Infosheet #22 Wetlands and Wildlife Ponds

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Location
  • 22-1 Upland buffer strip between wetland or pond and cropland
  • 22-2 Buffer strip management
  • 22-3 Sustainable management of forest resources in wetlands
• Management
  • 22-4 Wetlands and ponds/wildlife management
  • 22-5 Wetlands and farm ponds - water 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

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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.

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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

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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:

• Best Management Practices Books: Water Management, Order No. BMP 07; Field Crop Production, Order No. BMP 02; Fish and Wildlife Habitat Management, Order No. BMP 10; Farm Forestry and Habitat Management, Order No. BMP 01
• Contact Your Local Ministry of Natural Resources Office

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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

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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

Infosheet Table of Contents

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