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03 04 2008 SpCouncil AgendaTMIKIN 1=1 - 0 J1 A ••+ 2. PRAYER/CONTEMPLATION/REFLECTION TIME: 9:00 A.M. 4. "DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF — IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ACT" a) Robin Dunn, Chief Administrative Officer, re: Township of Oro-Medonte, 2008 Budget. 7. QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC CLARIFYING AN AGENDA ITEM '+ Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority 8195 Concession 8, Utopia, ON LOM 1 TO TEL (705) 424 -1479 FAX (705) 424 -2115 W ebsite: www. nvca.on.ca Invoice To: Oro-Medonte Township 148 Line 7 South Oro, ON LOL 2X0 Attention: D. Irwin, Clerk Voice: 705487 -2171 Fax: E- rnaii: Member of Conservation ONTARIO Na(vrn /Cla.v»pirins ��\ ✓ ti Date: February 28, 2008 Invoice: 5327 Reference: 2008 Municipal Levy Department: Property Location County: Municipality: Lot: Concession: COPY _ 911: Roll: The 2008 Budget was approved at the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority Board of Directors Meeting February 8, 2008, Resolution 10,11 & 12 under Sections 26 and 27 of the Conservation Authorites Act R.S.O. 1990 Total 2008 Levy: $1,713,546.37 Your Share: $154,304.85 G.S.T. # 107787780 Overdue accounts are subject to an interest charge of 27b per month. (26.82% per annum) Prompt payment of this account is requested Payment Due Oro - Medonte Township Apportionment Percentage 15 March 2008 $ 38,576.21 15 June 2008 9.0050 % 110 Reforestation $124,028.91 $11,168.80 120 Healthy Waters 285,051.66 25,668.90 150 Conservation Lands 178,907.85 16,110.65 310 Planning and Regulations 239,744.85 21,589.02 400 Engineering & Technical Services 159,590.20 420 Environmental Services 189,991.12 14,371.10 430 Flood Forecast & Warning 185 434.80 17,108.70 460 Source Water Protection 0.00 16,698.40 630 661 Tiffin Education Tiffin Centre Operations and Maintenance 19,157.00 0.00 1,725.09 331 639.98 29,864.18 Total 2008 Levy: $1,713,546.37 Your Share: $154,304.85 G.S.T. # 107787780 Overdue accounts are subject to an interest charge of 27b per month. (26.82% per annum) Prompt payment of this account is requested Payment Due 15 March 2008 $ 38,576.21 15 June 2008 $ 38,576.21 15 September 2008 $ 38,576.21 15 November 2008 $ 38,576.22 Member Municipalities Adjala- Tosorontio Amaranth Barrie The Blue Mountains Bradford -West Gwillimbury March 3, 2008 Mayor Harry Hughes and Oro - Medonte Council Township of Oro - Medonte 148 Line 7 South Oro, ON LOL 2X0 Your Worship and Members of Council Re: NVCA Services and Budget - an Investment in our Future Enclosed please find the NVCA invoice to your Municipality for the 2008 NVCA Conservation Services. The 2008 NVCA Levy is $154,304.85, a 3.4 increase over 2007. This represents a $9.85 per capita levy cost to your Municipal residents. Clearview Collingwood On February 8 2008 the NVCA budget was passed by a majority of the NVCA Board Members (91 %). I have included for your information a summary Elsa of services provided by the NVCA to your municipality. This summary includes a combination of current and proposed Conservation Services. Innisfil Melancthon A major portion of Oro - Medonte (Severn Watershed) was added to Mono our area of jurisdiction in 2003, and because the NVCA programs are relatively new, we Mulmur are still finalizing our technical data collection for the area. New Tecumseth I would, however, like to specifically report that we have completed detailed Oro - Medonte mapping for the entire portion of Oro - Medonte in our watershed. This mapping Grey Highlands provides a major planning support tool to protect & restore your significant Shelburne environmental resources (see attached sample map for details). Your Municipality has, by in large, very good stream, wetland and forest health as 5pringwater mapped and reported in our new 2007 Watershed Report Cards. Thus, the Wasaga Beach major emphasis of our conservation work in Oro - Medonte is to provide environment protection through the Planning Act and Conservation Authority Watershed Regulations. We will continue to review the opportunity for new Conservation Counties Authority services that meet the unique needs of Oro - Medonte. For instance, the Bass Lake Stewardship Strategy, which we are committed to implement in Sin,coe partnership with the Bass Lake Rate Payers Association, and the Municipality Dufferin and Severn Sound Environmental Association, is an excellent example of such Grev new initiatives. cont'd... Member of Conserving our Healthy Waters NOTTAWASAGA VALLEY CONSERVATION AUTHORITY Centre for Conservation ONTARIO John Hix Conservation Administration Centre Tiffin Conservation Area 8195 8th Line Utopia, On LOM 1 TO c,a,,.,, —, Telephone: 705.424.1479 Fay- 7nS a)a ')i1c \Ai -ti. . ....... ._..__ __ 0 A, •• n Through further discussions with your staff and Oro-Medonte NVCA Board members, we recommend the development of a priority list of conservation services and other new initiatives for Oro-Medonte, to be implemented in the future. Senior Staff at the NVCA have been working with our Board Members over the past 6 months in the development of our 2008 Business Plan which reflects our 2008 NVCA service needs and priorities. The approved budget reflects this process. It is my understanding that the Bass Lake Stewardship Strategy Development will be included in the draft business plan. The Draft Plan will be circulated to our Board Members on March 14, 2008; and the final will be presented at the April 11, 2008 Board meeting. The NVCA is committed to continued cooperation with the Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority, and the SSEA for efficient service delivery, recognizing our organizations' legislative mandates, staff capacity and expertise. Continued discussions are required in this area to ensure that local municipal needs are recognized. I believe the Board approved 2008 Budget provides the NVCA with the organizational capacity to protect and restore our environment while balancing fiscal constraints. I also believe that the NVCA meets, within budget realities, all of the Conservation Authority opportunities and benefits as described by Mr. Chris Jones of the Planning Partnership in 2001, in his report to Oro-Medonte entitled 'The Role of Conservation Authorities and an assessment of potential expansion into non-jurisdictional areas'. We look forward to working with your staff and Board Members to identify the primary conservation services needs for delivery in the 2008, 2009 or 2010 year, and I would be very pleased to review any areas where we can provide improved service to meet your needs. Enclosed is a bullet point summary, of NVCA services and investments/costs provided for the Municipality of Oro-Medonte. I hope that Council, staff, and your residents, conclude that these services are a good value and a wise investment into the long-term protection of our environment. I would be pleased to appear before Council or meet with our Board members and staff to review any of the above matters. Sincerely, fit) Itut Wayne R. Wilson, B.Sc. CAO/Secretary-Treasurer c: Fred Nix, NVCA Chair NVCA Board Members � IME VIWOI RIMSM The Planning Division delivers two specific programs, one under the Conservation Authorities Act and the other under the Planning Act. Conservation Authorities Act First, under Section 28 of the Conservation Authorities Act and the Generic Regulation, the Authority processes permit applications related to development, interference with wetlands and alterations to shorelines and watercourses. This program also responds tm due diligence inquiries related to property transactions and is in regular contact with planning and building staff at the municipality. To assist Township building and planning staff. clearance |mdeno are issued when a portion of a property is regulated but the area in which development activity is proposed is outside the regulated area. For 2OD7this included — * Permits issued —43(11%cf the total permits issued byNVCAin2O07) • Violations Notices issued —3 • LeQa|ondRedEntade|nquiheo — S • Clearance letters —4 • One hearing held by the NVCA Board of Directors to review a Bass Lake area permit application appeal. Also in2UO7, the Authority's Environmental Officer met with Township staff to provide updated digital ������G�m���u|��ma�g.����m�����maps� portions of maps) ada scale of110UOOho cover the Township's geographic area. The original production od these maps, in2OO5 and 2OUG. required approximately 40Ootaff hours costing approximately 10.000. Staff involved included specialists in water resource engineering, biology, G|8 and planning. These maps will be updated annually. Section 3(1)ofthe Planning Act provides the basis for Provincial Policy Statements (PPS). In 1995 the Ministry of Natural Resources delegated to Conservation Authorities responsibilities related to Natural Hazards including flood plain management, hazardous slopes, shorelines and unstable slopes and erosion. Also under the Planning Act, Conservation Authorities are defined aa public bodies Vobe notified of policy documents and applications. The Authority also provides technical comment to member municipalities in the context of Natural Heritage Features under the PPS and NVCA/o Watershed Plan. NVCAp|anning staff works closely with Township planning staff on a regular basis. In 2007 digital natural hazard land mapping, including wetland, unstable soils and flood plain mapping was provided to the Township to assist in the development of the Township's new Summary of NVCA Services The Township of Oro-Medonte Page 2 of 7 Comprehensive Zoning By-law. Also in 2007 planning staff field checked over 20 properties with municipal staff, where property owners had expressed concern with the proposed Environmental Protection Zone mapping boundaries. This undertaking required one week of planning staff time. Applications reviewed in 2007 under the Planning Act included — • Minor Variances — 6 • Consents — 5 • Zoning By-law Amendments — 2 • Subdivisions/Condominiums —13 open files at various stages of review. For the NVCA watershed there are approximately 160 open subdivision files. VIE - Oro Moraine Study with OGS to develop a better understanding on the geology and hydrostratigraphy of the Oro Moraine - Collected information on all municipal drinking water systems for SWP - Reviewed water quantity trends in municipal water systems - Reviewed water taking on a watershed basis - Completed base flow measurements for calibration of groundwater models - Provide them with Source Water communications - Assisted with the development of the geology for Oro-Medonte - In the process of developing a groundwater management strategy - Source Water Protection plan development and implementation Flood and Erosion Hazard Management — 2007 Oro-Medonte share $16,698, NVCA Budget $339,690 - Meteorologic station at Fire Hall, Horsehoe Valley - New snow survey Station, Fire Hall, Horsehoe Valley - Flood contingency planning for Oro-Medonte - Provide flood warning services - Flood Forecasting and Warning Program issues flood messages and total media interviews on a regular basis during flood events. The NVCA also has 11 weather stations located across our watershed, one of which is located at the Oro-Medonte Fire Hall. These weather stations provide us with the temperature and precipitation conditions used in our Flood Forecasting Program. Data is available in real time by Oro-Medonte staff and the public Summary of NVCA Services The Township of Oro-Medonte Page 3 of 7 Engineering - Development of engineering review standards - Engineering review of applications under the Planning Act and Regulations - Flood study for Bass Lake - Generic Regs (Difficult to express the value)- updated in 2008 • Hazards, flooding, erosion, stable slope, meander belt, wetlands • Developed hydrologic model for larger watersheds to get flows (not part of MacLarens) • Hydraulic model for each watercourse - Field surveyed all watercourse crossing and put into database - Low flow measurements summer program GIS and IT support - Data provided to help build new zoning bylaw (subwatersheds, watercourses, unevaluated wetlands) - Generic Regulation mapping including slope analysis, flood modeling, meander belt mapping, detailed wetland mapping - Land use mapping - Digital Elevation Model, TIN, Contour development - Full ArcHydro Model development (subsheds, catchment areas, drainage areas, flow network) - HEC RAS Models and cross-section development - Areas serviced by Municipal water - Sewershed mapping (storm water) - Fisheries Database - Municipal Drains Database - Hosting of GIS Day to promote collaboration across agencies (CA, municipalities, counties, school boards, health departments etc.) Future Projects for Oro-Medonte consideration - Internet Mapping access site for municipal Staff (for internal purposes) - Internet Mapping access site for Oro-Medonte public (with limited access to certain layers) - Dam Inventory - Natural Heritage Mapping to J Summary of NVCA Services The Township of Oro-Medonte Page 4 of 7 - Natural heritage review/support for Planning Permit Applications NVCA's total monitoring effort for 2008 will take place at the 10 stations located in Severn Sound. Our 2009 total monitoring effort will take place at the 7 stations located in Willow Creek. Each of these sub-watersheds is monitored on a 5 year rotational basis. The Severn Sound stations are subject to change depending on whether Severn Sound Environmental Association decides to share data with the NVCA. - Planning (Natural Heritage review) - Duivenvoorden Severance and McNiven Property. - Watershed Report Cards — In 2007, detailed Report Cards produced for Willow and Severn Subwatersheds in Oro-Medonte. Report card monitoring data collected annually with 5 year updates for individual Watersheds. - Bass Lake Environmental report Card and Stewardship Guide under development in 2008 in partnership with Bass lake Rate payers, Municipality and SSEA. - Ground Water monitoring — In Oro-Medonte the Provincial groundwater monitoring network is subdivided along the Oro Moraine watershed boundary with Severn Sound Environment Association. Within the NVCA aspect of wells in Oro-Medonte, there are no Provincial Ground Monitoring Network wells. Note: Two adjacent wells located immediately west of Highway # 26 monitored in Springwater. In 2008 looking at additional monitoring wells in Oro-Medonte. - Lands — complete Biological Inventories on newly-acquired NVCA lands (approx. 15 acres) - Ongoing - refinement of Generic Regulation wetland boundaries M Summary of NVCA Services The Township of Oro-Medonte Page 5 of 7 NOTT-1 I! FT. RIN RXI lif-I 121 kney-I • Major initiative to map natural heritage features within Municipality for protection and restoration ( see plan review above). * Primary focus in Oro-Medonte, is protection ( see above planning and monitoring efforts) • 2008 focus on developing a Bass Lake Stewardship plan/ strategy. Completed Bass Lake tributaries report in 2007. • NOTE: Requires additional direction from Oro-Medonte to identify additional stewardship priorities within the Municipality. Community River Restoration and Fisheries Habitat Management Projects Date Sub-program Project Type Project Cost 2005 Community River Technical support to landowner E. Glanert in Designing $300.00 Sept 16 Restoration Pond Cleanout 2006 Fisheries Habitat Develop Fish Hab. Management Plan (Oro Medonte Part) $4,000.00 Jan 1 to Mar. 31 Management 2007 Fisheries Habitat Develop Fish Nab. Management Plan (Oro Medonte Part) $5,000.00 Jan 2 to Apr 30 Management 2007 Fisheries Habitat Fish Habitat Plan meeting at Big Cedar Estates $1,000.00 Mar 29 Management 2007 Community River Field Survey of Sturgeon River collecting digital images $300.00 Apr 18 Restoration 2007 Community River Technical support to landowner S. Power in designing $300.00 May Restoration erosion control 2007 Community River Attend/Present at Bass Lake Ratepayers Meeting $200.00 June Restoration 2007 Community River Field Survey of Bass Lake Tributaries with Report $1,400.00 July Restoration 2007 Community River Attend/Present at Bass Lake Ratepayers Stewardship $200.00 July 27 Restoration Meeting 2008 Community River Attend/Present at Bass Lake Ratepayers Stewardship $200.00 Jan 26 Restoration Meeting I I TOTAL $12,600.00 Im C" Summary of NVCA Services The Township of Oro-Medonte Page 6 of 7 =KOW-171T. • Primary focus in Oro-Medonte is the protection of current excellent forest cover ( see plan review above). NVCA offers full professional forestry programs for reforestation, and forest planning including provincial managed forest tax incentive approvers. NOTE: additional direction is required from Oro-Medonte to identify additional forest management priorities within the Municipality. Land Management - 2007 Oro-Medonte share $116,1110, NVCA budget of $211,297 One New Cons. Auth. wetland acquired in 2007, approximately 15 acres Willow Creek/ Highway 11 area through the plan review program. Approx. 12000 acres of CA lands within 30-45 minutes drive for Oro- Medonte residents for recreation and education use. Including world class Minesing Wetlands and Niagara Escarpment lands. NOTE: require additional direction from Oro-Medonte regarding future land acquisition priorities within Oro-Medonte including Oro-Moraine lands. M Date Sub-Program Project Type Proiect Cost Grant Issued 2003 . Healthy Waters — Grant Incentive Well Upgrade $1,000.00 $500.00 2003 Healthy Waters — Grant Incentive Well Upgrade $3,735.37 $1,867.69 2004 Healthy Waters — Grant Incentive Eavestroughing $1,790.10 $895.00 2004 Healthy Waters — Grant Incentive Well U grade $1,684.20 $500.00 2004 Forestry Tree Planting (1,950 trees planted) $2,002.50 0 2004 Forestry Managed Forest Plan $450.00 0 2005 Forestry Tree Planting (7,900 trees planted) $8,282.00 $5,70000 2005 Healthy Waters — Grant Incentive Well Decommission $1,605.00 $1,000.00 1 - TOTALS $20,549.17 $10,462.69 Land Management - 2007 Oro-Medonte share $116,1110, NVCA budget of $211,297 One New Cons. Auth. wetland acquired in 2007, approximately 15 acres Willow Creek/ Highway 11 area through the plan review program. Approx. 12000 acres of CA lands within 30-45 minutes drive for Oro- Medonte residents for recreation and education use. Including world class Minesing Wetlands and Niagara Escarpment lands. NOTE: require additional direction from Oro-Medonte regarding future land acquisition priorities within Oro-Medonte including Oro-Moraine lands. M Summary of NVCA Services The Township of Oro-Medonte Page 7 of 7 *Note: Standard Property Inspection 2 to 3 times per month May to October Property naming and signing to be done in 2008. n Centre Administration. Operations, and Maintena This program includes the operational /overhead costs to support the 31 NVCA staff, the Administration and Education facilities, GIS and governance support. Respectfully submitted �) jAk Wayne R. Wilson, B.Sc. NVCA CAO-/Secretary-Treasurer M Date Project 2007 Initial site visit to proposed Oro/Medonte lands for acquisition March 21 2007 Comprehensive site visit for inventory/boundary purposes April 23 2007 Standard Property Inspection May 8/23 2007 Standard Property Inspection June 5/19 2007 Standard Property Inspection with comprehensive site visit for inventory/boundary July 3/17/31 purposes 2007 Standard Property Inspection Aug 7/21 2007 Natural Heritage Program site visit Aug 31 2007 Standard Property Inspection Sept 4/18 2007 Standard Property Inspection Oct 16/28 *Note: Standard Property Inspection 2 to 3 times per month May to October Property naming and signing to be done in 2008. n Centre Administration. Operations, and Maintena This program includes the operational /overhead costs to support the 31 NVCA staff, the Administration and Education facilities, GIS and governance support. Respectfully submitted �) jAk Wayne R. Wilson, B.Sc. NVCA CAO-/Secretary-Treasurer M PW �c4 9 Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority S °sz 2007 Watershed Report Card qko H#ra* '" B r r rat hL 35 D Lake Siencoe Quality B ate_ ■ Lake OW ,. ; The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority's (NVCA) watershed is located in south - central Ontario. The watershed extends south from Georgian Bay and covers an area of 3,600 kmz. Much of this area eventually drains to the Nottawasaga River. The northwest portion of the watershed (Blue Mountain Subwatershed) drains directly into Georgian Bay in Collingwood while the northern portions of Springwater and Oro- Medonte Townships (Severn Sound Headwaters) drain northward toward Severn Sound. The watershed is shaped like abowl —the Niagara Escarpment (west), Oak Ridges Moraine (south) and Simcoe Uplands (north and east) represent the height of land along the edges of the bowl. Streams arise from these high areas and flow downslope into the Simcoe Lowlands (the bottom of ancient Lake Algonquin), which forms the bottom of the bowl. These lowlands extend to Wasaga Beach and Collingwood (a "chip" at the edge of the bowl) which allows the Nottawasaga River and Blue Mountain streams to reach Georgian Bay. The NVCA watershed is largely rural in character though urban areas such as Barrie, Alliston, Shelburne, Wasaga Beach and Collingwood continue to grow. Land use is dominated by agricultural lands; however, compared to many areas in southern Ontario, natural areas are a significant part of the landscape. Forests and wetlands are generally found in areas that are unsuitable for farming where soils are too wet, dry, rocky or steep. This report card provides a broad overview of forest, stream and wetland health within the watershed. More detailed descrip- tions can be found in individual subwatershed report cards. The entire report card series is part of a larger report titled The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority Watershed Report Cards that is posted on the NVCA website (www.nvca.on.ca). Partner Municipalities: Town of Wasaga Beach, Springwater Township, Oro - Medonte Township, City of Barrie, Essa Township, Town of Innisfil, Town of Bradford -West Gwillimbury, Town of New Tecumseth, Adjala- Tosorontio Township, Town of Mono, Amaranth Township, Melancthon Township, Mulmur Township, Town of Grey Highlands, Town of Blue Mountains, Town of Collingwood, C.F.B. Borden Subwatersheds: Lower Nottawasaga River, Middle Nottawasaga River, Upper Nottawasaga River, Willow Creek, Mad River, Pine River, Boyne River, Innisfil Creek, Blue Mountain, Severn Sound Headwaters "Working Together to Protect and Restore " Grades B Forest Conditions D Surface Water Quality B Wetland Conditions The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority's (NVCA) watershed is located in south - central Ontario. The watershed extends south from Georgian Bay and covers an area of 3,600 kmz. Much of this area eventually drains to the Nottawasaga River. The northwest portion of the watershed (Blue Mountain Subwatershed) drains directly into Georgian Bay in Collingwood while the northern portions of Springwater and Oro- Medonte Townships (Severn Sound Headwaters) drain northward toward Severn Sound. The watershed is shaped like abowl —the Niagara Escarpment (west), Oak Ridges Moraine (south) and Simcoe Uplands (north and east) represent the height of land along the edges of the bowl. Streams arise from these high areas and flow downslope into the Simcoe Lowlands (the bottom of ancient Lake Algonquin), which forms the bottom of the bowl. These lowlands extend to Wasaga Beach and Collingwood (a "chip" at the edge of the bowl) which allows the Nottawasaga River and Blue Mountain streams to reach Georgian Bay. The NVCA watershed is largely rural in character though urban areas such as Barrie, Alliston, Shelburne, Wasaga Beach and Collingwood continue to grow. Land use is dominated by agricultural lands; however, compared to many areas in southern Ontario, natural areas are a significant part of the landscape. Forests and wetlands are generally found in areas that are unsuitable for farming where soils are too wet, dry, rocky or steep. This report card provides a broad overview of forest, stream and wetland health within the watershed. More detailed descrip- tions can be found in individual subwatershed report cards. The entire report card series is part of a larger report titled The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority Watershed Report Cards that is posted on the NVCA website (www.nvca.on.ca). Partner Municipalities: Town of Wasaga Beach, Springwater Township, Oro - Medonte Township, City of Barrie, Essa Township, Town of Innisfil, Town of Bradford -West Gwillimbury, Town of New Tecumseth, Adjala- Tosorontio Township, Town of Mono, Amaranth Township, Melancthon Township, Mulmur Township, Town of Grey Highlands, Town of Blue Mountains, Town of Collingwood, C.F.B. Borden Subwatersheds: Lower Nottawasaga River, Middle Nottawasaga River, Upper Nottawasaga River, Willow Creek, Mad River, Pine River, Boyne River, Innisfil Creek, Blue Mountain, Severn Sound Headwaters "Working Together to Protect and Restore " torest cover in the N ottawasaga Valley T �� �.� - �:°��. Matchedash '- Canadian Conservation Authority VCA watershed is Bay. `' Shield �T �l `' ottawa aga Valley ` ll� e#'�'a'tioi? Authority Wye Marsh 3�' •, _ g Y Y• g p . r. p. - enerall health Large forest blocks provide , ; ��� ��- :�`� �, North significant habitat for wildlife species which Rive require undisturbed, deep forest habitat to thrive. _ � 9 � .. # + Fes. ? N ,t -7 ° y.�• _. Over the past seventy years, reforestation of �� y�aa ay Tiny •� , rsh. , marginal agricultural lands has increased forest il cover in the watershed' however, forest cover is Bass ah _ > > Se vex, S10"n as h under pressure from urban development and v N farmland expansion in some areas. • `' rt L r Ole ` .Pores Lake Simcof Wasaga Provin �F . Significant forest cover is generally found on SfuL. Mount W t. lands that are unsuitable for agriculture. Areas $° , , _ , ` y f with highly productive farmland, such as the ower,PiGoa River Innisfil Creek Subwatershed, have relatively low F , ke forest cover. F l`` Luke Berm Beaver - 4 '_ rte:' t • 1 Upland forests are dominant along the mantled River F. r t• Lovers slopes of the Niagara Escarpment and the rolling Creek . hills of the Oro and Oak Ridges Moraines. g �, •. aver �R 11 4 A Lowland forests and swamps are most abundant Ri y_ in low-lying areas above the Escarpment and in3 - ` Y g p �: �rrp River Sk b waltvr'shed , the Simcoe Lowlands. A number of these forests - ... _ "Al are considered of provincial and re ional olland •k. Pine; '.- 5 otta saga vie _•, 3 r ive r importance. Coniferous and mixed forest cover# in watershed valley systems and swamps provides important winter habitat for white - tailed p p + deer. •, �. � =4 � . _-- ., F _ ps Uppcu ,. Forest cover extending ortheastward from the , g t - ` r . P ILegend ine River watershed through the Severn Sound y G :.k Ridg `s e„+ �= Grand River °` .. _ NVCArss Headwaters is an integral part of a natural • -1�` 0 2 �4 6 4 ° �... � - Natural Hargage orrkA , . corridor that extends northeast from the Niagara , , , �_ 4�. ` Hum wne�ssing °kP lands. Escarpment to the Canadian Shield. This ""�� Cr River provincial -scale corridor is highly significant but is under pressure from urban development. Headwater wetlands above the Escarpment are connected to similar wetland habitats in the Grand, Saugeen, Credit and Beaver River watersheds. Forest cover on the Oak Ridges Moraine is part of a larger natural corridor which extends east past Peterborough. Forests and wetlands are also linked to natural areas along Severn Sound to the north and the Lake Simcoe watershed to the east. Indicators NVCA Watershed Subwatershed Indicator Description 5 -Year Trend Results Range Forest Forest Cover is the percentage of the watershed that is forested. Environment Varies by Cover 32.8% B 19.10 D to A Canada suggests that 30% forest cover is the minimum needed to support healthy Subwatershed 46.3% wildlife habitat —more coverage is beneficial. Forest interior is the area of forest that lies more than 100 m from a forest edge – Forest away from the windy, dry conditions and predators that are associated with the Varies by Interior o 10.8 /0 B 3.0- F to A edge. Sensitive forest birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians require deep forest Subwatershed 19.8% habitat for survival. Environment Canada suggests that 10% forest interior cover is the minimum needed to support a range of species. Streamside forest cover (riparian vegetation) filters pollutants and provides Riparian 42.6% C 28.8 B to D important fish and wildlife habitat. Environment Canada suggests that at least 30 Varies by Cover 56.8% m on each side of the stream (over 75% of its length) should be in forest cover to Subwatershed support healthy streams. g!, tr9u." Surface Water Quali ty Surface water quality conditions are good within 7 of the 10 subwatersheds and Georgian Bay. However, combined watershed impacts result in fair to poor water quality in the Nottawasaga River downstream of Alliston. The Innisfil Creek Subwatershed stands out as a key contributor to degraded conditions in the Middle and Lower Nottawasaga River. Recent studies have confirmed that high nutrient (phosphorus) loading is the most significant water quality issue within the watershed. Land use has a strong influence on stream health within the watershed. Streams that drain areas with healthy forest and wetland cover are generally healthy. Streams that drain highly urbanized or intensively farmed areas are often unhealthy. Stream health tends to improve as streams move through forest and wetland areas, particularly if new sources of water (springs) enter the system. Runoff from agricultural and urban lands contribute to high nutrient and sediment loads which impact water quality. Uncontrolled livestock access to streams also contributes to these pollutant loads. Removal of streamside vegetation degrades stream habitat and can make the stream too warm for trout. Ponds constructed on streams also warm the water and can block fish passage. Despite fair to poor surface water quality within the middle and lower river reaches, the Nottawasaga River watershed boasts the largest population of migratory rainbow trout in UTM Nov. ZOW southern Ontario as well as healthy populations of resident brook trout and brown trout. Warmwater game fish such as bass, pike and walleye are found in Little Lake, Orr Lake and Bass Lake as well as the Middle and Lower Nottawasaga River. Bacteria (E. coli) levels in watershed streams have not been monitored since the mid- 1990s. At that time, most stations had levels above those recommended as safe for swimming. However, area beaches (Wasaga Beach, Earl Rowe Provincial Park, Tottenham Conservation Area, New Lowell Conservation Area) are regularly monitored for bacteria during the summer months. Lower Nottawasaga Subwatershed 5 -Year Indicators River Results Range Indicator Description Trend (combined impacts) Benthic Grade Insects and other "bugs" that inhabit the streambed are excellent indicators of Varies by (average stream 1.85 C 1.66 - 2 52 D to B stream health. Healthy streams receive a score of "3" whi le unhealthy streams ". Sub - health) receive a score of 1 Scores are averaged for each subwatershed. watershed Total Phosphorus indicates nutrient levels within a stream. Healthystreams Total 0.007 - have levels less than 0.01 mg /L during low flow conditions. Streams typically Varies by Phosphorus 0.036 F 0.045 A to F have levels greater than 0.03 mg /L during storms (Watershed Range: 0.013 — Sub - (baseflow; mg /L) 1.29 mg /L). Provincial Water Quality Guidelines suggest that levels greater than watershed 0.03 mg /L result in unhealthy stream conditions. Total High levels of suspended solids make streams look dirty or cloudy. Though Suspended 1.98- streams may naturally look this way after storms, cloudy water during dry condi- Insufficient SOIIdS 13.89 C . 54.48 A to F tions may indicate urban or agricultural impacts. Our healthiest streams have Data levels less than 5 mg /L during low flow conditions. Environment Canada (baseflow; mg /L) suggests that levels greater than 25 mg /L indicate unhealthystream conditions. E. coli (coliform- E. coli are fo and i n huma n a nd a nima I waste. Its presence indicates fecal con- forming 300 C 219 C tamination. Ontario Recreational Water Quality Guidelines suggest that waters Insufficient units /100ml) 405 with less than 100 CFUs /100 ml are safe for swimming. Data Jug Wetland Conditions Wetland conditions within the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority Watershed are generally good. Large expanses of wetlands can be found on poorly drained lands on the Dundalk Plain above the Niagara Escarpment and the Simcoe Lowlands in the central portion of the watershed. Long, narrow wetlands are often found along river valleys as well as along the Georgian Bay shoreline. Wetlands in some portions of the watershed are under pressure from urban and agricultural expansion. Groundwater recharge in some wetlands maintains groundwater supplies while groundwater discharge from other wetlands maintains cold stream flows that support trout. Wetlands provide natural flood control throughout the watershed and filter pollutants before they enter streams. Marsh and swamp wetlands within the watershed provide important habitat for a wide range of wildlife. The Minesing Wetlands, located in the heart of the watershed, is recognized as an internationally significant wetland. It supports a number of rare plant and wildlife species and protects Wasaga Beach from flooding. The wetland marshes along the Colling- wood shoreline are found only in certain areas along the Great Lakes shorelines and are considered globally rare. A number of wetland groupings within the watershed have been identified as provincially significant by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Provincial and municipal planning policies protect these wetlands from development and site alteration. Nottawasaga Valfey Conservation Authority Watershed Report Card WETLAND CONDIVONS Gii de P,1 C. A'J; �9m= 9 TP4' -, !ap I ndicators NVCA Watershed Results Subwatershed Range Indicator Description 5 -Year Trend Wetland Cover 12.0% B 5.8 F to A 10 %wetland cover has been identified as a minimum guideline for Varies by 20.2% healthy watersheds (Environment Canada). Subwatershed Wetland Buffer 24.4- A buffer is a vegetated area next to a wetla nd or stream. Many Varies by (100m buffer area) o 37.0% C 50.5% D to B wildlife species require nearby upland areas for foraging, nesting and Subwatershed other activities. Watershed Actions Needed for Improvement ♦ Protect and restore forest and wetland cover, streambanks and shorelines to maintain and enhance natural habitats and corridors (particularly important in degraded subwatersheds) ♦ Restore forest and meadow cover next to wetlands, streams and lakes to improve fish and wildlife habitat and water quality ♦ Manage plantations with a goal of restoring native forest cover over time ♦ Work with landowners to reduce impacts of onstream ponds and shore li ne/streambank erosion ♦ Work with landowners and municipalities to manage municipal drains to maximize natural functions ♦ Work with farmers, municipalities, developers, golf courses and others to manage nutrients by: keeping livestock out of streams, implementing nutrient management plans, managing urban stormwater runoff and controlling sediment on construction sites Thanks to our Watershed Champions our landowners, community /environmental groups, schools, ' businesses and government agencies that support stewardship activities in our watershed! AGE Contact NVCA staff at 705 424 -1479 or at www.nvca.on.ca to et involved! g 0 N�'W Severn Sound Headwaters �y .1, 014 ��� 2007 Report Card Legend Severn Sound Headwaters I NV CA Lands Provincial Parks ORO MO RAIN E Mom Ead SevemSOLindWateirsheds 2 4 6 $ ' War, inster Kilometers -3 tikes Corners 0 Lake Gar- a Bass Lade 1411oI>Jnt fit. L u Jarfr , BAI N ISL F4 ! F KE Ater wood ,� I��e ouI x_ ;. ,gman stand Fain onva#e Q ra t � CY he l psto c A " . A DdACH PROVINCLI PAR# The Severn Sound subwatershed consists of five main watercourses — Wye River, Hogg Creek, Sturgeon River, Coldwater River and North River - that discharge directly to Severn Sound between Midland and Coldwater. Only the headwaters of the Severn Sound watershed (within Springwater and Oro- Medonte Townships) lie within the jurisdiction of the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority. The Severn Sound Environmental Association and its partners are responsible for monitoring and managing these systems on a watershed basis. The delisting of Severn Sound as an international Great Lakes Area of Concern attests to the success of this group and its partners. The Wye River arises from springs on the Simcoe Uplands near Orr Lake. The main branch flows southwest from Orr Lake through the agricultural clay plains of the Simcoe Lowlands and urban Elmvale before flowing northward out of Springwater Township toward Wye Marsh and Midland. The headwaters of Hogg Creek arise on sand plains within the Simcoe Lowlands east of Waverley. The creek's shallow valley system meanders through an agricultural landscape as it flows northwest out of Oro - Medonte Township toward Hogg Bay. Spring -fed tributaries of the Sturgeon River emerge along a valley running between the base of the Simcoe Uplands and the west edge of the Oro Moraine near Hillsdale. The river flows northward through a broad, deep valley bounded by the Simcoe Uplands, entering Severn Sound at Sturgeon Bay. The Coldwater River arises along the forested north slopes of the Oro Moraine between Coulson and Horseshoe Valley before descending into a deep, forested valley flanked by the Simcoe Uplands. It flows northward along the east edge of Highway 400, leaving Oro - Medonte Township at Coldwater before flowing into Matchedash Bay. Tributaries of the North River emerge along the northeast flank of the Oro Moraine, flowing briefly northward and eastward before entering Bass Lake at Bass Lake Provincial Park. The river exits Bass Lake as a slow - moving wetland system, flowing northeast out of Oro - Medonte Township toward Matc hedash Bay. This report card describes the health of forests, wetlands and streams within the Severn Sound headwaters and is part of a larger report titled The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority Watershed Report Cards that is posted on the NVCA website (www.nvca.on.ca). Partner Municipalities: Oro- Medonte Township, Springwater Township Watercourses: Wye River, Coldwater River, North River, Sturgeon River, Hogg Creek "Working Together to Protect and Restore" Grades A Forest Conditions B Surface Water Quality B Wetland Conditions The Wye River arises from springs on the Simcoe Uplands near Orr Lake. The main branch flows southwest from Orr Lake through the agricultural clay plains of the Simcoe Lowlands and urban Elmvale before flowing northward out of Springwater Township toward Wye Marsh and Midland. The headwaters of Hogg Creek arise on sand plains within the Simcoe Lowlands east of Waverley. The creek's shallow valley system meanders through an agricultural landscape as it flows northwest out of Oro - Medonte Township toward Hogg Bay. Spring -fed tributaries of the Sturgeon River emerge along a valley running between the base of the Simcoe Uplands and the west edge of the Oro Moraine near Hillsdale. The river flows northward through a broad, deep valley bounded by the Simcoe Uplands, entering Severn Sound at Sturgeon Bay. The Coldwater River arises along the forested north slopes of the Oro Moraine between Coulson and Horseshoe Valley before descending into a deep, forested valley flanked by the Simcoe Uplands. It flows northward along the east edge of Highway 400, leaving Oro - Medonte Township at Coldwater before flowing into Matchedash Bay. Tributaries of the North River emerge along the northeast flank of the Oro Moraine, flowing briefly northward and eastward before entering Bass Lake at Bass Lake Provincial Park. The river exits Bass Lake as a slow - moving wetland system, flowing northeast out of Oro - Medonte Township toward Matc hedash Bay. This report card describes the health of forests, wetlands and streams within the Severn Sound headwaters and is part of a larger report titled The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority Watershed Report Cards that is posted on the NVCA website (www.nvca.on.ca). Partner Municipalities: Oro- Medonte Township, Springwater Township Watercourses: Wye River, Coldwater River, North River, Sturgeon River, Hogg Creek "Working Together to Protect and Restore" fyfi� z •p'.. a- . Forest Conditions The Severn Sound headwaters supports extensive forest cover. Large forest blocks provide significant habitat for wildlife species which require undisturbed, deep forest habitat to thrive. Over the past seventy years, reforestation of marginal agricultural lands has increased forest cover in the headwaters area. Large forest tracts are common on the Oro Moraine and portions of the Simcoe Uplands as well as along the Sturgeon River and Coldwater River valleys. Sparse forest cover is limited to the agricultural clay plains around Elmvale. Patchier forest cover is present northeast of Orr Lake and northeast of the Oro Moraine. The Copeland Forest is a large forest tract located on the steep slopes of the Oro Moraine and headwater valleys of Sturgeon and Coldwater Rivers. Consisting of a mix of upland and swamp forest, public hiking trails make this a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts. 1, i r- s:, o ial Coniferous and mixed forest cover southeast of Orr Lake, along the Sturgeon River valley south of County Road 27, and in the headwaters and valley system of the Coldwater River provide important winter habitat for deer. Headwater forest cover extending northeast to the Canadian Shield and south to Matheson Creek is an integral part of a natural corridor that extends northeast from the Niagara Escarpment to the east /southeast Canadian Shield. This provincial -scale corridor is highly significant. Forests and wetlands in the Severn Sound headwaters are also connected to natural areas in the Nottawasaga River watershed to the south and west, Lake Simcoe watershed to the east and the south shore of Severn Sound to the north. Grade ', 4J 4 f J r IL Zhlufjss Creek r& Hawkstone Creek Forested Area CzSevern Sound Watersheds **► Natural Heritage Corridors Severn Sound NVCA Watershed Indicators Headwaters Results Indicator Description 5 -Year Trend Results Forest Forest Cover is the percentage of the watershed that is forested. Environment Insufficient Cover o 46.3% A o 32.8% B Canada suggests that 30% forest cover is the minimum needed to support healthy Data wildlife habitat — more coverage is beneficial. Forest interior is the area of forest that lies more than 100 m from a forest edge – Forest away from the windy, dry conditions and predators that are associated with the Insufficient Interior 19.8% A 10.8% B edge. Sensitive forest birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians require deep Data forest habitat for survival. Environment Canada suggests that 10% forest interior cover is the minimum needed to support a range of species. Streamside forest cover (riparian vegetation) filters pollutants and provides Riparian 51.3% B 42.6% C important fish and wildlife habitat. Environment Canada suggests that at least Insufficient Cover 30 m on each side of the stream (over 75% of its length) should be in forest cover Data to support healthy streams. IU ! . Ag Surface Water Quality Surface water quality and stream habitat in the Severn Sound headwaters ranges from "fair" to "good ". Productive trout habitat is found throughout the headwaters and middle sections of the Sturgeon And Coldwater Rivers but is restricted to the upper headwaters of the Wye River. Orr Lake and Bass Lake provide habitat for northern pike and bass. Stream health is considered "fair" along the Wye River as a result of impacts from rural and urban areas. Sparse riparian (streamside) vegetation impacts stream health downstream of Orr Lake through Elmvale . The two headwater branches of Hogg Creek support low flows and stream health conditions have not been evaluated. Emerging from headwater wetlands near Hillsdale, the Sturgeon River flows over the Rumble's Mill dam and enters a broad agricultural valley. Stream health is considered "fair" through this section. West of Moonstone, stream health improves as the river enters a large wetland which extends north to Highway 23. Springs along the Oro Moraine and nearby uplands provide high quality, healthy source water for the Coldwater River. Flowing through deep, forested valleys, healthy stream conditions persist downstream to Moonstone. Stream health declines to "fair" as the river flows through agricultural lands to the north boundary of Oro - Medonte Township. ir Legend • Biomonitoring Sites Good Fair Poor Forested Area C3 Severn Sound Watersheds Shoreline habitats along Bass Lake (and Orr Lake) are moderately impacted by cottage land uses. The North River is a low gradient wetland stream system as it emits Bass Lake and flows northeast out of Oro- Medonte Township. Nutrient data in the headwaters is limited to the Coldwater River. Phosphorus levels upstream of Moonstone indicate healthy habitat conditions. The Severn Sound Environmental Association suggests that bacteria (E. coli) levels in streams draining south to Severn Sound often exceed provincial recreational guidelines for swimming. Severn Sound NVCA 5 -Year Indicators Headwaters Subwatershed Indicator Description Trend Results Average Insects and other "bugs" that inhabit the streambed are excellent indicators Insufficient Benthic Grade 2.47 B 2.20 B of stream health. Healthy streams receive a score of "3" while unhealthy Data streams receive a score of 1 ". Total Phosphorus indicates nutrient levels within a stream. Our healthiest Total streams have levels less than 0.01 mg /L during low flow conditions. All Insufficient Phosphorus p 0.007 A 0.021 C streams have levels greaterthan 0.03 mg /L during storms. Provincial Water Data (baseflow; mg /L) Quality Guidelines suggest that levels greater than 0.03 mg /L result in unhealthy stream conditions. Total High levels of suspended solids make streams look dirty or cloudy. Though Suspended streams may naturally look this way after storms cloudy water during dry nt Insufficient SOIIdS N'°` _ 9.89 B conditions may indicate urban or agricultural impacts. Healthy streams have D D Data levels less than 5 mg /L during low flow conditions. Environment Canada ( baseflow; mg /L) suggests that levels greater than 25 mg /L indicate unhealthy conditions. E. COII (coliform- E. coli are found in human and animal waste. Its presence indicates fecal Insufficient _ C contamination. Ontario Recreational Water Quality Guidelines suggest that forming units /100ml) NA 312 waters with less than 100 CFUs /100 ml are safe for swimming. Data Wetland Conditions Wetland conditions within the Severn Sound headwaters are generally good with extensive wetlands fringed by lowland /upland forest cover. Large wetlands are centered around Orr Lake, Bass Lake, the Sturgeon and Coldwater River headwaters and the Sturgeon River valley upstream k- - - - .- 4-- - Road 23. Groundwater recharge in some wetlands maintains groundwater supplies while groundwater discharge from other wetlands — such as those draining the Oro Moraine — maintains cold stream flows which support trout. Orr Lake Wetland Vasey DU Swamp East Vasey DU Swamp J Wetlands provide natural flood control throughout the subwatershed. Marsh and swamp wetlands within the subwatershed provide important habitat for a wide range of wildlife. Vasey Swamp err Lake - .e Medonte Bog McMahon Creek Swamp Eight wetland groupings within the Severn Sound headwaters have been identified as provincially significant by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Provincial and municipal planning policies protect these wetlands from development and site alteration. Grade B a Purbrook Creels z} _ Marchmont Swamp ,vas; _ 10 1 _ 0 w� 9, Bass Lake Langman Marsh % Copeland- Craighurst Vest Coulson - Guthrie Complex Legend Locally Significant Wetlands Provincially Significant Wetlands ' Other Wetlands Forested Area Severn Sound Watersheds Indicators Severn Sound Headwater Results NVCA Watershed Results Indicator Description Trend Wetland Cover 11.9% B 12.0% A 10 %wetland cover has been identified as a minimum Insufficient Data guideline for healthy watersheds (Environment Canada). Wetland Buffer A buffer is a vegetated area next to a wetland or stream. (100m buffer area) 49.7% C 37.0% C Many wildlife species require adjacent upland areas for Insufficient Data foraging, nesting and other activities. y Local Actions Needed for Improvement y ♦ Protect and restore forest and wetland cover, streambanks and shorelines to maintain and enhance natural habitats and corridors ♦ Restore forest and meadow cover next to wetlands and streams to improve wildlife habitat and stream/wetland health ♦ Manage plantations with a goal of restoring native forest cover over time ♦ Work with landowners to reduce impacts of onstream ponds, and shore li ne/streambank erosion ♦ Work with farmers, municipalities, developers, golf courses and others to manage nutrients by: keeping cattle out of streams, implementing nutrient management plans, managing urban stormwater runoff and controlling sediment on construction sites Thanks to our Watershed Champions our landowners, community groups, schools, businesses and government agencies that support stewardship activities in our watershed! A Contact NVCA staff at 705 424 -1479 or at www.nvca.on.ca to get involved! •`, ,.rte • • ^. -..-' N' "� Willow Creek 9� 2007 Subwatershed Report C ar -Grades A Forest Conditions B Surface Water Quality B Wetland Conditions Willow Creek and Matheson Creek are the two main streams in this subwatershed. Willow Creek arises on the rolling sand loams of the Simcoe Uplands near the hamlet of Edgar. It flows into Little Lake one of the few natural lakes in the Nottawasaga River watershed just north of Barrie. The creek then enters a deep, groundwater -rich valley as it flows westward through Midhurst. Matheson Creek arises along the forested slopes of the Oro Moraine near Craighurst and flows southward through a forested sand plain valley that cuts through the nearby uplands. It converges with Willow Creek northwest of Midhurst. Downstream, Willow Creek flows through an agricultural lowland before entering the Minesing Wetlands west of George Johnston Road. Willow Creek discharges to the Nottawasaga River at the north end of the wetland. Two smaller creek systems —Black Creek and Keast Creek —arise along the groundwater -rich slopes of the Algonquin Bluffs near Snow Valley (south of Willow Creek). These creeks enter the Minesing Wetlands, joining with Willow Creek downstream of George Johnston Road. This report card describes the health of forests, wetlands and streams within the Willow Creek subwatershed and is part of a larger report titled The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority Watershed Report Cards that is posted on the NVCA website (www.nvca.on.ca). Partner Municipalities:Springwater Township, Oro - Medonte Township, City of Barrie Watercourses: Willow Creek, Matheson Creek, Black Creek, Keast Creek "Working Together to Protect and Restore" The Willow Creek subwatershed supports healthy forest cover. Large forest blocks provide significant habitat for wildlife species which require undisturbed, deep forest habitat (forest interior) to thrive. Forest cover has increased over the past seventy years due to reforestation of marginal farmland but is under pressure from urban development near Barrie and Midhurst. Forest cover is concentrated on the Oro Moraine and Algonquin Bluffs as well as the Matheson Creek and Willow Creek valley corridors. The rolling sand loams of the Simcoe Uplands to the north and southwest of Little Lake are well - suited for agriculture and support less forest cover. Marsh and swamp wetlands within the Forest Conditions Grade A - F R E s � t n Creek 140 400 t .b m ,s — ,LL x e R7 . hurst r y - � 'e a 4 . o all s r fs 1 Legend a rrft Forest Interior Forested Area Aw Willow Creek Subwatershed AL " L Natura I Heritage Corridors Subwatershed provide important habitat for a wide range of wildlife. An extensive fen — an open wetland dominated by low shrubs, ferns and sedges and grasses — supports rare plants and wildlife in the Minesing Wetlands. Coniferous and mixed forest cover within the Minesing Wetlands, the Willow Creek valley and the headwaters of Matheson Creek provide important winter habitat for deer. Subwatershed forest cover provides important linkages to nearby natural areas within the Nottawasaga River, Severn Sound and Lake Simcoe watersheds. It is part of a significant natural corridor that extends southwest from the Canadian Shield through the Minesing Wetlands to the Niagara Escarpment. Indicators Willow Creek NVCA Watershed Indicator Description 5 -Year Trend Results Results Forest Forest Cover is the percentage of the watershed that is forested. Environment Cover 41.8% A 32.8% B Canada suggests that 30% forest cover is the minimum needed to support healthy wildlife habitat —more coverage is beneficial. Forest interior is the area of forest that lies more than 100 m from a forest edge – Forest away from the windy, dry conditions and predators that are associated with the Interior 16.3 A 10.8% B edge. Sensitive forest birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians require deep forest habitat for survival. Environment Canada suggests that 10% forest interior cover is the minimum needed to support a range of species. Streamside forest cover (riparian vegetation) filter pollutants and provides Riparian 51.4 B o 42.6 /0 C important fish and wildlife habitat. Environment Canada suggests that at least Insufficient Cover 30 m on each side of the stream (over 75% of its length) should be in forest cover Data to support healthy streams. ti. t. a Surface Water Quali ty E 1k__ I a Surface water quality and stream health in the Willow (''rPPlr subwatershed is generally good. Parts of all four major systems support healthy resident trout populations. Lit supports northern pike, bass and walleye. Upstream of Little Lake, Willow Creek exhibits "fair" as it flows through a rolling agricultural landscape. Stl improves downstream of Little Lake as Willow Creek forested, groundwater -rich valley which extends throul Flowing through a forested valley for much of its length, Matheson Creek exhibits "good" stream health from its headwaters downstream to Willow Creek. Downstream of this point, Willow Creek stream health is considered "fair" as it enters an agricultural plain with sparse riparian (streamside) cover and livestock access. Downstream of George Johnston Road, healthy conditions return as Willow Creek flows through the Minesing Wetlands. Stream health is variable in the Black Creek system. Headwater areas are impacted by agricultural land use while healthy sections are associated with extensive forest cover and ground- water discharge (springs) along the Algonquin Bluffs. "Fair" health conditions are present downstream as the main branch enters the Minesing Wetlands. Grade B Fair Poor Forested Area Willow Creek Subwatershed Nutrient concentrations (Total Phosphorus) and Total Suspended Solids are generally low to moderate at George Johnston Road during low flow conditions attesting to generally health stream conditions. Impacts appear to be associated with habitat disturbances rather than poor water quality. Historical bacteria (E. coli) monitoring suggests that summer bacteria levels exceed provincial recreational guidelines for swimming. Willow Creek NVCA Indicators Results Subwatershed Average Indicator Description 5 -Year Trend Insects and other "bugs" that inhabit the streambed are excellent indicators of Benthic Grade 2.52 B 2.20 B stream health. Healthystreams receive a score of "3" while unhealthy streams Insufficient receive a score of "1 ". Scores are averaged for each subwatershed. Data Total Phosphorus indicates nutrient levels within a stream. Healthystreams Total have levels less than 0.01 mg /L during low flow conditions. Streams typically Insufficient Phosphorus 0.019 B 0.021 C have levels greater than 0.03 mg /L during storms (Willow Creek Range: 0.029 — Data (baseflow; mg /L) 0.286 mg /L). Provincial Water Quality Guidelines suggestthat levels greater than 0.03 mg /L result in unhealthy stream conditions. Total High levels of suspended solids make streams look dirty or cloudy. Though Suspended streams may naturally look this way after storms, cloudy water during dry condi- Insufficient SOIIdS baseflow; 7.97 B 9.89 B tions may indicate urban or agricultural impacts. Our healthiest streams have Data ( levels less than 5 mg /L during low flow conditions. Environment Canada sug- mg /L) gests that levels greater than 25 mg /L indicate unhealthy stream conditions. E. coli (coliform- E. coli are fo and i n huma n a nd a nima I waste. Its presence indicates fecal con- forming 365 C 312 C tamination. Ontario Recreational Water Quality Guidelines suggest that waters Insufficient units /100ml) with less than 100 CFUs /100 ml are safe for swimming. Data Wetland Conditions Wetland conditions within the Willow Creek subwatershed are generally healthy. The Minesing Wetlands is the largest wetland grouping; however, extensive wetlands are also associated with the Matheson Creek headwaters and valley, Little Lake and the Dalston Wetlands. Subwatershed wetlands are under pressure from urban development near Midhurst. Groundwater recharge in some wetlands maintains groundwater supplies while groundwater discharge from other wetlands — such as the lower slopes of the Algonquin Bluffs — maintains cold streams flows which support trout. Wetlands provide natural flood control throughout the watershed. The Minesing Wetlands provide a critical flood control function for Wasaga Beach. The Minesing Wetlands is considered internationally significant and is a great place to go canoeing and appreciate nature! -1 Five wetland groupings within the 1Vrinesing WetlandJ1&_ J subwatershed have been identified as provincially significant by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Provincial and municipal planning policies protect these wetlands from development and site alteration. Grade B Copeland- Craighurst- Guthrie Complex Hawkstone Wetland Complex Pilkey Swamp stop Wetland Legend Locally Significant Wetlands Provincially Significant Wetlands Other Wetlands Forested Area Willow Creek Subwatershed Indicators Willow Creek Results NVCA Watershed Results Indicator Description I 5 -Year I Trend Wetland Cover 20.2% A 12.0% A 10 %wetland cover has been identified as a minimum guideline for healthy watersheds (Environment Canada). Wetland Buffer A buffer is a vegetated area next to a wetland orstream. Manywildlife species (100m buffer area) 48.2 C 37.0% C require adjacent upland areas for foraging, nesting and other activities. I a I I Watershed Actions Needed for Improvement , J ♦ Protect and restore forest and wetland cover, streambanks and shorelines to maintain and enhance natural habitats and corridors ♦ Restore forest and meadow cover next to wetlands and streams to improve wildlife habitat and stream/wetland health ♦ Restore natural channel form on Willow Creek downstream of George Johnston Road ♦ Manage plantations with a goal of restoring native forest cover over time ♦ Work with landowners to reduce impacts of onstream ponds, and shoreline /streambank erosion ♦ Work with farmers, municipalities, developers, golf courses and others to manage nutrients by: keeping cattle out of streams, implementing nutrient management plans, managing urban stormwater runoff and controlling sediment on construction sites Thanks to our Watershed Champions our landowners, community groups, schools, businesses and government agencies that support stewardship activities in our watershed! 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Aomlow fWam (NAD) 10*3 U121 •-••- 11;4 BY-LAW NO. 2008-031 BEING A BY-LAW TO CONFIRM THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2008 THE COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ORO-MEDONTE HEREBY ENACTS AS FOLLOWS: 1. THAT the action of the Council at its Special Council Meeting held on Tuesday, March 4, 2008, and in respect to each Motion, Resolution and other actions passed and taken by the Council at its said Meeting is, except where prior approval of the Ontario Municipal Board is required, hereby adopted, ratified and confirmed. 2. THAT the Mayor and the proper Officials of the Township are hereby authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to the said action or to obtain approvals where required and to execute all documents as may be necessary on behalf of the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Oro-Medonte. And, the Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to affix the corporate seal to all said documents. BY-LAW READ A FIRST AND SECOND TIME THIS 4th DAY OF MARCH, 2008. BY-LAW READ A THIRD TIME AND FINALLY PASSED THIS 4th DAY OF MARCH, 2008. THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ORO-MEDONTE Mayor, H.S. Hughes Clerk, J. Douglas Irwin