eastern region (ontario)
VOLUME 32, NUMBER 3, 2011
Migrating waterfowl benefit from seasonally flooded farm field
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Ken Bokor is serious about farming. He also recognizes the management practices he use can have other sustainability benefits. Bokor was among the first landowners to participate in a water quality and biodiversity program within the Rondeau Bay watershed. Soon he was suggesting one of his own ideas to Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC). Bokor owns land on the Rondeau Bay in Chatham-Kent, Ontario, where he uses a reservoir to collect excess water from his fields and then pumps it back into the bay. Bokor however, leaves six lowlying acres flooded until early April. These acres are then drained and cropped as part of the normal farming cycle. Delaying the pumping of the drainage reservoir, Bokor creates a significant benefit to early migrating wildfowl. While the bay may still be covered with ice, the shallow water in the fields can be full of invertebrates and other food. The flooded area is an attractive feeding area for thousands of ducks, geese and tundra swans. “What is really surprising is the huge numbers of diving ducks, like redheads and canvasbacks, using this shallow field in the spring. You would never see them in the fields in the fall,” says Bokor. “Delaying the drainage does not have any negative effects on my farm’s production, and I thoroughly enjoy seeing these thousands of spring birds on my field.”
There are extra costs to Bokor for providing the benefits and DUC worked with him to find ways to help offset those expenses. The project was completed in the fall of 2010 and was supported by funding from Species at Risk Farm Incentive Program, Stewardship Kent and DUC. “Rondeau Bay is part of a key waterfowl staging area in southern Ontario and when I saw pictures of Ken’s property, I was thrilled to see so many ducks using this flooded field,” says Dave McLachlin, DUC biologist. “I knew immediately we had to meet and see how DUC could work with Ken to develop a low-maintenance sustainable way of keeping the water on his field during that crucial early migration period. Ken is a keen waterfowler and conscientious conservationist who created an important opportunity for early birds to use his flooded corn stubble field.” Across southern Ontario there are a large number of farm properties using similar drainage and pumping systems. The landowners can make major contributions to migrating waterfowl by simply altering their management schemes at critical times until the birds pass through. S When Ken Bokor delays pumping the water from his seasonally flooded farm field, he is creating a significant benefit to early migrating wildfowl. Photo by Greg Dunn.
Making strides in Ontario’s land use policies, but still a long way to go.
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Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) needs your help to stop wetland loss. As Ontario voters head to the polls on October 6, 2011 make sure your MPP and local candidates understand that wetlands are vital to the health of Ontario, and that you’ll be voting for wetlands. Discuss the need to protect wetlands through effective land use policies and encourage candidates to make wetland protection a priority in their campaign. In Ontario, land use policies are the single-most important policy tool used to protect wetlands on the ground. These policies set the ground rules for how land is used and to what extent wetlands and other natural areas are conserved. In Ontario DUC’s policy team is actively engaged to influence land use policies. “We are continuing to advance the Ducks Unlimited Canada message on the urgent need to stop wetland loss,” says Julie Cayley, manager policy and government relations, Ontario. “With the support of sound science, like DUC’s Southern Ontario Wetland Conversion Analysis, and economic valuations of wetland ‘services’ to society, we see this
message beginning to take hold, but we still have a long road ahead of us.” In the last year, DUC Ontario has made great strides forward. Ontario’s policy team was instrumental in establishing a collaborative of leading conservation organizations to participate in the review of the 2005 Provincial Policy Statement (PPS). This critical document sets minimum standards for natural heritage protection in the province. DUC also participated in the Planning for Sustainability collaborative, where a group of 34 non-governmental organizations submitted comprehensive recommendations to improve wetland protection in the province. DUC continues to support local land use planning at the municipal level. The organization is providing direct input to influence the wetland-related policies of more than 25 municipalities that overlap with DUC’s highest priority habitat areas for waterfowl. S
Nest box survey winners announced
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DUC implemented its very first landowner nest box project in 1974, and today, there are more than 7,000 nest boxes associated with wetland conservation projects across Ontario. More than 2,700 nest boxes are inspected and maintained by private landowners each year. As part of the Nest Box Maintenance program, landowners complete and submit annual monitoring survey sheets. The data collected helps DUC determine the success of the program. Landowners who returned their completed Nest Box Maintenance Program survey card before the April deadline were entered into a draw. This year’s draw winners are: 1st Prize: Choice of a DUC print Greg Rapson – Coldwater Greg is an avid, lifelong outdoorsman and Ferrier. He and his wife Jean own a farm near Coldwater, ON where DUC completed a 35-acre wetland restoration project in 1996. DUC replaced an old beaver dam with a new earthen dam, water control Greg and Jean Rapson (and dog structure and spillway, and installed Remington) with their DUC print 14 nest boxes around the project. Congratulations to the winners and our thanks to all program participants for your continued efforts in supporting this critical program!
DUC FM, Dave Bishop (left) presents David Paterson his Taber Widgeon decoy
2nd Prize: Taber Widgeon Decoy David Paterson – north of Oshawa Dave Paterson knows the value and benefits of restoring wetlands. DUC restored a drained wetland at his family’s home within the Oak Ridges Moraine, in 1988. More recently, DUC helped improve the overall wetland function at the family’s golf course north of Oshawa, ON. Earthen berms and and water control structures were installed on the course to help redirect the water flow. Nest boxes also placed around the two properties.
3rd Prize: Duck Factory #1 wall clock Tim Trustham – Campbellford Tim, a planning ecologist for Quinte Conservation, inspects the wood duck nest boxes he placed on a DUC project located on his grandmother’s property, near Campbellford, ON. Earthen berms and water control structures were built in 2008. Several Tim Trustham (left) accepts prize nest boxes were also installed around the 13 acre wetland to help provide from Conservation Specialist, safe sites for nesting waterfowl. S Chris Delage
eastern region (ontario)
DUC secures significant property in the Kawarthas
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The Kawartha Lakes region near Peterborough is an important southern Ontario stopover for migrating waterfowl. The extensive collection of winding rivers, inland lakes, marshes and scenic farmland provide important spring and fall staging habitat for migrating waterfowl. By joining forces with individuals, governments and other conservation organizations, Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is building capacity for wetland conservation, and our two most recent land acquisitions in the Kawartha Lakes region are no exception. Emily Creek Property Ducks Unlimited Canada recently helped the Kawartha Heritage Conservancy acquire a 715-acre property. Members of the Emily Creek Hunt Club, a private hunt club operating there since the 1930’s, donated the land. “Emily Creek is one of the largest, most significant wetland habitats in the Kawarthas area of central Ontario. Without the very supportive relationship of our friends at Ducks Unlimited, we would not have been able to receive this donation,” says Mike Hendren, executive director of Kawartha Heritage Conservancy. “The property has a great heritage of hunting, friendship and protection of the natural environment by the members of the Emily Creek Hunt Club and we look forward to honoring their spirit into the future.” Emily Creek is part of a larger 6,425-acre Provincially Significant Wetland complex and Area of Natural and Scientific Interest. The water levels are regulated by nearby Sturgeon Lake as part of the Trent-Severn Waterway. “The long-term securement of the Emily Creek property will help ensure that this wetland complex continues to provide for the bioenergetic and social needs of migratory, molting and breeding waterfowl,” says Jim Brennan, DUC manager of provincial operations. “It is an excellent example of like-minded individuals and organizations working together to conserve and protect Ontario’s wetlands.” Important to waterfowl and other wetland-dependent species, the area is attracting attention from the conservation community. The Ministry of Natural Resources, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters and a private landowner, with whom DUC secured a 25-year conservation agreement, currently own adjacent properties.
Buckley Lake Buckley Lake is a large inland marsh located between the Kawartha Lakes and Rice Lake near Peterborough, Ontario. Ducks Unlimited Canada recently acquired the 758-acre property through purchase and partial donation, securing this important staging habitat for spring and fall migrating waterfowl. The marsh was drained in the early 1900s to excavate marl deposits for cement fabrication at a nearby factory in Lakefield. The mining stopped in the 1940s and the property remained fairly dry. Beavers began colonizing the site in the 1960’s and building a dam along the marsh outlet. The water levels soon began to rise naturally. DUC and several landowners worked together to construct an earthen dike and install a water control structure in 1984. The structure provided better water management and wetland habitat capabilities to meet the needs of waterfowl and other wildlife inhabiting the wetland. The project now contains a wide variety of habitat including deep open water, flooded shrub and forest. The property is also being considered to host outdoor excursions for DUC’s youth education program, Project Webfoot, and other local school environmental programs. These two significant property acquisitions would not have been possible without the passion and determination of the late Scott Muir, former head of DUC Ontario’s Land Securement program. “A waterfowl biologist and key member of the DUC team for 23 years, Scott was well respected for his knowledge, experience and most importantly his honest and direct approach,” says Jim Brennan, DUC manager of provincial operations. “Scott’s efforts were instrumental in DUC’s securement of these two significant properties, now protected long into the future.” S
Saying goodbye, after 30 years with Ducks!
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After three decades, six different job titles, and seven managers, Rick Haigh is saying farewell and retiring from Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC). Haigh joined the organization in 1981 as an administrative assistant. He rose through the company and retires as the head of finance and administration in the province. “Rick’s 30-year contribution to DUC has been nothing short of remarkable,” says Jim Brennan, manager of provincial operations. “And his departure from the Ontario team will create a void that won’t be easily filled.” Haigh was involved with the implementation of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan’s (NAWMP) first projects, playing a critical role in developing its tracking mechanisms. More recently, he played a key role in delivering DUC’s 2010 federal rebuild program in Ontario. This major investment to rehabilitate 58 of Ontario’s most significant wetland conservation projects used a combination of federal infrastructure and NAWMP partner funding. Haigh’s first-hand knowledge of most, if not all of these projects, his experience, and his enthusiasm were essential for completing this enormous undertaking. “I think of the positive impact that DUC has made to Ontario’s landscape, almost a million acres of wetlands and uplands under agreement, and that’s what has kept me excited, motivated and showing up for work these past 30 years,” Haigh says, reflecting on his time with the company. “There have been many changes in the last three decades, but one thing has remained constant—the dedication and supreme effort put forth by all who have been associated with this organization. From volunteers and directors, to the many staff that have come and gone during this time, we could not have accomplished everything that we have done without the efforts of these people, and I thank them all for their dedication and support.” Haigh has also been a tireless volunteer with the organization. He has been involved with fund raising committees and events in both Barrie and Kingston for close to 25 years. In addition to a buying a house full of DUC merchandise, Haigh is a DUC Sponsor in Perpetuity. 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: Krista Elliott Quebec: Bernard Filion Ontario: Joanne Barbazza Western Region British Columbia: Wendy Thatcher Flyway production staff Communications and Marketing Director: Sandy Gousseau Assistant: Debbie Menard Manager Creative Services: Lindsay Pikta-Marie Graphic Designers: Christa Edwards, Aquila Samson, Jeope Wolfe © Ducks Unlimited Canada, 2011 Printed in Canada on 100% recycled paper including 100% post-consumer fibres
Ontario Area Contacts Director of Regional Operations Eastern Canada, Mark Gloutney (613) 565-5294 Manager of Provincial Operations Jim Brennan (705) 721-4444 Conservation Programs Owen Steele
(705) 721-4444
Landowner Programs Lynette Mader
(705) 721-4444
Education Programs Stephanie Walker
(705) 721-4444
Policy and Government Relations Julie Cayley (705) 721-4444 Fundraising Development Aaron Everingham James D. Lee
(705) 738-9929 (647) 345-3223
Eastern Region Events & Volunteer Programs Steve Stinkowji (705) 544-8437 Event & Volunteer Customer Service (613) 389-0418 (866) 389-0418 Communications and Marketing Joanne Barbazza (705) 721-4444 publication agreement #40064849