eastern region (ontario)
VOLUME 30, NUMBER 1, 2009
Minister Cansfield promotes funding for wetland landowners
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Minister of Natural Resources Donna Cansfield visited a private property adjacent to Minesing Wetlands in early October to celebrate the provincial partnership with Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) that includes a grant of $500,000 from the ministry to be matched by DUC, for a total of $1 million in funding over two years for the Ontario Wetland Care program. This program provides technical resources and grants to rural landowners to encourage good stewardship by helping them maintain and enhance wetlands on their properties. DUC has already formed 19 partnerships with local conservation organizations across southern Ontario to help deliver the program. This is the second phase of the Healthy Wetlands...Healthy Communities partnership. The first phase focused on enhancing wetland interpretive centres to educate the public about the value of wetlands. S
After her stop at Minesing Eetlands, Minister Cansfield toured Tiny Marsh with DUC volunteer Alex Smith, president of the Marl-Tiny-Matchedash Conservation Association, a group of volunteers who manage Tiny Marsh.
Pictured left to right: Harold Parker, landowner; Minister Donna Cansfield, MNR; Ray Bonenberg, South Region director, MNR; Jamie Fortune, DUC; Wayne Wilson, Chief Administrative Officer, Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority.
John Power: Outdoorsman and Conservation Advocate 1933-2008
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As the writer of a weekly outdoors column in the Toronto Star for 30 years, John Power wrote about the outdoors, shared his passion for nature and promoted conservation at every opportunity. This well-known hunter and fisherman, who loved and respected the environment, was a member of numerous conservation groups including Ducks Unlimited Canada. He passed away in Brampton on Oct. 1, 2008, at the age of 75. DUC passes on their condolences to John’s family and friends. S
Wetlands on my land?
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Raising landowner awareness and interest is a critical component in successful wetland conservation programs. In Ontario, DUC has developed projects encompassing 1,400 different wetland habitat areas. These projects may be located on the property of an individual landowner or several landowners. Nearly 2,000 Ontario landowners have DUC projects on their property, another endorsement for the value of partnerships and a cohesive landscape approach to wetland conservation planning and delivery.S
Phillip Holst
Don and Jane Marks
Phillip Holst of Woodstock, Ont., is a rural farm property owner who is helping Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) restore wetlands in his community. In 2005, Holst and his family became a Habitat for Healthy Waters (HHW) program partner. With technical and funding assistance, Holst was able to implement a wetland creation and restoration project on his property. A unique project concept of Holst’s own design, created over three acres of wetland and supports upland wildlife habitat on his farm. Holst says, “We need to do everything we can to improve the land for our children and for the well-being of the community. We need to bring water back onto the land to restore our aquifers and work to provide habitat for wildlife.” Following this project experience, Holst co-ordinated three more HHW projects in his community. In 2007, Holst became a volunteer member of Stewardship Oxford, a group of dedicated volunteers working in their community to promote, fund and implement a variety of stewardship initiatives aimed at improving the natural heritage of Oxford County. In partnership with DUC, Phil Holst and Stewardship Oxford will help restore a number of wetlands and implement other stewardship activities on private and public lands around Oxford through the Ontario Wetland Care program over the next two years. There are many ways for landowners and volunteers to become active for wetlands and stewardship and Phillip Holst has demonstrated a sincere passion for both. Thank you, Phil!
Within the provincially significant Sturgeon Lake Wetlands Complex near Lindsay, Ont., Don and Jane Marks are helping conserve the environment on their lands. The Marks family completed a managed forest plan with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), and then decided they wanted to do even more. In 2008, Don and Jane Marks purchased a framed print through one of DUC’s fundraising programs, inquired about wetland conservation on their property and their partnership with Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) was born. The Marks were interested in installing wood duck nest boxes on their property. With limited trees containing cavities suitable for nesting waterfowl, the property was an ideal site for a nest box program to enhance the habitat for nesting waterfowl. The Marks family has now partnered with DUC and the Ontario Wetland Care program and in addition to committing to protect the existing wetlands on their property, four waterfowl nest boxes will be installed this winter. “Don and Jane are an extraordinary example of landowner stewardship,” says Jennifer Lavigne, conservation specialist, DUC. “It is a pleasure to work with people who are so committed and are real advocates for ensuring the conservation of our wetlands and the environment in general.” For more information on the Ontario Wetland Care Program and how you can become a steward for wetland conservation contact Ducks Unlimited Canada at 1-888402-4444.
Phillip Holst (centre) alongside DUC staff Mark Assingthwaite (left) and Jeff Krete (right).
eastern region (ontario)
Partnerships play a vital role in wetland conservation
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Ducks Unlimited Canada’s (DUC) conservation success rests not only with members, supporters and staff, DUC also relies on like-minded individuals, businesses, governments, agencies and organizations to help conserve wetlands. The ongoing co-operation and partnerships play a vital role in effective wetland conservation. Conservation authorities are local watershed management agencies that deliver services and programs to protect and manage water and other natural resources. Having formed successful partnerships with numerous authorities across Ontario, DUC is working closely with these partners in conservation, sharing resources and expertise to conserve wetlands today…for tomorrow! S
Hamilton-Halton Watershed Stewardship Program
In association with Hamilton Region Conservation Authority and the Bay Area Restoration Council, Conservation Halton has been implementing the Hamilton-Halton Watershed Stewardship Program (HHWSP), since 1994, which encourages and assists with stewardship initiatives on private lands. In July of 2008, Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) and HHWSP formed a conservation partnership in which DUC will support the HHWSP’s efforts to continue to engage landowners in wetland conservation on their property, through funding, expertise and technical resources. “By leveraging the resources on both sides, Ducks Unlimited is helping empower our partners to restore wetlands.” says Mike Williams, conservation specialist for DUC. “We are developing closer working relationships with our conservation authority partners. Together, we are encouraging all landowners to appreciate wetlands and their contribution to a healthy environment.” “This partnership supports the HHWSP’s ability to continue to provide advice on wetland protection and enhancement to landowners across both Halton and Hamilton watersheds.” said Sheila O’Neal, Watershed Stewardship Manager for HamiltonHalton Watershed Stewardship Program. “It’s a great way for landowners and their families to learn more about the importance of protecting the natural features they own.”
Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority
In an effort to prevent the loss of more of southern Ontario’s wetlands, and to restore some of those already lost, DUC and the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) have joined forces to support local landowners with wetland conservation. NVCA and DUC have teamed up to deliver the Ontario Wetland Care program in the Simcoe County area. The two environmental organizations will work together to provide assistance, experience and expertise to landowners and to promote overall wetland care. “The NVCA and DUC partnership will allow us to work together towards a common goal to restore and protect local wetlands,” says DUC provincial manager Jim Brennan. “DUC staff will work closely with the NVCA stewardship team to share DUC’s wetland expertise and to reach a greater number of landowners through a shared program.” “The NVCA looks forward to the opportunity to work with DUC and offer a considerably enhanced range of grants for those landowners who want to promote and enhance wetland conservation,” says Byron Wesson, director of land operations and stewardship services for the NVCA.
DUC welcomes new manager of provincial operations
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On September 8th of last year, DUC welcomed Jim Brennan as the new Provincial Manager for Ontario. Bringing more than fifteen years of professional experience in non-profit sector management, in public affairs and management consulting, and as an aide to two federally elected officials, Brennan is now overseeing all of DUC’s operations throughout the province. Brennan comes to DUC from the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) where he served as their national Director of External Relations for the past five years. In this capacity he managed the Realtor Political Action Committee, lobbied federal officials on real property issues, and managed the network of volunteers in every province and territory. Prior to CREA, Brennan was a private management and public affairs consultant, and served on the staffs of the Hon. Dr. Jon M. Gerrard, former Secretary of State (Science Research & Development) (Western Economic Diversification), and former Toronto area MP, the Hon. Tony Ianno. With a knowledge of real property issues, a volunteer background with DUC, a passion for waterfowling, and a deep interest in wetlands and environmental issues, Brennan was a natural fit as a new member of DUC’s Ontario staff. Jim, his wife Vicki, and daughter Nathalie are currently in the process of relocating from their home in Ottawa to the Barrie area. The entire Ontario and Eastern Region DUC teams welcome Jim, Vicki, and Nathalie to the DUC family. S
DUC helps restore wetland along the Welland River
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The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority hosted the official ribbon cutting of the newly restored wetland at E.C. Brown Conservation Area on Sept. 15, 2008, of which Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) was one of 11 project partners. Along the main channel of the Welland River, 9.3 hectares of land were restored to increase wetland and associated habitat. In addition to helping to filter run-off and reduce sedimentation into the river, improving water quality and clarity and enhancing habitat for spawning fish, reptiles and waterfowl, the recreation and education opportunities made available through trail development and interpretive signage are invaluable. DUC is pleased to have been a partner on this high priority wetland project.S
Last remaining corridor link
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Stretching 160 km from Caledon to Rice Lake near Peterborough, the Oak Ridges Moraine is one of the last remaining continuous green corridors in southern Ontario. Situated within the moraine, Swan Lake is the last remaining corridor link. Ducks Unlimited Canada’s (DUC) interest in this wetland-rich region stems from the four-year conservation partnership with the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation to restore small breeding wetlands throughout this landscape. Containing 65 river systems, the moraine includes a diversity of habitats including forests, grasslands, wetlands, kettle lakes and bogs. It is essential to include a variety of small, medium and large wetlands to support breeding, moulting and staging waterfowl habitats. Small wetlands are harder to protect and are easily lost, which is why projects like Swan Lake and the Oak Ridges Moraine are so important to DUC. Assisting the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, DUC is one of five community partners involved in this project and was on hand to celebrate the acquisition of this significant piece of property in Richmond Hill on Oct. 10, 2008.S
eastern Region (ontario)
The Flyway newsletter is published by Ducks Unlimited Canada Oak Hammock Marsh Conservation Centre P.O. Box 1160, Stonewall, Manitoba R0C 2Z0 tel (204)467-3000 fax (204)467-9028 toll-free 1(800)665-DUCK Please direct your inquiries to the following: Eastern Region Atlantic: Kelly MacDonald Quebec: Bernard Filion Ontario: Lynette Mader Western Region Prairie-Western Boreal: Marci Dube Pacific: Wendy Fister Flyway production staff Director of Communications and Marketing: Madeleine Arbez Editor: Duncan Morrison Assistant: Deb Menard Art Director: Tye Gregg Graphic Designers: Lindsay Pikta-Marie, Aquila Samson, Jeope Wolfe Š Ducks Unlimited Canada, 2009 Printed in Canada on 100% recycled paper including 100% post-consumer fibres
Ontario Area Contacts Director of Regional Operations Eastern Canada, Jamie Fortune (613) 565-2525 Manager of Provincial Operations for Ontario James Brennan (705) 721-4444 Landowner Outreach Lynette Mader
(705) 721-4444
Education Program Coordinator Stephanie Walker (705) 721-4444 Government Relations Julie Cayley
(705) 721-4444
Development
(705) 721-4444
DUC Project Maintenance Rick Robb
(613) 389-0418
Provincial Manager of Event & Volunteer Programs Steve Stinkowji (705) 544-8437
Community partners recognized at celebration of Swan Lake acquisition. (From left to right) Gary Down, Ducks Unlimited Provincial Chair, Debbie Crandall, STORM Coalition, Maria Augimeri, Toronto Ward 9 Councilor and Vice Chair-Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, Brenda Hogg, Deputy Mayor, Richmond Hill, and Brian Denney, CAO, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.
Event & Volunteer Customer Service (613) 389-0418 (866) 389-0418 publication agreement #40064849