long point world biosphere reserve foundation · pdf filereserve in 1986 as an example a great...

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BiodiversityConservation

SustainableEconomies

ResearchMonitoringEducation

Long Point World Biosphere Reserve Foundation

Forest Corridor Project

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Presentation Outline

Long Point Biosphere ReserveGenesis of Forest Restoration ProjectEmployed similar principals, guidelines, and frameworkA few picturesRecommendations

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Located on the North Shore of Lake Erie, Long Point was designated a Biosphere Reserve in 1986 as an example a Great Lakes coastal ecosystem.

The core protected area is the 3250 hectare Long Point National Wildlife Area. The Big Creek National Wildlife Area is located in the buffer zone. Two provincial parks, and numerous Conservation Areas are included in the Biosphere Reserve landscape.

It is renowed as a staging area for migrating waterfowl, superb bass fishing and birding, and home of the greatest number of engandered, threathened and species of concern in Canada.

Long Point is subject to many environmental stresses: shoreline development, forest fragmentation, exotic species invasion, and recreational demand, to mention a few.

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Biosphere Reserve Program Objectives

Conservation: ensure the conservation of plants and animals - species and genetic variation

Development: promote economic development which is culturally, socially and ecologically sustainable

Logistic Support: research, monitoring, training, education related to local, regional, national and global conservation and sustainable development issues

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Endangered Species

Over 50 Endangered, Threatened and Species of Concern in the Long Point Biosphere Reserve

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Prothontary Warbler

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Hooded Warbler

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Black Rat Snake

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Idea Conception

Identified in Long Point Environmental Folio –Gordon Nelson / Karen Beazley, University of Waterloo - 1992Vast majority of lands in private ownership

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Idea Conception -Problem Definition

Identified in Long Point Environmental Folio –Gordon Nelson / Karen Beazley, University of Waterloo -1994Multi-stakeholder Board of Directors sanctioned investigating potential for restoration project

Reduce habitat fragmentation by reconnecting forest blocksEnlarge existing forest blocks Reduce edge effectsConsider riparian areas for migration corridors

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www.longpointbiosphere.org

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Identify Natural and Cultural Heritage Values

Landowner contact and inventory programWildlife Habitat CanadaOntario Environmental Youth Corps – 4 university students

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Identify Natural and Cultural Heritage Values

Wildlife Habitat Canada funding for landowner contact and inventory programLandowners quite receptive – marginal farm land (decline in tobacco), but good for growing trees – increased hunting opportunitiesRetirees from Toronto buying acreages and supportive of restorationCommunity supportive of wildlife conservation

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Develop Restoration Goals

Effective in restoring and maintaining biodiversity / ecological integrityEfficient in using practical and economic methods to achieve functional success Engaging through implementing inclusive processes and by recognizing and embracing linkages between culture and nature – resource use / wildlife viewing

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Develop Objectives

3.2.4 Improvements in Landscapes –watershed scale, ecosystem connectivity, adaptation to climate change, engaging stakeholders, resilience, public understanding…

3.2.2 Improvements in Biotic Interactions –natural recovery, nurse crops, local genetic material, or material expected to migrate…

Identify Reference Conditions

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Develop Restoration Plans

Consult with the local restoration expert Individual Site PlansRow plantingGenetic stock native to Long Point

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Implement Restoration Plan

Engaged services of Long Point Region Conservation Authority, Norfolk Field Naturalists, Scouts Canada and other volunteers to plant treesFrom 1995 – 1999 restored 125 acres with support from Ontario Hydro, Canada Trust Friends of Environment, NLSC, OMNR, Action 21 – Environment CanadaProject Care – Shell Canada – ongoing from 1995 - 2007

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Project Care

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Partnerships are Key!

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Partnership Expansion - 2001

Ontario Power Generation’s Carbon Sequestration and Biodiversity ProgramLong Point Region Conservation Authority’s Private Land Tree Planting ProgramPartnered with the Long Point World Biosphere Forest Corridor Project

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Site Eligibility

Located within the Long Point World Biosphere Reserve – Zone of CooperationLocated within Carolinian Canada’s “Big Picture” designated areas

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Carolinian Canada

More rare and endangered species of plants and animals than any other part of Canada. 125 species at risk400 others are considered rare. Forest reduced from 80% to 11% (<5% in Essex)Wetlands reduced from 28% to 5%. Fragmentation of remaining habitats is a further threat. The Carolinian zone occupies only one percent of Canada's land area, but is home to 25% of our population.

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Long Point Area "Big Picture"

Soil Representation FeaturesIsolated Natural AreasMeta-Cores and Meta-CorridorsCorridorsNatural Cores

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OPG / LPRCA / LPWBRFForest Corridor Project

Planting supervised by LPWBRF Director Paul Gagnon, LPRCA Lands and Waters SupervisorApproximately 566,000 trees, 10,000 stem and root cuttings and 75,000 nuts have been planted on over 675 acres (273 hectares) over the past 12 years.OPG has contributed $700,000.00 over past 7 years – providing for detail site plans monitoring, alternate techniques, experimentation

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Develop and Implement Detailed Restoration Plans

Consult with the local and regional restoration experts / advisory committee Individual Site PlansRecognize wishes of the owner – tree production – hunting opportunities –biodiversity (90 percent)Row planting, pod planting, pit and mound, tall grass prairie, pod planting interspersed with prairie grassseGenetic stock native to Long Point

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Monitor and Evaluate

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Mechanical Planting

Historically, the most common method of reforestationEfficientPlantation can be managed similar to an agricultural crop

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Direct Seeding

Seeds cost less than seedlingsEasier to plantEliminates transplanting stressMimics natural succession

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Root Cuttings

Low costEffective way of establishing colonial speciesMimics natural restoration

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Stem Cuttings

Low costEffective at establishing willow and dogwood shrubs in moist conditionsMimics natural succession

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Landscaping/Site Preparation

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Loss of Ecosystem Components: Loss of natural filter for surface runoff

Great candidate site for a Riparian Great candidate site for a Riparian Buffer Restoration Project.Buffer Restoration Project.

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Good examples of landuse practices exist in the landscape

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Impairment of Natural Areas Impacts both Water Quality and Quantity

Two municipal drains are altering the wetland’s ability to store and purify water which benefits adjacent and downstream landowners. Great candidate site for wetland restoration.

Landuse that causes loss of natural areas functions negatively impacts potential benefits to society.

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Water Control Structure Installation completed by municipal staff

Involve partners and landowners in the implementation of the project.

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Restored Garnham Wetland - Headwaters to Venison Creek - supports base flow downstream

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Dry Creek Wetland Restoration Complete

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National Geographic October 2004 p. 54

A 2005 study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Energy estimated that by boosting farm productivity and planting 50 million acres of fallow land with perennial grasses and fast-growing trees, the U.S. could produce 1.3 billion tons of feedstock for ethanol

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Recommendations

Principals and Guidelines for Ecological Restoration in Canada’s Protected Natural Areas should be adapted for the working landscapeKeep on continuing to enhance science and logistical support for appropriate restoration outside of protected areas

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Thanks to all of our partners, especially Ontario Power Generation’s Carbon Sequestration and Biodiversity Management Program

long point world biosphere reserve foundation · pdf filereserve in 1986 as an example a great...

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