Infosheet 22 - Wetlands and Wildlife
Ponds
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Location
- Management
Introduction
This infosheet provides background to Worksheet #22 of the Environmental
Farm Plan Workbook. It outlines options you could adopt to address
problem areas in your operation. In most cases you'll need more information
before implementation: please refer to the resource materials listed in
the infosheet, and consult OMAFRA Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) Technical
Advisors.
All options are classed as Actions or Compensating Factors. Actions address
the areas of concern identified, and will change the EFP rating to (3)
or Best (4). Compensating Factors are alternatives that will adequately
address the concerns, but will not change the rating in the EFP worksheets.
At the request of the Ontario Farm Environmental Coalition, consisting
of Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Christian Farmers Federation of
Ontario, AGCare, and the Ontario Farm Animal Council, the following people
contributed to the development of Worksheet #22 and reviewed Infosheet
#22:
Sid Vander Veen (Chair), OMAFRA
Andy Graham, Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA)
Elizabeth Snell, Env. Consultant, Guelph
Elbert van Donkersgoed, Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario
Laurie Maynard, Canadian Wildlife Service
Art Timmerman, OMNR
Jim Magee, Ontario Cattlemen's Association
John Westwood, MOEE
Peter Roberts, OMAFRA
Ted Godawski, Ducks Unlimited
Technical Editing Committee:
Brent Kennedy, OMAFRA
Jim Myslik, OMAFRA
Bob Stone, OMAFRA
The following people contributed to the revision (2004) of Infosheet
#22:
Sid Vander Veen (Co-chair)
Peter Roberts OMAFRA (Co-chair)
Jackie Fraser, AgCare
Jim Anderson, Ducks Unlimited Canada
Peter Jeffery, OFA
Dave Richards, MNR
Andrew Graham, OSCIA
Laurie Maynard, Canadian Wildlife Service
Robert Messier, Wetland Habitat Fund
Dave Pridham, OSCIA
Technical Editing Committee:
H.J. Smith, OMAFRA
Jim Myslik, OMAFRA
Bob Stone, OMAFRA
OMAFRA = Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
MNR = Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
MOE = Ontario Ministry of the Environment
Location
Issue: 22-1 Upland buffer strip between wetland or pond and cropland
Buffer strips directly benefit surface water quality. They filter sediments
and pollutants from runoff water before it enters the wetland or wildlife
pond. Buffer filtration capacity depends upon vegetation type (grasses
vs. trees). Habitat potential of buffers increases with width. Buffers
can also protect against erosion and provide essential cover and food
for wildlife. Riparian buffers beside drains can decrease costs associated
with drain clean outs.
What can you do?
Option #1 - Action
Maximize the extent of the buffer strip around the perimeter of the wetland
or wildlife pond:
- establish a buffer composed of natural vegetation (e.g. trees, shrubs,
grasses etc.) around more than half of the wetland or wildlife pond
which is under your control - leave a small area open for human access
- expand the extent of buffer strips around wetlands or wildlife ponds
- a continuous ribbon of buffer between cropland and wetlands or wildlife
ponds is preferred
- choose grass (preferably native), wildflowers, shrubs or trees that
will compete and establish well
- the buffer strip should be at least 5-16 meters (16-52 ft.) wide
- effectiveness of a buffer strip improves with width
- where feasible, link wetland/wildlife pond buffers to adjacent woodlots
by using grasses, swales, fencerows etc.
- ensure that trees and shrubs are located away from any nearby tile
drainage systems.
Set management objectives based upon knowledge of the site and plant
materials before establishing a buffer strip of native plant materials.
Decide whether it is to be grazed, mowed (hayed) or left untouched with
or without cattle access and alternative watering. Great care must be
taken not to plant non-native or invasive species - consult a wildlife/wetland
biologist or Wetland Habitat Fund representative.
For More Information:
- Best Management Practices Books: Buffer
Strips, Order No. BMP 15; Water
Management, Order No. BMP 07, page 68; Fish
and Wildlife Habitat Management, Order No. BMP 10; Farm
Forestry and Habitat Management, Order No. BMP 01, page 19
- Natural Heritage Reference Manual, 1999, MNR Natural Resource Information
Centre, Peterborough 1-800-667-1940
- Extension Notes - Buffers Protect the Environment, ISBN 198 - 3744
- Buffer Action - Improving Water Quality (Livestock Manure Pollution
Prevention Project)
- Working Around Wetlands? What you should know, Environment Canada/Ontario
Ministry of Natural Resources ISBN 0-662-25658-1
For wetland rehabilitation activities and assistance consult the Wetland
Habitat Fund http://www.wetlandfund.com/
email: admin@wetlandfund.com
or Telephone: 1-613-722-2090 to obtain information regarding the closest
regional representative near you.
Issue: 22-2 Buffer Strip Management
Buffer strips are critical to the creation of habitat (e.g. ground nesting
birds/waterfowl) and maintenance of the ability of the wetland/pond to
remain healthy. If the perimeter is only partly protected, contaminated
surface flows may enter directly through any gaps. Land use practices
(tillage, application of nutrients, pesticides etc.) on lands adjacent
to wetlands and ponds also have a critical role to play in determining
the water quality. A buffer strip can be effective in filtering out sediments
and other contaminants carried in runoff before they reach a wetland or
wildlife pond. Surface water quality can also have an impact on groundwater
quality.
What can you do?
Option #1 - Action
Manage existing buffer strips to maximize effectiveness:
- preferably limit livestock access through the buffer
- if taking hay from buffer, delay mowing until mid-July
- if not taking hay, don't over manage or spring burn; leave for wildlife
- don't apply fertilizer or pesticides to the buffer.
Option #2 - Compensating Factor
Use good field crop management techniques (see worksheet 19) e.g. no-till,
reduced tillage on fields beside a wetland/pond buffer to leave over 30
% of soil surface covered with crop residue after planting. This significantly
helps to restrict the movement of sediment, nutrients and pesticides and
contribute toward a healthy wetland/pond environment. Excess nutrients
result in (alga blooms) and lowered oxygen levels which impact water quality
and wildlife survival:
- where possible grow crops on adjacent lands that minimize impacts
on wetlands and wildlife ponds (e.g., hay systems, pasture, etc. where
possible) - these crops also reduce potential conflict with wildlife
if wildlife damage is a problem
- reduce soil erosion and the movement of sediment with grassed waterways,
sediment control basins, contour cropping etc. (see worksheet 15 &
21)
- recognize that wildlife within some wetlands may use some crops as
a seasonal source of food and cover.
For More Information:
- Best Management Practices Books: Buffer
Strips, Order No. BMP 15; Water
Management, Order No. BMP 07, page 68; Farm
Forestry and Habitat Management, Order No. BMP 01, page 19; Fish
and Wildlife Habitat Management, Order No. BMP 10
- Natural Heritage Reference Manual, 1999, MNR Natural Resource Information
Centre, Peterborough 1-800-667-1940
- Wildlife Action Project - Probing Problem Wildlife: An Update on the
Wildlife Action Project, OSCIA, Agricultural Adaptation Council (AESI),
OFEC and the Ontario Agricultural Commodity Council 1-800-265-9751(OSCIA)
- Contact Ducks Unlimited Canada, Barrie 705-721-4444 or www.ducks.ca
for information on managing agricultural buffers for the benefits of
waterfowl and wildlife
Issue: 22-3 Sustainable management of forest resources in wetlands
Exploitative or destructive use (poor stewardship) of a wetland will
limit its benefits and could cause permanent damage. Wisely managed, the
resources of a wetland or wildlife pond will be renewable.
What can you do?
Option #1 - Action
In certain cases wetland or wildlife pond resources are best left untouched.
However, if harvested, manage forest resources in a renewable and responsible
manner:
- remove resources (e.g., rice, timber, fish, amphibians, furbearers
(pelts), water for livestock) from swamps and marsh wetland types in
a manner that minimizes damage to the wetland - do it in a way that
allows regeneration, either naturally or through restocking or replanting
- if using wetlands or ponds for cattle watering, limit the area that
can be accessed or install an alternate watering system
- the harvest of forest resources (fuelwood/cedar posts and selected
hardwoods) should be done only when soil and drainage conditions minimize
damage when the ground is frozen
- leave some large diameter trees throughout the wetland and forest
to provide a seed source and act as habitat for wildlife
- harvesting in woodland swamps can lead to long-term shifts in tree
species composition which affects wetland characteristics
- rutting of soils can occur when heavy machinery (skidders) rather
than horses or small equipment are used.
The harvest of trees could be limited through bylaws passed under the
Municipal Act, 2001 (section 135-141) and/or Forestry Act
(1998). Check with your local municipality.
Contact MNR regarding possible restrictions and licensing. The harvest
of wildlife and/or fish is managed through the Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Act (1997).
For More Information:
Management
22-4 Wetlands and ponds/wildlife management
Once the wetland or wildlife pond has been protected from degradation,
there may be an opportunity to enhance its existing condition. Recognize
their value and practice informed land stewardship, and enjoy their many
functions and values.
What can you do?
Option #1 - Action
Enhance wetlands/ponds to increase species diversity and increase knowledge:
- cut channels through dense cattail stands to create more open water
- increase water depth by plugging any drainage outlet to drown excessive
plant growth
- control nuisance species such as purple loosestrife and carp
- provide waterfowl nesting structures (boxes, cylinders, cones and
rafts etc.) with predator guards
- create rock piles (adjacent to the shore) and add floating logs -
both will be used by waterfowl, shorebirds, frogs, snakes and turtles
- attend meetings or read information on managing wetland habitat and
problem wildlife.
Some wetland enhancement or restoration activities may require a permit.
Contact your local Stewardship Council, MNR, Conservation Authority or
the Wetland Habitat Fund. Don't use aquatic plant control chemicals unless
you are certified to do so.
Option #2 - Action
Plant desirable marsh species, increase knowledge and implement habitat
planning and problem wildlife control:
- avoid disturbing highly sensitive habitats
- attend meetings or read information on managing wetland habitat and
problem wildlife.
Option #3 - Action
Create and implement a habitat plan:
- avoid activities in highly sensitive areas
- control problem wildlife.
For More Information:
- Before making any change to a wetland/pond seek advice from your local
Stewardship Council, Conservation Authority and/or Ontario Ministry
of Natural Resources.
- Planting the Seed - A Guide to Establishing Aquatic Plants, Environment
Canada Environmental Conservation Branch, 1996
- Best Management Practices Books: Farm
Forestry and Habitat Management, Order No. BMP 01, page 30; Fish
and Wildlife Habitat Management, Order No. BMP 10; Water
Management, Order No. BMP 07, page 68
- Wetland restoration and management expertise can be obtained from
Ducks Unlimited Canada, Wetland Habitat Fund and the Ontario Federation
of Anglers & Hunters
Issue: 22-5 Wetlands and farm ponds - water management
Unrestricted water usage or drainage may adversely affect fish and wildlife
populations and can damage plant and soil resources of the wetland or
pond.
What can you do?
Option #1 - Action
Limit or restrict the use of water in a wetland or wildlife pond:
- take no water, or restrict water usage during times of fish or wildlife
reproduction
- ensure that any water entering these areas from surrounding land
is of good quality
- do not artificially drain water from wetlands or wildlife ponds
- if planning water use, consider the MOE Permit to Take Water (50,000
litres in a 24-hour period)
- restrict water use during dry (droughty) conditions
- control livestock access to wetlands or ponds - provide hard-surfaced
controlled access points.
Avoid draining wetland areas - it lowers the water table, increases downstream
erosion and flooding and affects downstream landowners.
Option #2 - Action
No irrigation water is taken and wetlands and ponds modified (enlarged,
re-designed, re-established) to enhance value:
- consult with conservation organizations for information and to verify
that any proposed modifications are allowed
- to manage water levels, vegetation and optimize habitat conditions
for waterfowl and other wildlife in wetlands/ponds use water-level control
structures and/or beaver baffles (minimize excessive flooding by beaver)
- restrict livestock access and provide an alternate watering system.
It is illegal to dam-up streams to create on-line farm ponds. Where appropriate
use the Drainage Act to modify existing drains to restore wetlands
to enhance water storage and water quality.
Note: Only control water levels within swamp and marsh wetland types.
It is not suitable to control water levels in bogs and fens.
For More Information:
- Wetland Drain Restoration Project, Consult your local drainage superintendent
and/or the Ministry of Natural Resources Wetland Drain Restoration Project
tel: 519-773-4731 or Wetland Drain Restoration Project - How to Guide,
Enhancing Water Storage and Water Quality within a Watershed through
Wetland Restoration , Tel: 519-773-4731
- Natural Heritage Reference Manual, 1999, MNR Natural Resource Information
Centre, Peterborough 1-800-667-1940
- Best Management Practices Books: Farm
Forestry and Habitat Management, BMP Order No. 01, page 30; Water
Management, Order No. BMP 07; page 68; Fish
and Wildlife Habitat Management, Order No. BMP 10
