6. evaluation of significance methodology...6.1 access to adjacent lands as outlined in ontario...

Dufferin Wind Power ProjectNatural Heritage Assessment Evaluation of Significance Report

May 2012

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 37

Dufferin Wind Power Inc.

6. EVALUATION OF SIGNIFICANCE METHODOLOGY

The following sections provide evaluation criteria and procedures used to evaluate the natural features

determined to be in the project location or within 120 metres during the records review and/or site

investigation. Criteria and procedures reported are those that are currently accepted by the MNR.

Additional evaluation criteria and procedures required to confirm the status of candidate significant

wildlife habitat through pre‐construction survey commitments will be provided in the EIS. These

habitats have been treated as significant in this report.

6.1 Access to Adjacent Lands

As outlined in Ontario Regulation 359/09, all lands within 120 metres of a project component must be

assessed for natural features and resources (see Appendix A for property access maps). In the case of

the Dufferin Wind Power Project area, adjacent landowners were verbally contacted requesting

participation in the project. If a landowner indicated themselves as being non‐participatory then their

property was not access for the purpose of assessing natural features and resources. Natural features

located on adjacent lands were assessed from property lines, road rights‐of‐way and rail rights‐of‐way,

where applicable. This alternative site investigation methodology is permissible and was conducted in

accordance with the amendments made to Ontario Regulation 359/09 on January 1, 2011. Evaluation of

candidate significant natural features that could not be evaluated due to property access limitations

were treated as significant in this report and will be carried forward to the Environmental Impact Study.

6.2 Ecological Land Classification

During field investigations during the Site Investigation, vegetation was characterized using the

Ecological Land Classification System for Southern Ontario (Lee et al. 1998). Where present, vegetation

community boundaries were determined through the review of aerial photography, and then further

refined through on‐site soil and vegetation studies. Vegetation studies involved identifying the

dominant species in each vegetation cover type based on visual estimates of species abundances and

biomass, or, in the case of accessible forest stands, by quantitative sampling using a factor 2‐wedge

prism. Vegetation studies in natural features within 120 metres of the project location were also

completed in order to identify the presence and relative abundance of flora species of conservation

concern. Vegetation communities were mapped on aerial photography according to ELC nomenclature

to graphically represent the specific spatial pattern in the vegetation cover according to species

composition, physiognomy, and physical site characteristics (Figure 5a‐d, and Appendix E).

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EcologicalLandClassifications01)CGL_2:Parkland02)CVC_1:BusinessSector03)CVC_4:Extraction04)CVR_1:LowDensityResidential05)CVR_4:RuralProperty06)FOC:ConiferousForest07)FOCM2-2:WhiteCedarConiferousForest08)FOCM4-1:Fresh-MoistWhiteCedarConiferousForestType09)FOCM4-3:Fresh-MoistCedar-BalsamFirConiferousType10)FOCM6:NaturalizedConiferousPlantation11)FOD:DeciduousForest12)FODM2-4:Dry-FreshOak-HardwoodDeciduousForest13)FODM3-1:Dry-FreshPoplarDeciduousForestType14)FODM5-1:Dry-FreshSugarMapleDeciduousForestType15)FODM5-2:Dry-FreshSugarMaple-BeechDeciduousForestType16)FODM5-4:Dry-FreshSugarMapleIronwoodDeciduousForestType17)FODM5-7:Dry-FreshSugarMaple-BlackCherryDeciduousForest18)FODM5-9:Dry-FreshSugarMaple–HardwoodDeciduousForestType19)FODM6-1:Fresh-MoistSugarMapleLowlandAshDeciduousForestType20)FODM8-1:Fresh-MoistPoplarDeciduousForest21)FOM:MixedForest22)FOMM10*:Fresh-MoistSpruce/Fir-SugarMapleMixedForestType23)FOMM10:Fresh-MoistSpruce/Fir-HardwoodMixedForestEcosite24)FOMM8-1:Fresh-MoistPoplarMixedForest25)FOMM8-2:Fresh-MoistWhiteBirchMixedForestType26)MAMM1-2:CattailGraminoidMineralMeadowMarsh27)MAMM1-3:Reed-CanaryGrassGraminoidMineralMeadowMarshType28)MAMM1-5:FowlMannaGrassGraminoidMineralMeadowMarshType29)MAMM1-6:TallMannaGrassGraminoidMineralMeadowMarshType30)MAMM1-9:Narrow-LeavedSedgeGraminoidMineralMeadowMarsh31)MAMM2-6:JoePyeWeedForbMeadowMarshType32)MAMM3-1:MixedMineralMeadowMarshType33)MAMO1-3:ReedCanaryGrass-GraminoidOrganicMeadowMarsh34)MASM1-1:CattailMineralShallowMarshType35)MASM1-14:ReedCanaryGrassMineralShallowMarshType36)MASM1-5:Broad-LeavedSedgeMineralShallowMarshType37)MEFM1-1:GolenrodForbMeadowType38)MEFM4:Fresh-MoistForbMeadowEcosite39)MEGM3-5:SmoothBromeGraminoidMeadowType40)MEGM4-1:OpenGraminoidMeadow41)MEMM3:Dry-FreshMixedMeadowEcosite42)MEMM4:Fresh-MoistMixedMeadowEcosite43)OAGM1:AnnualRowCrop44)OAGM2:PerennialCoverCrop45)OAGM4:OpenPasture46)OAO:OpenAquatic47)SAGM4-MediumMineralOrchardType48)SAS1:SubmergedShallowAquaticEcosite49)SWCM1-2:WhiteCedar-ConiferMineralConiferousSwampType50)SWD:DeciduousSwamp51)SWDM3-1:RedMapleDeciduousSwamp52)SWDM4-3:WhiteBirch-PoplarMineralDeciduousSwamp53)SWDM4-5:PoplarMineralDeciduousSwampType54)SWDO1-2:GreenAshOrganicDeciduousSwamp55)SWDO2-3:SwampMapleOrganicDeciduousSwamp56)SWDM4-1:WillowMineralDeciduousSwamp57)SWMM1-1:WhiteCedar-HardwoodMineralMixedSwampType58)SWMM2-1:RedMaple-ConiferMineralMixedSwampType59)SWMM3-2:Poplar-ConiferMineralMixedSwampType60)SWMM3-2a:Poplar-FirMineralMixedSwampType61)SWMM4-2:BlackAsh-ConiferMineralMixedSwampType62)SWMM4:AshMineralMixedSwampEcosite63)SWMM5-2:Tamarack-HardwoodMineralMixedSwamp64)SWMM5-1:BalsamFir-HardwoodMineralMixedSwampType65)SWMO2-1:RedMaple-ConiferOrganicMixedSwamp66)SWMO3-3:WhiteBirch-ConiferOrganicMixedSwamp67)SWMT1-1:SpeckledAlderMineralDeciduousThicketSwampType68)SWT:ThicketSwamp69)SWTM2-1:RedOiserDogwoodMineralDeciduousThicketSwampType70)SWTM3-1:MissouriWillowMineralDeciduousThicketSwampType71)SWTM3-2:Bebb'sWillowMineralDeciduousThicketSwampType72)SWTM3-3:SlenderWillowMineralDeciduousThicketSwamp73)SWTM3-5:PussyWillowMineralDeciduousThicketSwampType74)SWTM3-6:MixedWillowMineralDeciduousThicketSwamp75)SWTO2-3:SlenderWillowOrganicDeciduousThicketSwamp76)SWTO2-6:MixedWillowOrganicDeciduousThicketSwamp77)TAGM1:ConiferousPlantation78)THDM2-1:SumachDeciduousShrubThicketType79)THDM2-4:GrayDogwoodDeciduousShrubThicketType80)THMM1:MixedRegenerationThicketEcosite81)WODM5-1:Fresh-moistPoplarDeciduousWoodland82)WOFM4-3:SugarMapleDeciduousWoodland

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/CreatedBy:SLPCheckedBy:DR

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Figure5aEcologicalLandClassification.mxd

DufferinWindPowerProjectFigure5a:EcologicalLandClassification

83)SWM:MixedSwamp

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Figure5bEcologicalLandClassification.mxd

DufferinWindPowerProjectFigure5b:EcologicalLandClassification

83)SWM:MixedSwamp

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HIGHWAY 89 EcologicalLandClassifications01)CGL_2:Parkland02)CVC_1:BusinessSector03)CVC_4:Extraction04)CVR_1:LowDensityResidential05)CVR_4:RuralProperty06)FOC:ConiferousForest07)FOCM2-2:WhiteCedarConiferousForest08)FOCM4-1:Fresh-MoistWhiteCedarConiferousForestType09)FOCM4-3:Fresh-MoistCedar-BalsamFirConiferousType10)FOCM6:NaturalizedConiferousPlantation11)FOD:DeciduousForest12)FODM2-4:Dry-FreshOak-HardwoodDeciduousForest13)FODM3-1:Dry-FreshPoplarDeciduousForestType14)FODM5-1:Dry-FreshSugarMapleDeciduousForestType15)FODM5-2:Dry-FreshSugarMaple-BeechDeciduousForestType16)FODM5-4:Dry-FreshSugarMapleIronwoodDeciduousForestType17)FODM5-7:Dry-FreshSugarMaple-BlackCherryDeciduousForest18)FODM5-9:Dry-FreshSugarMaple–HardwoodDeciduousForestType19)FODM6-1:Fresh-MoistSugarMapleLowlandAshDeciduousForestType20)FODM8-1:Fresh-MoistPoplarDeciduousForest21)FOM:MixedForest22)FOMM10*:Fresh-MoistSpruce/Fir-SugarMapleMixedForestType23)FOMM10:Fresh-MoistSpruce/Fir-HardwoodMixedForestEcosite24)FOMM8-1:Fresh-MoistPoplarMixedForest25)FOMM8-2:Fresh-MoistWhiteBirchMixedForestType26)MAMM1-2:CattailGraminoidMineralMeadowMarsh27)MAMM1-3:Reed-CanaryGrassGraminoidMineralMeadowMarshType28)MAMM1-5:FowlMannaGrassGraminoidMineralMeadowMarshType29)MAMM1-6:TallMannaGrassGraminoidMineralMeadowMarshType30)MAMM1-9:Narrow-LeavedSedgeGraminoidMineralMeadowMarsh31)MAMM2-6:JoePyeWeedForbMeadowMarshType32)MAMM3-1:MixedMineralMeadowMarshType33)MAMO1-3:ReedCanaryGrass-GraminoidOrganicMeadowMarsh34)MASM1-1:CattailMineralShallowMarshType35)MASM1-14:ReedCanaryGrassMineralShallowMarshType36)MASM1-5:Broad-LeavedSedgeMineralShallowMarshType37)MEFM1-1:GolenrodForbMeadowType38)MEFM4:Fresh-MoistForbMeadowEcosite39)MEGM3-5:SmoothBromeGraminoidMeadowType40)MEGM4-1:OpenGraminoidMeadow41)MEMM3:Dry-FreshMixedMeadowEcosite42)MEMM4:Fresh-MoistMixedMeadowEcosite43)OAGM1:AnnualRowCrop44)OAGM2:PerennialCoverCrop45)OAGM4:OpenPasture46)OAO:OpenAquatic47)SAGM4-MediumMineralOrchardType48)SAS1:SubmergedShallowAquaticEcosite49)SWCM1-2:WhiteCedar-ConiferMineralConiferousSwampType50)SWD:DeciduousSwamp51)SWDM3-1:RedMapleDeciduousSwamp52)SWDM4-3:WhiteBirch-PoplarMineralDeciduousSwamp53)SWDM4-5:PoplarMineralDeciduousSwampType54)SWDO1-2:GreenAshOrganicDeciduousSwamp55)SWDO2-3:SwampMapleOrganicDeciduousSwamp56)SWDM4-1:WillowMineralDeciduousSwamp57)SWMM1-1:WhiteCedar-HardwoodMineralMixedSwampType58)SWMM2-1:RedMaple-ConiferMineralMixedSwampType59)SWMM3-2:Poplar-ConiferMineralMixedSwampType60)SWMM3-2a:Poplar-FirMineralMixedSwampType61)SWMM4-2:BlackAsh-ConiferMineralMixedSwampType62)SWMM4:AshMineralMixedSwampEcosite63)SWMM5-2:Tamarack-HardwoodMineralMixedSwamp64)SWMM5-1:BalsamFir-HardwoodMineralMixedSwampType65)SWMO2-1:RedMaple-ConiferOrganicMixedSwamp66)SWMO3-3:WhiteBirch-ConiferOrganicMixedSwamp67)SWMT1-1:SpeckledAlderMineralDeciduousThicketSwampType68)SWT:ThicketSwamp69)SWTM2-1:RedOiserDogwoodMineralDeciduousThicketSwampType70)SWTM3-1:MissouriWillowMineralDeciduousThicketSwampType71)SWTM3-2:Bebb'sWillowMineralDeciduousThicketSwampType72)SWTM3-3:SlenderWillowMineralDeciduousThicketSwamp73)SWTM3-5:PussyWillowMineralDeciduousThicketSwampType74)SWTM3-6:MixedWillowMineralDeciduousThicketSwamp75)SWTO2-3:SlenderWillowOrganicDeciduousThicketSwamp76)SWTO2-6:MixedWillowOrganicDeciduousThicketSwamp77)TAGM1:ConiferousPlantation78)THDM2-1:SumachDeciduousShrubThicketType79)THDM2-4:GrayDogwoodDeciduousShrubThicketType80)THMM1:MixedRegenerationThicketEcosite81)WODM5-1:Fresh-moistPoplarDeciduousWoodland82)WOFM4-3:SugarMapleDeciduousWoodland

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DateModified:042612FilePath:I:\GIS\115199-DufferinWind\2012Mapping\

EvaluationofSignificance\Figure5cEcologicalLandClassification.mxd

DufferinWindPowerProjectFigure5c:EcologicalLandClassification

83)SWM:MixedSwamp

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May 2012



6.3 Wetlands

Wetlands within the project location and the 120 metre setback area are defined as southern wetlands

(see Figure 3a‐d). Southern wetlands are those located south of the northern limit of Ecoregions 5E, 6E

and 7E as defined in Section 2.1 and exhibited in Figure 1 of the Natural Heritage Assessment Guide,

2011.

Wetlands identified during the records review and site investigation include evaluated Provincially

Significant Wetland (PSW) units, evaluated non‐PSW units and unevaluated wetland units. Wetlands are

identified by Wetland ID number on Figure 3a‐d. Where MNR had previously evaluated a wetland or

wetland complex the status of the wetland (provincially significant or non‐provincially significant) was

adopted. Non‐provincially significant wetlands are also known as locally significant wetlands.

Unevaluated wetlands that met the minimum size criteria (i.e., ≥ 2 hectares) for evaluation as possible

provincially significant wetlands under OWES, or were part of a wetland complex, were assumed

provincially significant and assessed using the wetlands characteristics and ecological functions rapid

assessment (rapid assessment) protocol created by the MNR for renewable energy projects (MNR 2010).

The wetland characteristics and ecological functions of unevaluated wetlands units are summarized in

Table 4. Unevaluated wetlands assessed in Table 4 are treated as provincially significant for the

purposes of the REA process, are outside of the project location, but are located in the 120 metre

project location setback. The method was applied by a qualified professional, who has received MNR

training in the use of OWES. Wetland characteristics and ecological functions assessment data sheets

and maps are provided in Appendix F. If unevaluated wetland units that could be complexed with a

non‐provincially significant wetland complex have a full OWES completed, the score of the non‐

provincially significant wetland will need to be taken into consideration, and if it changes to a PSW it

may potentially alter current plans for the placement of project components. This will be considered

once pre‐construction evaluations occur and MNR will be provided with details as part of pre‐

construction requirements.

Note that 9 wetlands (Wetlands 90‐95 and 102‐104) were not assessed using the rapid assessment due

to changes in the 230 kV line placement after the completion of the 2011 field season. These wetlands

are treated as significant in this report and assessed prior to construction, as outlined in the EIS Report.


May 2012



Previously Evaluated Provincially Significant Wetland units include:

• Wetland ID 21

• Wetland ID 22

• Wetland ID 26

• Wetland ID 27

• Wetland ID 30

• Wetland ID 31

• Wetland ID 32

• Wetland ID 33

• Wetland ID 34

• Wetland ID 36

• Wetland ID 37

• Wetland ID 38

• Wetland ID 39

• Wetland ID 40

• Wetland ID 64

• Wetland ID 67

• Wetland ID 69

• Wetland ID 70

• Wetland ID 74

• Wetland ID 75

Previously Evaluated Non‐ Provincially Significant Wetland units include:

• Wetland ID 3

• Wetland ID 4

• Wetland ID 43

• Wetland ID 44

• Wetland ID 49

• Wetland ID 50

• Wetland ID 62

• Wetland ID 63

• Wetland ID 76

• Wetland ID 77

• Wetland ID 78

• Wetland ID 79

• Wetland ID 80

Unevaluated Wetland Units include:

• Wetland ID 1

• Wetland ID 2

• Wetland ID 5

• Wetland ID 6

• Wetland ID 7

• Wetland ID 8

• Wetland ID 9

• Wetland ID 10

• Wetland ID 12

• Wetland ID 13

• Wetland ID 15

• Wetland ID 16

• Wetland ID 17

• Wetland ID 18

• Wetland ID 19

• Wetland ID 20

• Wetland ID 23

• Wetland ID 24

• Wetland ID 28

• Wetland ID 29

• Wetland ID 35

• Wetland ID 41

• Wetland ID 42

• Wetland ID 45

• Wetland ID 46

• Wetland ID 47

• Wetland ID 48

• Wetland ID 51

• Wetland ID 52

• Wetland ID 53

• Wetland ID 54

• Wetland ID 55

• Wetland ID 56

• Wetland ID 57

• Wetland ID 58

• Wetland ID 59

• Wetland ID 60

• Wetland ID 61

• Wetland ID 65

• Wetland ID 66

• Wetland ID 68

• Wetland ID 71


May 2012



• Wetland ID 72

• Wetland ID 73

• Wetland ID 81

• Wetland ID 82

• Wetland ID 85

• Wetland ID 86

• Wetland ID 87

• Wetland ID 88

• Wetland ID 89

• Wetland ID 90

• Wetland ID 91

• Wetland ID 92

• Wetland ID 93

• Wetland ID 94

• Wetland ID 95

• Wetland ID 97

• Wetland ID 99

• Wetland ID 100

• Wetland ID 101

• Wetland ID 102

• Wetland ID 103

• Wetland ID 104


May 2012



The wetland function and ecological characteristics described in Table 4 for each unevaluated wetland

unit include the following biological, hydrological and special feature information:

Biological Component

Wetland Size: This figure will be based on the overall size of the contiguous wetland, including areas that

are within but extend outside of 120m zone. Data will be based on field surveys and/or aerial photo

interpretation. (OWES Section 1.3)

Wetland Type: The dominant wetland type in the contiguous unit will be listed. Data will be based on

field surveys and/or aerial photo interpretation. (OWES Section 1.1.2)

Site Type: The wetland site type will be stated. Data will be based on field surveys and/or aerial photo

interpretation. (OWES Section 1.1.3)

Vegetation Communities: Each vegetation community in the contiguous unit will be listed, based on the

requirements of OWES. Data will be based on field surveys where possible. (OWES Section 1.2.2)

Proximity to Other Wetlands: The approximate distance to the next closest wetland unit will be

provided. Data will be based on field surveys and/or aerial photo interpretation. (OWES Section 1.2.4)

Interspersion: An estimate of the total number of interspersion points will be provided, with

consideration given to the scale of the map and complexity of the wetland type delineations. The

interspersion number will be provided in the Table. Data will be based on field surveys and/or aerial

photo interpretation. (OWES Section 1.2.5)

Open Water Types: The open water type number (page 52 of the OWES manual) will be listed in the

Table; data will be based on field surveys and/or aerial photo interpretation. (OWES Section 1.2.6)

Hydrological Component

Flood Attenuation: The general proximity of the wetland within the local watershed will be stated,

indicating if it is headwater, mid‐reach, or river‐mouth. An estimate of the catchment area will also be

provided, either based on Digital Elevation Mapping, or topographic map interpretation.


May 2012



Water Quality Improvement (Short Term):

Watershed Improvement Factor (WIF) – this is based on presence/absence of specific site types

(i.e. riverine, lacustrine wetlands at lake inflow or outflow; or palustrine wetlands with inflow

isolated wetlands, or palustrine wetlands with no inflow or lacustrine wetlands on lake

shoreline. The data will be derived from field surveys where possible [OWES Section 3.2.1.1]):

Adjacent and Watershed Land Use (LUF) – estimated percent of land use and land use type (i.e.

agricultural, urban or forested) was included for the catchment (data derived from field surveys

where possible [OWES Section 3.2.1.2]):

Pollutant Uptake Factor (PUT) – this is based on the single most dominant vegetation form

observed within the wetland community (data derived from field surveys where possible [OWES

Section 3.2.1.3]), described as:

• high proportion of emergent, submergent, and/or floating vegetation.

• a high proportion of live trees, shrubs, herbs, or mosses.

• a high proportion of wetland with little or no vegetation.

Water Quality Improvement (Long Term Nutrient Trap): Wetlands with a retentive capacity for nutrients

(e.g., those with organic soils) provide protection for recharging groundwater. A characterization of

wetland type and soil conditions is provided. Data was based on field surveys where possible, or soil

series mapping (OWES Section 3.2.2):

• Water Quality Improvement (Groundwater Discharge): OWES establishes eight wetland features

that provide evidence of discharge, where the evaluator must make observations on as many of

the features as possible (OWES Section 3.2.3). Where available, data indicative of groundwater

discharge was provided.

• Shoreline Erosion Control: Shoreline wetlands provide a measure of protection from shoreline

erosion caused by flowing water or waves. A description of the dominant shoreline vegetation

was provided based on field surveys and/or aerial photo interpretation (OWES Section 3.4):

• Groundwater Recharge (Site Type): Site type was included based on field surveys where possible (OWES Section 3.5.1):

• Groundwater Recharge (Soils): Soil type was indicated for each wetland unit, based on county soil mapping. (OWES Section 3.5.2)


May 2012



Special Features

Species Rarity: All rare species observed during field surveys or species known to be present were

documented and listed in the WCEFA results table (Table 2.3). Data was based on field surveys, review

of background materials (including existing wetland evaluations), and correspondence with agencies

where possible (OWES Section 4.1.2).

Significant Features and Habitats: All significant features and habitats present in the wetland were

documented and listed in the Table. Features/Habitat of interest includes Colonial Waterbird Habitat,

Winter Wildlife Cover, Waterfowl Staging and/or Moulting Areas, Waterfowl Breeding, and Migratory

Passerine, Shorebird, or Raptor Stopover Areas. Data will be based on field surveys, background data,

and correspondence with agencies where possible (OWES Section 4.2). The extensive field and

background data gathered for the Project, with respect to avian wildlife, was reviewed as part of the

assessment of significant features and habitats. Information on significant deeryards, obtained from LIO

mapping, was also reviewed.

Fish Habitat: OWES (guided by the Canada Fisheries Act) states that the presence of individual species

of fish is not scored. Instead, fish habitat values are based on presence spawning and nursery habitat,

and presence of staging and migration habitat. An indication of presence/absence was provided, as well

as its hydro‐period (i.e., permanent or intermittent). (OWES Section 4.2.6).

6.4 Woodlands

Woodlands within the project location and the 120 metre setback area (see Figure 4a‐d) were evaluated

for significance as outlined in the MNR’s Natural Heritage Assessment Guide for Renewable Energy

Projects (MNR 2011a). For woodlands to be significant, they must first meet minimum classification

standards for tree crown cover. If these minimum standards are met, it is then evaluated based on size,

ecological function and uncommon characteristics. Many of the criteria have minimum size thresholds

that are based on the percentage of woodland cover in the municipality where the project has been

proposed. Woodlands that meet the minimum standard for any one of the criteria are considered

significant.

Within the NVCA watershed the total woodland coverage in the municipality is 32.8% of the total land

area (NVCA 2007 Subwatershed Report Cards). Based on this criterion, woodlands greater than 50


May 2012



hectares are considered significant. Within the GRCA watershed the total woodland coverage in the

municipality is 19% (GRCA, 2004, A Watershed forest plan for the Grand River). Likewise, woodlands

greater than 20 hectares in the Grand River Conservation Authority are significant (GRCA 2004). Based

on guidelines from the MNR, these criteria are recommended for use during evaluation of significance

for woodlands within the project location.

All woodlands located within the NVCA are listed in Table 5a and all woodlands located within GRCA are

listed in Table 5b. The criteria applied to determine significance of woodlands is outlined in Table 2.

Table 2: Woodland evaluation of significance criteria

Evaluation Criteria Standards of Significance

Woodland Size Criteria

Woodland Cover

‐ If woodlands account 31‐60 % (NVCA = 32.8%) of the total land use, woodlands 50ha in size or greater are significant. ‐ If woodland account for 16‐30% (GRCA = 19%) of the total land use, woodlands 20ha in size or greater are significant ‐ The largest woodland in the planning area (or sub‐unit) should be considered significant.

Ecological Functions Criteria

Woodland Interior

‐ Within NVCA, woodlands with 8ha interior habitat when woodland cover is 31‐60% should be significant. ‐ Within GRCA, woodlands with 2ha interior habitat when woodland cover is 16‐30% should be considered significant ‐ Interior habitat can be initially identified by any forested habitat no closer than 100m from any woodland edge.

Proximity to Other Woodlands

‐ Woodlands that may provide ecological benefit to other nearby (within 30m) significant natural features or fish habitat may be considered significant, providing they meet the area threshold according to the woodland cover for the lower‐tier or single‐tier municipality. Within NVCA the area threshold for significance is 10ha Within GRCA the area threshold for significance is 4ha

Linkages

‐ Woodlands that provide linkage functions between other significant features within a specified distance (e.g., 120m) may be considered significant. Within NVCA the area threshold for significance is 10ha Within GRCA the area threshold for significance is 4ha

Water Protection ‐ Woodlands may be significant if they are within a sensitive


May 2012



watershed, or in close proximity to other hydrological features, including sensitive headwaters, fish habitat, and groundwater discharge. Within NVCA the area threshold for significance is 4ha Within GRCA the area threshold for significance is 2ha

Woodland Diversity

‐ A naturally occurring composition of native forest species that have shown significant decline south and east of the Canadian Shield may be significant. ‐ If high native diversity throughout forested features is noted, a woodland may be significant. Within NVCA the area threshold for significance is 10ha Within GRCA the area threshold for significance is 4ha

Uncommon Characteristics Criteria

Woodland Characteristics

‐ A woodland may be significant if it contains a unique species composition. ‐ A vegetation community with a provincial S‐Rank of S1, S2, or S3 may be considered significant. ‐ Woodlands containing habitat for a rare, uncommon, or restricted woodland plant species may be considered significant. ‐ Native woodlands showing characteristics of old woodlands or those with large tree stems may be considered significant. Within NVCA the area threshold for significance is 4ha Within GRCA the area threshold for significance is 2ha

6.5 Wildlife Habitat

The Significant Wildlife Habitat (SWH) Technical Guide (MNR 2000), supported by the SWH Ecoregion 6E

Criterion Schedule and the SWH Decision Support System, is the authoritative source for the

identification and evaluation of significant wildlife habitat. Information collected to evaluate wildlife

habitat as significant often requires specific studies targeted to the species, the habitat, or both. In

some instances, when evaluating candidate significant wildlife habitat, consideration was given to the

size of the individual habitat relative to the amount of habitat in the region (i.e., percentage of regional

composition for a given habitat community within 10 kilometres of the project location) and occurrence

of unique characteristics. The later approach was confirmed with the respective MNR District office.

Methodologies used to investigate the candidate wildlife habitat identified during the site investigation

(see Table 1 and subsequent figures within this report) are further outlined in Sections 6.5.1 to 6.5.6.

As per Appendix D of the Natural Heritage Assessment Guide, some wildlife habitats will be treated as

significant and a commitment to undertake studies prior to construction has been made for those


May 2012



candidate SWHs where studies have not yet been conducted. The methodology for evaluating the

significance of those wildlife habitats treated as significant will be outlined in the EIS.

6.5.1 Seasonal Concentration Areas

6.5.1.1 Colonial Bird Nesting Habitat (Herons)

Significance of Colonial Bird Nesting Habitat (Herons) (Figure 6a‐d) was evaluated using data collected

during breeding bird surveys within the project location and adjacent 120 metre setback areas. Both

diurnal and crepuscular avian surveys were undertaken.

Breeding bird surveys, which followed methods outlined in the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas Guide for

Participants (OBBA 2001), were conducted in late May, June and early July of 2008, 2010 and 2011 and

generally between dawn and 5 hours after sunrise. No surveys were conducted during inclement

weather (e.g., thick fog, wind speed > 3 of the Beaufort scale, storm events). An assessment of the

project location was undertaken to determine the abundance and species richness of the breeding bird

community within or directly adjacent to this area. The 2011 breeding bird assessment was conducted

in accordance with the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas protocol (Cadman et al, 2007). Breeding season

surveys were undertaken to determine which species displayed breeding behaviour in the project

location. Breeding behaviour generally includes, but is not limited to, males singing, nest building, egg

incubation, territorial defence, carrying food and feeding their young. Surveys were undertaken twice

over the course of each breeding season (Visit 1 – late May to mid‐June, Visit 2 – mid‐June to early July)

to ensure that both early and late breeders were detected.

The breeding bird surveys consisted of ten minute point counts. Point counts are used to establish

quantitative estimates of bird abundance in major habitat types of the study area. Breeding evidence

for each bird species was documented using Breeding Bird Atlas Evidence Codes. For all point count

locations, a GPS coordinate in NAD 83 was documented (Figure 6a‐d).

Area searches were also used to survey for breeding birds. Area search surveys involved noting all

individual bird species and their corresponding breeding evidence while traversing the project location

on foot. The breeding evidence, habitat and location of each bird observation were also noted. Area

search routes were concentrated between point count locations and an effort was made to distribute

them throughout the various vegetation communities in the study area.


May 2012



In order to capture occurrence data and habitat use by nocturnal species, crepuscular (nocturnal) bird

surveys were undertaken over two visits from mid May to early July. Surveys were completed during

appropriate weather conditions (i.e., normal wind speeds, no storm events) and overlapped periods

with at least 50% lunar illumination and low cloud cover. Survey protocol was adapted from the

Nightjar Monitoring Protocol provided by the MNR (2011b) and generally consisted of roadside point

counts, conducted concurrently with amphibian call surveys within 120 metres of the project location

where suitable habitats for target species occurred. If a crepuscular (nocturnal) bird data observation

occurred, it was recorded on amphibian call survey data sheets (Appendix B2).

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DufferinWindPowerProject



FilePath:I:\GIS\115199-DufferinWind\2012\Mapping\EvaluationofSignificance\

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May 2012



6.5.1.2 Waterfowl Nesting Habitat

Candidate waterfowl nesting habitat was evaluated based on the results of waterfowl breeding bird

surveys (Figure 7a‐d). Breeding bird point counts were placed in proximity to project components

planned within 120 metres of waterfowl nesting habitat area (See Figure 7a‐d and Section 6.5.1.1 for

more information). The species richness and abundance of waterfowl nesting bird species observed was

noted and considered during the evaluation of significance.

6.5.1.3 Raptor Winter Feeding and Roosting Area

Significance of raptor wintering habitat within 1 kilometre of the project location was assessed by

conducting winter bird surveys in potentially suitable habitat and considering species richness and

abundance of raptor species (e.g., hawks, falcons, owls, etc.) found using these habitats (see

Figure 8a‐d). Surveys included area search methodology outlined in Appendix A: Methods for Evaluating

Bird Significance Wildlife Habitat of the Bird and Bird Habitats: Guidelines for Wind Power Projects (MNR

2011c). Briefly, periodic observation points (i.e., point counts) were placed systematically at regular

intervals along area search routes within target habitat or directly adjacent to target habitat from the

roadside. Point counts along area search routes were five minutes in duration, while road side point

counts were ten minutes. All surveys were undertaken by an experienced biologist or technician skilled

at bird recognition by sound and by sight for raptor bird species likely to occur in the area. Binoculars

and a birding spotting scope (up to 60X magnification) were used. Survey events were spaced a

minimum ten days apart. At least two surveys occurred during a given 30 day period from January

through to the end of February, for a total of three survey events. All surveys were conducted during

daylight hours (i.e., between 8:30 and 17:30) and during weather conditions that provided sufficient

visibility. Time of day for particular point counts varied across survey events. Timing, location (e.g.,

survey route mapped and GPS locations collected), and area search effort were recorded to ensure

repeatability and consistency across survey events.

Habitats that were surveyed included mature mixed coniferous woodlots occurring adjacent to

grassland habitats; including hayfield, pasture, and meadow (see Figure 8a‐d). Areas dominated by

cropped agriculture fields and their adjacent woodlots were not surveyed. As a precautionary measure,

surveys were conducted in habitats where habitat distinction between croplands and grasslands could

not be reasonably confirmed due to snow depth. Parameters recorded included general habitat

conditions, weather (including wind direction and speed, cloud cover, temperature, precipitation, and

visibility), start and finish time, location, and survey effort (e.g., person hours, distance covered, etc.). In

6. evaluation of significance methodology...6.1 access to adjacent lands as outlined in ontario...

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