Meeting Date: June 5, 2019 Contact: J. Collins, Director of Public Works 613-646-2282 [email protected]

Cobden Marsh Trail Project Recommendation: That Environmental Services Committee receive this report for information purposes as it relates to the Muskrat Watershed Council and the Cobden Marsh Trail Project. Background: The Muskrat Watershed Council (MWC) presented a report titled Watershed, 2014-2017 Water Quality, dated January 2019, prepared by Rebecca L. Dalton, Ph.D, on February 20, 2019. During their presentation, the MWC requested that Council reinstate the earth-berm in the Cobden Marsh. 1.0 Municipal Property The Cobden Marsh (the “marsh”) is located at: Civic Address 1 Astrolabe Road Roll No. 4758 0490 5006501 Legal Description Ross Con 2 W Pt Lot 7 RP;49R4083 Parts 1 2 Pt Rd All Owner Township Size 49.13 ac.

Figure 1 – 1 Astrolabe Road

2.0 Cobden Marsh Interpretive (Civitan) Trail The Cobden Marsh Interpretive Trail is located within the marsh. In 2008-09 the Civitan Club brushed along the existing berm to create a walking trail. The project engaged numerous stakeholders to get involved (i.e. MNRF, DFO, community groups, etc.). An 80m boardwalk was constructed between the south parking area and the south end of the berm, with a foot bridge installed over the Muskrat River. Portions of the berm were cleared and leveled. Several fjords, a shallow place in a river or stream that allows one to walk or drive across, were constructed in the berm to allow for spring run-off. The second phase was to brush, fill the breaches, level and top with crushed limestone, the circular part of the berm running east around the wetland, looping the trail. Work, funded in-kind, through donations and a Community Fisheries Wildlife Involvement Program, included: • 2008-09 Civitan Club brushed the berm for a walking trail • Jun- Jul 2011 the boardwalk was constructed • Nov 2011 - Sep 2012 the bridge railing, approaches & decking were installed • Feb-Mar 2013 turtle nesting area was constructed • 2013 signage was installed Figure 2 – Cobden Marsh “Civitan” Trail Figure from Cobden Marsh Interpretive Trail Overview May 15, 2013.

3.0 Cobden Wetland – Provincially Significant Wetland The Cobden Wetland is a designated Provincially Significant Wetland (PSW) located along the southerly shoreline of Muskrat Lake adjacent to the Cobden WWTP. It is approximately 90 ha. in size, comprised of two (2) wetland types: swamp (39%) and marsh (69%). Buttermilk Creek meets the Muskrat River within the wetland, converging with Muskrat Lake at the south end of the lake. A former lagoon which was part of the WWTP operations prior to the 1990’s is within the designated PSW. A portion of the Cobden Marsh Trail is constructed on top of the earth-berm structure surrounding the lagoon. Figure 3 – Aerial Photo

4.0 Cobden Wastewater Treatment Plant It is understood that the earth-berm structure was constructed to provide polishing for the original WWTP. Under the 1979 amended Certificate of Approval (C of A), the earth-berm structure had four (4) locations excavated to allow dispersion into the adjacent swamp, travelling into the river, and finally to the lake. The earth-berm structure is not part of the treatment process; however, there is no baseline information on what was there prior to 1979. Although the earth-berm is not part of the treatment train, it is recognized in the current Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA) and is therefore legally part of the existing sewage works.

The WWTP amended ECA number 4306-B2YKK4, issued September 5, 2018 (page 7) states: Final Effluent Disposal Facilities • a 350 mm diameter, 175 m long effluent outfall sewer from Sewage Treatment Plant to an earth bermed enclosure that provides dispersion of the Final Effluent through the berms at four (4) location to the adjacent swamp ditch with in turn discharges to the Muskrat River and subsequently to Muskrat Lake. As part of the Cobden WWTP Environmental Study Report (ESR), discussions were held with MNRF regarding the potential for incorporating a portion of the PSW area adjacent to the WWTP as part of the overall treatment system. MNRF indicated: • An Environmental Impact Study (EIS) would be required for any activity in the PSW. • Timing of activities may be impacted due to fish species. • An ESA permit may be required due to Species at Risk occurrences in the wetland. • The wetland is known to be a pike spawning area as well as significant waterfowl staging area and that any future activities in the wetland should result in a net benefit. • Limits of the PSW within the immediate vicinity of the WWTP were identified in the EIS; however, they requested additional mapping of the PSW limits to complete the characterization and subsequent habitat delineation of species at risk. • A Species at Risk (SAR) survey would be required to identify the presence of any SAR and any mitigation measures required for works completed on the lands adjacent to the wetland. SAR found in the area included (i) Snapping Turtle, (ii) Blanding Turtle, (iii) Spiny Softshell – a threatened turtle species, (iv) Lake Sturgeon – threatened fish species, and (v) Barn Swallow. • Additional wetland mapping in order to categorize the Blanding Turtle habitat and over a larger area of the wetland.

5.0 Muskrat Lake Watershed 2014-2017 Water Quality Report The Muskrat Lake Watershed 2014-2017 Water Quality, January 2019, prepared by Rebecca L. Dalton, Ph.D., 4.0 Conclusions and Recommendations, Ms. Dalton indicates that the Cobden Wetland is a tributary identified as being highly impacted by nutrients as it has high phosphorus. Table 10, Recommendations for the Muskrat Lake watershed monitoring network suggests the Cobden Wetland (site MKR-03) should continue to be monitored, indicating that the wetland warrants further study to assess the impact of the sewage treatment plant on the export of phosphorus to Muskrat Lake.

In considering improving the water quality in Muskrat Lake where a point source of nutrients originates from sources other than annual crop land, the report uses the Cobden Wetland as an example. Of note: • The WWTP is likely affecting the water quality at this site (site MKR-03); however, planned upgrades (i.e. reduced number and severity of bypass events and higher quality effluent) will reduce phosphorus concentrations. • An evaluation of whether the berm could be optimized to retain nutrients and minimize their discharge into Muskrat Lake could be completed. • The contribution of stormwater to phosphorus loading is currently unknown. • Wetlands can be considerable nutrient sinks, but can also be sources in some instances. The report states, “Further research is needed to understand nutrient dynamics in the Cobden Wetland”. Analysis The Watershed Council is interested in: • Repairing the breaches along the earth-berm structure that have caused a dewatering of some of the wetland which is becoming choked with vegetation. • Re-establishing vegetation to increase water levels, which in turn will increase habitat for many aquatic mammals and bird species and help to remove some of the invading tree species such as Manitoba maple that have moved into areas of the wetland that have become dry. • Brush, clear the tops of the berm, provide stone dust for trails. • Place or replace signage along the trail. Consultations: Staff prepared a letter to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) requesting a list of anticipated studies, document and/or permits they would require in order to assist staff in determining the level of effort, estimated costs, and time-frame needed for the project. Attachments: Attachment #1: Cobden Marsh Interpretive Trail Overview, dated May 15, 2013 Attachment #2: Letter to MNRF, dated April 5, 2019 Financial Implications: n/a Next Steps: Staff will review MNRF response upon receipt.

Prepared by: Janet Collins, Director of Public Works Reviewed by: Robert Tremblay, Chief Administrative Officer

Cobden Marsh Interpretive Trail Overview

May 15,2013 History - Background

 Provincially Significant Wetland

 Approximately 60 acres in size

 Home to many rare types of wildlife including reptiles and amphibians

 Significant spawning habitat to northern pike in Muskrat Lake

 Excellent water filter for the lake How We Got Here

 2008-09 Civitan Club brushed berm for walking trail

 Infilling of pike spawning area

 Complaints received from the public

 DFO involved and MNR

 MNR / DFO / Civitan Rep met on site

 Remedial action plan to fix fish habitat issue

 Understanding good intentions we looked at alternatives which may help project due to lack of funding

 Involve partners alternate funding sources contacted

 Interpretive walking trail

 NRTCO funding seed 5k (fibre optic cable)

 Stewardship Opportunity Fund 2009-10 Application Package Objective

ANTICIPATED RESULTS

 Education / Interpretation of marsh life and exposure to biodiversity to school groups

 Understanding of the importance of wetlands by area residents

 develop an ecotourism stop through word of mouth and advertising

 Path to FF Rd community

 Increase tourism dollars to local businesses Anticipated Audience

Audiences  Local schools

 Natural history clubs

 Eco-tourists

 Tourists, walkers, local families, etc.

 Very growing pastime Boardwalk Start-up June 2011 Bridge Design June 6, 2011 July 22, 2011 Bridge Railing, Approaches & decking November 8, 2011- Sept. 2012

 Railing fabricated by Whitewater Welding

 Painted (local hire)

 Bridge approaches & decking completed by MNR Fire crew (standby)

Turtle Nesting Construction February-March 2013 Placing Platform Bucketing Sand Osprey Class 2013 May 10, 2013

 Nesting structure has stabilized

 Hopes are that it will help keep turtles from nesting on trail

 Reduce mortality

Continued Work for 2013 Signage Cleanup- ongoing

NRTCO cable Small foot bridge Restoring Balance

 Compartment breach

 Chocked with emergent / invasive plants

 20 cm water increase would restore plants

 Increase nutrient absorption

 Increase wildlife use Recap

 The interpretive walkway / boardwalk is intended to provide an educational and outdoor nature experience for the elementary and high school aged students in the Cobden area as well as an ecotourism opportunity to travelers on the Trans Canada Highway (Hwy 17) and a destination for Nature clubs

 To date there has been 27 partners actively involved in the project with many either support dollars and or in-kind service this translates to approximately 69K.

 Opeongo High school Osprey Program has been an integral partner with the project along with Algonquin College, Pembroke and Area Field Naturalists, MNR & MNR Stewardship program, NRTCO, Shaw Lumber, OPG, MacGregor Concrete, with many more local businesses that have contributed to the project.

 It is a true model that shows how working together can benefit all

Our Sponsors

Cobden Wetland Trail 2009 Phaze 1

Partners Contact Phone Number Comment Estimated dollar value

Cobden Civitan John Levesque 613-433-1701 4K 4,000 TWP Whitewater Dean Sauriol 613-646-2282 inkind 5500 Stewardship Council Karen Stokes 613-732-5523 7.5K and inkind support 7,500 Pembroke Field Naturalists Chris Michener 613-625-2263 inkind 200 hrs X $20 / hr 4,000 Cavanaugh Construction Paul Kilby 613-649-2550 limestone for walk trail 1,500 NRTC Steve Linn 613-638-2988 5K 5,000 Shaw Lumber John Shaw 613-735-5141 Wood/poles 2,000 Ducks Unlimited Scott Muir 613-389-0418 Provided inhouse experience 200 JP2G Ed Shultz Engineering Design for bridge 1,500 Hydro One Grant Eady 613-639-2754 inkind 0 OPG (Public Affairs Officer) Jennifer Gardner 613-433-9673 1k Cobden Public School Cindy ? 613-646-2271 inkind Opeongo High School Tim Demmons 613-735-7587 Building boadwalk sections at school 3 days X 4hrs X 10 Students X $12 / hr 1440 " " Build boardwalk turtle nesting platform 6 Days 5 hrs X 20 students X $12 / hr 7200 Clouthier Construction John Bridge Trusses 1500 MacGregor Concrete John MacGregor 613-582-3459 concrete slabs footing for boardwalk $150 X 30 slabs 4500 Home Depot Dorian Proulx 613-732-6550 Screws drills and possibly labour if required 500 Algonquin College Cam Dube 613-7354700 inkind trail design downloadable information brush clearing 1000 Renfrew County OVTA Mitchell Wilkie 613-735-7288 Inkind and promotion on website 0 Federation Of Angler and Hunters Francine MacDonald705-748-6324 Invasive Species Signs + inkind support 2 days X 8hrs X $30 /hr 480 Kruger Signs Bill 613-646-2002 Graphic signs for no vehicle admittance 500 Stewardship Ranger MNR 613-732-5523 inkind support building the boardwalk 2 days 8 staff X 7 hrs/ day X $12 / hr 1344 MNR CFWIP Kirby 613-732-5565 10 K support dollars for boardwalk, bridge, turtle nesting 10000 Valley Window and Door Jeff 613-735-6843 Environmetally friendly bridge support posts material and labour 2000 MNR Kirby 613-732-5565 Inkind support from start of project 40 / year X 4 yrs X $40 / hr 6400 Whitewater Welding John inkind welding 1000 Ontario Ranger Program Jackson Matchske 3 days with 17 rangers inkind labour to construct boadwalk ? MNR Pemebroke Fire Crew Graham Smith 3 member crew finished approaches to bridge 69,064 Thank you!

April 5, 2019

Kirby Punt, Management Biologist Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry 31 Riverside Drive, Pembroke, ON K8A 8R6

Email: [email protected]

Re: Cobden Marsh Trail Project

Dear Mr. Punt,

The Muskrat Watershed Council (MWC) attended a Whitewater Region Council meeting on February 20, 2019. As part of their delegation they requested the Township consider a project and/or assist the MWC, in replacing the earth berm structure in the four (4) locations that were excavated to allow dispersion into the adjacent swamp under the 1979 amended Certificate of Approval.

Municipal staff have prepared a report to Council to provide background information related to the Cobden Marsh Trail. Information was gathered from various sources including printed material provided by the Muskrat Watershed Council, the Cobden Wastewater Treatment Plant Environmental Study Report, and the Cobden Wastewater Treatment Plant Amended Environmental Compliance Approval.

In order to determine the level of effort, estimated costs, and time-frame needed for a project of this nature, we respectfully request the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry provide an anticipated list of studies, documents and/or permits required.

A comprehensive list will permit the Township to project capital funds to meet the requirements, as well as establish a possible link with the MWC and possible alternate funding sources.

If there are any further questions or concerns regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned at (613) 646-2282.

Respectfully,

Janet Collins, Director of Public Works c.c. Robert Tremblay, CAO Steve Hodson, Environmental Services Superintendent

44 Main Street, P.O. Box 40, Cobden, ON K0J 1K0 Phone: 613-646-2282 Fax: 613-646-2283 www.whitewaterregion.ca