1. Project Title: Severn Sound Tributary Rehabilitation and Erosion Control Program
2. Contact
Robin Craig
Ministry of Natural Resources, Midhurst, Ontario, LOL 1XO
Tel.: (705) 725-7500; FAX: (705) 725-7584
3. Agencies Involved
Partnership List to Date
Ministry of Environment and Energy
Ministry of Natural Resources
Ministry of Agriculture and Food
Agriculture Canada
Environment Canada
Great Lakes Cleanup Fund
Jobs Ontario
Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre
Landowners of Severn Sound Watershed
Tiny Township
Midland Area Boy Scouts/Girl Guides
Barrie and Midland Big Brothers
Elmvale Junior Farmers
CFIP/CWIP
Orillia Fish and Game Club
Hog River Valley Conservation Club
Local Chapter of Steelheaders Club
Elmvale 4H Club
Midland Field Naturalists
Local Schools
Midland Rotary
Ducks Unlimited
Severn Sound Remedial Action Planning Team
Severn Sound Public Advisory Committee
North Simcoe Soil and Crop Improvement Association
Local Media
Past Partners
Trout Unlimited
Cleansweep
Environmental Partnership Fund
4. Restoration Goal
To improve water quality in the Severn Sound, decrease phosphorus input to reduce the growth of "nuisance" algae, streambank stabilization and habitat improvement in and along stream areas.
5. Project Type
Rehabilitation of streambanks and stream habitat along six rivers that flow into the Severn Sound by fencing, placing rip-rap along severely eroded portions of streambank, and planting shrubs and trees along valley areas retired from agriculture.
6. Background and Rationale
A 5-year Tributary Rehabilitation and erosion control Program
was initiated in 1991 to address elevated levels of phosphorus
entering Severn Sound from six river systems that flow through
agricultural areas, and to restore fish and wildlife habitat.
A project manager was hired to
implement the project. In year one, letters were sent to eligible
landowners, introducing the program and inviting their participation
on a voluntary basis. In subsequent years presentations were given
to agricultural groups, volunteer groups, a display was set up
at local fairs etc. Word-of- mouth from neighbour to neighbour
was the best contact.
7. Regulatory Considerations
Work permits are obtained from the OMNR when needed; there is no Conservation Authority in the Severn Sound Watershed.
8. Criteria
Not available.
9. Project Design
Not available.
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10. Implementation
The rehabilitation sites of streambanks and stream habitat along six rivers that flow into the Severn Sound are located on any of the farms and rural lands within the watershed. Project participation is on a voluntary basis with priority given to sites that have the highest potential for stream improvement. To date, a combined total of 23 km of river (approx. 40 km of streambank) have been fenced denying access to more than 1350 livestock. Approximately 100 ha of land have been retired, over 38 000 trees and shrubs have been planted along valley lands by volunteers. Several eroded banks have been stabilized where required along several segments of the projects sites using 15 to 20 mm rip-rap and/or dogwood plantings. Rip-rap was placed by backhoe, directly on the eroded banks without filtercloth underneath in order to promote vegetation growth through the stone. Inspection three years after rock placement showed good results. Sixteen alternate water sources for livestock have been provided. These include sling pump, energy free water bowl, dug pond, tapping into existing wells, still well beside river and pasture nose pump. The type used depends upon the individual site and the setup of the farm operation. In addition 6 km of stream have had logjams removed by hand by Tiny Twp. students. Approximately 64 songbird nest boxes have been placed along the streams. It is important to have the landowner very involved in planning, choices etc. to ensure they "take ownership" of the project upon completion, and maintain any structures put in place. Each landowner is also informed as to other community involvement in cleanup actions, so that they do not feel targeted and become defensive.
11. Degree of Environmental Intervention
Minimal. Each site is negotiated individually, some of the buffer areas between the fence and the river may be narrower (3-5 m) than desired minimizing the desired effects on habitat, as compared to other wider valleys retired (30+m) which form excellent riparian corridors.
12. Cost
Yearly:
Labour - approx l00k
Materials - approx 50k
In kind aid - l00K (labour, equipment, land retired, expertise, materials)
Total approximately - $250K yearly
13. Biological Assessment
Photos were taken at each site before and after work was done to show changes. Bird surveys have been conducted to detect any use changes. Biomass monitoring is continuing in order to note any fish population trends. Water quality is monitored to record changes. Vegetation response is immediately visible in photos. Other monitoring may take longer to detect changes.
14. Measures of Success
Assessment is incomplete, but there are indications that the project has been successful. In some cases, substantial riparian corridors have been established where neighbouring farms have become involved with the program. Volunteers initiated a breeding bird monitoring program in 1994 on 5 project sites. Bird boxes are checked annually for species and occupancy rates.
1993 Site #1 Total boxes: 4
Bluebird nest in 1
Wren nest in 1
1994 Site #1 Total boxes: 4
Swallow nest in 1
Wren nest in 1
Site #2 Total boxes: 4
Swallow nests in 3
Site #3 Total boxes: 4
Bluebird nest in 1
Wren nests in 2
Site #4 Total boxes: 12
Bluebird nests in 2
Swallow nests in 6
Since 1992 survival of planted trees has ranged from 65 to 95%. Following installation of fences, all sites experienced immediate improved vegetative habitat. Fish biomass surveys are conducted annually at nine index stations throughout the effected watersheds. We also plan to monitor invertebrate and water temperatures, to assess aquatic habitat improvements. An estimated 190.5 kg/yr of Phosphorus has been prevented from reaching Severn Sound tributaries this year. The total Phosphorus load reduction to date has reached approximately 434 kg/yr. Reduced livestock health risks from water born diseases and hoof rot, and improved agricultural land values are also noted benefits. Improved barnyard management practices have lead to reduced contaminated runoff therefore improved surface water quality.
Success Rating: 1
15. Key References
Severn Sound Remedial Action Plan Stage 2 Report.
Correct citation for this contribution:
Craig, R. 1995. Severn Sound tributary rehabilitation and erosion control program, p. 112-120. In J.R.M. Kelso and J.H. Hartig [editors]. Methods of modifying habitat to benefit the Great Lakes ecosystem. CISTI (Can. Inst. Sci. Tech. Inf.) Occas. Pap. No. 1.