields, mature and Bird Habitats: Guidelines for (2004) trend hayfields and pasturelands Wind Power Projects”ccxi records. that are at least 5 years or • SWH MIST cxlix Index #32 older. provides development effects and • The Indicator bird species mitigation measures are area sensitive requiring larger grassland areas than the common grassland species. Information Sources • Agricultural land classification maps, Ministry of Agriculture. • Local bird clubs. • Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas • EIS Reports and other information available from Conservation Authorities. Shrub/Early Indicator Spp: CUT1 Large field areas succeeding to Field Studies confirm: Successional Brown Thrasher CUT2 shrub and thicket • Presence of nesting or breeding of 33 January 2015 Eco-Region 7E Wildlife Species CANDIDATE SWH CONFIRMED SWH ELC Ecosite Habitat Criteria and Defining Criteria Information Sources Bird Breeding Clay-coloured CUS1 habitats>10haclxiv in size. 1 of the indicator species and at Habitat Sparrow CUS2 • Shrub land or early least 2 of the common species. Ⓔ CUW1 successional fields, not class • A habitat with breeding Yellow- Rationale: Common Spp. CUW2 1 or 2 agricultural lands, not breasted Chat or Golden-winged This wildlife habitat Field Sparrow being actively used for Warbler is to be considered as is declining Black-billed Patches of shrub farming (i.e. no row- Significant Wildlife Habitat. Ⓔ throughout Ontario Cuckoo ecosites can be cropping, haying or live- • The area of the SWH is the and North America. Eastern Towhee complexed into a stock pasturing in the last 5 contiguous ELC ecosite The Brown Willow Flycatcher larger habitat for years) Ⓔ. field/thicket area. Thrasher has some bird species • Shrub thicket habitats (>10 • Conduct field investigations of the declined Special ha) are most likely to support most likely areas in spring and significantly over Concern: Yellow- and sustain a diversity of early summer when birds are the past 40 years breasted Chat these species clxxiii. singing and defending their based on CWS Golden-winged • Shrub and thicket habitat territories (2004) trend Warbler sites considered significant • Evaluation methods to follow “Bird records. should have a history of and Bird Habitats: Guidelines for longevity, either abandoned Wind Power Projects”ccxi fields or pasturelands. • SWH MIST cxlix Index #33 Information Sources provides development effects and • Agricultural land mitigation measures. classification maps, Ministry of Agriculture. • Local bird clubs. • Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas • Reports and other information available from Conservation Authorities. Terrestrial Chimney or MAM1 MAM2 Wet meadow and edges of Studies Confirm: Crayfish Digger Crayfish; MAM3 MAM4 shallow marshes (no minimum • Presence of 1 or more individuals (Fallicambarus MAM5 MAM6 size) should be surveyed for of species listed or their chimneys Rationale: fodiens) MAS1 MAS2 terrestrial crayfish. (burrows) in suitable meadow Terrestrial Crayfish MAS3 SWD • Constructs burrows in marsh, swamp or moist terrestrial are only found Devil Crayfish or SWT SWM marshes, mudflats, sites cci within SW Ontario Meadow Crayfish; meadows, the ground can’t • Area of ELC ecosite or an 34 January 2015 Eco-Region 7E Wildlife Species CANDIDATE SWH CONFIRMED SWH ELC Ecosite Habitat Criteria and Defining Criteria Information Sources in Canada and their (Cambarus CUM1 with be too moist. Can often be ecoelement area of meadow habitats are very Diogenes) inclusions of found far from water. marsh or swamp within the larger rare. ccii above meadow • Both species are a semi- ecosite area is the SWH. marsh ecosites terrestrial burrower which • Surveys should be done April to can be used by spends most of its life within August in temporary or permanent terrestrial burrows consisting of a water. Note the presence of crayfish. network of tunnels. Usually burrows or chimneys are often the the soil is not too moist so only indicator of presence, that the tunnel is well formed. observance or collection of Information Sources individuals is very difficult cci • Information sources from • SWH MIST cxlix Index #36 “Conservation Status of provides development effects and Freshwater Crayfishes” by mitigation measures. Dr. Premek Hamr for the WWF and CNF March 1998 Special Concern All Special All plant and When an element occurrence is Studies Confirm: and Rare Wildlife Concern and animal element identified within a 1 or 10 km grid • Assessment/inventory of the site Species Provincially Rare occurrences (EO) for a Special Concern or for the identified special concern (S1-S3, SH) plant within a 1 or provincially Rare species; linking or rare species needs to be Rationale: and animal 10km grid. candidate habitat on the site completed during the time of year These species are species. Lists of needs to be completed to ELC when the species is present or quite rare or have these species are Older element Ecosites lxxviii easily identifiable. experienced tracked by the occurrences Information Sources • The area of the habitat to the significant Natural Heritage were recorded • Natural Heritage Information finest ELC scale that protects the population declines Information prior to GPS Centre (NHIC) will have habitat form and function is the in Ontario. Centre (NHIC). being available, Special Concern and SWH, this must be delineated therefore location Provincially Rare (S1-S3, through detailed field studies. The information may SH) species lists with habitat needs be easily mapped lack accuracy element occurrences data. and cover an important life stage • NHIC Website “Get component for a species e.g. Information” : specific nesting habitat or foraging http://nhic.mnr.gov.on.ca habitat. • Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas • SWH MIST cxlix Index #37 • Expert advice should be provides development effects and 35 January 2015 Eco-Region 7E Wildlife Species CANDIDATE SWH CONFIRMED SWH ELC Ecosite Habitat Criteria and Defining Criteria Information Sources sought as many of the rare mitigation measures. spp. have little information available about their requirements.

36 January 2015 Eco-Region 7E 1.4 Animal Movement Corridors

Animal Movement Corridors are elongated areas used by wildlife to move from one habitat to another. They are important to ensure genetic diversity in populations, to allow seasonal migration of animals (e.g. deer moving from summer to winter range) and to allow animals to move throughout their home range from feeding areas to cover areas. Animal movement corridors function at different scales often related to the size and home range of the animal. For example, short, narrow areas of natural habitat may function as a corridor between amphibian breeding areas and their summer range, while wider, longer corridors are needed to allow deer to travel from their winter habitat to their summer habitat.

Identifying the most important corridors that provide connectivity across the landscape is challenging because of a lack of specific information on animal movements. There is also some uncertainty about the optimum width and mortality risks of corridors. Furthermore, a corridor may be beneficial for some species but detrimental to others. For example, narrow linear corridors may allow increased access for racoons, cats, and other predators. Also, narrow corridors dominated by edge habitat may encourage invasion by weedy generalist plants and opportunistic species of birds and mammals. Corridors often consist of naturally vegetated areas that run through more open or developed landscapes. However, sparsely vegetated areas can also function as corridors. For example, many species move freely through agricultural land to reach natural areas. Despite the difficulty of identifying exact movement corridors for all species, these landscape features are important to the long-term viability of certain wildlife populations.

Animal Movement Corridors should only be identified as SWH where:

Where a Confirmed or Candidate SWH has been identified by MNRF or the planning authority based on documented evidence of a habitat identified within these Criterion Schedules or the Significant Wildlife Habitat Technical Guide. The identified wildlife habitats Table 1.4.1 will have distinct passageways or rely on well defined natural features for movements between habitats required by the species to complete its life cycle.

Table 1.4.1 Animal Movement Corridors Habitat SPECIES CANDIDATE SWH CONFIRMED SWH ELC Eco-sites Habitat Criteria and Defining Criteria Information Sources Amphibian Eastern Newt Corridors may be Movement corridors between • Field Studies must be Movement American Toad found in all ecosites breeding habitat and summer conducted at the time of Corridors Spotted associated with habitat clxxiv, clxxv, clxxvi, clxxvii, clxxviii, year when species are Salamander water. clxxix, clxxx, clxxxi. expected to be migrating Rationale: Four-toed • Corridors will be • Movement corridors must be or entering breeding Movement Salamander determined determined when Amphibian sites. corridors for Blue-spotted based on breeding habitat is confirmed • Corridors should consist of amphibians Salamander identifying the as SWH from Table 1.2.2 native vegetation, with 37 January 2015 Eco-Region 7E Habitat SPECIES CANDIDATE SWH CONFIRMED SWH ELC Eco-sites Habitat Criteria and Defining Criteria Information Sources moving from their Gray Treefrog significant (Amphibian Breeding several layers of vegetation. terrestrial habitat Western Chorus breeding habitat Habitat –Wetland) of this Corridors unbroken by to breeding habitat Frog for these species Schedule Ⓔ. roads, waterways or bodies, can be extremely Northern Leopard in Table 1.1 Information Sources and undeveloped areas are important for local Frog • MNRF District Office. most significantcxlix populations. Pickerel Frog • Natural Heritage Information • Corridors should have at Green Frog Centre (NHIC). least 15m of vegetation on Mink Frog • Reports and other both sides of waterwaycxlix Bullfrog information available from or be up to 200m widecxlix Conservation Authorities. of woodland habitat and cxlix • Field Naturalist Clubs. with gaps <20m . • Shorter corridors are more significant than longer corridors, however amphibians must be able to get to and from their summer and breeding habitatcxlix. • SWH MIST cxlix Index #40 provides development effects and mitigation measures

38 January 2015 Eco-Region 7E 1.5 Exceptions for EcoRegion 7E

Exceptions are candidate wildlife habitats that will have different criteria than what is proposed in the above schedules for an area within the Eco-region. The Exceptions will be based on Eco-Districts and municipalities can apply the exception for the eco-district within their planning area

Table 1.5.1 Significant Wildlife Habitat Exceptions for Ecodistricts within EcoRegion 7E EcoDistrict Wildlife Habitat Candidate SWH Confirmed SWH and Species Ecosites Habitat Description Habitat Criteria and Defining Criteria Information 7E-2 Bat Migratory No specific • Long distance • Long Point Stopover Area ELC types. migratory bats typically (42°35’N, migrate during late 80°30’E, to Rationale: summer and early fall 42°33’N, Stopover areas for from summer breeding 80°03’E) has long distance habitats throughout been identified migrant bats are Ontario to southern as a significant important during wintering areas. Their stop-over habitat fall migration. annual fall migration for fall migrating may concentrate these Silver-haired Hoary Bat species of bats at Bats, due to Eastern Red Bat stopover areas. significant Silver-haired Bat • This is the only known increases in bat migratory stopover abundance, habitats based on activity and current information. feeding that was Information Sources documented • OMNRF for possible during fall locations and contact migration ccxv. for local experts • The confirmation • University of Waterloo, criteria and Biology Department habitat areas for this SWH are still being determined. • SWH MIST cxlix Index #38 39 January 2015 Eco-Region 7E provides development effects and mitigation measures