LAKE HURON SOUTHEAST SHORE

A CANADIAN EFFORT IN SUPPORT OF THE BINATIONAL PARTNERSHIP - SUMMER 2010 Southeast Shore Communities Team Up to Improve Water Quality and Conserve Biodiversity Lake Huron Binational The southeast shoreline and watersheds of Lake In 2010, work continues to build on the successes Partnership Huron run from Tobermory south to Sarnia, and of the projects in this newsletter, which will help to Lakewide environmental management, include the watersheds of the Saugeen, Maitland, restore and protect the ecosystem of the region and restoration and protection activities in the Bayfield, and Ausable rivers, as well as many smaller ultimately, Lake Huron. Lake Huron basin are coordinated through the tributaries, creeks and gullies. The farmland Lake Huron Binational Partnership. The United is among the most productive in States Environmental Protection Agency, and the ribbon of shoreline has one of the Environment Canada, Michigan Department longest continuous stretches of beachfront Tobermory of Environmental Quality, and Ontario’s in the with a long history of GEOR GI AN B AY Ministries of the Environment and Natural recreational use and cottaging. Resources form the core of the Partnership Lion’s Head by providing leadership and coordination. While issues of poor water quality, including L A K E H U R O N A flexible membership on an issue-by-issue beach postings and algae fouling, persist, a Wiarton basis, is inclusive of other agencies and levels great deal of work has gone in to improve Sauble Beach GR EY S AU BL E of government, Tribes/First Nations, non- water quality and address problems Southampton Owen Sound government organizations and the public. To at their source. Youth, local residents, Port Elgin learn more, visit www.binational.net. GR EY

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tario) ga Working Group new and creative ways to take on innovative n) projects in their watersheds. In this The Southeast Shore Working Group, MA IT LA ND MI CH IG AN newsletter, you’ll read about landowners Goderich Listowel WE LL INGTON established in 2002, is a collaborative effort of implementing beneficial management HURO N federal and provincial agencies, health units, Bayfield practices, volunteers collecting water PE RT H conservation authorities, and non-government samples, and youth and teachers being WATE RLOO organizations such as the Lake Huron Centre Stratford LEGEND Grand Bend inspired to take action in their local Towns for Coastal Conservation and Environmental Ipperwash Beach AU SABL E Cities < 200,000 Kettle Point BA YF IE LD communities. A basin-wide biodiversity Cities > 200,000 Defence. The mandate of the Working Group BR AN T OX FO RD strategy has also been developed and this Brights Grove International Boundary is to promote a collaborative, science-based MI DD LE SE X GREY Municipality/County newsletter features articles on how local Sarnia ST . C L AI R approach to address problems such as bacterial LA MB TO N London SAUGEEN Major Subwatershed 010 20 40 km place-based biodiversity plans are being ELGI N Area of Interest and algal fouling along the shore. Research, implemented and tested which will protect source identification and the recommendation and enhance critical habitat that is vital to The Southeast Shore area of interest stretches from Sarnia to the of remedial measures are all part of the Group’s sustaining populations of plants, animals Singing Sands near Tobermory. Credit: The Nature Conservancy activities. and fish. of Canada. For more information on the Southeast Shore Working Group and Youth and Teacher Summits Canadian Framework For the projects in this newsletter, go to www.lakehuroncommunityaction.ca and Support Community Action Community Action follow the link at the bottom of the page.

Since 2007, approximately 100 students from around Southeast Shore Working Group member the Canadian Lake Huron basin have participated organizations are: Environment Canada; in Youth Summits in Tobermory, Parry Sound and Ontario Ministry of the Environment; Ontario Bayfield. These Summits have been hosted by local Ministry of Natural Resources; Ontario Ministry Lake Huron- Watershed natural resource organizations and supported by A Canadian Framework of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs; Ausable federal and provincial agencies working on the Lake for Community Action Bayfield Conservation Authority, Maitland Huron-Georgian Bay Framework for Community Valley Conservation Authority, Saugeen Valley Action. These Youth Summits have encouraged Conservation Authority and St. Clair Region the students to work with mentors (often mayors, Conservation Authority; Huron County Health municipal councillors and teachers) in their home Unit; Grey Bruce Health Unit; Environmental communities and organize school events to raise Defense; Lake Huron Centre for Coastal awareness of Lake Huron and to foster opportunities Conservation; and Bruce Power. for local and collaborative community activities to address the future of the lake ecosystem.

In 2010, a Teachers Summit will be added and is People Working Together for a Healthy Environment planned for September in Goderich. The goal of the Teacher Summit is to connect youth with local watershed initiatives: by linking their high-school The Lake Huron Watershed Canadian teachers with local environmental resources, and Framework for Community Action employs by providing the teachers with information they an integrated process that is linked to a set need about local biodiversity and environmental of fundamental principles. These principles issues. Approximately twenty-five teachers from promote and guide collaborative, science- Sarnia to Kincardine have registered for the event. based approaches that align individuals, Preparations are also underway for the fourth annual communities and government agencies Youth Summit to be held in Midland. in taking the most effective conservation and protection actions to achieve lasting results. The Framework will facilitate sharing experiences between these various groups Visitors soak in the view at Southampton Beach in order to enhance a lakewide commitment on Lake Huron. Credit: Matt Shelter. for a healthy and sustainable Lake Huron watershed. You can download a copy of the framework and sign the charter at www.lakehuroncommunityaction.ca.

1 Penetangore Watershed Study Benefits from Provincial Funding

The Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA) (3 sites) in the Township of Huron-Kinloss. For each has received $19,900 for a one-year study of the sampling location, the study will collect biological relationship between land use and ecosystem health community and water chemistry data, and fisheries in the Penetangore watershed. The award was assessments will be conducted. provided by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment’s Ontario Community Environmental This study will identify changes and patterns in Fund, which directs monies obtained through water quality and biological communities, including Environmental Penalties into projects located in the algal blooms, and measure the vulnerability of each watersheds where the violations occurred. Along stream section to land use and other stressors. Maps with the SVCA, private landowners and other groups of land-use, land-cover, and measures of agricultural such as the Pine River Watershed Initiative Network intensity will also be created. The new information are participating in the project. will help to determine priority restoration sites and projects for the future. Located in the Pentagore watershed, Pine River and Clark Creek are small low-flow streams that drain For more information about the Pentagore into Lake Huron near Kincardine. These streams watershed project, please contact SVCA’s Martha have elevated levels of nutrients and contaminants, Nicol at 519-364-1255 Ext. 39, or Jo-Anne Harbinson and local residents are concerned about poor water at 519-364-1255 Ext. 35. For more information quality and algal blooms. about the Ontario Community Environmental Fund, including eligible locations and criteria, visit Collecting benthic (bug) samples is a key component The study began in May 2010 and focuses on 24 http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/en/about/penalties/ocef/. of the Penetangore watershed study. Credit: Saugeen sites along the Pine River (21 sites) and Clark Creek Valley Conservation Authority.

Pine River Watershed Initiative Network Takes Action to Address Water Quality

The Pine River Watershed Initiative Network (PRWIN) nitrate from the water, to improve water quality began in 2000 as a group of local landowners and decrease algal blooms. Other projects include concerned about declining water quality in the Pine the construction of 5 kilometres of cattle exclusion River watershed near Kincardine. Their first project fencing, 5 alternative water sources for livestock was to address threats to water quality from a large- and providing local students with a hands-on scale factory farm. This process took several years, introduction to restoration ecology at a local native but was successful. The focus of the group has now plant nursery. shifted to other ways of improving water quality in the Pine River, especially the restoration of riparian All of the projects PRWIN has initiated and buffer strips on cash crop and livestock farms. completed would not have been possible without Volunteer tree planters from the Ripley 4H Club, Rotary the support of local, municipal, provincial and Since 2006, PRWIN has planted over 120,000 trees Club and PRWIN members get ready to plant. Credit: federal governments and an environmentally on riparian buffer strips in partnership with local Adrienne Mason. conscious and co-operative community. With these landowners, the Saugeen Valley Conservation partners, PRWIN will continue to improve water Authority, Maitland Valley Conservation Authority, In addition, PRWIN has taken on other initiatives quality in the Pine River watershed. municipal, provincial and federal agencies , and local to improve water quality in the Pine River. They industry and volunteer groups. have worked with University of Waterloo to install For more information about the projects, please 4 nitrate filters in the watershed. This pilot project contact Adrienne Mason, PRWIN Coordinator at will determine if the filters effectively remove [email protected].

Government of Canada Funding Supports Water Quality Enhancements in Bayfield North Watersheds The Ausable Bayfield Conservation or the dedicated commitment of the participating Foundation has received landowners,” said Hope Brock, Healthy Watersheds Government of Canada funding to Technician at the Ausable Bayfield Conservation work with four landowners to Authority who is assisting with the project. enhance water quality within the Bayfield North watersheds. This During the development of the plan, workshops project is being undertaken with the and watershed tours explained the benefit of rural financial support of the Government beneficial management practices. Since 2007, over of Canada provided through 30 projects such as tree planting and stream bank Environment Canada’s EcoAction restoration have been initiated in this 40 square Community Funding Program. kilometre area, with financial support from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Over the next The Conservation Foundation will 5 to 10 years, local agencies such as the Ausable help the landowners undertake Bayfield Conservation Authority will continue to beneficial management practices on support this work and the Watershed Management their properties, with support from Plan. the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority. This work is part of the For more information, please contact Hope Brock at continued efforts of the Bayfield the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority at (519) North Watersheds Management Plan 235-2610 or [email protected] or visit these web which recommends protecting the sites: natural environment and improving water quality while recognizing the • Environment Canada’s EcoAction Community need to provide a rural livelihood for Funding Program local people. http://www.ec.gc.ca/ecoaction • Bayfield North Watersheds Management Plan “This project would not be possible http://www.abca.on.ca/downloads/BNW without the Government of Canada _Plan_Version_8 _15032010_small.pdf

The Bayfield North Watersheds Area. Credit: Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority.

2 Volunteers and Agencies Team Up to Monitor Water Quality in Tributaries

Since 2000, dedicated volunteers from the Ashfield- 86. The project was started in 2000 by the late Geoff Water sampling is simple to do and produces Colborne Lakefront Association (ACLA) have been Walker, a generous supporter of environmental valuable results. Every other Tuesday, volunteer sampling water in twelve streams from the Maitland activities. Since 2001, testing of the water samples samplers Mike and Allison McElhone take a drive River north to Boyd’s Creek, just south of Highway has been accomplished by many volunteers working down Highway 21, and at 12 road crossing sites, the in partnership with the Maitland Valley Conservation duo takes stream water samples in compliance with Authority (MVCA), with support from the ACLA and monitoring protocols. Once the samples have been the Township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh. collected, they are couriered to a laboratory where water quality parameters are analysed. ACLA is a not-for-profit umbrella organization that represents the lakefront associations from Amberley In addition to the ACLA and MVCA, the results of to Goderich in Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh the tests have been used by the Ontario Ministry of Township, Huron County, Ontario. Their mission is the Environment, the local source water protection to take action to address common concerns of the committee, Lake Huron Centre for Coastal lakefront communities. The top three values that Conservation, and other organizations. membership in ACLA provides to the lakefront communities are: Results of the water quality testing are collated and reported annually by the MVCA, and • improved water quality; are also published on the ACLA website at Water sampling in local streams provides valuable • enhanced environmental stewardship; www.northwesthuron.com under “In the Streams”. information for many different organizations. Credit: • improved communication with local Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority. agencies and decision-makers.

Port Albert Erosion Control Study Making Change on a Community Scale

During the winter of 2008-2009 portions of the • Maintain the river’s natural Maitland, Nine Mile and Eighteen Mile River flow, course and shape. watersheds experienced high intensity flooding and erosion events. The significant erosion along Community-based leadership of the Port Albert portions of the Nine Mile River in particular, created Cottage Owners Association saves time and money concerns in Port Albert for the safety of existing and once completed, the Adaptive Management structures, development and residents alike. An Plan will guide future planning to minimize or Erosion Study was initiated by the Port Albert resolve erosion in years to come. Cottage Association with assistance from the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) to The Port Albert Erosion Control Study presents both collect data for an adaptive management plan that rewards and challenges for the local community, could be used to: the Nine Mile River and ultimately Lake Huron. Continued community ownership of the project will • Improve safety by providing an be a key to its future achievements. erosion plan for specific areas; The Nine Mile River drains into Lake Huron at Port • Minimize environmental impacts on fish For more information, please contact the MVCA at Albert, just north of Goderich. Credit: Maitland Valley and maintain fish habitat where possible. [email protected] or phone (519) 335-3557. Conservation Authority.

Implementing Best Management in the Maitland and Bayfield Watersheds

Landowners in Huron and Perth counties have The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and the For more information, contact: Steve Bowers, Huron been busy implementing beneficial management Huron County Stewardship Council are working County Stewardship Coordinator, Ontario Ministry of practices throughout the Maitland and Bayfield with project partners the Ausable Bayfield and Natural Resources, Clinton (519) 482-3661; or Andy rivers to help, enhance water flows, improve water Maitland Valley Conservation Authorities and private McKee, Lake Huron COA Basin Coordinator, Upper quality and restore fish habitat. landowners to gradually reverse a history of clearing Great Lakes Management Unit – Lake Huron, Ontario forests, draining wetlands, and loss of fish and Ministry of Natural Resources, Owen Sound (519) wildlife habitat. 371-5449.

Through this project more than 30 restoration projects have been completed with 70,000 trees and shrubs being planted to establish more than 20 kilometres of vegetative buffer strips along waterways. Some of the other benefits of these projects include: creating approximately 62 hectares of wetland and upland habitat for birds and other wildlife, and shading of coldwater streams important for fish species such as trout and salmon. A further Streamside buffers help to reduce erosion, increase 15 kilometres of fencing to keep livestock out of bank stability, cool water temperatures and provide waterways has also been installed. Fencing of livestock from streams will reduce the wildlife corridors. Credit: Ausable Bayfield Conservation inputs of bacteria and nutrients in streams. Credit: Authority. Daniel Holmes.

Water Quality Study Underway at Point Clark and Inverhuron Bay

Algal fouling of beaches has been a long-term describe the habitat and growth conditions for algae. source of frustration for residents and tourists alike. Aquatic invasive species such as the zebra mussel A water quality study by the Ontario Ministry of the and round goby have the potential to change the Environment in collaboration with researchers at the amount of nutrients in the water column, or growth University of Waterloo is underway at Point Clark rate of algal blooms, so this study is also examining and Inverhuron Bay. the effects that recent changes in the aquatic food web could be having on nutrient cycling in the lake. The study is gathering a diverse range of scientific data on the nearshore conditions of the lake, in Results of this study may provide local residents, part, to better understand the many factors which conservation authorities, and resource management contribute to the algae problem. Water quality agencies with important information that they can surveys will be used to assess nutrient discharges use to reduce algal blooms, improve water quality to the lake and the mixing patterns of nutrients in and prevent algal fouling of beaches in the future. The beaches and lighthouse at Point Clark. Credit: the water column and provide basic information to Gordon Strathdee.

3 Blue and Green are the Colours of Success

The Blue Flag is an internationally respected and care is taken to preserve their natural, unspoiled recognized symbol for exceptionally clean beaches environment; or where their natural values have and marinas. Within the Lake Huron Southeast been restored. Green Ribbon applications are Shore area beaches in Grand Bend, Bayfield, judged on a set of ecosystem-based criteria that Kincardine and Sauble Beach as well marinas in Port rate conservation measures that protect beaches Franks, Grand Bend and Bayfield are all flying the and their biodiversity, water quality and resiliency Blue Flag. For Kincardine’s Station Beach it is the to climate change, including beach preservation, fourth year in a row it has been awarded a Blue Flag. native vegetation enhancement and community outreach and education efforts Blue Flag beaches and marinas must meet 32 different criteria with respect to water quality, Applications will be reviewed by a panel from local environmental management, environmental agencies and organizations. Beaches that receive a education, and safety and services. Independent Green Ribbon will receive certificates and a sign for juries of experts in Canada and internationally posting that identifies the beach as having met or review each Blue Flag application and determine exceeded the identified criteria for environmental whether a beach or marina meets the standards for stewardship. certification. Environmental Defence is the Canadian Meanwhile private beach communities that are Operator of the Blue Flag Program. For more doing exceptional work to care for their coastline information about the Blue Flag Program, email can work to receive a Green Ribbon through a [email protected], or phone (416) 323- program being initiated this year through the Lake 9521. For additional information on the Green Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation Ribbon program or to apply, contact the Lake The Green Ribbon logo is awarded to rural beaches Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation by email at Designed to complement the Blue Flag program, that are prized for their high quality and natural [email protected] or phone (519) 523- the Green Ribbon Program will acknowledge rural environments. Credit: Lake Huron Centre for Coastal 4478. beaches that are prized for their high quality, where Conservation.

Scott Drain Restoration Demonstrates Benefits to Ecology and Agriculture

The Scott Drain flows through Murray and Wilma • The drain itself was rebuilt using a natural having a larger impact than they may realize. As the Scott’s farm in Huron County, northeast of Goderich. channel design to make it free-flowing and project evolves and more visitors tour the farm, the It has become an excellent example of approaches reduce the need for costly maintenance. impacts of the Scott project will stretch well beyond to managing agricultural runoff in a way that • Nitrate filters were installed to its watershed boundaries. improves ecological function of municipal drains. improve the quality of water received directly from tile drains. To learn more about the project or book a visit, The Scott Drain used to have the typical problems please contact the Maitland Valley Conservation shared by most municipal drains in agricultural It is too early in the monitoring process to draw Authority at [email protected] or phone (519) areas: erosion, accumulated sediment clogging conclusions about the project’s performance but 335-3557. the channel, and excess nutrients degrading water initial results are encouraging. Brook trout that were quality. not present in 2005 are now using the system. Water quality monitoring is underway. The Scotts took action to improve the ecological health of their drain system. With the help of the The Drain is now setting an example for others in Maitland Valley Conservation Authority and other Northern Huron County. The Scotts and the Maitland partners, several strategies were used to reduce Valley Conservation Authority have agreed to use erosion, improve water quality and fish habitat the farm as a demonstration site. They will provide within the drain: tours to anyone from school groups to politicians, and farmers who visit the project will leave with • Five wetlands were constructed to knowledge of new approaches they could apply on retain and filter water after rain events their own land to combat similar problems. and release it into the drain slowly. • Grass waterways and earthen berms were The Scotts have shown tremendous commitment to One of five wetlands established as part of the Scott constructed to divert surface runoff towards the project from its onset and are quite happy with Drain project. Credit: Maitland Valley Conservation protected outlets or constructed wetlands. the results. Their drive to improve their own drain is Authority.

Biodiversity is a Priority for Worldwide, Lakewide and Local Action

The United Nations has declared 2010 the Effective biodiversity conservation involves the stressors confronting the Lake Huron basin: International Year of Biodiversity and invites the participation of the public during its planning and declining water quality, invasive species, and need world to take action to celebrate and safeguard implementation process. That is why the Ausable for protection. As part of the Plan, the Conservation the variety of life on Earth. Biodiversity supports Bayfield Conservation Authority is leading the Authority continues to review reports and ecosystem services that are crucial to human well- Port Franks Biodiversity Conservation Plan, with encourages community participation in discussions being such as global food security, climate control, support from Environment Canada, Fisheries and about specific local concerns and issues. provision of clean air, water, and raw natural Oceans Canada, and the Ontario Ministry of Natural materials, as well as recreational enjoyment and Resources. Port Franks is located between Grand The Plan complements the Lake Huron Biodiversity spiritual inspiration. Bend and Ipperwash Beach in the Municipality Conservation Strategy and has already influenced of Lambton Shores. It was selected because it local conservation and protection actions. Over the past two years, Canadian and U.S. contains critical habitat for a variety of species that The Municipality of Lambton Shores revised governments, Aboriginal groups, environmental are threatened by many of the same environmental their proposed planning documents to direct organizations, and universities have worked together development away from sensitive habitat. The Port to draft the Lake Huron Biodiversity Conservation Franks community participates in turtle monitoring Strategy. The strategy used a collaborative, science- and is developing a water quality monitoring based, conservation action planning process to program. Future actions will address non-native identify important biodiversity features and their invasive species through native species gardening critical threats. It recommends strategies to restore programs. and conserve a functioning Lake Huron ecosystem and will lead to greater awareness and collaboration For more information about the Lake Huron among the Lake Huron conservation community. Biodiversity Conservation Strategy, please contact The strategy also provides a foundation for areas Janette Anderson at [email protected]. For with a recognized need for small-scale, placed- more information about the Port Franks Biodiversity based conservation strategies. Diverse communities of plants and animals are essential Conservation Plan, contact Mari Veliz at to ecosystem health. Credit: Provided by Environment [email protected]. Canada. 4