Matchedash Bay Important Bird Area Conservation Action Plan
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Matchedash Bay Important Bird Area Conservation Action Plan May 2001 Prepared for the Matchedash Bay Important Bird Area Stakeholders by William G. Wilson and Edward D. Cheskey Executive Summary The Matchedash Bay Important Bird Area (IBA) contains a great variety of habitats from open water to oak savanna woodland. It boasts large numbers of Least Bittern, a Species of Concern nationally and Vulnerable provincially, and one of the reasons why Matchedash Bay qualifies as a nationally significant IBA. The Black Tern, a species that is listed as Vulnerable in Ontario, nests at Matchedash, and summer records of the King Rail suggest that it may also nest there. This latter species is both federally and provincially Endangered. Important Bird Areas are recognised around the world as the most important sites for protecting bird diversity. Matchedash Bay is one of approximately 1,200 IBAs recognised in Canada. This plan is the product of a collaborative effort of numerous stakeholders, particularly the MTM Conservation Association, the non-profit organization responsible for management of the Matchedash Bay Provincial Wildlife Area. Discussion of IBA species, and the significance of the IBA and its natural features, takes place in Chapters 4 and 5. The results of valuable monitoring work undertaken by volunteers are presented in Appendices 2 and 3. This plan should be considered a work in progress. The national and provincial IBA partners encourage the stakeholders of the Matchedash Bay IBA to revise and rework the plan as needed, but most importantly, to implement it. The vision and goals of the IBA follow: Vision The Matchedash Bay Important Bird Area will be conserved and managed to protect, restore, and enhance its significance for resident and migratory birds, as a place where birds can be monitored, studied, and enjoyed for the ecological, educational, and economic benefits to the people of Severn Township and beyond. Goals 1) Protect and conserve significance of Matchedash Bay for Black Tern, Least Bittern, King Rail, and other marsh birds. 2) Undertake monitoring and research on species of concern. 3) Protect adequate habitat in sanctuary for waterbirds and waterfowl. 4) Develop communication strategies and actions to promote bird conservation among partners, stakeholders, and the public. 5) Assess and address the issue of habitat degradation, and develop a plan to mitigate losses and restore habitat. 6) Facilitate public opportunities and access to appropriate sites for observation of waterbirds, waterfowl, and landbirds. 1 Table of Contents Executive Summary........................................................................................................................................ 1 Acknowledgments .......................................................................................................................................... 3 1.0 Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 4 2.0 The Important Bird Area Program........................................................................................................... 6 3.0 IBA Site Information................................................................................................................................ 7 4.0 IBA Species Information.......................................................................................................................... 8 4.1 IBA Species ......................................................................................................................................... 8 4.1.1 Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis) ................................................................................................... 9 Distribution and abundance.............................................................................................................. 9 Natural history.................................................................................................................................. 9 4.1.2 King Rail (Rallus elegans).......................................................................................................... 11 Distribution and abundance............................................................................................................ 11 Natural history................................................................................................................................ 11 4.1.3 Black Tern (Chilidonias niger)................................................................................................... 12 Distribution and abundance............................................................................................................ 12 Natural history................................................................................................................................ 13 5.0 Other Elements of High Conservation Value ......................................................................................... 14 6.0 Land Ownership and Use ....................................................................................................................... 16 6.1 Land Ownership ................................................................................................................................ 16 6.2 Land Use............................................................................................................................................ 16 Historical.............................................................................................................................................. 16 Current ................................................................................................................................................. 16 7.0 Conservation Management at Matchedash Bay IBA.............................................................................. 17 8.0 Stakeholders ........................................................................................................................................... 19 9.0 Opportunities .......................................................................................................................................... 20 10.0 Threats.................................................................................................................................................. 22 10.1 Sedimentation .................................................................................................................................. 22 10.2 Invasive Exotic ................................................................................................................................ 22 10.3 Lead shot and sinkers....................................................................................................................... 22 10.4 Disturbance...................................................................................................................................... 23 10.5 Loss of wetland habitat.................................................................................................................... 23 11.0 Conservation Action Plan..................................................................................................................... 24 Vision ...................................................................................................................................................... 24 Goals, objectives, and actions.............................................................................................................. 24 12.0 Evaluation............................................................................................................................................. 27 References .................................................................................................................................................... 28 Appendix 1. IBA Program Partners.............................................................................................................. 31 Appendix 2. Least Bittern Survey, Tiny Marsh and Matchedash Bay ......................................................... 32 Appendix 3. Final Report by the MTM-IBA Committee ............................................................................ 33 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 33 Acknowledgments ................................................................................................................................... 34 Methods ................................................................................................................................................... 34 Survey Techniques .................................................................................................................................. 35 Results of Black Tern Surveys at Tiny Marsh......................................................................................... 38 Least Bittern, Tiny Marsh and Matchedash Bay ..................................................................................... 39 Discussion................................................................................................................................................ 39 Black Tern Surveys, Tiny Marsh ......................................................................................................... 39