ENVIROI{MEI{TAL IMPACT STUDY BEAVER VALLEY VILLAGE
Report prepared for: Ilansa Financial & Corporate Management Inc. Toronto, Ontario
Report prepared by: Neil Morris, Consulting Ecologist Report Reference # 07-10.1
November 2007 Environmental Impact Study - Beaver Valley Village
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I.O INTRODUCTION..... I
2.0 EIS WORK-SCOPE..... 2 2.1 Issues of Concern 2 2.2 EIS Format and Content...... 4
3.0 WORK-SCOPE AND METHODS...... 6 3.1 Review of Existing information...... 6 3.2 On-Site Characterization...... 7
4.0 STUDY AREA CHARACTERISTICS .9 4,1 Physiography and Geology.... .9 4.2 Hydrology and Aquatic Habitat...... l0 4.3 Hydrogeology ...... l1 4.4 Regional Ecology..... 12 4.5 S ignificant Natural Features t2 4.6 Plant Communities...... 13 4.7 Wildlife l5 4.8 Species at Risk...... l7
5.0 ASSESMENT OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS...... 20 5.1 Groundwater ...... 20 5.2 Surface Water...... 21 5.3 Plant Communities and Habitat. 22 5.4 Priority Wildlife Species 23 5.5 Summary 24
6.0 REFERENCES...... 25
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LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix A - Hydrogeological Evaluation (wilson Associatesr200T) Appendix B - Karst Evaluation Report (Cowell, 2007) Appendix C - Ecological Information Environmental Impact Study - Beaver Valley Yillage
LIST OF TABLES
Table I - Summary of Open Gountry Birds in the Region - Table 2 - Summary of Karst Features Table 3 - Summary of Potential Impacts
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 - Draft Site Plan Figure 2 - Constraints Map
lll Environmental Impact Study - Beaver Valley Viltage
Acronyms and Abbreviations
ANSI Area ofNatural or Scientific Interest
COSEWIC Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada COSSARO Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario EIS Environmental Impact Study . ELC Ecological Land Classifieation EO Element Occurrence (NHIC Database) ESA Endangered Species Act (Provincial) GSCA Grey Sauble Conseryation Authority masl meters above sea lovel mbgs meters below ground surface MGH Municipality of Grey Highlands OMNR Minishy of Natural Resources (Ontario) MOE Ministry of Environment (Ontario) NHIC Natural Heritage Information Centre (Ontario MNR) OBBA Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas OP Official Plan PPS Provincial Policy Statement SAR Species at Risk SARA Species at Risk Act (Federal) SARO Species at Risk in Ontario (Ontario MNR) Environmental Impact Study - Beaver Valley Village
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Hansa Financial is currently proposing a residential development for Part Lots I and2, Concession 6, Municipality of Grey Highlands (formerly Euphrasia Township) in the County of Grey. As curently proposed, the development is a 45 lot subdivison with open spaces and stormwater management facilities to be dedicated to the municipality. The development will be situated on29.74 ha of central uplands within the southern half of the noted property. The proposed area of development, hereafter referred to simply as the "Site", and the lot distribution are depicted in Figure 1.
Under the Municipality of Grey Highlands (MGH) Comprehensive Zoning By-law (2004-50) the Site are within Schedule F-2 - Beaver Valley Ski Club Recreation Area. Recreation Area policies (Section 4.9.3 of the MGH Official Plan) indicate that new privately serviced residential development should not exceed 3 units per hectare. The current proposal is for approximately 1.5 units per hectare.
Under the MGH OP and other relevant plans and policy (e.g. the Provincial Policy Statement, Grey County OP), proposed developments are potentially subject to environmental restrictions or requirements. In accordance with these requirements, an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) is to be prepared for any development that is proposed with certain characteristics and under certain conditions. The development proposed for the Site has been determined to necessitate an EIS for several specific policy-related reasons, and also to satisfy a series of concerns otherwise noted by agency staff. The specifìc triggers for the EIS are discussed in Section 2.1 .
This report has been prepared to describe in full all elements of the EIS that has been conducted for the Site. The three main objectives of this EIS are:
1. To adequately identifu and characterize all environmental features and functions within and immediately adjacent to the Site,
2. To assess the potential impacts of the proposed development on those environmental features and functions, in a manner consistent with relevant policy and planning documents, and 3. To identiff mitigation measures to ensure that any potential environmental impacts do not materialize to any significant extent through the full life of the proposed development.
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2.0 EIS \üORK.SCOPE
In general, the scope and content of an EIS are not expressly prescribed in any relevant policy or regulations. The scope and content are intended to be site-specific and, in general, should be developed so that the noted concerns ofapproval authorities and other concerned agencies are effectively addressed. In this current EIS, steps were taken at the outset to determine the site-specifrc issues to be addressed in the EIS.
2.1 Issues of Concern
The first step taken in conducting the current EIS was the identification of the specific issues of concern and relevance to the Site. Broad issues of concem were initially identified through review of relevant policy and planning documentation, including:
o The Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) o The Niagara Escarpment Plan o The MGH Official Plan (OP) o The Grey County OP
From these relevant planning and policy documents, the general indications or specific triggers for an EIS include the following:
o Under the PPS, the presence of a significant natural area (e.g., the Beaver Valley West Slope ANSI - see Section 4.5) in close proximity to the Site requires an appropriate assessment of potential impacts on that feature.
o The Niagara Escarpment plan permits specified land uses so long as the Site can support those uses without substantial negative impact on environmental features (including natural grades, water quality and quantity, natural vegetation, soil, and wildlife) and without posing ahazardto life or property due to unstable soil conditions or possible flooding. o The MGH OP states that development or site alteration may be permitted within or adjacent to identified natural heritage features (as initially identified in Schedule A of the MGH OP) provided it can be demonstrated that there will be no negative impacts on those features or their functions. o The MGH OP specifies that development and site alteration within or near (i.e., within 50 metres) significant wildlife habitats requires demonstration (through an EIS) that there will be no negative impacts on the natural features or ecological functions for which the area is identif,red.
o Under the MGH OP, development or site alteration may be permitted within 120 m of wetlands provided that it is demonstrated through an EIS that such development will not adversely affect the wetlands or their function.
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o The Grey County OP states that development and site alteration may be permitted within or adjacent to specified natural features (significant areas of fish habitat, woodlands, valleylands, wetlands, and wildlife habitat) provided that it is demonstrated by an acceptable EIS that there will be no negative impacts on the natural features or their function .
It is important to note that both the MGH and Grey County OPs identifu significant features to be considered in the development application process and in the determination of EIS needs. The natural features maps in OP Schedules are recognized as reliable, but not necessarily inclusive of all possible features. Thus, as an initial step in EIS scoping, it is necessary to examine site characteristics to determine if there may be as of yet unscheduled features on or adjacent to areas ofproposed development. Based on the description of natural features on or adjacent to the Site, and the findings of initial site reconnaissance, the proposed development would trigger an EIS based on the explicit specifrcations ofthe MGH OP regarding wetlands, but not regarding significant wildlife habitat. The draft plan (see Figure l) indicates that development or site alteration will occur within 120 meters of small unevaluated wetlands in the northwest corner of the Site and immediately adjacent to the watercourse along the eastern perimeter. A more general trigger for an EIS for the Site might also be the general Natural Features policies of the Grey County OP or the PPS.
The understanding of environmental issues or concerns for consideration in this EIS was further developed through direct consultation with planning staff from the MGH and from the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority (GSCA). Specifically, a meeting was held with the MGH and GSCA staff at the MGH Offices on the afternoon of 29 August2007. The purposes of that meeting were:
o to identiff the environmental issues of concern to stakeholder agencies (MGH and GSCA), o to identifr the actual trigger(s) for an EIS, and o to generally discuss the specific efforts that might be necessary to satisff relevant policy or regulatory requirements and the noted concerns.
The understanding of the environmental issues of concern associated with the Site was further developed and refined through review of several relevant documents. Specifically, the documents that were reviewed for this purpose include the following:
Hydrogeological Evaluation - Proposed Residential Development Part Lots 1 & 2, Concession 6, Township of Grey Highlands, prepared by Ian D. Wilson Associates Limited (hereafter referred to as the "Hydrogeological Evaluation" - see Appendix A). A report prepared by Daryl rW. Cowell & Associates Inc., entitled Karst Evaluation Report for South wodehouse creek Proposed Plan of Subdivision" (hereafter referred to simply as the "Karst Report" - See Appendix B).
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An initial EIS needs assessment prepared by Gartner Lee Limited (GLL), dated 13 February,2007 . The EIS needs were reported to have been developed in consultation with staff from various concerned agencies (MGH, Grey County, GSCA, OMNR).
Based on all noted considerations, the specific concerns to be addressed in this EIS are as follows:
l. Karst topography and associated concerns (stability, groundwater impacts), 2. Possible limitations and impacts associated with servicing (water supply and sewage).
3. Possible impacts associated with the establishment of Site access route(s) through identified hazard lands on the Site Perimeter.
4. General concern regarding loss of natural vegetation communities and habitat. 5. Impacts on species at risk (sAR), possibly present on or adjacent to the site. Noted species included Haft's Tongue Fern and Loggerhead Shrike, both reported as present in the region.
2.2 EIS Format and Content
Consistent with the County of Grey Official Plan, this EIS includes the following general components:
o A sufficiently detailed description of the physical features of the Site, and a more general description of adjacent lands,
o A summary of the development proposal, including an adequate drawing (to be provided by Hansa Financial),
o A description of the general impacts of the development on the Site features, o A review of alternative development options and a determination of the most appropriate form of development, including mitigation methods,
o An exploration of opportunities for enhancement of the existing environment, and o An implementation and monitoring plan to ultimately ensure effective implementation of recommended mitigation measures.
Through these components, the EIS needs to affectively address specific requirements of relevant policy/regulation, and also satisff agency concerns. Considering the stated agency concerns, specific EIS efforts for the Site would need to include the followino.
o Adequate charccterization of the physical and ecological characteristics ofthe Site and adjacent lands,
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5 Environmental Impact Study - Beaver Valley Village
3.0 WORK-SCOPE AND METHODS
The organization, chronology and specific tasks of the EIS reflect the specified study objectives and the identified issues of concern (see Section 2.0). The work undertaken to allow the preparation of this EIS Report has included three main tasks:
l. a desktop review of available information regarding the physical and biological characteristics of the Site and immediately adjacent lands, 2. completion of focused field monitoring at the Site, including examination of plant communities, wildlife, soils, and hydrology, and 3. an assessment ofthe likelihood of adverse impacts of the proposed development on the endpoints ofconcern.
The initial review provides a general understanding ofthe natural features and functions in the Site area. The scope of the site-specific field monitoring is, in part, dependent on the findings of the initial review. The assessment of potential adverse effects collectively considers the findings of the desktop review and the on-site monitoring in a weight-of- evidence manner.
3.1 Review of Existing information
The first step in the EIS was a review of existing information of relevance to presence in the immediate Study Area and the sunounding region. The review included the noted karst report (Cowell, 2007) and the hydrogeological evaluation (Wilson Associates, 2007). These reports are provided herein as Appendices A and B, respectively. These reports provide technical information needed to assess potential impacts associated with hydrology and groundwater (i.e., issues 1,2 and 3 identified in Section 2.1)'
To allow effective assessment of issues related to biological endpoints (i.e., issues 4 and 5 identified in Section 2.1) available information relating to Site ecology was also sought and reviewed. Several sources were consulted to identif, and characterize natural aspects of the Project area, The main sources included;
o The Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC), Natural Area Reports and Element Occurrence (EO) databases, maintained by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR), o The Grey Sauble Conservation Authority, o Bird Studies Canada (BSC) o The Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas (OBBA).
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Information obtained from these and other sources was used to identify and characterize features of interest such as ANSIs (Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest), ESAs (Environmentally Significant Areas), Provincially Signifrcant Wetlands, Important Bird Areas (IBAs), and other areas of interest identified by government agencies, local naturali st groups, planning departments, etc..
3.2 On-Site Characterization
Following completion of the initial review of existing information, freld-level monitoring was conducted to ref,rne the understanding of both physical and biological characteristics of the Site. Monitoring was conducted on 05, 17 and 30 October 2007. Initial Site reconnaissance conducted on 05 October served to determine the presence of natural features not yet identified in either the MGH or Grey County OPs. This reconnaissance also provided an initial determination of site characteristics that in turn was used to plan further detailed site monitoring. To confirm and expand upon the findings and conclusions of the initial review of existing information, detai led s ite- spec ific monitoring efforts included :
o plant community composition, o habitat assessment, and o soil profiling.
Soil profiling was conducted at a series of point monitoring locations (see Figure C1, Appendix C2). Depth-discrete soil examination was conducted in the upper meter of soil using a hand auger. Soil texture, organic matter content and moisture regimes were qualitatively assessed and recorded. The location of point monitoring stations was determined systematically to provide data representative of the variable slope, elevation, and plant community type throughout the Site. Monitoring stations were located in both open areas (meadow) and wooded areas (forest, savannah and thickets) distributed throughout the Site.
Plant community and habitat distribution throughout the Site \¡/as assessed using the Ecological Land Classification methodology described by Lee et al. (1998)' This approach generates classification and mapping of ecological communities down to a size of approximately 0.5 hectares, and allows much more detailed classification of communities than broad scale Landsat imagery. ELC of the Site was completed through the following task sequence:
o Initial site reconnaissance to ascertain major community types, topography, and soil characteristics, o Subsequent examination of aerial photos for a first approximation of ELC. o Subsequent detailed site monitoring to refine initial ELC approximation.
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4.0 STUDYAREA CHARACTERISTICS
The physical (physiography, geology, ecology and general land-use patterns) and biologilal (plant community composition, habitat and wildlife presence) characteristics of the Site are described below.
4.1 PhysiographY and GeologY
The Site lies immediately above the brow of the Niagara Escarpment on the west side of the Beaver Valley, within the Horseshoe Moraines physiographic region' This region is typified by rolling topography of low relief. The topography is a combination of level ptäi". and gentlylotting hills consisting of deep moraine, lacustrine and marine/estuarine àeposits. Lócally, this region is typified by irregular stony knobs and ridges, which are composed mostly of till.
The Site itself occupies an area of rolling to hilly relief, gently to moderately sloped to both the east and wèst from a centrally-situated north-to-south trending hillock. Overall Site relief is about 16 m, from a central high elevation of about 418 metres above sea level (masl) at central hill top, down to about 412 masl within the western periphery of the Site and down to a low of about 402 masl near the eastern limit of the site.
Four karst areas have been identified within or immediately adjacent to the Site. These are described and assessed in Section 5.1 (see Table 2), and depicted in Figure 2'
Soils:
The region is underlain by carbonate-rich Palaeozoic bedrock. Overburden is dominated by a wide variety of deep glacial deposits. Loamy Melanic Brunisolic and Gray Brown Lïvisolic soils are dominant. Signifìcant inclusions are clayey Gleysolic soils. The region contains some of the most productive agricultural soils in Canada.
According to the Grey County soil survey (Gillespie and Richards, 1954), the majority of the Site, alnd virtually the entire proposed development footprint, falls within an area of Vinceni silt clay loam. This is a frne textured limestone till indicated as being slightly stony and having good drainage. Soils in the northwest portion of the Site, and north of the Site boundary are indicateã as being Brookston clay (fine textured and poorly drained soils). "Bottom iand" soils are indicated along the course of Wodehouse Creek on the eastern perimeter of the Site.
Direct examination of soil profiles throughout the Site reveals a deep mineral soil profrle in almost all locations, with soil grain size decreasing with depth. Typically, the soil profile consists of sandy silt to sandy clay loam to a depth of 10 to 60 cm, transitioning to àn underlying layer of óonsolidated brown clay. In some locations, ftne grey mottling is
Ref # 07-10.1 9 November 2007 Environmental Impact Study - Beaver Valley Village evident within the uppermost portion of the brown clay layer, mostly in down-slope and Iowland portions of the Site. Slight to moderate stoniness is encountered in the upper horizon of the clay layer in various locations, most notably in the elevated central ridge. Limited occunences of organic soil over slightly gleisolic clay are confined to wetland areas in the northwest and east of the Site. Overall, the Site overburden can be described as fine-grained and relatively impermeable at depth. These characteristics affect Site hydrology and also plant community composition.
Land-Use:
The widespread alteration of the landscape for agricultural purposes throughout southern Ontario has lead to significant loss of natural forest, wetland and grassland habitat. Grey County retains a degree of natural habitat that is relatively high for southern Ontario, with about34o/o forest cover, 3% wetland, and about I4%o grassland or pasture (Couturier, 1999). Much of this remaining natural landscape is fragmented, and the individual features are typically small relative to what might constitute significant areas of habitat for various species of wildlife. In immediate proximity to the Site, the Niagara Escarpment and Beaver Valley are occupied by relatively intact corridors of natural cover.
The Site and surrounding region are within a largely rural landscape, with recreational and rural residences interspersed among agricultural land, mostly under low intensity use (pasture and forage). Lands to the east of the Site, bordering on the Beaver Valley, are designated for recreational use. A considerable portion ofthese recreational lands are not intensively maintained and exhibit natural vegetation cover.
4.2 Hydrology and Aquatic Habitat
The Site is occupied largely by low-permeability overburden, with gentle to moderate sloping away from the central and elevated plateau. For these reasons, the precipitation that falls within the central elevated portion of the Site, where development is proposed, is expected to drain primarily as surface runoff, and possibly shallow groundwater, into the adjacent topographic lows. The fraction of this drainage that is not subject to evapotranspiration or infiltration en route would contribute some portion of the flow of the local streams.
There are two identified watercourses that are in close proximity to the proposed area of development (see Figure 2). This includes a seasonal tributary of Wodehouse Creek which flows northward within the western periphery of the site, and joins Wodehouse Creek well to the north of the proposed development. Downstream of this confluence, Wodehouse Creek flows south along the eastern edge of the Site.
The seasonal watercourse to the west lies within a shallow and poorly defined channel which is low gradient and well vegetated. Soils in the immediate confines of the channel are mostly mineral and not indicative of hydric conditions. In small and isolated patches
Ref # 07-10.1 l0 November 2007 Environmental Impact Study - Beaver Valley Village within the water course, there is a thin layer of organic soil over dark grey to black silt or clay, indicative of hydric conditions for some significant portion of the year.
The main channel of Wodehouse Creek flows along the eastem perimeter of the Site through a well-defined and slightly meandering channel. Along this stretch, the watercourse is in the range of -0 .5 to 2 meters wide, consisting primarily of shallo,Èi (5 - 20 cm) runs over cobble-gavel substrate. Indications are that a signifrcant fraction of the flow through Wodehouse Creek at this point is baseflow, originating from groundwater discharge upstream of the Site.
Small wetland areas occupy topographic lows to the northwest and east of the Site, adjacent to the two stream courses flowing through the Site (refer to Figure 2). The identified wetlands are underlain by relatively impermeable soils, and are likely to function primarily as discharge wetlands rather than recharge.
From the perspective of fish habitat, Wodehouse Creek is classified as a cold water stream, and is the only frsh habitat within or adjacent to the Site. Species reported as present in Wodehouse Creek include Mottled Sculpin (Cottus bairdii), Brook Stickleback (Culea inconstans) and Lake Chub (Couesius plumbeus), and Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) (GLL, 2007). The interruption of the stream by karst features just to the south of the Site isolates and limits the fish community of the upper reaches.
4.3 Hydrogeology
In Grey County, groundwater generally flows from east to west. At the Site, shallow groundwater movement is initially down-gradient towards topographic lows and stream features, and likely towards the Beaver Valley on a larger scale. The Guelph-Amabel aquifer, recognized as a high potential aquifer, is present beneath the site.
Examination of shallow groundwater conducted on-Site in January 2007 revealed high water table levels generally in the range of -0.5 to 1.0 mbgs (Wilson Associates, 2007). During the on-Site soil profiling conducted in the fall of 2007, the water table was not encountered at depths up to I m bgs, except in the vicinity of the wetland areas in the northwest corner of the Site (water table located 0.5 to 0.7 mbgs).
Karst landforrns are common along the upper crest of the Niagara Escarpment and are particularly common in the Beaver Valley - Blue Mountains area (Cowell, 2007). In these areas where karst features are common and where overburden is relatively thin, there is typically significant recharge (Waterloo Hydrogeologic, 2003).
The rate of initial infiltration and subsequent lateral movement of groundwater may become highly accelerated in karst areas, and thus they are highly susceptible to groundwater contamination. Aquifers in karst areas can receive relatively diffuse recharge through the soil profrle, and also in concentrated form from surface streams and drains that flow directly into the aquifer at kartsic sinkholes. In either case, the infiltrate
Ref # 07-10.1 ll November 2007 Environmental Impact Study - Beaver Valley Village and any associated contaminants can travel long distances through the aquifer, with little or no attenuation, in a very short period of time. For this reason, various municipalities in Bruce and Grey Counties, including the Municipality of Grey Highlands, have special policies related to potential development near karst features.
In a study of the groundwater resources of Bruce and Grey County (Waterloo Hydrogeologic,2003), the intrinsic susceptibility of uppermost significant aquifer was characterized. Karst features were identified as an important component of the Intrinsic Susceptibility characterlzation, and identified karst areas were assigned a high susceptibility value.
In a focused study of the Site (Cowell,2007), four karst areas have been identified within and immediately adjacent to the property. The characteristics of these karst areas are summarized in Table 2, and their location is depicted in Figure 2. Three of the four karst areas are in relatively close proximity to the proposed area of development. The fourth karst area (Area C) is inactive and located to the north of the Site.
4.4 Regional Ecology
The Study Area is situated within the Mixedwood Plains Ecozone, which prevails across most of Southern Ontario. On a slightly finer scale, the site lies within the Manitoulin - Lake Simcoe Ecoregion, equivalent to Site Region 6E under Provincial classification.
The Mixedwood Plains Ecozone covers the lower Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River valley. It is characterized by numerous waterways, abundant rainfall, gentle topography, fertile soils, a relatively warm gro\ /ing season (ESWG, 1995). These characteristics have contributed to this Ecozone becoming the most intensely used and populated area in Canada.
This Manitoulin-Lake Simcoe ecoregion is characterizedby warm summers, mild winters, and relatively abundant precipitation (700 to 1000 mm/a) that is evenly distributed throughout the year. The dominant land cover is cropped land with significant areas of mixed forest. Climax vegetation is characterized by Sugar Maple, American Beech, Eastern Hemlock, Red Oak, and Basswood. Pioneer species include White Pine, Paper Birch, and Trembling Aspen. Moist sites, such as the topographic lows of the Site, are typically characterized by Yellow Birch, White Elm, and Red Maple with Slippery Elm, Black Ash, and White Cedar occurring in depressions and near streams.
4.5 Significant Natural Features
The various relevant policies identifl a need to ensure identification and protection of Natural Features in the EIS process. Natural features may include woodlands or wetlands, or areas of specific designation such as an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI).
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A search of the OMNR's Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC) Database has revealed only l0 designated Natural Areas within 5 km of the Site. These Natural Areas are potentially to be considered as endpoints of direct concern in the assessment of potential environmental impacts. They are also indicative of the types of features that are present in the area and which may present themselves to some extent on or near to the Site. Profrles of the NHIC Natural Area in proximity to the Site are provided in Appendix Cl.
The NHIC database contains no indication of the presence of any significant natural features, in whole or in part, within the Site boundary. The NHIC Natural Areas in proximity to the Site include four small land-trusts, which are not of any particular characteristics of interest nor subject to any influence of the proposed development. . Otherwise, the six notable Natural Areas within 5 km of the Site are associated with the Beaver Valley and its slopes, Kimberley Creek, or the Wodehouse Creek Karst. The two most proximate and significant Natural Areas are:
o The Provincially Significant Earth Science ANSI known as the Wodehouse Creek Karst and Dry Valley Complex, o the Beaver Valley West Slope life science ANSI, east of the subject property along the base of the escarpment.
An area of Significant Wildlife Habitat has also been identified in the MGH OP. This area is within 1 km of the southeast corner of the Site, and indicates the presence of Hart's Tongue Fem Q4splenium scolopendrium), which is a species of conservation concern (see Section 4.8).
There are two small pockets of wetland within the Site boundary. These wetlands are unevaluated and have no significance designation.
4.6 Plant Communities
A detailed description of the plant communities encountered within the Site boundaries is provided in Appendix C2. This includes the characterization of the Site following the Ecological Land Classifrcation (ELC) process of Lee et al. (1998).
The plant communities currently established at the Site are reflective of a few key factors, including the presence of relatively impermeable soils and the relatively recent cessation of agricultural land use. The subject property occupies land that was historically cleared for agricultural use, apparently pasture or forage. At present, natural regeneration is in relatively early stages, and the Site can be considered as an "old field" community. As a result of the fact that the Site has up until recently been maintained by anthropogenic disturbance, virtually all ofthe plant communities that are now present are classed through the ELC process (Lee et al., 1998) as "Cultural Communities". The dominant communities present on the Site include the following:
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o Cultural meadow (i.e., with tree and shrub cover <25%) o Cultural Thicket (i.e., with tree cover <25o/o, shrub cover >25o/o) o Cultural Savannah (i.e., with tree cover >25yo, but less than35%o) o Cultural Woodland (i.e., tree cover >350lo, but less than 60%o)
The extent to which woody vegetation has re-established within the property boundary is quite variable, and dependent on slope, elevation, and proximity to mature specimens of woody vegetation. Currently, the presence of mature trees within the Site boundary is confined tò a few remnant tree-lines. This includes laterally and longitudinally bisecting tree-lines, and perimeter tree-lines. The tree-lines occupy a width of about 10 meters, consisting of a single row of mature trees and a narrow zone of typical forest edge species on either side of the trees. For the purpose of this EIS, the tree-lines have been designated as Deciduous Forest communities within the ELC framework (see Figure C2, Appendix C2).
The dominant tree species in the tree-lines are Sugar Maple (Acer sachawum) and White Elm (Ulmus Americana), both of which are typical species of native deciduous forests of the region. Other tree species present in the tree-lines include Basswood (Zilra Amerlcana). Red Maple (Acer rubrum), Manitoba Maple (Acer negundo), domestic apple (Malus pumtila), anda few Mountain Ash (Sorbus americana). Related woody edge species include Choke cherry (Prunus serotina), Prickly Wild Rose (Rosa acicularis), and Wild Raspberry (Rubus spp.). No mature Butternut (Juglans cinerea) were observed in tree-lines or adjacent woodlots. In the absence of any nearby mature trees to serve as a seed source, there is little potential for young buttemut to have established within the Site during regeneration to date.
Aside from the noted tree-lines, a substantial portion of the Site has enough tree cover to be considered Savannah or Woodland communities. The woodland areas are largely confined to the upper central plateau and in close proximity to tree-lines. Savannah communities tend to occupy down-slope areas. These treed patches are dominated by either a mixture of young White and Red Ash (Fraxinus americana and F' pennsylvanica),yolngWhite Elm (Ulmus Americana), young Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum), or common apple (Malus pumila).
Site has less tree cover but substantial shrub cover A slightly-be smaller proportion of the and can designated as either Thicket communþ. Common thicket species include Hawthorns (Crataegus spp.) dense patches of Red-osier Dogwood (Cornus stolonifera). Hawthorns tend to be scattered rather than clustered, and in most cases do not exceed 2 m in height. Red-osier dogwood is highly clustered, varying in height throughout the site, but noì ffpically exceeding 1.5 m in height. Other less common woody species observed among tÍrè shrub growth included Willow shrubs (Salix spp.), Nannybeny (Virburnum lenta[e, Alternaté-leaved Dogwood (Cornus alternifulia), and the non-native invasive European Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica). Young domestic apple trees (Malus pumila) and young White Elm(Utmus americana) are iruegulalry scattered within thicket areas.
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Virtually all woody vegetation on Site is deciduous. Only two isolated young conifers (non-native Scots pine, Pinus sylvestris) were observed on the more elevated portions of the Site. One young Tamarack (Larix larÌcinia), typical of wet areas, was observed near the water course on the western portion of the Site (Quadrant 1). A few young Eastern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis) are present near the extreme northwest corner of the Site (Quadrant2).
Large portions of the Subject property are currently devoid of any significant amount of woody vegetation, constituting Cultural Meadow communities. Meadow communities are most prevalent in low lying areas in the west and northwest portions of the Site. Common herbaceous species in the Meadow areas include wild strawberry (Fragaria spp.), several sedges (Carex spp.), a variety of grasses (F. Poaceae) including reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea), various asters (lsfer spp.), goldenrod (Solidago spp.), bedstraw (Galium spp.), wild mint (Mentha arvenis), dandelion (Taraxacum fficinale), cow vetch (Vicia cracca) and wild carrot (Daucus carota). A number of these plant species are typical of wet meadows, and their presence is related to the relatively impermeable soils. Most species are patchy in their distribution, with some species often occurring in relatively dense stands (e.g. reed canary grass). Several of these commonly encountered herbaceous plants are invasive non-native species (e.g. dandelion, cow vetch, wild canot).
Small isolated areas of wetland communities also occur within the Site boundary. Organic thickets and meadows are found immediately adjacent to the two stream courses along the east and northwest perimeters of Site (see Figure C2, Appendix C). These wetland areas are not within the portion of the site where development activity will occur
4.7 \ilildlife
Existing databases containing records of plant and animal life near the Site (see Appendices C3 - C5), coupled with the local and regional land-use and habitat information, provides a reasonable understanding of the composition of the wildlife community within the Site area, and the possible presence of priority species. This understanding is augmented by single-season surveillance of the Site. This initial understanding allows a reasonably reliable assessment of the potential for adverse impacts of the proposed development on wildlife.
Mammals:
During on-Site monitoring, incidental observations of wildlife were recorded. The mammal species evident at or near the Site, either through direct observation or signs of their presence (tracks, scat, boroughs) are as follows:
o White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) o Raccoon (Procyon lotor) o Skunk (Mephitis mephitis)
Ref # 07-10.1 15 November 2007 Environmental Impact Study - Beaver Valley Village
o Coyote (Canis latrans) o Eastem cottontail (Sylvilagusfloridanus) o Groundhog (Mormota monax).
These mammals are characteristic of the Ecoregion and are not considered to be species at risk or ofspecial conservation concern.
There are no mammals included among the Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC) Element Occurrence (EO) records for the area in relatively close proximity to the Site (see Appendix C3).
Birds:
Bird species which were evidenced during Site reconnaissance include:
o Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) o Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta Canadensis) o Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) o Canada goose (Branta canadensis) o American Tree Sparrow (Spizella arborea) o Commonredpoll (Carduelisflammea) o American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) o American goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) o Black-capped Chickadee (Parus atricapillus) o Yellow-bellied sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) o Ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) o Song sparrow (Melospiza melodia) o Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) o Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis)
The majority of these birds are likely year-round residents in the area. The Junco and the Redpoll are likely winter resident species. The Yellow-bellied sapsucker was evidenced by characteristic hole series on the trunk of a mature tree on site, and it is a possible breeding bird at the Site. A number of small passerine nests were observed during the freld reconnaissance, conducted outside the breeding season. Nests were most often observed in shrubs, particularly Red-osier Dogwood and Hawthorns.
Records of breeding birds for the area surrounding the Site are available through the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas (OBBA). OBBA surveys are conducted annually within a network of 1O-km by 1O-km Squares, and results are regularly compiled in an Atlas format. The Site is located in the southem end of OBBA Square 17NK31. Established survey locations within this square include 5 point-count stations within 2 km of the Site. OBBA records for this Square provide a reasonable indication of the bird species that are likely to occur in the general area of the Site during the breeding season. Those records are provided in Appendix C4. In the most recent Atlas compilation period (2001-2005), a total of 94 species \ryere recorded for Square 1 7NK3 I , 1 9 of which were confTrmed as
Ref # 07-10.1 t6 November 2007 Environmental Impact Study - Beaver Valley Village
breeding. The Northern Shoveler is the only species of special status (regionally rare) confirmãd as breeding in square 17NK31. This species breeds in open areas near slow creeks or wetlands, and could possibly nest in the northwest portion of the Site. The Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus), identified as a potential concern at the outset of the EIS, has not been observed in Square l7NK31 during either Atlas period.
Reptiles and Amphibians:
No reptiles or amphibians were observed during Site visits. The Site is occupied by early successional habitat, and generally lacking in forest and open water habitat. The Site-would therefore not appear to provide significant amphibian breeding habitat, nor to be a major source of amphibian migration to any adjacent wetlands for breeding purposes.
The NHIC database includes a record of occurrence of eastern milk snake (Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum) in relatively close proximity to the Site. The milk snake uses a varieîy of habitat, including woodlands, fields and rocky hillsides. The Site certainly afforjs such habitat, and the presence of the eastern milk snake and other snake species on-Site is certainly possible. The Site does not provide open water habitat, and thus the presence ofturtles is very unlikely.
4.8 Species at Risk
An assessment of the potential effects of any development on native flora and fauna needs to consider, among other things, those species that have been determined to be at some level of risk, or are otherwise considered a priority in the broader conservation context. The current understanding of the potential presence of species at risk (SAR) on or near the Site has been developed primarily on the basis of existing databases.
NHIC occu¡¡ences of "Elements of Biodiversity" in the general atea of the Site have been reviewed. These Element Occurrences (EO) are simply localized areas of land/water where the specified element (e.g. species or ecological community) has been recorded as meaningfully present. In general, EOs consist of communities or species of special interest or status, such as SARs. NHIC EOs on record for the area of the Site are presented in Appendix C3.
For all of Grey County, there are 59 EOs on record in the NHIC database (Appendix C3). The maþrity of species represented in this EO list are plants, including American Hart's-tongu" p"- (Asplenium scolopendrium var. americanum). Among the relatively few animal EOs, there are four fish, a reptile, three mammals, and eight birds.
In the area more closely surounding the Site, there are fewer NHIC EOs. Within a 10- km radius, there are 20 EOs on record. Of these, only Hart's-tongue Fem (Asplenium scolopendrium) andeastern milk snake (Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum) ate within 5 krnof the site. These two species are both classed as Special Concern under Provincial
Ref # 07-10.1 17 November 2007 Environmental Impact Study - Beaver Valley Village and Federal programs. For Euphrasia Township, there are only 3 EOs, including Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus), Eastern Prairie Fringed-orchid (Platanthera leucophaea), and American Hart's-tongue Fern (Asplenium scolopendrium). American Hart's-tongue Fern is the only EO on record for OBBA squares l7NK30 and 77 NK3l (1O-km by 1O-km squares in immediate proximity of the Site).
Overall, the available records suggest that a few SAR occur in relatively close proximity to the Site, and thus could possibly occur within the Site boundaries. This includes the Loggerhead Shrike, American Hart's-tongue Fern, and the Eastern Milk Snake.
Loggerhead Shrike:
Agency concerns regarding the potential presence of the Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) on or near the Site were voiced at the onset of the EIS (see Section 2.1). This Endangered species is on record for Grey County and Euphrasia Township, but NHIC and OBBA data do not indicate the presence of this open-country bird species in close proximity to the Site. In Grey County, the Loggerhead Shrike was observed in 25Yo of the OBBA squares (i.e., 9 of 16 squares) during the first atlas period (1981 to 1985), but was not observed in any square within Grey County during the second atlas period (2001-2005). This suggests that the shrike is not abundant or broadly distributed throughout Grey County at present.
The Loggerhead Shrike prefers a combination of pasture or other grassland with scattered low trees and shrubs. The Site is cunently in the process of natural regeneration from open agricultural land and contains a combination of meadow, thicket and woodland. The current old field and scrub cover does constitute habitat that would be suitable for shrikes. However, habitat loss resulting from the ultimate succession of grasslands to woodlands is identified as one of the contributing factors to declining populations of Loggerhead Shrikes. Much of the Site will eventually evolve into habitat that is not highly suited to the Loggerhead Shrike, reducing the likelihood of the presence of this species.
There are several occurrences of American Hart's-tongue Fern (Asplenium scolopendrium) on record in relatively close proximity to the Site. The occurrence of this plant species is the rationale for the MGH OP designation of an area of Significant Wildlife Habitat immediately southeast of the Site on the upper west slope of the Beaver Valley. This species generally gro\¡/s in damp crevices and on mossy, limestone rock outcrops. It typically occurs on moderately moist slopes on calcerous soil and under a hardwood canopy, especially maple-beech forest.
During field reconnaissance, Hart's-tongue Fern was not observed at the Site. Suitable conditions for this fern species are essentially absent from the Site. The only area exhibiting conditions suitable for this plant is the narrow Wodehouse Creek valley within
Ref # 07-10.1 18 November 2007 Environmental Impact Study - Beaver Valley Village the hardwood stand east of the Site boundary. There is no expectation that Hart's Tongue Fern will occur within Site boundaries.
Eastem Milk Snake:
As noted in Section 4.7,the Eastern Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum) \s on record in relatively close proximity to the Site. This is a Species of Concern, both Federally (COSEWIC) and Provincially (COSSARO). The milk snake is widespread and locally common in southern Ontario, found in a wide range of habitats, especially old fields and around farm buildings where prey (rodents) are common. The Site affords suitable habitat for this species, and its presence on-Site is certainly possible.
Bird Conservation Priorities:
The NHIC database indicates that there are several bird species of concern on record within Grey County. In addition to the Federal and Provincial Status considered in the EO records, Conservation Priorities have also been developed for bird species in Ontario (Couturier, lggg). The Conservation Priority system has been developed as a tool that municipalities might use when identifring significant natural heritage features, especially signifióant wildlife habitat and significant woodlands. The Priority list is not specifrcally a iegulatory element, but it provides an understanding of conservation needs. This prioritization scheme is intended for use by municipalities when developing Official Plans or when evaluating proposed developments.
Table 2 provides a summary of the bird species that have been identifred as Conservation Prioritiei for Grey County. The species in Table 2 are those identified as "Open Country" species, and thus represent species potentially encountered at or near the Site. Nesting haÈitat preferences are also identif,red. The full list of Conservation Priority Species for Grey County is provided in Appendix C5.
Of the 25 species listed in Table 2, eight are designated as Level 1, and another nine are designated as Level2. Of these l7 species, only seven have Early Successional habitat listeã as their primary or secondary nesting habitat. This includes the Loggerhead Shrike and two other species that have not been reported in the OBBA Squares that envelope the Site. In total, there are two species that prefer early successional habitat that were observed within 10 km of the Site during the most recent Atlas period (2001 to 2005)' These species (Brown Thrasher and Clay-coloured Sparrow) are not classed as Vuheráble, Threatened or Endangered under either COSEWIC or COSSARO' Neither species is indicated as being common in the area, and neither is confirmed as having breeding status in the area.
Ref # 07-10.1 19 November 2007 Environmental Impact Study - Beaver Valley Village
5.0 ASSESMENT OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS
5.1 Groundwater
It is proposed to service the development with individual water wells and private subsurface sewage disposal systems (Henderson, Paddon and Associates, 2007). In general, water-taking from a series of private wells has the potentialto alter available water quantity, and possibly quality, within the local aquifer. The presence of karst topography within the area of the Site also elevates the level of risk with regard to possible groundwater contamination. These general concerns have been identified as concerns specifically for the proposed Beaver Valley Village development (see Section 2.1).
An assessment of groundwater resources and the performance of private wells on the Site has determined that adequate water supply is available to service the 45 proposed private lots (Wilson Associates, 2007). On the basis of good aquifer response during and following testing of on-Site wells, the study concludes that widely-spaced drilled wells in normal domestic use on the large proposed lots represent an acceptable and low risk of disruptive water level interference. That study also indicates that there are no limitations on the water supply related to water quality.
Following MOE assessment criteria, the Site can support private subsurface sewage disposal for the 45 proposed single-residence lots (\Milson Associates, 2007). Because of the low permeabilþ overburden and the relatively high water table, the se\4/age disposal systems will likely need to be raised bed systems. The individual system requirements are to be determined on a lot-by-lot basis at the individual sewage disposal system approval stage. Site-specific test pits have been recommended as part of this approval process.
Karst systems have been identified in the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS, 1997 and 2005) as "hazardous sites". Policy 3.1.1 of the 1997 PPS notes that "Development will generally be directed to areas outside of...c) hazardous sites." "Hazardous sites" are further defined in the PPS as "property or lands that could be unsafe for development and site alteration due to naturally occurring hazards. These may include unstable soils...or unstable bedrock (karst topography)." Although the hazard is related in the PPS to instability such as collapse, other hazards may include flooding, particularly if development takes place over the karst, and the conduct of contaminants to connecting groundwater systems and springs. Hence, developments proposed in karstic areas must account for the karst and either develop appropriate mitigation measures or avoid the karst.
Karst areas that have been identifred near the Site and characterized (Cowell, 2007) are depicted in Figure 2. The overall conclusion of the karst evaluation report is that the noted karst features should be relatively unaffected by the proposed development
Ref # 07-10.1 20 November 2007 Environmental Impact Study - Beaver Valley Village provided that the recommendations of the evaluation are implemented. Table 2 summarizes the karst features and associated recommendations.
The positioning of lots and access routes in the proposed development is such that the recommendations relating to karst topography are met. No development or site alteration is proposed to occur within recommended set-back distance of the identified karst areas (see Figure 2). Stormwater management design for the proposed development (Henderson, Paddon and Associates,2007) also directs stormwater discharge away from the Karst features.
Overall, the Beaver Valley Village, as proposed, has been designed to avoid potential impacts on groundwater resources, with particular regard to karst-related concerns.
5.2 Surface Water
There are two stream courses (one permanent and one seasonal) within or adjacent to the Site. The access route(s) for the proposed development could potentially originate from the 7th line to the west, Bowles Bluff Road to the South, or possibly through extension of Brook Glade Drive to the east. Access from Bowles Bluff Rd. is currently proposed so that neither Wodehouse Creek or the seasonal tributary along the western Site periphery are traversed. Overall, there are no elements ofthe proposed development, including all lots and associated access routes, which traverse or impinge directly upon these water courses or their broader channels. For this reason, impacts associated with direct intrusion are not possible.
There is a potential for the proposed development to indirectly impact upon either watercourse through alteration of the quantity or quality of water that is delivered to the watercourses. The characteristics ofthe final development, the initial construction practices, the dynamics of water transport on Site, and the capacity of the streams themselves are all major factors that affect the likelihood and potential signif,rcance of any effects associated with altered water quality or quantity'
The MGH and Grey County OPs state that development of site alteration shall generally not be permitted within 30 m of a cold water stream. The development layout is such that there are no elements that encroach within 30 m of either stream (see Figure 2). This setback inherently confers some level of protection against both direct and indirect effects on the water courses.
Under the current state of the Site, precipitation likely drains as surface runofl and possibly shallow groundwater, into the adjacent lowlands. The bulk of the pre- development stormwater peak surface runoff from the area of proposed development is expected to drain overland to the two branches of Wodehouse Creek (Henderson, Paddon and Associates, 2007). This runoff eventually contributes some portion of local stream flow. The contribution is expected to be relatively low for the reach of Wodehouse Creek flowing along the eastern periphery of the Site, as much of the flow is derived from upgradient sources.
Ref # 07-10.1 2I November 2007 Environmental Impact Study - Beaver Valley Village
Several measures can be taken to avoid significant interference of the existing drainage pattem, and also to avoid the possible conveyance of contamination via this drainage. Such measures include:
o Employment of best management practices for erosion prevention and sediment control during construction (e.g. silt barriers, proper soil stock-piling) o Minimize the area of built impervious surface (buildings, paved surfaces) o Maintain natural vegetation cover to the extent possible, especially on down-slope areas, to optimize filtration and infrltration potential. o Maintain the pre-development Site grade, to the extent possible o Direct stormwater runoff to diffuse overland flow towards the two watercourses, maintaining pre-development flow paths and apportioning to the two streams to the extent possible.
The stormwater management design for the proposed development (Henderson, Paddon and Associates) incorporates these various measures, to the extent possible given other measures to avoid groundwater impacts (i.e., direction of stormwater discharge away from Karst features).
5.3 Natural Features and Habitat
Much of the29.74 ha of the Site will not be directly altered for development purposes However, portions of the existing plan communities at the Site will be lost in the establishment of residential lots and access routes.
At present, virtually all area within the Site boundaries is occupied with various forms of Cultural community (Lee, 1998). These communities are not particularly sensitive, uncommon or otherwise characterized so as to be of special status in the region. They are also communities in transition, eventually to become climax communities typical of the region (e.g. deciduous forests, with dominant species such as sugar maple or elm).
Development is proposed primarily for the elevated central plateau, which is relatively advanced in the successional process compared to the lower portions of the Site towards the periphery. The central portion is occupied largely by stands of young trees (Red and White Ash, V/hite Elm, Sugar Maple) and scattered shrubs (mainly Red-osier Dogwood and Hawthorns). Mature trees are found almost exclusively within the existing tree-lines traversing the Site centre and periphery.
The most significant community types, in terms of regional rarity and habitat function, are the meadow and shrub thicket species communities. These are indicated as providing potential habitat to wildlife species of special status or concern (e.g. Loggerhead Shrike). A relatively small portion of the developed area will extend into the lower peripheral portions of the Site.
Ref # 07-10.1 22 November 2007 Environmental Impact Study - Beaver Valley Village
The unavoidable habitat loss that will occur as a result of the proposed development will not affect habitat that is locally or regionally imperiled, nor habitat that can be deemed as "significant" for specifìed wildlife species by standard convention (OMNR, 1999, 2000). Thé losses will not disrupt ecological connectivity. Adjacent natural areas of the Niagara Escarpment and Beaver Valley or autonomous and relatively continuous, and the Site is neithér a significant extension of these areas or a connector to other similar natural areas'
Regardless of the minimal implications of on Site habitat losses, there are several ..ã.ur.r that can serve to minimize or off-set those habitat losses, including:
o Maximum retention of meadow and shrub communities in locations outside the immediate confines of development lots. o Retention of mature tree within the developed area, functioning as possible nest sites and a source ofseeds to the successional process in adjacent undeveloped areas. o Use of native and regionally representative species for landscaping within the proposed development area. o Efforts to prevent the introduction of non-native invasive species (e.g. European buckthorn) through construction and post-construction periods.
There are no designated Natural Features that occur in whole or in part within Site Boundaries, nor immediately adjacent to those boundaries. The Site does not serve an ecological connectivity function nor a hydrological function that critically sustains any naturàl areas in the vicinity. For these reasons, there proposed development is not expected to have any measurable influence on any nearby natural areas.
5.4 Priority Wildtife SPecies
Available records suggest that a few species at risk (SAR) could occur at times within the Site boundaries, including Loggerhead Shrike, American Hart's-tongue Fern, and the Eastern Milk Snake.
The existing conditions within the Site boundaries (i.e., old freld conditions) could support the Loggerhead Shrike and the Eastern Milk Snake. American Hart's-tongue Fern might only b" found in limited portions of the site that are well away from the of proposed development and potential influences.
The Eastem Milk Snake is a species of Special Concern, and is not classed as Vulnerable, Threatened or Endangered. There is a reasonable likelihood of occurrence of the milk snake on the Site. Development-related activities could lead to some level of displacement or possible direct harm to individual snakes that might occur on-Site' Such impacts would not be significant to the overall status of the population, which is wiàespread throughout southern Ontario. Nonetheless, the potential for such impacts
Ref # 07-10.1 23 November 2007 Environmental Impact Study - Beaver Valley Village
of rock piles during should be reduced, to the extent possible. Avoidance of disturbance over-wintering winter months would reduce tfr"lik"lihood of direct adverse effects on snakes.
The Loggerhead Shrike has the EIS, classed as Endangered bY federal Species at Risk Act (SARA). This o as ent years. The likelihood of occurrence of w. On-Site occurrences would likely be s of the Site, particularly where Hawthorn valent toward the Site periphery and least pment, which is centred on the central some very small likelihood that the lacement of breeding Shrikes. Suitable and vailable in the surrounding area for use by any birds that might be displaced fromfhe are likelihood and potential significance of shrike eding scheduling construction ac-tivities to avoid the present in areas bird monñoring could also be conducted to determine if shrike nests are exposed to construction activity. Ifpresent, diiturbance. These same measures would m servation disturbance ofother open-country bird speci Priority species for the region (see Table 2)'
5.5 SummarY of impact on The Site characteristics are such that there is potential for some degree quantity), and wildlife surface water (quality and quantity), groundwater (qualþ and are those .p."i.r and thèir naUitat. fhe móst likely and potentially significant impacts features at the site' associated with groundwater, largely owing to the presence of karst The development can potentially associated of the potential imPac there will be any significant effects, on any recommendations' development ofttt. Sit" as proposed, and in keeping with mitigation Fol fforts could be conducted to support any conclusions regarding the at risk on or adjacent to the Site. This could include limited mobirdsduringtheappropriatetimeofyear(i.e',latespringand early summer).
24 Ref # 07-10.1 November 2007 Environmental Impact Study - Beaver Valley Village
6.0 REFERENCES
Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas (OBBA). Interim Database, 3l July 2006. Maintained by Bird Studies Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service, Ontario Nature, Ontario Field Omithologists and Ontario Ministry ofNatural Resources. Last accessed 22 October 2007 online at http://www.birdsontario.org/atlas/datapolicy.html.
Cadman, M.D., P.F.J. Eagles, and F.M. Helleiner. 1987. Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Ontario. Federation of Ontario Naturalists, Don Mills, Ontario.
Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). 2007. Available online at www.cosewic.gc.ca.
County of Grey Official Plan. 1999. Prepared by Monteith Zelinka Priamo Ltd. and Grey County Planning & Development Department.
Couturier, A. 1999 . Conservation Priorities for the Birds of Southem Ontario. Bird Studies Canada Unpublished Report, 17pp (plus appendices). Also, website for municipal lists http://www.bsc-eoc.org/conservation/conservmain.html (last accessed l0 September 2007).
Cowell and Associates. 2007. Karst Evaluation Report for South Wodehouse Creek Proposed Plan of Subdivision. Prepared for Mr. Martin Kiener. Prepared by Daryl W. Cowell & Associates Inc. 17 September 2007.
Ecological Stratification Working Group (ESWG). 1995. A National Ecological Framework for Canada. Agriculture and Agri-food Canada, Research Branch, Centre for Land and Biological Resources Research, and Environment Canada, State of the Environment Directorate, Ecozone Analysis Branch, Ottawa/Hull.
Environment Canada. 2007. Species at Risk Act - Schedule 1 - List of Wildlife species at Risk. Available on line at http://www.sararegistry.gc.caldefault e.cfrn.
Gartner Lee Limited (GLL). 2007. Letter to Mr. Martin Kiener re. Results of Environmental Impact Statement Phase l: Initial consultation, assessment needs determination and scoping for proposed subdivision for Part Lots 1 &,2, Concession 6, Municipality of Grey Highlands, County of Grey 13 February 2007.
Gillespie, J.E. and N.R. Richards. 1954. Soil Survey of Grey County. Report No. 17 of the Ontario Soil Survey.
Harrison, C.. 1984. A Field Guide to the Nests, Eggs and Nestlings of North American Birds. Collins Publishers, Toronto.
Henderson, Paddon & Associates Limited. 2007. Proposed Subdivision, Part Lots I &,2, Municipality of Grey Highlands - Preliminary Servicing Report. Prepared for Mr. Martin Kiener. September, 2007.
Ref # 07-10.1 25 November 2007 Environmental Impact Study - Beaver Valley Village
Hosie, R.C.. 1979. Native Trees of Canada. Fitzhenry and Whiteside Limited. Don Mills, Ontario.
Lee. H.T., W.D. Bakowsky, J. Riley, J. Bowles, M. Puddister, P. Uhlig and S. McMunay 1998. Ecological Land Classifrcation for Southern Ontario: First Approximation and Its Application. Ontario Ministry ofNatural Resources, Southcentral Science Section, Science Development and Transfer Branch. SCSS Field Guide FG-02.
Municipality of Grey Highlands (MGH) Official Plan.200l. Prepared by Jones Consulting Group Ltd.
Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC). 2007. Online Database at http ://nhic.mnr. gov.on.calnhic_.cfm. Last accessed 22 Septemb er 2007 .
Ontario Ministry ofNatural Resources (OMNR). 1999. Natural Heritage Reference Manual for Policy 2.3 of the Provincial Policy Statement. June, 1999.
Ontario Ministry ofNatural Resources (OMNR). 2000. Significant wildlife habitat technical guide.
Ontario Ministry ofNatural Resources (OMNR). 2006. Species at Risk in Ontario List. 30 June 2006. http://www.mnr.gov.on.calmnr/speciesatrisk/. Last accessed2T September 2007.
Sibley., D.4.. 2001. National Audubon Society - The Sibley Guide to Bird Life and Behaviour. Alfred A. Knopf, New York.
Species at Risk Act (SARA) Public Registry. http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca. Last accessed 27 September 2006)
Waterloo Hydrogeologic, Inc.. 2003. Grey and Bruce Counties Groundwater Study. 2003. Final Report Prepared for County of Bruce, County of Grey, and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment. July 2003.
Wilson Associates Limited. 2007. Hydrogeologic Evaluation - Proposed Residential Development, Part Lots 1 &2, Concession 6, Township of Grey Highlands. Report prepared for Mr. Martin Kiener by Ian D. Wilson Associates Limited.
Ref # 07-10.1 26 November 2007 TABLES Table 1 - Summary of Open Country Birds in the Region
Conservation Nesting Habitat OBBA Status2 - Square l7NK3 I Species Priority Levelr Primarv Secondary lst Atlas 2nd Atlas Bank Swallow Level I Lakes/ponds/rivers Agricultural Possible Probable Brown Thrasher Level I Early successional Open woodlands Probable Possible Clay-coloured Burned/logged Sparrow Level 1 Early successional areas Not Observed Possible Common Nighthawk Level I Woodlands Urban Not Observed Not Observed Eastern Bluebird Level I Agricultural Open woodlands Confirmed Confirmed Henslow's Spanow Level I Agricultural Prairie/grasslands Not Observed Not Observed Loggerhead Shrike Level I Early successional Agricultural Not Observed Not Observed Northern Mockingbird Level 1 Early successional Urban Not Observed Not Observed American Kestrel Level2 Agricultural \ùy'oodlands Possible Possible Bobolink Level2 Agricultural Prairie/grasslands Probable Possible Dickcissel Level 2 Early successional Agricultural Not Observed Not Observed Eastern Meadowlark Level2 Agricultural Early successional Conhrmed Possible Northern Rough- winged Swallow Level2 Lakes/ponds/rivers Agricultural Possible Not Observed Savannah Spanow Level2 Agricultural Prairie/grasslands Possible Possible Upland Sandpiper Level 2 Agricultural Early successional Confirmed Not Observed Vesper Sparow Level2 Agricultural Prairie/grasslands Possible Possible 'Westem Meadowlark Level2 Prairie/grasslands Agricultural Not Observed Not Observed American Goldfinch Level 3 Early successional Agricultural Probable Probable Barn Swallow Level 3 Agricultural Lakes/ponds/rivers Conf,rrmed Confirmed Cliff Swallow Level 3 Urban Agricultural Possible Confirmed Eastern Kingbird Level 3 Early successional Agricultural Confirmed Confìrmed Field Spanow Level 3 Early successional Agricultural Possible Possible Grasshopper Spanow Level 3 Agricultural Prairie/grasslands Not Observed Not Observed Horned Lark Level 3 Agricultural Prairie/grasslands Possible Not Observed Spotted Sandoioer Level 3 Beaches Lakes/ponds/rivers Possible Possible
I - Conservation Priority Species ofGrey County, as per Couturier (1999) 2 - Breeding status within local l0 x l0 km square, as per Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas (see Appendix C3) Table 2: Identified Karst Features and Mitigation Recommendations
Karst Description Potential Impact Mitigation Area Conclusions Recommendations A Wodehouse downstream Not directly Stormwater facilities ponor - 3 in-stream impacted by the supporting the proposed sinkpoints and 3 higher proposed development should drain to level incipient suffosion development the creek and should not flow sinkholes. directly toward the sinkhole complex. The 30-m setbacks for the stream will also suffice to protect the sinkholes. B A series of 4 small Should be Drainage from the Site suffosion sinkholes. avoided by should not be directed development and toward these sinkholes and a stormwater flow setback of30 m should be implemented. Vegetation within this setback should be allowed to regenerate naturally. c Small boulder filled Should not be Drainage from the site suffosion sinkhole. significantly should not be directed impacted. Small toward these sinkholes. This sinkhole is not feature could be filled and active. stabilized in the future. D 2 circular soak-away Should not be No additional drainage depressions significantly should be directed toward impacted. Small these features sinkhole is not active. Table 3: Summary of Potential Environmental Impacts
Endpoint Key Factors Potential Impact Key Mitigation Recommendations
Surface Two streams Possible alteration No development within 30 m Water traverse site. Site of surface water of watercourses. Appropriate runof-f contributes quality and quantity. configuration of stormwater minor flow. management. Best management practices for sedimentation control during construction. Groundwater Karst features Possible alteration Direct development and present. Servicing of groundwater stormwater discharge away by private wells quality and quantity from karst areas. Develop site and septic. plans for septic systems, elevated as necessary. Plant Site is in transition. Direct habitat loss or Retain mature trees. Retain Community Primarily Old field. indirect disturbance. meadow and shrub habitat, to and Habitat Very limited forest the extent possible. Landscape and wetlands. with indigenous species. Avoid potential for introduction of invasive species. Wildlife No plant species at Displacement or Minimize overall habitat loss risk (SARs) on direct harm of (see above). Possible restraints Site. Possible individuals of SARs. on scheduling of construction occuffence of avian activity to reduce likelihood of and reptilian SARs. disturbance. FIGURES FIGURE 1 SUBDÍVISION PLA}[
PROPOSAL
45 Det¡ched Residentlal Unlts on29,74 ha. of l¡nd
Density = 1.5 units/hectare FIGURE 2 CONSTRAINTS
C q lù É É 4 t qþ q ß ß APPENDICES Appendix A - Hydrogeological Evaluation Appendix B - Karst Evaluation Report Appendix C - Supporting Ecological Information C1 - NHIC Nlatural Area Profiles WODEHOUSE CREEK KARST
Area TyPe Gentroid UTlll Earth Science ANSI 1 7,535000,491 4000
Landform
Wodehouse ereek Karst ANSI contains Early-Middle Silurian Amabel Formation dolostone. The karst features Consist of sufbsion sinkholes and the Wodehouse Creek streamsink. This ANSI ãispfays the finest assemblage of sinkholes in Southern Ontario. The streamsink ends in a blind valley, [Earth Science Database, 1998]
References
a AREA lD:4160 BEAVER VALLEY WEST SLOPE Significance Area TYPe Size Centroid UTM Map # Regional Life Science ANSI 127.0 ha 17,536000,491 1000 41N7
Description - 127.0 ha Life Science ANSI
Vegetation
The mantled slopes are dominated by Sugar Maple forests, with rich understoreys of Blue Cohosh and Pale Jewelweed. Several streams cutting into the slopes sustain seeps of Spotted Jewelweed and, along one stream valley, younger mixed and conifer stands of White Cedar and \Mrite Birch. There are a few moist intermittent cliffs and associated moist talus forests of younger Wirite Ash and more mature Sugar Maple stands. Minor communities on the slopes include a young \Mite Ash grove and a regenerating field with scattered Staghorn Sumacs.
The western flank of Bowles Gully is dominated by a rich conifer talus forest of \Mtite Cedar, with scattered VVirite Ash, Basswood and Trembling Aspen. Along the talus margins there is a rich forest of Write Cedar mixed with White Ash, Yellow Birch, Basswood and Butternut, as well as a broadleaf stand dominated by Basswood and White Ash, with scattered Butternut and Yellow Birch. Minor communities on the talus include Mountain Maple thickets, a drier area of semi-open White Cedar forest and dry open talus.
The prominent cliffs at Bowles Gully are dominated by a drier open community of Smooth Cliff- brake and Canada Blue Grass, with pockets of stunted Write Cedars. Along the rim, there are conifer and mixed stands of White Cedar and \Mlite Birch. [Varga 1995]
Representation The Beaver Valley West Slope has moderate representation of escarpment slope and incised valley features. There is moderate representation of escarpment slope moist Sugar Maple foresis, drier open cliffs and mixed and conifer White Cedar talus forests. ln the Beaver Valley, \Mlite Cedar talus forests and prominent cliffs are confined to Bowles Gully and the gorges at Kimberley Creek and Eugenia Falls. [Varga 1995]
Landform The Beaver Valley West Slope natural area is situated along 3 km of escarpment slope and plain on the western side of the Beaver Valley, a major escarpment re-entrant valley. The slopes rise '180 m and are incised at the southern end by a 500 m long gorge known as Bowles Gully. The western flank of the gorge is topped by massive dolostone cliffs of the Amabel Formation above an extensive block talus slope. The escarpment slopes to the north are largely mantled in silty clay loam tills with a few intermittent exposures of the Amabel Formation. [Varga 1995]
References
'1976. a Cuddy, D.G., K.M. Lindsay and l.D. Macdonald. Significant NaturalAreas along the Niagara Escarpment: A Report on Nature Reserve Candidates and other Significant Natural Areas in the Niagara Escarpment Planning Area. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Parks Planning Branch, Toronto. 426 pp. a Ontario Herpetofaunal Summary. 1992. Ontario Herpetofaunal Summary database to 1992. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Aylmer District, Aylmer. a Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 1984. Resource lnventory and Analysis of the Beaver Valley Ski Area. OMNR, Owen Sound District. x + 137 PP + appendices. a Varga, S. 1995, BeaverValley West Slope Site Summary. Pp. 411-413, in' J'L. Riley' J.V. Jalava and S. Varga. 1996. Ecological Survey of the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve. Volume l: Signifieant NaturalAreas. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Southern Region, Aurora, Open File Site Repoft 9601. v + 629 PP. a Varga, S. and S. Blaney. 1993. Beaver Valley West Slope. Unpublished field notes and vegetation community map, on file, Natural Heritage lnformation Oentre, Peterborough. [vegetation survey, breeding bird survey] ADJACENT TO UPPER BEAVER VALLEY AREA lDl.4729 Significance Area Type Size Centroid UTM Map # Life science fl,s37ooo,49o75oo 41N7 Site ha
Description
This former regional ANSI is now part of the adjacent provincial ANSI, Upper Beaver Valley - refer to that site description for details on this site.
Two small reentrant valley slope forests joined by bottomland forest; quite disturbed; possibly significant, expecially in conjunction with 370040; further work required, no fìeld survey (air photo interpretation, 1976). [Cuddy et al. 1976]
Vegetation - NA
Representation - NA
Landform - NA
References
Cuddy, D.G., K.M. Lindsay and l.D. Macdonald. 1976. Significant NaturalAreas along the Niagara Escarpment: A Report on Nature Reserve Candidates and other Significant NaturalAreas in the Niagara Escarpment Planning Area. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Parks Planning Branch, Toronto. 426 pp. AREA lD:.4182 BEAVER VALLEY EAST SLOPE
Significance Area Type Size Centroid UTM Map # Regional Life Science ANSI 129.0 ha 17,537000,4910000 41N7
Description - NA
Vegetation
Most of the escarpment slopes are covered in mesic Sugar Maple forests, with scattered wet- mesic stands on lower slope seeps. The seepage zones also sustain a White Cedar conifer swamp, mixed swamps of Vr/hite Cedar, Yellow Birch and W'rite Ash and, on the valley floor, a Common Cattail marsh. The mantled escarpment slopes also support a moist forest of Hemlock - Sugar Maple - Beech along a tributary valley and, on steep slopes, mixed and conifer stands of Wnjte Ceóar, with scattereã Trembling Aspen, V! ite Ash or Sugar Maple. Along the site's margins, there are younger communities of regenerating fields, hawthorn thickets, and succãssional broadleaf fórests of White Ash and Large-toothed Aspen. There are also several small Red Pine plantations.
The small area of block talus supporls a semi-open Write Ash - Butternut stand grading into Sugar Maple forest. The fine talus on the yoùng groves of Sugar Maple - lronwood e' ln the incised gorge there are mixed/conifer ng Aspen and large-toothed Aspen. There are also cliffs of bmooth Cliff-brake, and a small example of Write Cedar rim forest. [Varga 1995]
Representation
Beaver Valley East Slope has moderate representation of Niagara Escarpment re-entrant valley slope featureê. These include moderate representation of moist Sugar Maple forests on mantled slopes and moderate representation of talus and cliff communities. [Varga 1995]
Landform
The Beaver Valley East Slope natural area is situated along 3 km of eastern slopes in the Beaver Valley, a major Níagara Escarpment re-entrant valley. The slopes rl?e up to 150 m above the valley floor ánd conlist largely of escarpment shale slopes mantled by loam tills. The slopes are dissécted by twelve small tributaries of the Beaver River, with seepage zones common alo-ng the tributaries and on the lower valley slopes. The largest tributary has incised a small gorge, 200 m long and 50 m deep into the escarpment, exposing dolostones of the Manitoulin Formation. Thãse dolostones also occur as an intermittent cliff and a narrow terrace, mid-way on the valley slope. Below the Manitoulin cliffs is a narrow zone A small promontory nortn of the gorge has 12 m high dolostone cliffs o n, the caprock of the Niagara Escãrpment. Below this promontory there [Varga 1995] cuddy, D.G., K,M. L¡ onald. 1976, Significant Natural Areas along the Niagara Escarpment Reserve Candidates and other Significant NatiralAreas ìn the Planning Area' Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Parks Planning Branch, Toronto' 426 pp'
J.V. a Varga, S. 1995. BeaverValley Easl Slope Site Summary. Pp. 401-403, in, J.L. Riley, iãf"G and S. Varga. 1996. Ecological Survey of the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve. Volume i Significant Natural Areas. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Southem Region, Aurora. Open File Site Report 9ô01' v + 629 PP' a Blaney. 1993. Beaver Valley East Slope, Unpublished field notes and unity map, on fite, Natural Heritage lnformation Centre, Peterborough' Y, breeding bird surveYl AREA lD:1343 KIMBERLEY CREEK Significance Area TYPe Size Gentroid UTM Map # Provincial Life Science ANSI 186.0 ha 17,538000,4914000 41N7
Vegetation plain occasional bedrock Rich Sugar Maple forests carpment and the other plain co ch bedrock forests and, in several small depressions,"*fo"urér. meadow ma o-moist The escarpment rim supports and stunte have rich ö;õ.;irnities he talus forests of Vr/hite Cedar and th with .ì"p* ãre Jom¡nated by post-fire succes.sional fo Small Sugar icãttereo thickets ot li¡ountain Maple and occasionally Round-leaved Dogwood. and Manitoulin Maple talus forests occur at the base of the Manitouliñ diffs. The shale slopes mixed iãir'""". have Sugar Màple forests, a variety of younger successional broadleaf and slopes also ,iând., as well aõa tew'Wnite Cedar groves. Gioundwater seepage on the lower sustain meadow marshes and a White Cedar swamp' Birch on the The incised valley has post-fire successional forests of Write Cedar and Write side. On the valley northern talus stopes, ánd a Sugar Maple forest on the deeper-soiled south Creek, White Cedar nõoi, in"r" is a sma¡ giove of S-ugar friaple talus forest and, along Kimberley thickets and a variety bottomlands. Near thJedges of tñe site,'there are a few regenerating fields, of successional forests. [Varga 1995]
Representation
TheKimberleyCreeknaturalareaprovidesanoutstandingexamp d as well as the best in the Grey Section of moist open tal """rpi"i conifer talus e À.p"n / \Mlite Ash bro and ..^,,^.. ^ incised:--:--r valley.and^- plain sitè also provides mod Niagara Escarpment slope, of features associated wi lley. Also present is moderate representation the best quality Oi¡er r¡m forests, shaded cliffs and seepage slope wetlands. The site sustains examples in the Beaver Valley of rich Su Cedar and Write Birch block talus forest and rich crevice ravines' The site's crevice ravin escarpment. Kimberley Creek gorge is one of o Beaver Valley, and the only one with a significa
Landform
3 km of spectacular Niagara Escarpment cliffs, the floor of Beaver Valley, a major re-entrant ped by massive dolostone cliffs of the Amabel Old Baldy. The faces of these two promontories one ravine up to 340 m long and 30 m wide. The talus blocks eroded from the cliffs. Mid-way stant dolostones of the Manitoulin Formation, lope along its leading edge. Below this terrace' the Queenston Formation, the basal unit of the ims, there is a rolling escarpment plain mantled and on knolls. Between the site's two incised valley, 110 m deep and 700 m long, with out of the base of this gorge, having nkhole. Numerous streams and seeps also the contact between the Manitoulin and Queenston formations. [Varga 1 995]
References
NaturalAreas along the a Cuddy, D.G., K.M. Lindsay and l.D- Macdorrald. 1976. Significant ñi"g;å ñårpment:A Räport on Nature Reserve Candidates and other Significant of Natural Natúral Areas in the Niagaia Escarpment Planning Area. Ontario Ministry Resources, Parks Planning Branch, Toronto' 426 pp' slough of a piercey, L. and D. Bradley. 1987. Biological lnventories Repoftforthe old o".óóñ'0, r¡"oenwooo, eognor Marsh ãnd Rocklyn Creek Management Areas and iltitöóLa;rvat¡on Area. ðrey Sauble Conservation Authority, Owen Sound, Ontario. 90 pp.
forest stands sampled along a Varga, S. 1979-1982. Checksheets for 110 point-quartered the Ñiagara Escarpment. Manuscript.
RileY, J.V. Jalava a -397, in, J.L. carPment BiosPhere Reserve. atural Resources, Southern
of the Kimberley a Varga, S. and J.V. Jalava. 1994. Biological lnventory and.Evalualion CrãËf'Rrea of Natural and Scientific lnierest. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Southern Region, Aurora' OFER 50519. v + 80 pp'+ maps' AREA lD:4700 ADJACENT TO KIMBERLEY CREEK Significance Area TYPe Size Centroid UTM Map # Life Science Site ha 17 ,537800,4913000 41N7
Description See this other site for This former regional ANSI is now part of Kimberley Creek provincial ANSI. more details. good and section of Escarpment with cliffs and upland forest; rather small but in condition adjacent to the Kimberely Creek area 380140'
Vegetation - NA
Representation 'NA
Landform - NA
References
NaturalAreas along the a Cuddy, D.G., K.M. Lindsay and l.D. Macdo¡ald. 1976. Significant ñi"l;'rä E."årpment: A Ráport on Nature Reserve Candidates and other Signiflcant ñatúral Areas ìn the Niagaia Escarpment Planning Area. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Parks Planning Branch, Toronto' 426 pp' Representatiôn - l.,lA
a Ontario Heritage Foundation. 2000. Bruce TrajlAssociation Propedies- Ontario Heritage Foundation. 3 pp. Area Type Gentroid UTM
Non-Government 17,537500,4907000 Organization- Trust Land
Representation - NA
a Ontario Heritage Foundation. 2000. Brucê TrailAssociation Properties. Ontario Heritage Foundation. 3 pp. Area Type
Non-Government Organization- Trust Land
Representat¡on . NA
a Area Type Size Centroid UTM
Non-Government 17,53463A,49'15513 Organization- Trust Land
Representation- NA
a Ontario Heritage Foundation. 2000. Bruce TrailAssociation Properties. Ontario Heritage Foundatíon. 3 pp. C2 - Ecological Land Classification ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITY DESCRIPTIONS
The ecological communities present within the boundaries of the Site have been assessed following the Ecological Land Classification (ELC) system of Lee et al. (1998). The ELC results are depicted in Figure C2. Further details of the characteristics and distribution of the identified community types (Ecosites) are provided below. The Site has been divided into four Quadrants to facilitate the initial field assessment and the descriptions provided below. See Figure Cl for Quadrant boundaries.
The dominant communities present on the Site include:
o Cultural meadow (i.e., with tree and shrub cover <25%) o Cultural Thicket (i.e., with tree cover <25yo, shrub cover >25yo) o Cultural Savannah (i.e., with tree cover >25Vo, but less than35o/o) o Cultural Woodland (i.e., tree cover >35o/o, but less than 60%)
The Site also contains a relatively small total area of Deciduous Forest (i.e., with greater than60%otree cover), primarily in the form of mature tree-lines that traverse the site laterally and longitudinally. There are also very limited pockets of Thicket Swamp (SWT) and Meadow Marsh (MAM) in immediate proximity to the streams that flow through the Site.
The ELC approach delineates ecological units on the basis of the most stable and significant features. Polygon boundaries are drawn around areas within which the key features are relatively uniform. It should be noted that the Site is subject to a relatively high degree of complexation. That is, polygons are often a mosaic of different Ecosites. The ELC polygons depicted in Figure C2 represent the predominant community type at the level of resolution obtained. Small pockets of different Ecosite type may be present within the polygon (e.g. Cultural Woodland within Cultural Savannah). Basemâp Courtesy of Grey County
LEGEND BEAVER VALLEY VILLAGE '-- Site Boundary FIGURE Cl:SITE MONITORING LAYOUT - rt'-' Streams ----- Quadrant Boundaries Soll Profile O Dale lnitiated: 14 November 2007 Baæmap Courtesy of Grey County
LEGENO Ecological Land Classif¡cation Site Boundary E DeciduousForest(FOD) aëîp".P. E Cultural Savannah (CUS) - Sîeams BEAVER VALLEY VILLAGE E Cultural Woodland (CUW) E Cultural Th¡cket (CUT) FIGURE C2: EGOLOGICAL LAND CLASSIFICATION E Cultural Meadow (CUM) Th¡cket Swamp (SWT)
l\,tleadow Marsh (¡/Alvl) Date lnitiated: 14 November 2007 Cultural Meadow (CUM)
Lee et al. (199S) defrne a single type of Cultural Meadow type for mineral soils, which has been adapted for current ELC purposes. Cultural Meadow is mostly in the form of wet meadow, and most prominent in the west (Quadrant 1) and northwest (Quadrant 2) low-land portions of the Site.
Dry-Moist Old Field Meadow Type (CUM1-1). Within the site, there are several regionally common herbaceous plant species that comprise this ecosite type. The relative abundance of each of the main plant types varies throughout the site, in part reflecting soil type and slope. Common herbaceous species in the meado'\¡/ areas include wild strawberry (Fragaria spp.), several sedges (Carex spp.), a variety of grasses (F. Poaceae) including reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea), various asterc (Aster spp.), goldenrod (Solidago spp.), bedstraw (Galium spp.), wild mint (Mentha arvenis), dandelion (Tarascacum fficinale), cow vetch (Vicia cracca) and wild carrot (Daucus carota). A number of these plant species are typical of wet meadows, and their presenco is related to the relatively impermeable overburden. Several of these commonly encountered herbaceous plants are invasive non-native species (e.g. dandelion, cow vetch, wild carrot).
Cultural Meadow (CUM1-I) -Traveled swath along eastern edge of Quadrant 1. Note deciduous tree-line (FOD6-4) on left, and Cultural Woodland CUW1-6 (Ash dominated) in background, and isolated conifer in foreground. Cultural Meadow (CUMI-l). Southern perimeter of Quadrant 1, between thicket and roadside hee-line.
Cultural Meadow (CUMl-l). Southern perimeter of Quadrant 1, between thicket and roadside tree-line. Reed canary grass in foreground. dogwood Cultural meadow (CUM1-1) in north half of Quadrant2. Scattered Red-osier (<1 m tall) among grass dominated herbaceous community'
Cultural meadow (CUMI-1). Central portion of Quadrant 2 Cultural Meadow (CUMI-l). Lowland are4 west of Elm tree-line (FOD7-1) in Quadrant 1.
Cultural Meadow (CUM1-1). Lowland area near seasonal water course. Quadrant l. Cultural Meadow (CUMI-1). Dense patches of reed canary grass present. Southeast portion of Quadrant 3.
Cultural meadow (CUMI-1) - Scattered Ash saplings present. Northwest portion of Quadrant 3. Cultural meadow (CUM1-1) - red-osier Dogwood and Willow shrubs present. North- central portion of Quadrant 3.
Cultural Meadow (CUM1-1). Quadrant 4, adjacentto eastern boundary. Cultural Meadow (CUM1-1): Transitioning to apple/elm thicket to north. Quadrant 4, east.
Cultural Meadow (CUMI-l): Quadrant 4, immediately to the North of Bowles Bluff Rd. Cultural Thicket (CUT)
Lee et al. (1998) define six types of mineral cultural thicket, none of which effectively represents the thicket type occurring at the Site. A single new type has been defined for current purposes.
Red-Osier Dogwood Cultural Thicket (CUTI-7). This Ecosite type is dominated by Red- osier dogwood (Cornus stolonifera), a species commonly found in wet fields . At the site, this shrub occurs in numerous closely spaced patches or in large continuous swaths. It often forms very dense stands. Other shrub species co-occurring at much lower densities include Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago), Choke Cheny (Prunus serotina), Hawthorns (Crataegus spp.), Altemate-leaved Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia), and various willow shrubs (Salrx spp.). The dogwood is variable in height, ranging from -0.5 m to almost 2 m. The majority of dogwood stands are 1 to 1.5 m in height. Frequently, patches ofred-canary grass(Phalaris arundinacea) occur with patches of red-osier dogwood. Red-osier dogwood thicket is found primarily in the western half of the Site (Quadrants I and2) in down-slope or low-lying areas.
Cultural Thicket (CUT1-1). Dominated by Red-osier Dogwood (Cornus stolinifera). Apple and hawthorn interspersed. Lowland portion of Quadrant 1, east of White Elm tree-line (FOD7-1). Cultural Thicket (CUTI-1). Patchy distribution of Red-osier dogwood (Cornus stolinifera), scattered hawthorn, apple, and elm.
Cultural Thicket (CUTI-1). Red-osier dogwood (-1 to 1.5 m tall), with scattered hawthorn, elm and apple. Down-slope portion of Quadrant 1, east of White Elm tree-line (FOD7-l). Cultural Thicket (CUT1-1). Red-osier Dogwood (Cornus stolinifera) -l m tall. A few scattered young ash and apple trees. Eastern up-slope portion of Quadrant 2. Cultural Savannah (CUS)
The Cultural Savannah communities found within the Site boundaries are primarily a refection of the Cultural Woodland communities that are present. These communities reflect the same series of tree species that dominate the Cultural woodlands, and they tend to occur on areas that are down-slope from adjacent to woodlands.
Only one form of occunence of cultural savannah at the Mineral Cultural Savannah Ecosite (CUSl) corresponds to the specifications of Lee at al., 1998. As with woodlands, new Ecosite types have been defined for current ELC purposes.
Hawthorn Cultural Savannah Type (CUW1-1). The dominant woody vegetation in this Ecosite type is Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.). As successional species, Hawthorns are fairly common throughout the Site. However, there are only limited locations (i.e., southeast corner of Quadrant 4) where Hawthorns are sufficiently abundant to constitute this type of Savannah.
White Elm Cultural Tvne ICUSl-4). This Ecosite type has White Elm(Ulmus Americana) as the most common tree species. Common apple (Malus pumila) and Hawthorns (Crataegus spp.) are often present. This ecosite type occurs primarily in Quadrants 7 and 4, mainly on down-slope areas.
Common Apple Cultural Savannah Type (CUS1-5). This Ecosite type is dominated by common apple (Malus pumila), often mixed with elm (Ulmus sp.) and hawthorn (Crataegus spp.). Most prevalent on the down-slope portions of Quadrant 3.
Ash Cultural Savannah Type (CUS1-6). This Ecosite type is dominated by mixtures of White Ash (Fraxinus Americana) and Red Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica). It is found immediately down-slope (northwest) of the Ash Woodland in Quadrant 3. Cultural Savannah (CUSI-1). Mix of common apple (Malus pumila) and hawthorn (Crataegus spp.). Quadrant 4.
Cultural Savannah (CUS1-6). Ash(Fraxinzs spp.) dominant. Transitional zone between Ash woodland (CUW1-6) and meadow (CUM1-1) in southern section of Quadrant 2. to Ash Cultural Savannah (CUS 1 -6). Ash (Fraxinus sPP.) dominant. Transitioning woodland with increasing elevation to the east (in background). South-east portion of Quadrant 2.
Cultural Savannah (CUSl-4). V/hite Elm (Ulmus americana) and scattered apple among common herbaceous plants (grasses, sedges, asters). Down-slope portion of Quadrant 1. Cultural Savannah (CUS 1-6) . Ash(Fraxinus spp.) dominant, apple and elm also present. Sparsely scattered Red-osier Dogwood present. Western portion of central elevated ridge in Quadrant 1
Cultural Savannah (CUSI-4). Quadrant 4, north section. White Elm (Ulmus americana) dominant, common apple (Malus pumila) interspersed. Cultural Savannah (CUS1-5). Common Apple dominant. Down-slope area in eastern portion of Quadrant 3.
Cultural Savannah (CUS1-5). Apple (Malus pumilø) dominant, with hawthorn. Quadrant 4 Cultural Woodland (CUW)
Cultural woodland communities occupy a significant portion of the Site, particularly in the southern half (Quadrants I and 4). A few isolated trees (particularly White Elm) are ( vast majority of all trees are young and in the range of 3 relatively-Cirttr large I 0+ m), but the to 6 m. typically ranges from < 3 cm dbh to -10 cm dbh. Tree size tends to decline with distance from adjacent tree-lines and/or distance down-slope.
The occurrences of Mineral Cultural Woodland Ecosites (CUWI) at the Site did not correspond to the specifications of Lee at al., 1998. Four new types of this Ecosite have been defined for current ELC purposes'
l-3 This Ecosite type consists of relatively pure and dense stands of young Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum), established in relatively close proximitY to mature Sugar Maples serving as the seed source. Specifically, this communitY type occurs in the SW corner of Q3 and the NW and NE corners of Q4.
t-4 This Ecosite type has White Elm (Umus Americana) as the most common tree species. The size and density of young elm stands is variable. Common aPPle (Malus pumila) is also a frequently occurring tree specles. Scattered Hawthorns (Crat ae gus spp.) are often mixed in, as are patches or red- osier dogwood. This Ecosite occurs primarily in Quadrant 4, on both upland and lowland portions.
Common Apple Cultural Woodland Type (CUW1-5). This Ecosite type is dominated by common apple (Malus pumila), assumed to originate from planted trees. Trees are mostly < 5 m tall, but with a wide canopy. Often mixed with young elm (Ulmus sp.) and Hawtirorn (Crataegus spp.). Most prevalent on the eastern half of the Site (Quadrants 3 and 4), particularly on down-slopes and lowlands.
Ash Cultural V/oodland Type (CUW1-5). This Ecosite type is dominated by mixtures of Wnit" nrn (Fraxinus Americana) and Red Ash(Fraxinus pennsylvanica). Both species are common in the deciduous forest region, growing well on moist soils. Red ash in particular grows best in absence of other competing trees. Both are often encountered as àarly succðssional species. Other tree species (Elm, apple) can be present in a scattered fashion. The Ash Woodland Type occupies most of the upland portion of Quadrant 1, and also smaller adjacent portions of Quadrant2 to the north and Quadrant 4 to the southeast. Cultural Woodland (CUWI-3). Sugar maple (Acer saccharum) sapling dominant. Adjacent to mature, off-Site stand of Sugar Maple. North-east corner of Quadrant I
Cultural Woodland (CUW1-3). Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) dominant. Southwest corner of Quadrant 3. S..:
Cultural Woodland (CUW1-5). Common Apple (Malus pumila) dominant East down- slope area of Quadrant 3
Cultural Woodland (CUWI-6). Dominated by White Ash and Red Ash saplings. Central ridge, east half of Quadrant l t
Cultural Woodland (CUWI-6). Dominated by White Ash and Red Ash saplings. Central ridge, north-centralportion of Quadrant 1.
Cultural woodland (CUWI-6). Ash(Fraxiners spp.) dominated. South-east corner of Quadrant 2. Deciduous Forest (FOD)
The occurrence of areas of mature woody vegetation is very limited within the Site boundaries. For current purposes, the tree-lines are treated as remnant native forest cover, and constitute the majority of Deciduous Forest communities on Site. The tree lines have associations of common forest edge species, including Choke cherry (Prunus serotina),Prickly Wild Rose (Rosa acicularis), and Wild Raspberry (Rubus spp.).
Dry-Fresh Poplar Deciduous Forest Type (FOD3-1). Representation on the Site is confined to a single small isolated patch of mature trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) located in the southwest corner of Quadrant 4. This tree species grows best on well- drained moist sandy or gravelly loams. Aspen in this stand reach 20 m in height. A few young sugar Maple (Acer saccharum), young Ash (Fraxinas spp.), and Red-osier Dogwood (Cornus stolinifera) present in under-storey and perimeter.
Fresh- Representation on Site is confined to mature tree-lines traversing the relatively elevated portions of the Site. Relatively even mix of Sugar Maple White Elm (Ulmus Americana).
Moist Representation on Site is confined to mature tree-lines traversing the relatively elevated portions of the Site. Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) dominant, with occasional Basswood (Tilia am e r ic ana\ White Elm (U I mu s ame r i c ana),
Fresh-Moist ite Elm Lowland Forest rFoDT-l). Representation on Site is confined to mature tree-lines traversing the low-lying portions of the Site (i.e., the north- south oriented tree lines in the western portions of Quadrants I and 2). Deciduous Forest (FOD3-1). Trembling Aspen (Populus tremuloides) stand in southeast corner of subject lands.
Deciduous Forest (FOD6-5). Tree-line, looking east from Quadrant 2 towards Quadrant J. Deciduous Forest (FOD6-5). Tree-line, looking north along eastern edge of Quadranf2
Deciduous Forest (FOD6-5) - Tree-line with Sugar Maples, White Elms, and Mountain Ash (centre). North-south oriented between Quadrant 2 and Quadrant 3. Deciduous Forest (FOD7-1). White Elm(Ulmus americana) tree-line. North-south oriented in western lowland portion Quadrant 1. Deciduous Forest (FOD6-4). Tree-line separating Quadrant 1 and Quadrant 4 Deciduous Forest (FOD6-5). Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) dominant. East-west tree- line oriented between Quadrant 3 and Quadrant 4. Thicket Swamp (SWT) and Meadow Marsh (MAM)
Wetland communities are found on-Site, immediately adjacent to the two streams that flow along the western and eastern perimeter. These confined wetland areas have been categorized as either Organic Thicket Swamp (SWT3) or Organic Meadow Marsh (MAM3).
Along the seasonal water course in the western periphery of the Site, distinct pockets of organic soils support either Cattail (Typha) marsh or Willow (SaIíx) thicket. Within the meander belt of Woodhouse Creek to the east, soils and associated communities are a mosaic. Soil is frequently organic, but pockets of mineral soil are present. Vegetation is also patchy, with clusters of both woody shrub and herbaceous vegetation at variable density occurring within the Site. This mosaic of communities has been broadly classified as Swamp Thicket in closer proximity to the more wooded area where the creek exits the Site. Further to the north, the mosaic is designated as Meadow Marsh.
Organic Thicket Swamp (SWT3). Dominated by Wild Raspberry ßubus spp.). Wodehouse Creek Channel, eastern edge of Quadrant 3' Organic Thicket Swamp (SWT3). Mosaic of Meadow March and Swamp Thicket. Wodehouse Creek Channel, southeast corner of Quadrant 3
Organic Thicket Swamp (SWT3). Mosaic of Meadow March and Swamp Thicket. rüodehouse Creek Channel, eastern periphery of Quadrant 3 C3 - Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas Data Square Summary (17NK31) Region summary (#9: Grey) pn"o.* with data i#species frr"r* i l#sq aon" #pc f l.al2"d-i;¡i¡;; f" Þ'.'d F;aftrø i rtrl l+n" -o 36-i36 3s 815 450 ¡t|ì, i-s I t | fa;fæ Target number of point counts in this square: 19 road side, 6 off road (l in treed wetlands, 4 in deciduous forest, 1 in mixed forest). Please try to ensure that each off-road station is located such that the entire '100m radius circle is within the prescribed habitat.
BE BE to lBËlBËtr/" T% ! ËËT% i% l"r=",ES SPECIES ISPECIES lee 2nd 'lst st I l2nd jr"t I lzna lr"t lzno lrst lr"t lzno P H 63 lRed-should Hawk ? 28 lBarred Owl ? 11 H 36 lBroad-winged Hawk 31 lLong-eared owl ? 2 H 47 lRed-tailed Hawk H H 100 14 Bittern I lAmerican Kestrel H H 94 91 fcommoñ ñ¡ghiñawk 20 Blue Heron $ H H 97 lMerlin 1 11 lWhip-poor-will 14 lGreat Egret ? 2 IRing-necked Pheasant 2 1 AE 34 lGreen Heron g 83 IRuffed Grouse A lRuby-thr Hummingbird H 88 lBlack-crown N.-Heron ? $ 25 lWild Turkey S lBelted Kingfisher P 88 lTurkey Vulture H FY 91 lRed-head Woodpecker ? 14 iCanada Goose FY 97 61 iSora @ Duck FY 85 66 Moorhen 1 ffiEE 9l 1 E ]Gadwall WÐE 91 ]American Wigeon ? 0 2 Crane ? lBlack-back Woodpecker ? JAmerican Black Duck 11 H 1 lNorthern Flicker lMallard P 7',1 1 Pileated Woodpecker
P 34 FY 75 Olive-sided Flycatcher ?
INorthern Shoveler ? FY 2 94 lEastern Wood-Pewee lNorthern Pintail ? 0 H 71 97 lYellow-bellied Flycatcher 2
JGreen-winged Teal 8 1 2 lAlder Flycatcher fn¡nS-necked Duck Z 0 30 H 51 Tern ?$ 5
51 Tern ? $ 5 lea-iern Phoebe lRed-breast Merganser 14 1 Dove FY 94 wrr ,| |Ruddy Duck ? 0 Dove H 1 100 Eestern CF F I lOsprey ? 17 Cuckoo H H 69 Itosse¡héãd shrike ? lNorthern Harrier H H 74 Cuckoo 1 30 lYellow-throated Vireo lSharp-shinned Hawk 48 Cuckoo 31 0 lBlue-headed Vireo 1 48 1 91 lWarbling Vireo 1 lñôrt¡réin coahãwk 14 97 JRed-eyed Vireo 1 next oaqe >> Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas - Summary Sheet for Square 17NK31 (page 2 of 2)
I lee iae feË fN ISPECIES lliÈ îB{1,'/.*l;¡; lBË i-t; SPECIES 1st lst t2nd llst l2nd I lzno ltst lzno ltst lsPEcrEs lzno lrst lzno 91 Jay H FY 1 1 lEuropean Starling FY NY 100 97 Sparrow S H 97 91 Crow FY CF 1 1 lCedar Waxwing D P 100 100 rrow lCommon Raven P 11 lGolden-winged Warbler 31 I 60 4 s W 11 0 Sparrow ? I 2 P A 10c 100 lPurple Martin 1 [Tennessee Warbler ? 0 lSong Sparrow
Swallow H 1 1 lNashville Warbler CF 5 88 !Swamp Sparrow S @r H 80 lNorthern Parula? 2 lWhite-throat Sparrow CF P 91 88 1 20 lBank Swallow $ H 80 lYellow Warbler S P 100 lDark-eyed Junco l9 88 75 ]Cliff Swallow $ H 7 86 lChestn-sided Warbler S P 88 S 97 IBarn Swallow FY 100 lMagnolia Warbler S 5l lRose-breast Grosbeak S 94 IBlack-capp Chickadee CF I 100 lBlack-thr Blue Wa rbler S 80 llndigo Bunting lRed-breast Nuthatch s T 75 lYellow-rumped Warbler CF H 82 iaouotint< s 97 CF FY I lWhite-breast S 91 warbler t lRed-w¡ng Blackbird 97 FY 97 1 lBrown Creeper P 65 6l IBlackburnian Warbler lEastern Meadowlark S
1 Meadowlark 2 11 lHouse Wren S CF 100 100 Warbler lWestern S r 9l 77 lCerulean Warbler ? lRusty Blackbird ? 2 lWinterWren -Bhck-thrûeen 100 1 lSedge Wren 22 13 lBlack-white Warbler ffi lMarsh 22 36 lAmerican Redstart þrown-head Cowbird 100 lGolden-crown Kinglet 34 16 lOvenbird 9't fOrchard Oriole ? Blue-gr Gnatcatcher ? 0 2 Waterthrush lBaltimore Oriole P FY 97 1 Finch S S 82 ]Eastern Bluebird CF NE] 91 72 Waterthrush ? lPurple lVeery S S 91 Warbler 71 lHouse Finch ]Swainson's Thrush 0 Yellowthroat 1 1 fÞiñe sisrin JHermit Thrush 37 a Warbler fAméii¿ãn Gotdfinch D 1
TWood rush 88 H Evening 11
lAmerican Robin 100 1 lHouse Sparrow
Catbird 97 1 rpprng FY 1 10 Northern M ng 2 11 31 Brown Th 94
This list includes all species found during the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas (1st atlas: 1981-1985, 2nd atlas: 2001-2005) in the region #9 (Grey). Underlined species are those that you should try to add to this square. They have not yet been reported during the 2nd atlas, but were found during the 1st atlas in this square or have been reported in moré than S0% oitne squares in this reg¡on during the 2nd atlas so far. ln the species table, "BE 2nd" and "BE 1st" are the codes forthe highest breeding evidence forthat species in square 17NK3i during the 2nd and 1st atlas respect¡vely. The % columns give the percentage ofsquares in that region where that species was reported during tÉe 2nd and i st a¡as (this gives àn idea of the expected chance of finding that species in region #9). Rare/Colonial Species Report Forms should be completed for species marked: g (Colonial), ? (regionally rare), or ? (provincially rare). CurrentasoÍ111112007. An up-to-date version of this sheet is available from C4 - I{HIC Element Occurrence Data NHIC Element Occurences - Grey County (59 records)
Spec¡es Status Common Nâmê Sc¡entific Name eôsEwtc MNRZ SranlC xobrychus ex¡l¡s -east Biltem THR THR s3B,SZN
Cxyura jamaìcens¡s Ruddy Duck S2B,SZN
Haliaeetus leucoæphalus Bald Eagle NAR END-R S4B,SZN
Buteo l¡neatus Red-shouldered Hawk SC SC S4B.SZN thli.lôniâe n¡ôêr NAR 3B S7N âni rs hrdov¡c¡anus {D 28 SZN Seiurus motac¡lla Louis¡ana Waterthrush SC S3B,SZN
Ammodrâmus hênslow¡¡ R S-IB SZN fossor sc SC 5J lvlvoxæeohalus thomoson¡ arn THR THR S4 NÂR NÂR 4 )linostomus elonoatus Redside Dace IHR Mvot¡s leibìì Bat srs3 Myotis septentrional¡s Northem Long-eared S3? Rât Amer¡øt trNn FNN s, S¡slnrnrs câlênetus Massasauqa THR THR ì3 Cordulegaster d¡astatops lelta-spotted Sp¡ketail S3
Stvlooomohus albistvlus n rôiñslrlens¡s retail ôvêriã orâl¡âne 3 q, 30mohaeschna f urc¡llata llârlêdu¡n âmêt Somatochlora tenebrosa 0lamÈlipped Emerald S2
Somatæhlora walsh¡¡ lnrshl Sômâlôchlôrâ w¡lliâmson¡ amsonia fletcheri s2 Cel¡them¡s eoonlna nnant Sympetrum æruptum Variegated s3
Nehal6nnie oracilis ¡te Àmôh¡âõriôn sâilaium Eastem Red Dâmsel s3 Font¡nâlis sDhâonifolia s1 Grimmiâ teretlneryis s, HvôrôhvônLrm Êuovrium lvloss Hvonum rêdrualum s'l Pottiâ ¡ntemedia s.t Sêlinêriã hrêv¡fôliâ Râuiêlle sc¡tâ S2 q1 \denoæulon b¡color 5olìdago arguta S3
qmoglossum plantagineum Tuberous lndian- S3 olânlain Hypêricum prolif¡cum S2
Monârde d¡dvmâ s3 Crataeous corus€ SRF Handsome Sedoe s3s4 )erex schweiniÞìi S3 trlêô^hâñ¡ rôctêllãtâ .hÕenoolêaJus sm¡th¡¡ Sm¡th's Club-rush s22 Cypriped¡um arietinum ùJ
Platanthera leucophaêa Prairie END END 32
Elymus lanæolatus ssp. psammoph¡lus 3reat Lakes S3 y'Vheatgrass
)â lanouida llrôônind S3 rooseed 'f s2 Sparganium androcladum Branch¡ng Bur-reed s1
Asplenium scolopendrium var American Hart s- SC 5J amenænum tongue Fem
Cystopteris laurentiana Laurent¡an Bladder s2s3 Fem nôtruehiilm ônêì.iânse s3
1 Fêdêral Status; END - Endangered, THR - Threatened, SC - SPec¡al Concem, NAR - not at rÍsk 2 prov¡nc¡al Status: END-R, endangered and regulated (ESA), THR - Thr€atened, SC - Speciâl Concem, NAR - not at risk. 3 Provinc¡al Rank: S1 - Critically imperilêd, 52 - lmperiled, S3 - Vulnerabl6 to êxtirpation, S4 - apparently sæure NHIC Element Occurrences within l0 km of Site
Species Süatus Scientific Name Gommon Name gosEwtc MNR2 Srank3 lxobrvchus exilis Least Bittern THR THR S3 Asplenium scolopendrium var American Hart's-tongue SC SC S3 amencanum Fern A. scolopendrium var American Hart's-tongue SC SC S3 amencanum Fern A. scolopendrium var American Hart's{ongue SC SC S3 ameflcanum Fern A. scolopendrium var American Hart's-tongue SC SC S3 amencanum Fern A. scolopendrium var American Hart's{ongue SC SC S3 amencanum Fern A. scolopendrium var American Hart's{ongue SC SC S3 amencanum Fern A. scolopendrium var American Hart's-tongue sc SC S3 ameflcanum Fern A. scolopendrium var American Hart's-tongue SC SC S3 amencanum Fern Soarqanium androcladum Branchinq Bur-reed S1 Pottia intermedia A Moss S1 A. scolopendrium var American Hart's{ongue SC SC S3 amencanum Fern Sensitive species SC SC S3 Sensitive soecies SC SC S3 Sensitive soecies SC SC S3 Sensitive species sc SC S3 Sensitive species SC SC S3 Sensitive soecies SC sc S3 Sensitive soecies END END S2 Sensitive spec¡es END END S2
1. Federal Status: END - Endangered, THR - Threatened, SC - Special Concern, NAR - not at risk. 2. Provincial Status: END-R, endangered and regulated (ESA), THR - Threatened, SC - Special Concern, NAR - not at risk. 3. Provincial Rank: S1 - Critically imperiled, 52 - lmperiled, 53 - Vulnerable to extirpation, 54 - apparently secure NHIC Element Occurrences - EUPHRASIA Township
S2
Platanthera leucophaea ËND s2
SC
1. Federal Status: END - Endangered, THR - Threatened, SC - Special Concernn NAR - not at risk. 2. Provincial Status: END-R, endangered and regulated (ESA), THR - Threatened, SC - Specjal Conçern, NAR - not at rick. 3. Provincial Rank 51 - Critically imper.ite!, 52'lmperiled, 53 - Vulnerable to extirpation, 54 - apparently secure NHIG Element Occurrences from Map Square l7NK30
Species Status Scientific Name Gommon Name cosEwtc MNR, Srank" Asplenium scolopendrium var. americanum American Hart's- SC SC S3 tongue Fern
1. Federal Status: END - Endangered, THR - Threatened, SC - Special Concern, NAR - not at risk. 2. Provincial Status: END-R, endangered and regulated (ESA), THR - Threatened, SC - Special Concern, NAR - t 3. Provincial Rank: S1 - Critically imperiled, 52 - lmperiled, 53 - Vulnerable to extirpation, 54 - apparently secure
NHIG Element Occurrences from Map Square l7NK3l
Species Status Scientific Name Gommon Name cosEWtcl MNR2 Srank3 Asplenium scolopendrium var. americanum American Hart's- SC SC S3 tongue Fern
',l. Federal Status: END - Endangered, THR - Threatened, SC - Special Concern, NAR - not at risk. 2. Provincial Status: END-R, endangered and regulated (ESA), THR - Threatened, SC - Special Concern, NAR - I 3. Provincial Rank: S1 - Critically imperiled, 52 - lmperiled, 53 - Vulnerable to extirpation, 54 - apparently secure C5 - Conservation Priority List - Grey County Southern Ontario Conservation Priorilies, Page l5
MUNICIPAL LIST OF PRIORITY SPECIES
Table 3. Municipal list of priority species for Grey County. Please note that forest birds, marsh birds and open country birds are listed separately and that the list is sorted alphabetically within each priority category (level one to four): It should be noted that all species on the list are deemed prioriry species and that the designation of level one, level two, level three, and level four is a relative ranking within the overall group. Non-VTE species that rely on human structures such as buildings, bridges, etc., should be deemed a priority only when found nesting in natural habitats. These species include: Barn Swallow, Chimney Swift, Cliff Swallow, Common Nighthawk, Eastern Bluebird, Eastern Phoebe and Purple Martin. Symbols: (++) denotes "endangered" or "threatened" status at the provincial or federal level; (*) denotes "vulnerable" status at the provincial or federal level. Please refer to Table 2 to determine precise designations. At a minimum, municipalities must protect the habitat of endangered and threatened species. Contact OMNR staff for additional advice. Nesting habitat information for all species breeding within southern Ontario is provided in Appendix F. Appendix G provides the rationale for the inclusion of each species on the list.
F'OREST OPEN COUNTRY
LEVEL ONE ONE
Snonies Nqmc Snecies Name Snecips Neme Black-throated Green Warbler Bittem Bank Swallow Blue-wìnged Warbler Coot Brown Thrasher Brown Creeper Tern* Clay-colored Sparrow Canada Warbler Night-Heron Common Nighthawk Cerulean Warbler* Common Loon Eastem Bluebird Chestnut-sided Warbler Railr-r Henslow's Sparrowl-t Long-eared Owl Least Bittern* Loggerhead Shrike++ Louisiana rùy'aterthrush* Pied-billed Grebe Northem Mockingbird Magnolia Vy'arbler Piping Plover# Nashville Vy'arbler Wren Northern Saw-whet Owl Owl* Prothonotary Warblerr+ Red-headed Vy'oodpecker* Sparrow Red-shouldered Hawk* Rail White-throated Sparrow Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Yellow-breasted Chat*
LEVEL TWO TWO LEVELTWO
Sncnics Nnme Snecies Name Snecies Name Redstart Black Duck Kestrel Baned Owl Teal Black-billed Cuckoo Snipe Black-throated Blue Warbler Wren Eastem Meadowlark Blackbumian Warbler orthern Rough-winged Swallow Hawk Savannah Sparrow Towhee Upland Sandpiper Warbler Vesper Sparrow Vy'arbler Western Meadowlark Goshawk orthern Waterthrush Flycatcher Woodpecker Southern Onlario Conservation Priorities, Page I6
Purple Finch Red-breasted Nuthatch Scarlet Tanager Hawk Vireo eery
ellow-bellied Flycatcher
THREE THREE THREE
Snonics Nqmo Snecies Name Snociec Nqmc Alder Flycatcher American Wigeon American Goldhnch B ay-breasted rùy'arbler Gadwall Bam Swallow Black-and-white Warbler Lesser Scaup Cliff Swallow Cooper's Hawk Osprey Eastern l(ngbird Dark-eyed Junco Purple Martin Field Sparrow Eastem Phoebe Ring-necked Duck Grasshopper Sparrow Evening Grosbeak Homed Lark Golden-crowned Kinglet Spotted Sandpiper Hermit Thrush Hooded Merganser Least Flycatcher Pine Warbler Ruby-thro ated Hummingbird Ruffed Grouse Turkey Vulture White-eyed Vireo Winter Wren Yellow-rumped Warbler
LEVEL FOUR LEVEL FOUR
Snocios Nqmc Snecies Name Snccics Nc mc American 'Woodcock Canvasback Black-capped Chickadee Common Moorhen Orchard Oriole Common Tem Ovenbird Green Heron Ruby-crowned Kinglet Northern Harrier Swainson's Thrush Northern Pintail Tennessee lüarbler Vy'ilson's Phalarope Wood Duck Yellnw-fhronfed Viren