Natural Areas Conservation Program Report

Natural Areas Conservation Program

American wigeon: @DUC cover ŠDUC/Andrew McLachlan

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is the leader in wetland conservation. A registered charity, DUC partners with government, industry, other non-profit organizations and landowners to conserve wetlands that are critical to waterfowl, wildlife and the environment.

Executive Summary In 2007, the Government of Canada invested $225 million dollars to habitat conservation in Canada through the Natural Areas Conservation Program (NACP). The purpose of NACP is conserving and securing sensitive habitat across Canada.

O below: ŠDUC/Andrew McLachlan

f the $225 million dollars distributed, The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) was responsible for administering the majority of the funds and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) was responsible for $25 million. NCC is using their NACP funds to conserve a variety of critical and diverse habitats across Canada, while DUC focused on wetland habitat conservation and restoration projects. DUC has completed delivery on its designated portion of the funding, and continues to partner with the NCC to fulfill commitments under the program.

This program is remarkably successful and has proved to be a very effective way at engaging the conservation community in Canada, and allowing our conservation dollars to achieve more through partnerships.

This report outlines details of the NACP, demonstrates why it is such a critical program for Canada, highlights DUC’s accomplishments through NACP between 2007 and 2011, and details notable projects made possible by NACP across Canada. This report does not detail the results of the entire $225 million dollar program. Overall program accomplishments will be reported on at a later date.

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Introduction Canada is losing critical natural habitat at an alarming rate and wetland loss trends are a sobering illustration of this problem. Up to 70 per cent of wetlands have disappeared in southern Canada and the loss continues at a rate of over 80 acres (32 hectares) of wetlands every day. This is equivalent to 45 football fields in 24 hours!

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etland loss creates long-term risks for future generations of Canadians.The impact of losing critical natural habitat such as wetlands extends beyond the wild plants and animals that depend on them. There is an important link between a healthy environment and the overall well-being of the community, both socially and economically.

The more Canadians learn about the essential role wetlands play in their lives, the more they value and demand investment in the conservation and restoration of wetlands and other sensitive habitats.

Natural Areas Conservation Program: Working together to invest in Canada’s natural capital Canada’s natural capital is essential to its long-term social, economic and ecological health and prosperity. The conservation of this natural capital faces significant challenges and there is no single sector or agency adequately resourced to make conservation investments on the Canadian landscape. This is why the Government of Canada and leading conservation organizations like DUC and the Nature Conservancy of Canada recognize the need to work together towards a shared vision.

In 2007, the Government of Canada made a significant commitment to the conservation of natural capital by allocating $225 million dollars through NACP. This five-year program has been delivered in partnership by two of Canada’s largest, most experienced conservation organizations: DUC and NCC. DUC and NCC committed to matching all federal funds at least 1:1, by non-federal sources.

NACP focuses on protecting Canada’s diverse ecosystems, wildlife and habitats by conserving ecologically sensitive lands. In every case, sciencebased planning is used to identify the highest value lands for conservation.

Priority is given to lands that:

natural capital Natural capital includes natural resources, the environment and ecosystem resources (i.e. land and water). Canada’s natural capital is as crucial to the viability of our economy and wealth as our human and manufactured capital (i.e. machinery, real estate). It yields ecological goods and services over time like lumber, water for human health and livelihood, air and water quality, food production and raw materials for manufacturing.

Nature Conservancy of Canada The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is a leading not-for-profit, private land conservation organization, working to protect Canada’s most important natural areas and the species they sustain. Since 1962 NCC and its partners have helped to protect more than 2.6 million acres (1 million hectares), coast to coast. To learn more visit www.natureconservancy.ca

b are nationally or provincially significant; c protect habitat for species at risk and migratory birds; or d enhance connectivity or corridors between existing protected areas, such as National Wildlife Areas, National Parks and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries.

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With NACP funding, DUC protected some of Canada’s most valuable natural capital: wetlands

©DUC/Andrew McLachlan

Goals & Results Natural Areas Conservation Program: 2007-2011 NACP established ambitious goals of conserving 500,000 acres (203,343 hectares) of ecologically sensitive lands.

NCC has administered the $225 million program and continues to use these funds to secure critical habitats across Canada.

Of this larger program total, $25 million was designated for private land conservation efforts by DUC.

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With NACP funding, DUC helped support Canada’s fisheries industry

left: ©DUC/Karli Reimer

For every NACP federal dollar invoiced by DUC, $2.05 was invested by others. That is more than double the 1:1 ratio set out in the NACP program goals.

ACP funds are able to fund direct costs of securing land as well as associated cost for staff, land appraisals, surveys, legal costs, and land transfer fees. Additional eligible expenditures include mandatory project-closing activities like the development of baseline documentation and management plans, necessary capital expenditures, and other related one-time, upfront habitat conservation costs.

DUC efforts focused primarily on critical wetland habitats across Canada.

DUC’s portion of the overall program investment resulted in completion of 434 projects that conserved 126,573.9 acres (51,244.5 hectares) of ecological sensitive lands across Canada (table 1). This was accomplished by employing conservation tools such as land purchase or long-term stewardship agreements (i.e. conservation easements with private landowners).

DUC completed delivery of its original $25 million portion of the program in 2011. This report details DUC’s accomplishments with NACP funding between 2007-2011. During this period, DUC incurred eligible expenses, and invoiced NCC for $25,000,000, of which $1,190,476 (4.8 per cent) was for allowed administrative costs (table 2). NACP funds were matched by $51,320,005 from a variety of partners.This included $23,556,358 of donated land and conservation easements across Canada.

Partners, including landowners, municipalities, provincial governments, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act), contributed 67 per cent of the direct and allowable matching costs of these projects. DUC was able to match every federal dollar with $2.05 – more than double the 1:1 ratio set out in the NACP goals.

This and other DUC contributions to NACP are summarized in table 3.

DUC has provided significant value for our component of the NACP program. With a commitment of 11 per cent of the total NACP funding, DUC and our partners delivered outcomes that achieved over 25 per cent of the NACP’s acreage goal, including 36 per cent of the target for value of donations of land and conservation easements. DUC and our partners also provided over 22 per cent of the match and over 17 per cent of the cash contribution goals of NACP.

table 1 DUC Accomplishments: Value, Method and Location of Land Secured (2007-2011)

Projects Donations of Title Purchase of Title

Area (ac) Value Area (ac) Value Area (ac) Value Area (ac) Value

Area Secured (ac)

Total Land Value

British Columbia

1,879.2

$4,749,500

Alberta

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44.2

$1,529,000

1,478.0

45 1,005.8 $1,733,500

$1,880,500

6,352.7 $6,288,266

Easement Donations

0.0

Easement Purchase

$270,000

357.0

11,324.1 $2,293,318

$1,070,000

6,758.7 $1,414,867 25,441.2 $11,729,951

Saskatchewan 237 319.7 $43,963 20,608.3 $6,504,679 1,224.7 $437,000 44,652.8 $3,127,680 66,805.5 $10,113,322 Manitoba

68

Ontario

27

Quebec

21

Atlantic Provinces

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Totals

0.0

$0 3,193.6 $1,109,689

0.0

$0 13,087.0 $1,249,079 16,280.6 $2,358,768

29.0 $278,000 4,420.0 $2,010,749

0.0

$0

0.0

$0 4,449.0 $2,288,749

7,962.0 $15,460,580

0.0

$0

0.0

$0

8,169.0 $31,089,805

2,526.4

0.0

$0

0.0

$0

3,549.4

207.0 $15,629,225 1,023.0

$1,342,352

$543,530

$1,885,882

434 2,628.7 $20,556,040 46,541.0 $33,797,993 12,548.8 $3,000,318 64,855.5 $6,861,626 126,573.9 $64,215,977

table 2 DUC Expenditures, Partner Contributions and Allowable Matching Funds (2007-2011) Total Other NACP Other NACP NACP Total Land Value Eligable Expenses Matchable Expense Overhead Charge Cost

Partner $ Contribution

NACP NACP Contribution Total Charge

British Columbia

$4,749,500

$1,043,431

$162,741

$111,096

$6,066,768

$3,733,747

$2,221,925

$2,333,021

Alberta

$11,729,951

$2,070,148

$481,196

$308,479

$14,589,774

$8,111,716

$6,169,579

$6,478,058

Saskatchewan

$10,113,322

$2,519,630

$281,154

$276,936

$13,191,042

$7,375,381

$5,538,725

$5,815,661

Manitoba

$2,358,768 $907,562 $127,119 $93,628 $3,487,077 $1,520,881 $1,872,568 $1,966,196

Ontario

$2,288,749

$553,384

$57

$123,293

$2,965,484

$376,322

$2,465,868

$2,589,161

Quebec

$31,089,805

$2,392,413

$10,842

$233,160

$33,726,220

$28,829,864

$4,663,196

$4,896,356

$1,885,882

$339,134

$24,741

$43,883

$2,293,640

$1,372,093

$877,663

$921,546

Atlantic Provinces Totals

$64,215,977 $9,825,702 $1,087,850 $1,190,476 $76,320,005 $51,320,005 $23,809,524 $25,000,000

table 3 Summary of NACP Requirements, DUC Component Goals and Accomplishments (2007-2011) Total NACP funds: $225 million

Per cent of NACP funds allocated to DUC: $25 million (11 per cent of total)

NACP requirements (for overall program) over five years

DUC goals (based on per cent of funds allocated to DUC)

Results delivered by DUC (2007-2011)

Secure 500,000 acres (203,343 hectares) of ecologically significant land across Southern Canada

55,000 acres (22,258 hectares) of ecologically significant land across Southern Canada

126,574 acres (51,223 hectares) secured (25.3 per cent overall program goal)

Negotiate 650 land transactions with property owners

72 land transactions with property owners

434 land transactions with property owners (66.8 per cent overall program goal)

Generate matching funds and in-kind contributions from non-federal sources with a minimum 1:1 ratio

$25,000,000 in matching funds from partners

$51,320,005 in matching funds from a variety of nonfederal partners. (22.4 per cent overall program goal)

With NACP funding, DUC inspired trust in government programs

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Ducks Unlimited Canada a strong nacp partner As a wetland and waterfowl habitat conservation organization, DUC adds value to NACP by focusing on restoring and retaining wetlands and associated ecosystems. DUC takes pride in being an excellent conservation partner and delivery agent for the NACP program, because we are:

Credible – A national leader in wetland conservation For nearly 75 years, DUC has been delivering wetland conservation in Canada.

Our efforts are widely recognized and in a recent poll, 34 per cent of respondents identified DUC as Canada’s top wetland conservation organization. To date, DUC has completed 8,880 habitat projects and has directly conserved 6.2 million acres of wetlands and associated habitat through restoration and retention. DUC has also

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secured 6.2 million acres (2.5 million hectares) of habitat through land purchase, management agreements, conservation easements and leases, and has positively influenced 95 million acres (38 million hectares) of habitat through retention or restoration measures, through partnership or through our policy efforts.

Comprehensive – An innovative mix of programs DUC delivers on-the-ground habitat conservation projects, research, education programs and public policy work to stop wetland loss. DUC programs focus on restoring lost or degraded wetlands, while also working proactively to conserve land in priority areas.

©DUC/Katharine VanSpall

Collaborative – Partnerships maximize conservation gains

Efficient – The highest return on investment

Science-based – Confident, targeted decisions

DUC partners with government, First Nations, the business community, industry groups, other non-profit organizations and landowners to conserve wetlands that are critical to waterfowl, wildlife and the environment. DUC has 144,000 grassroots supporters across the country, including 6,600 volunteers and approximately 18,500 landowners who work in partnership with DUC to conserve habitat.

DUC is a registered charity that employs highly-skilled experts who design and implement conservation programs that deliver the highest return on each conservation dollar. DUC invests more than 87 per cent of all dollars received in habitat conservation, research and education.

As a science-based organization, DUC uses rigorous scientific studies to identify high-priority landscapes where our conservation investments will have the greatest positive impact. Our priority landscapes are identified based on many factors that include: the waterfowl potential of the area; past patterns of wetland loss and future risks of wetland loss.

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page 13

page 11

Grams Land | Alberta

Oyster River | British Columbia

page 15

Touchwood Hills Conservation Ranch | Saskatchewan page 17

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With NACP funding, DUC raised awareness about the value of wetlands

Leafloor Project | Manitoba

2007-2011

NACP Projects Delivered by DUC DUC targeted its investments of NACP funds on these highpriority waterfowl landscapes. In fact, over 96 per cent of the NACP funds expended by DUC were invested in DUC’s level 1 and 2 priority areas: the Prairie Pothole Region (Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba); the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Lowlands (Ontario and Quebec); and along the Pacific coast.

NACP project within DUC priority area

page 27 Northwest Gander River | Newfoundland & Labrador

page 26 Portage Wildlife Management Area | Prince Edward Island

page 23 Ararat & Mount Marsh Projects | New Brunswick

page 25 Abrams River | Nova Scotia page 19

Cook Wetland Project | Ontario

page 21

Lochaber Bay | Quebec

With NACP funding, DUC promoted sustainable development

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British Columbia

project name: oyster river

project date: 2011 project size: 520 acres / 210 hectares The Oyster River conservation complex is made up of two key properties: the Bear Creek Nature Park and Shelter Point Farms.

Long recognized for its value to migrating waterfowl and other wildlife, Shelter Point Farms was protected through a conservation covenant (easement) granted by the Evans family to DUC.The covenant ensures long-term production of traditional agricultural crops like vegetables, grasses and grains, because they are critical food for birds during migration. The covenant also prevents the property from development and subdivision. As one of the largest intact ocean-front farms on Vancouver Island, Shelter Point Farms is a high-profile property within the surrounding community.

Bear Creek Nature Park includes woodland, wetlands and river floodplains upstream from the Oyster River estuary. Teeming with mammals, this property also provides great fish habitat.

Key waterfowl species on both properties include American wigeon, black brant, bufflehead, Canada goose, lesser scaup, mallard, sea ducks, trumpeter swan, green-winged teal and wood duck.

Wetlands provide critical habitat for mammals Many species of mammal depend on wetland habitats for food, cover and/or breeding. These species include muskrat, mink, otter, beaver, rabbits, moose, caribou, wolves and bears. Coastal wetlands also support marine mammals such as harbour seal and sea lions.

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With NACP funding, DUC helped protect species at risk

Wetlands support fisheries “While the global significance of fish as a basic food commodity and a highly valued economic resource is widely appreciated, few people realize that two-thirds or more of all the fish we consume are dependent on coastal wetlands... For example, 75 per cent of the United States’ commercial fish and shellfish stocks depend on estuaries.

These coastal ecosystems themselves depend on freshwater wetlands upstream to maintain water quality and provide the basis for food chains that culminate in human consumption of seafood.”* “More than 35 million Americans take part in recreational fishing, in both freshwater and sea fisheries, spending more than $37 billion (US) each year on their hobby.”** * Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (2011) Wetland ecosystem services factsheet: Wetland products.

Accessed Jan 2012 at www.ramsar.org/pdf/info/ services_07_e.pdf ** Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (2011) Wetland ecosystem services factsheet: Recreation and Tourism.

Accessed Jan 2012 at www.ramsar.org/pdf/info/ services_09_e.pdf

Wetlands provide direct economic benefits It’s estimated the value of all goods and services generated by a single hectare of lower Fraser Valley wetlands (fish, shellfish, waterfowl, wildlife habitat, water supply, erosion, wind and wave barrier, storm and flood control) ranges between $5,792 and $24,330 annually.

brant: ©DUC/Brian Wolitski

In British Columbia, NACP funding was aligned with other DUC partner financing to secure 1,879 acres (760 hectares) of land across a wide range of habitats found in the province including: Aspen Parkland in the Peace Lowlands; floodplain wetlands in the Okanagan Valley and critical estuaries along the coast of the lower mainland and east coast of Vancouver Island. In addition to supporting important west coast fisheries, all of these projects contribute to the goals of NAWMP, and help protect species at risk such as the spadefoot toad and western chat. Lands secured with NACP funds were targeted to areas of highest biological importance and threat of loss. These newlyacquired lands will add to existing government and non-government agency conservation holdings, and will be managed to ensure the ecological goods and services provided by natural lands remain in perpetuity. The NACP program invested $6,066,768 with NACP portion amounting to $2,333,021.

right, black bear: ©Lee Simons/Island Life Photographics

WESTERN CANADA

What I want to do on this farm is be able to take perceived liabilities of wetlands, creeks and streams and turn them into an asset. I’d love to be able to showcase wildlife, wetlands, creeks and streams and actually use that as a drawing card to market people to come on in and become an agri-tourism destination.

I think for us the key thing is it suits our value-added agricultural component. patrick evans, Shelter Point Farms owner Pacific brant and American wigeon are dependent on the conservation of coastal wetlands.

With NACP funding, DUC provided critical wildlife habitat

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Alberta Over the past four years, the NACP program in Alberta invested $14,589,744 of which NACP funding accounted for $6,478,058. NACP program funding was wisely invested in 45 projects in high-priority waterfowl areas of Alberta amounting to the conservation of 25,441 acres (10,300 hectares). The success of the program required the cooperation of landowners, conservation partners, municipalities and North American Waterfowl Management Plan partners.

project name: grams land

project date: 2010 project size: 460 acres / 186 hectares Located 25 kilometres northeast of Wetaskiwin within the Bittern Lake area in central Alberta, the Grams Land project focuses on protecting, restoring, and retaining critical native parkland habitat. The project links in with other wetland conservation projects in the area including Labyrinth Lake, Big Hay Lake, Washing Lake Purchase and Bittern Lake (north).

NACP funding provided DUC with the opportunity to: b restore and protect 63 acres (26 hectares) of 57 drained wetland basins; c convert 301 acres (122 hectares) of cultivated cropland to be managed for nesting cover habitat; d protect, in perpetuity, 34 wetland basins totalling 38 acres (15 hectares) and e protect 56 acres (23 hectares) of native/tame pasture for wildlife habitat.

DUC’s scientists estimate that the wetland restoration activities will attract approximately 61 additional waterfowl pairs to this landscape, boosting local waterfowl populations. This project will also provide other benefits including reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases through the sequestration of carbon.

Wetland conservation makes financial sense Many jurisdictions are finding it less expensive to protect natural capital than to replace it with engineered infrastructure.

In 2009, it was estimated that the natural capital of the Credit River Watershed in Ontario delivers a constant flow of services to society worth at least $371 million per year.

Of this natural capital, “Wetland services were found to be the most valuable in the watershed, returning an annual flow of benefits worth a minimum of $187 million per year.”* New York City has demonstrated that it is cheaper to pay $1-1.5 billion (over 10 years) to protect the watershed (including wetlands) that supplies its drinking water than it is to pay the $6-8 billion dollars (plus $300-500 million in annual operating costs) to build a new water filtration system. Taxpayers’ water bills went up by 9 per cent instead of doubling.** * Kennedy M and Wilson J (2009). Natural Credit: Estimating the Value of Natural Capital in the Credit River Watershed. Accessed Dec 2012 at pubs.pembina. org/reports/natural-credit-report.pdf ** Perrot-Maître D and Davis P (2001). Case Studies of Markets and Innovative: Financial Mechanisms for Water Services from Forests. Accessed Jan 2012 at www.forest-trends.org/documents/files/doc_134.pdf

Wetlands help fight climate change Both peat-forming and mineral wetlands perform the vital function of balancing gases in the atmosphere. Wetlands take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen.

It has been estimated that if the world’s peatlands were all drained, the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmospheric greenhouse would almost triple.

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With NACP funding, DUC maintained and improved water quality

pintail (left), pintail hen (right): ©DUC

PRAIRIES

Above: northern pintail populations are experiencing long-term continental declines. Conservation of wetlands and short grass prairie is a key element to their recovery.

With NACP funding, DUC created jobs

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Saskatchewan left: ©DUC/Chuck Deschamps

Over the past four years, DUC completed 237 projects in high-priority waterfowl areas of Saskatchewan. The NACP contribution of $5,815,661 leveraged a total investment of $13,191,042 towards the conservation actions.

The program conserved 66,806 acres (27,047 hectares) of habitat in key priority landscapes.

project name: Touchwood Hills Conservation Ranch

project date: 2010 project size: 6,400 acres / 2,590 hectares

“…an excellent resource to demonstrate to producers the value of well-managed forage acres, the benefits of enhancing wildlife habitat and wetland protection, and the sustainability that can be achieved through the use of planned grazing systems.”

Janice Bruynooghe, president/Executive Director, Saskatchewan Forage Council

Wetlands help reduce the impacts of floods Science clearly demonstrates that flooding is not solely a function of unexpected soil moisture, precipitation and extreme weather. Flood damages are augmented by human land use decisions such as wetland drainage. Wetlands help reduce flooding by acting as sponges; holding water, then slowly releasing it back onto the land and into the soil.

When wetlands are drained, more land drains downstream forcing water to run rapidly overland, and into ditches and rivers. This makes flooding worse.

According to DUC, research in the Broughton’s Creek watershed in Manitoba shows that wetland drainage since 1968 has increased annual total flows by 62 per cent and peak flows by 37 per cent, and likely contributed to the severity of flooding experienced in 2011 in many parts of the Canadian prairie.

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With NACP funding, DUC invested in rural communities

right: ©DUC

shrike: ©Terry Ross

Results of recent science link wetland drainage to increases in flooding.

cattle: ©DUC/Tye Gregg

This working ranch is just over 100 kilometres northeast of Regina. A spectacular property in the heart of one of Canada’s most impressive waterfowl destinations, the Touchwood Hills Conservation Ranch is one of the largest ranches in the province’s Parkland Region and shows how conservation and cattle ranching can work together. In fact, this site will be used as a demonstration site for agricultural best practices.

Preserving the natural and restored parklands within the Touchwood Hills Conservation Ranch provides many benefits beyond waterfowl production.

The ranch plays a key role in preserving the health of the watershed and diversity of the species that live there including the Prairie loggerhead shrike – a threatened species. Protecting existing wetlands and restoring drained wetlands across this substantial area also helps provide natural flood protection by collecting and storing water from the surrounding landscape during rain or snowmelt.

mallard: ©DUC/Brian Wolitski

PRAIRIES

The threatened Prairie loggerhead shrike (right) relies on the grassland habitat provided by the Touchwood Hills Conservation Ranch

With NACP funding, DUC reduced infrastructure costs

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Manitoba Wetlands support agriculture by storing water for irrigation and stock water and can serve as important host sites for some agricultural activities. Wetlands also help agricultural producers by regulating hydrological processes, thus helping regulate water quantity and quality. This helps reduce the risk and impact from droughts and floods, and ensures that there is reliable and clean water for livestock and people.

project name: leafloor project

project date: 2010 project size: 637 acres / 258 hectares The four quarter sections that make up the Leafloor Project are located 130 kilometres southeast of Brandon near the town of Killarney. The project lies in an area that is locally and regionally important to waterfowl production containing some of the highest numbers of breeding waterfowl in Manitoba.

Land use practices in the area, such as the conversion of pasture to cropland, are resulting in the loss of shrublands, grasslands and associated habitats.

Protection through conservation measures is critical to preserving the ecological integrity and biodiveristy of this region.

In addition to wildlife and human benefits, the Leafloor project contributes to a variety of other environmental initiatives and priorities. The restored and protected grasslands will continue storing carbon, which will lessen the effects of climate change. As well, by protecting and restoring the wetland basins on the property, phosphorus and nitrogen are captured and held within the basins, preventing them from entering downstream water courses and ultimately, Lake Winnipeg.

Wetlands maintain and improve water quality Wetlands filter pollutants (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus, pesticides, heavy metals, pathogens and sediments) out of our water. This protects downstream areas from issues such as algal blooms and sedimentation. Wetlands are also very efficient at removing pathogens, such as coliform bacteria, from our water supply.

“We are strong believers that wildlife and agriculture can co-exist.”

Landowner partners Ken & Marj Leafloor

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right: ©DUC/Karli Reimer

NACP helped conserve 16,280 acres (6,591 hectares) of new habitat on 68 projects in NAWMP target landscapes. NACP also enabled the redistribution of other revenues to restore and manage wetlands, and increase stewardship activities on pasture and hay lands, increasing the total number of acres of habitat secured. The protected habitat not only contributes to wildlife objectives, but also provides benefits to society such as source water protection, carbon sequestration, and flood damage reduction. Relocating some of our funding to other conservation and stewardship programs helped DUC continue our work with cattle and grain producers to improve their farming operations, and increase their environmental service contribution.

Wetlands support agriculture

canvasback hen, meadowlark: ©DUC/Brian Wolitski

NACP was important and timely for DUC conservation programs in Manitoba, as traditional sources of funding sharply declined due to a strengthening Canadian dollar, and the severe downturn in the world economy. NACP helped DUC leverage funds from a variety of new Canadian sources, which increased the Canadian matching funds for our North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP) funding. The DUC habitat conservation program invested $3,487,077, of which $1,966,196 were NACP dollars.

With NACP funding, DUC helped make Canada a leader in conservation

In 1988, Environment Canada estimated that Canada’s wetlands provided $1.35 billion annually in water purification services.

blue-winged teal hen: ©DUC/Darin Langhorst

PRAIRIES

Conservation of permanent wetlands is critical to the successful production of ducklings for waterfowl species like blue-winged teal (right) and canvasback (center).

With NACP funding, DUC helped mitigate climate change impacts

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Ontario

project name: cook wetland project

project date: 2009 project size: 100 acres / 40 hectares Situated in a DUC high-priority area, the Cook Wetland Project is located just north of Belleville and includes a mix of forests and wetlands. As part of the Quinte Conservation’s H.R. Frink Outdoor Education Centre, the property is being used to educate people on the many values of wetlands.

The Frink Outdoor Education Centre is operated by the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board in partnership with the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board. With 13 kilometres of hiking trails, the site is a great place to teach people about wetlands and why they are so important to the health of our communities and environment.The Cook Wetland Project also provides a range of ecological goods and services to people who live in the Moira River watershed. Recent DUC research demonstrated that retaining wetlands provides economic value by maintaining and improving water quality, providing flood control, maintaining natural drainage, and preventing soil erosion.

Wetland conservation creates jobs The Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario recently invested $4.3 million to rehabilitate wetland infrastructure in southern Ontario. Under this Southern Ontario Development program, DUC provided $1.3 million in matching funds. This program improved 5,688 acres (2,301 hectares) of wetland habitat.

From an economic standpoint, the SODP program resulted in the investment of $5.4 million and was directly responsible for creating/retaining 29 jobs. In addition, over 895 people from various organizations worked on this program. This corresponds to 10,612 days of work.

DUC employed many smaller contractors and companies that otherwise would not have been able to access federal infrastructure dollars on their own. It enabled these smaller contractors and suppliers to retain employees and avoid job losses during the slow winter period.

Wetlands improve water quality According to a recent DUC research project, wetlands help solve water quality problems like those seen in Lake Simcoe.

In the 2011 study, A Business Case for Wetland Conservation, DUC and project partners examined the value of wetlands in the Black River subwatershed of the Lake Simcoe basin and identified the economic impacts of wetland loss in a business case scenario.

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With NACP funding, DUC inspired trust in government programs

Black River wetlands currently remove harmful phosphorus from Lake Simcoe and provide almost $300,000 in annual benefits in terms of their role in phosphorus reduction alone. If all of Black River’s remaining wetlands were lost, Lake Simcoe would see a 260 per cent increase in nitrogen loading, contributing to algae blooms that cause beach closures and impact public use of the lake, and an 891 per cent increase in phosphorus loading – the equivalent to dumping 47 tonnes or 220,000 bags of lawn fertilizer into the river every year.

wood duck: ©DUC

Despite best efforts to protect existing wetlands, southern Ontario has lost 72 per cent of its historic wetlands and the threat of more loss persists. The protection of coastal and other significant inland wetlands is critical to maintain the province’s ecological integrity and biodiversity. Since 2007, NACP has influenced the strategic investment of $2,965,484 to permanently protect 27 vitally important wetland and upland habitat projects, totalling 4,449 acres (1,801 hectares) of critical habitat. The NACP investment was $2,589,161.

right (2): photos courtesy of Quinte Conservation

EASTERN CANADA

“The Centre is proud to have participated in the Cook Wetland Project, adding 100 acres (40 hectares) of wetlands to the Frink Centre. Through these conservation programs there is permanent protection of native and naturalized habitat for breeding waterfowl. School programs at the Centre continue to educate youth on the importance of nature, which includes wetlands, and with around 15,000 visitors every year, the Frink Centre welcomes others to come out and appreciate the environmental values preserved on this site.� neville burroughs, president, Friends of the Frink Centre

With NACP funding, DUC provided industry with real conservation solutions

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Quebec

project date: 2011 project size: 1,768 acres / 715 hectares Lochaber Bay is located on the north shore of the Ottawa River. Ranked as one of the top 10 most important wetlands for waterfowl in the province, the area is home to several species at risk including least bitterns, map turtles, northern water snakes and channel darters.

The area is comprised of wetlands, forest, and idle cropland. This diversity of habitats enhances the value of the property. Its forest supports breeding wood ducks, while black duck, mallard, blue-winged teal, northern pintail, ring-necked duck and Canada goose breed throughout the wetlands. The protection of Lochaber Bay positively benefits the fishery because underwater vegetation creates important spawning and nursery areas for popular recreational fish like yellow perch, and northern pike. The wetlands also benefit other wildlife species like great blue heron, muskrat, beaver and deer.

Furthermore, some of the province’s rare amphibians and reptiles call this area home, including the northern leopard frog, northern spring peeper, and snapping and painted turtles.

“The Natural Areas Conservation program of Environment Canada has permitted us to protect so far over 160,000 hectares of ecologically sensitive lands, including 101 endangered species across the country. The wetlands such as those recently acquired at Lochaber Bay, and whose importance outlined today, show another concrete accomplishment aimed at enhancing the biodiversity of our country.”

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Minister of Environment Canada Peter Kent

With NACP funding, DUC reduced impacts from flooding

Treliving J (2009) Top real estate investment tips.

Canadian Real Estate Magazine. Accessed May 2009 at www.canadianrealestatemagazine.ca/news/30760/ details.aspx

In a study of the Credit River Watershed of Ontario, properties within 100 metres of a natural feature were worth $8,010 more per property in South Mississauga and $10,273 per property in North Mississauga.

Kennedy M and Wilson J (2009). Natural Credit: Estimating the Value of Natural Capital in the Credit River Watershed. Accessed Dec 2012 at pubs.pembina. org/reports/natural-credit-report.pdf

Wetlands provide critical habitat for species at risk Wetlands are particularly important for species at risk: “one third of the species at risk listed by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) live in or near wetlands”.* Protecting wetlands in Canada will help the federal government fulfill obligations under the federal Species at Risk Act. * Natural Resources Canada (2009). The Atlas of Canada: Wetlands. Accessed Jan 5 at atlas.nrcan.gc. ca/site/english/learningresources/theme_modules/ wetlands/index.html

leopard frog: ©DUC

Protecting wetlands and other natural areas is essential to the long-term prosperity of a community. Maintaining green space is key to maintaining the quality of life that 21st century families and industries look for when choosing a home base. Proof of the aesthetic value of wetlands is found in the real estate market, where a buyer’s willingness to pay generally increases the closer a property is to water.

heron: ©DUC/Claude Ponthieux

project name: Lochaber Bay

Wetlands attract business and people

green-winged teal: ©DUC/Denis Faucher

NACP activities in Quebec focused on protecting critical wetland habitats with high ecological value for plant and animal life in rural and urban settings. NACP funds allowed DUC to match programs established by le ministère du développement durable de l’environnement et des parcs (MDDEP) and par le ministère des ressources naturelles et de la faune (MRNF). A key benefit of NACP was it enabled the consolidation of conservation actions that had been underway for decades, such as acquisition of Lochaber Bay. In the urban areas around Montreal, NACP enabled DUC to develop a partnership with the City of Montreal to conserve key wetland and river line habitats in Vaudreueil – Dorion and ile Lapierre. The total investments in the NACP program were $33,726,220 with NACP funds accounting for $4,896,356. This investment resulted in 21 projects and the conservation of 8,169 acres (3,307 hectares).

right: ©DUC

EASTERN CANADA

Wetland conservation efforts along the Ottawa River have been underway for 30 years and have protected the majority of high quality wetlands between Ottawa and Plaisance. The NACP funding brings us one step closer to completing the wetland conservation needs in this important waterfowl area.

With NACP funding, DUC reduced greenhouse gases in our atmosphere

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ATLANTIC CANADA In Atlantic Canada, the NACP program resulted in the investment of $2,293,640, with NACP funding accounting for $921,546 of this total. These investments resulted in the conservation of 3,549 acres (1,436 hectares) of priority habitat across Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

Since European settlement in the early 1600s, coastal areas have been substantially altered by diking and draining, resulting in the loss of over 65 per cent of Bay of Fundy salt marshes. DUC takes a science-based approach to maximize the impacts of our conservation efforts, which resulted in the development of focused conservation plans for 12 conservation priority areas that include forested, agricultural and coastal landscapes.

Wetlands support science and discovery Wetlands are complex ecosystems and scientists continue to learn about their intricate ecological processes. For example, there is growing focus on learning more about factors that influence the greenhouse gas balance across a variety of wetland types and regions.

This information aids in better understanding the role wetlands play in climate change mitigation and carbon sequestration.

New Brunswick project date: 2009-2010 project size: 962 acres / 389 hectares

The Ararat and Mount Marshes are located on Gagetown Island in DUC’s Lower Saint John River Conservation Priority Area. In the late 1980s, DUC installed water control structures at both marshes to support breeding and staging waterfowl. The marshes are part of one of North America’s few remaining functional floodplains, which encompasses 52,000 acres (21,044 hectares) of wetland habitat. Seasonal flooding makes the floodplain rich in nutrients and attractive for agriculture production. Over the past 350 years, wetland drainage has been common practice. In recognition of its value, the Lower Saint John River was designated by the Province of New Brunswick as a Provincial Wildlife Management Area. Twenty-two per cent of the area’s wetlands are managed by DUC. The fertility and diversity of the Ararat and Mount Marshes make them one of the most important areas for wildlife within the lower St. John River floodplain. There are typically 2,000 waterfowl using the marshes as staging areas during the fall. These areas are also extensively used by osprey, bald eagles and Eastern painted turtles.There is also a trail system surrounding the wetlands and throughout the upland forested areas, which local community members actively enjoy.

Ararat and Mount Marsh were originally owned by the Campbell Family, long-time DUC supporters. Duncan Campbell wanted to see the land conserved, commenting that “it’s time for us to pass it on,” and “I know Ducks Unlimited will protect it.”

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With NACP funding, DUC created opportunities for youth

Protecting wetlands maintains natural drainage and water storage systems helping avoid the need for expensive storm sewer construction. “…our traditional reliance on water control structures like dams may not be enough. Now is the time to rethink the role of wetlands as the original, natural form of storing water in watersheds and landscapes and reducing the effects of downstream flooding. Having drained many wetlands over the past century, we have reduced natural storage and other benefits those wetlands provide, and at the same time, added strain to our water control structures and other flood management systems.”

Recent statement by Dr. John Pomeroy, Canada Research Chair in Water Resource and Climate Change, University of Saskatchewan.

right (4): ©DUC

project name: Ararat and Mount Marsh Projects

Wetlands maintain natural drainage

Wetlands like the Ararat Marsh (above) in the floodplain of the lower Saint John River (right) are often flooded to depth of nine feet (three metres) in spring, increasing their value to fish species, as well as painted turtles (centre) and osprey (far right).

With NACP funding, DUC created recreational opportunities

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ATLANTIC CANADA

Nova Scotia project name: Abrams river

project date: 2011 project size: 56 acres / 23 hectares DUC was able to protect 827 acres (335 hectares) of habitat in Nova Scotia through the purchase of several properties, including Abrams River within the Yarmouth Conservation Priority Area. This significant coastal habitat is an important migration, staging and wintering area for waterfowl species including black ducks, common eider, common goldeneye, Canada geese and Atlantic brant. The area also provides critical habitat for many other non-waterfowl bird species such as herons, cormorants and shorebirds like the endangered piping plover.

This landscape is one of the most productive waterfowl areas in Nova Scotia but faces many threats including disturbances from aquaculture, lobster fishing and increased development. Protecting this landscape ensures the conservation of waterfowl and wildlife and provides a variety of recreational opportunities for birdwatchers, hunters, and others. Protection of wetlands in this area may also help reduce flooding from storm surges and sea level rise.

Wetlands provide recreational opportunities Wetlands are popular destinations for many recreational activities, such as bird watching, photography, canoeing, swimming, hiking and skating. All of these activities contribute to our gross domestic product: In 1988, Environment Canada estimated that non-consumptive recreation, fishing and hunting associated with Canada’s wetlands contributed $4 billion to the Canadian economy.* Wetlands help support the $1.5 billion British Columbians spend annually on outdoor activities in natural areas, including $302 million annually on wildlife viewing, $329 million for recreational fishing and $112 million for hunting.** * Environment Canada (1998). Wetlands of Canada.

National Wetlands Working Group, Canada Committee on Ecological Land Classification (Ottawa).

common eider: ŠDUC/Denis Faucher

** Environment Canada (2000). The Importance of Nature to Canadians: The Economic Significance of Nature-Related Activities. Accessed Jan 2012 at www.ec.gc.ca/Publications/default.asp?lang=En&xml =B4A93DCC-B23E-44AD-A18D-6CBC77063C3E

Salt marshes provide critical protection for adjacent areas from storm surges. The frequency and intensity of storm surge events is expected to increase over the coming century making conservation of these coastal features increasingly important.

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With NACP funding, DUC inspired others to conserve our natural resources

Prince Edward Island project name: Portage Wildlife Management Area project date: 2010 project size: 52 acres / 21 hectares

Hollis McFadyen started transforming his Portage farm into a wildlife sanctuary in the 1970s. Building walkways and catwalks around and over his wetlands, Hollis focused on connecting people with nature. In 1985, Hollis brought DUC on board to help restore and enhance several additional wetlands on his property.

The property’s high waterfowl and wildlife value is due to its many freshwater wetlands, small beaver ponds and salt marshes along the Percival River.

It is considered vital habitat for a great variety of plants and animals including black ducks, green-winged teal, wood ducks, ring-necked ducks, osprey, American bald eagles, woodcock and great horned owls and was designated as the Portage Wildlife Management Area by the provincial government in 2001.

Following Hollis’ passing in 2009, family members asked DUC to carry on his legacy. Recognizing the value of this property, DUC used NACP funds to purchase the wetland complex and wildlife sanctuary in 2010. This is part of the Prince Edward Island conservation priority area.

Wetlands are hotspots for biodiversity Wetlands provide a broad range of habitats, transitioning from wet meadows to riparian areas to open water. This diversity supports the varied life forms found in and around wetlands. Thousands of species of plants and animals, including species at risk, use wetlands during some part of their life cycle.

“Alarmingly, the role of wetlands as reservoirs of biodiversity is under siege.

The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment found that damage to and loss of wetlands is more rapid than that of other ecosystems. As a result, species dependent on both freshwater and coastal wetland are declining faster than those reliant on other ecosystem types.”

eagle: ©DUC

Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (2011). Wetland ecosystem services factsheet: Reservoirs of biodiversity.

Accessed Jan 5 at www.ramsar.org/pdf/info/ services_06_e.pdf

Bald eagles (above) benefit from the conservation of P.E.I.’s Portage Wildlife Management Area.

With NACP funding, DUC helped make agriculture more sustainable

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ATLANTIC CANADA

Newfoundland & Labrador project name: Northwest Gander River

project date: 2009 project size: 668 acres / 270 hectares

During wet seasons wetlands act like giant sponges, soaking up excess rain, snow and surface waters. Then in drier seasons, wetlands slowly release their stored waters into aquifers, many of which act as community water supplies.

When wetlands are gone, it is difficult – if not impossible – to replace this water supply function.

In 2004, it was estimated that it would cost almost $300,000 to replace the water supply service provided by a single acre of wetland in Massachusetts.*

Wetlands provide critical habitat for fish Canada made a commitment to nonet-loss of fisheries habitat to support healthy fin and shell fish populations.

Healthy wetlands are essential in maintaining fish populations. Wetlands provide fish with critical spawning and nursery areas, maintain stream flows during dry seasons and produce nutrients that enrich entire watersheds. Wetland plants provide the protection that juvenile fish populations need to escape predators.

Furthermore, estuaries and their asso-

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ciated coastal wetlands provide vital transition zones between fresh and salt water for migrating fish.

Helping protect Atlantic Salmon DUC invested NACP dollars in projects that benefit Atlantic salmon and other important recreational game fish. In Eastern Canada, some populations of Atlantic salmon are already extinct, while others are endangered or threatened.

With NACP funding, DUC improved Canadians’ quality of life

“If we fail to protect forests and wetlands, if we do not manage soils with precaution, water will disappear. We can build all the water pipes and treatment plants we want; there will be nothing to drain or clean.”** * Olweiler N (2004). The Value of Natural Capital in Settled Areas of Canada. Accessed Jan 2012 at www. ducks.ca/aboutduc/news/archives/pdf/ncapital.pdf ** Statement adopted by the Ministerial Declaration Environmental Meeting of the G7/G8 Countries, April, 2003. Cited in the Environmental News Network, June 11, 2003.

ring-necked duck, Canada goose: ©DUC

Wetlands help recharge water supplies

black duck: ©DUC/Denis Faucher

The Northwest Gander River land donation includes two privately-held properties located in central Newfoundland. Locally known as Long Island (338 acres, or 137 hectares) and the Narrows property (300 acres, or 121 hectares), the two sites are located along the Northwest Gander River near Glenwood. This land donation is unique because only two per cent of Newfoundland’s rural landscape is privately owned.

Long Island is a mainly wooded area and the Narrows property is idle agricultural land that has been out of production since the 1970s. Sections of both properties flood during wet springs so their soils are very fertile relative to other parts of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The area is important habitat to breeding black ducks, ring-necked ducks and Canada geese. The river system is also used by Atlantic salmon, an important recreational game fish.

Right: the conservation of wetlands is critical to breeding black ducks, ring-necked ducks and Canada geese throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

With NACP funding, DUC improved Canadians’ economic well-being

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Conclusion

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With NACP funding, DUC engaged others in government programs

left: ©DUC/Tye Gregg

T

his report highlights many of the projects that DUC delivered with their portion of NACP funding. We are proud to be a partner in this excellent program, and are very pleased to have exceeded most program expectations.

This report also illustrates the efficiencies in the partnership approach taken with the NACP. DUC thanks NCC for their vital role in moving this program forward. DUC looks forward to continued collaboration with NCC as we help invest the remaining balance of NACP funds and work toward new and innovative conservation partnerships in the future.

Despite great strides taken with NACP, there is still much work to be done because Canada’s natural areas continue to be lost and compromised at an alarming rate. Securing Canada’s future will require continued and dedicated participation of government, non-government organizations, industry and other stakeholders alike.This work will require ongoing funding support from the Government of Canada through the continuation of programs like NACP. In the June 2, 2011 Throne Speech, the Government of Canada stated the intention to “engage a broad range of stakeholders on the development of a National Conservation Plan, to move our conservation objectives forward and better connect all Canadians with nature.” DUC sees this as an opportunity to maximize the benefits of conservation efforts in Canada and see programs like NACP as being a critical component of such a plan.

By further developing Canada’s commitment to conservation through strategic investment in programs like NACP, we believe Canada is poised to become the world leader in conservation. DUC welcomes the opportunity to work with government and other stakeholders to help make that vision a reality.

lesser scaup: ©DUC/Brian Wolitski

The Government of Canada is to be commended for leadership, and commitment to conservation through its contributions to NACP. NACP enabled conservation of critically important habitat throughout the most pressured landscapes in southern Canada.

With NACP funding, DUC engaged landowners and partners across the country to advance Canada’s conservation efforts.

Audit of Ducks Unlimited Canada’s NACP Investments The financial information presented in this report has been derived from the complete financial statements of Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) for the fiscal years 2008, 2009 and 2010. After auditing DUC’s financial statements for these years, KPMG reported – without reservation – that these statements fairly represented, in all material respects, the financial position of the organization for these years.

In addition, KPMG conducted an independent compliance audit of the expenditures undertaken by DUC (net of related third-party revenue) from the inception of the Natural Areas Conservation Program (NACP) in 2007 until June 30, 2010. KPMG has examined expenses (net of related external or third-party revenue) applied to the NACP by DUC with the program conditions and guidelines set out in the NACP Agreement between Environment Canada and the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC); and the Agreement between the Nature Conservancy of Canada and DUC. KPMG has reported that DUC is in compliance, in all material

mallards: ©DUC/Brian Wolitski

back cover: ©DUC/Darin Langhorst

respects, with the criteria established by the agreement.

With NACP funding, DUC delivered results

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Sound science

Visionary support

Wetlands for all Canadians

industry experts, and ground-breaking studies

144,000 grassroots supporters, including 6,600 volunteers

8,880 habitat projects 6.2 million acres of habitat conserved through restoration and retention

partnerships with government, industry, and landowners

clean water and reduced flooding habitat for wildlife

lessen climate change impacts

500 annual communitybased events

a healthier environment for us all

Ducks Unlimited Canada, a conservation leader for more than 70 years, connects Canadians to nature and a healthier world.

Learn more at ducks.ca Jamie Fortune Acting CEO, Ducks Unlimited Canada 1-800-665-3825

JW/PG/500/0212

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