WATERSHED - Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority

CONSERVATION
North Saugeen River
WATERSHED
REPORT CARD
2008
Average Grades
B
C
B
A
Forest Conditions
Wetland Conditions
Surface Water Quality
Groundwater Quality
A WATERSHED REPORT CARD is a document which outlines the
general state of forest, wetland, surface water and groundwater
resources of a particular river and its watershed. Data for this
Report Card cover a five year period from 2002 - 2006.
The North Saugeen River Watershed
The North Saugeen
River is a tributary of
the main Saugeen
River. It drains 269
square kilometres of
predominantly
agricultural and
forested land. The
river is approximately
52 kilometres in length with an average gradient of 3 metres per
kilometre. Tributaries of the North Saugeen River include Negro
Creek, Hamilton Creek and numerous unnamed smaller creeks.
Communities within the watershed include Holland Centre,
Williamsford, Mooresburg, Scone, and Chesley.
The majority of the North Saugeen watershed lies within two
physiographic regions of the Horseshoe Moraines and the Saugeen
Clay Plain. Till moraines, spillways, and drumlins are evident in
the eastern end of the watershed while clay plains are the
predominant feature from Chesley to the mouth of the river
(where it enters the Main Saugeen River north of Paisley).
There are a number of natural ponds and lakes that exist in this
drainage basin, the largest of which are the Robson Lakes and
McCullough Lake.
LEGEND
Benthic
Surface Water Quality
Benthic and Surface Water Quality
Groundwater Monitoring
Wooded Areas
Evaluated Wetlands
Watercourses
N
2
Lake
Huron
What is a Watershed?
A watershed is an area of land that drains into a river
or stream. The boundary of a watershed is based on
elevation or the natural contours of the land.
GRADE DESCRIPTION
A = Excellent ecosystem conditions. Some protection and
enhancement may be required.
B = Good ecosystem conditions. Some areas may require
enhancement and/or improvements.
C = Ecosystem conditions that warrant general improvements.
D = Poor ecosystem conditions. Overall improvements necessary.
F = Degraded ecosystem. Conditions in need of considerable
improvement.
Report Card Notes: The observed conditions in this watershed
have been summarized and a grade assigned based on
indicators developed by Conservation Ontario. The purpose of
the watershed report card process is to encourage consistent
reporting of a standardized set of environmental indicators by all
Conservation Authorities in the Province of Ontario.
The North Saugeen River Watershed
WATERSHED INFORMATION
Groundwater Aquifer Sources
Area
Salina Formation, Guelph Formation,
Amabel Formation
269 sq. km
Municipalities
Municipality of West Grey, Municipality of
Arran-Elderslie, Township of Chatsworth,
Municipality of Grey Highlands
Physiography
34% till moraine, 28% spillway, 22% till
plain (drumlinized), 10% clay plain, 1%
sand plain, 1% drumlin, 1% peat and muck,
1% water, 1% till plain (undrumlinized)
Soils
65% medium to moderately fine loam,
11% organic material, 9% silty clay, 5%
fine to moderately coarse sandy loam, 4%
other (may include small percentages of
alluvium, breypan, bottomlands etc), 2%
silty loam, 2% clay loam, 1% coarse sandy
loam and loamy sand
Stream Flow (mean)
mean annual flow - 4.6 cubic
metres per second (cms)
Woodlot Size
Large forested areas exist that include forest
interior in the central watershed area.
Stream Flow (low) *
7Q10 flow1 - 0.82 cms
7Q20 flow2 - less than 20 years of data
Land Use
51% agriculture; 41% forested;
1% urban
Provincially
Significant Natural
Areas
Life Science Areas of Natural
and Scientific Interest Kinghurst Forest, Kinghurst
West, Beaverdale Fen, Lily Oak
Forest, Robson Lakes
Rare Species (obtained from the National Heritage
Information Centre (NHIC) Website)
Dams
In total there are 12 dams in the watershed of
which 9 are considered large dams (greater
than 3 metres in height).
Milk Snake, Massassauga Rattle Snake, Eastern Ribbon Snake,
Hungerford’s Crawling Beetle, Common Map Turtle, Golden
Redhorse, Hart’s Tongue Fern, Ebony Boghaunter, Red-shouldered
Hawk, Eastern Red Damsel, Schweinitz’s Sedge, Prairie White Fringed
Orchid
Sewage Treatment
Facilities
Chesley
Common Map Turtle
Ebony Boghaunter
*
1
7Q10 - the lowest mean flow for seven consecutive days that has a 10-year recurrence interval period, or a 1 in 10 chance of occurring in any one year.
2
7Q20 - the lowest mean flow for seven consecutive days that has a 20-year recurrence interval period, or a 1 in 20 chance of occurring in any one year.
3
FOREST
CONDITIONS
The North Saugeen River Watershed
INDICATORS
GRADE
% of
AREA
INDICATOR DESCRIPTION
Forest Cover
A
41.2
Forest cover is the percentage of forest within the watershed. Environment Canada suggests
that 30% forest cover is the minimum needed to support healthy wildlife habitat.
Forest Interior
A
12.3
Forest Interior refers to the protected core area found inside a woodland. It is the sheltered,
secluded environment away from forest edges and open habitats.
Environment Canada recommends that 10% of a watershed should be interior forest cover.
Riparian Cover
C
43
CONDITIONS
SURFACE WATER
QUALITY
EVALUATED WETLAND
AVERAGE GRADE
Grade B indicates good ecosystem conditions. Some areas may require enhancement and/or
improvements.
Wetland Cover
D
5.9
Wetland Cover is the percentage of existing wetland in a watershed.
Environment Canada suggests that 10% wetland cover is the minimum required for a
healthy watershed.
Wetland Buffer
C
56.7
A Wetland Buffer is the vegetated area adjacent to a wetland. Buffers are important to the
maintenance of wetland functions. Environment Canada suggests that wetlands should
have a minimum 100 metre buffer with 100% vegetation.
AVERAGE GRADE
C
INDICATORS
GRADE
RESULT
Benthic
Invertebrates
(FBI)
A
3.76
Benthos or benthic macroinvertebrates are large bottom dwelling insects, crustaceans, worms,
mollusks, and related aquatic animals that live in watercourses. They are good indicators of water
quality responding quickly to environmental stressors, such as pollutants. The Family Biotic Index
(FBI) scores provide stream health information and values range from 1 (healthy) to 10
(degraded).
Total Phosphorus
B
(mg/L)
0.03
Total phosphorus is indicative of nutrient levels within a watercourse. Excess phosphorus
stimulates the growth of aquatic plants and algae and may result in unhealthy stream conditions.
The Provincial Water Quality Objective is 0.03 mg/L.
57
E. coli originate from the wastes of warm blooded animals, including humans, livestock, wildlife,
pets and waterfowl. The Ontario Recreational Water Quality Guidelines suggest that waters
with less than 100 CFUs/100 ml are safe for swimming.
E. coli (Colony
Forming Units)
B
Nitrite + Nitrate
Chloride
(CFU/
100ml)
B
AVERAGE GRADE
GROUNDWATER
QUALITY
B
Riparian Cover is the percentage of forested habitat along a waterway.
Environment Canada suggests that at least 75% of stream length should have 30 metre
forested buffers.
A
A
AVERAGE GRADE
0.16
(mg/L)
Grade C indicates ecosystem conditions that warrant general improvements.
INDICATOR DESCRIPTION
Grade B indicates good ecosystem conditions. Some areas may require enhancement and/or
improvements.
Nitrates are present in water through the decomposition of plant or animal material, the presence of
fertilizers, domestic sewage or treated wastewater as well as geological formations containing soluble
nitrogen compounds. The Ontario Drinking Water Standard for nitrite + nitrate is 10 mg/L.
(mg/L)
While chloride can be naturally occurring, the presence of elevated levels may indicate
contamination from road salt, industrial discharges, or landfill leachate. The Ontario Drinking
Water Standard for chloride is only for aesthetic purposes with an objective of 250 mg/L.
A
Grade A indicates excellent ecosystem conditions. Some protection and enhancement may be
required.
8.8
Surface water data used for this interpretation were obtained through the
Provincial Water Quality Monitoring Network (PWQMN), the Ontario
Benthos Biomonitoring Network (OBBN) and Saugeen Conservation's
water quality monitoring network. Data used were from 2002 to 2006.
Groundwater data used for this interpretation were obtained through the
Provincial Groundwater Monitoring Network (PGMN). To date only four
4
annual samples have been taken from each of the two wells in this
watershed. These wells monitor four aquifers. It should be noted that
groundwater aquifers do not conform to watershed boundaries but rather
flow in an east to west direction through the watershed. These scores give
a general determination of water quality in the area.
WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?
FOREST CONDITIONS
With an average grade of ‘B’ for forest conditions, the North Saugeen River
Watershed exceeds the Environment Canada guidelines of 30% forest cover. This
watershed has large forested areas in the central portion and scores an ‘A’ grade for forest
interior. Riparian cover could be improved. It falls short of the guidelines on many sections
of the river.
EVALUATED WETLAND CONDITIONS
This report card summarizes the conditions of ‘evaluated wetlands’ only. With 5.9%
wetland cover this watershed scores a ‘D’ grade. The presence of wetlands in the lower
end of the watershed is lacking. Land use in this section is predominantly agricultural. With
a grade of ‘C’ wetland buffers need to be increased.
SURFACE WATER QUALITY
This watershed scores an average grade of ‘B’ for water quality. Benthic scores range from 3.27 to 4.33 resulting in an ‘A’ grade, while
total phosphorus meets the water quality objective of 0.03 mg/L. Total phosphorus should be reduced in the watershed. E. coli is below the
recreational guideline but counts do increase after storm events.
GROUNDWATER QUALITY
The groundwater quality in the two wells in this area is excellent. The wells monitor one overburden aquifer and three bedrock
aquifers. There have been exceedences of the Ontario Drinking Water Standards for sodium during this study period.
SUGGESTIONS FOR A BETTER WATERSHED
1)
Improve riparian cover. Create buffers or riparian
systems along the North Saugeen’s main waterway and its smaller
tributaries. This would provide additional wildlife habitat and
corridor systems, improve fisheries resources, help filter impurities
and pollutants, assist in the maintenance of cold water habitat,
stabilize eroding banks and prevent the loss of valuable topsoil. It
would also assist in reaching Environment Canada's suggested
target of 75%.
2)
Expand overall forest cover. Increase tree planting
efforts with emphasis on dormant fields, areas too wet to farm or
retired farmland. This will help to maintain overall forest
conditions at a ‘B’ grade average. It will also increase habitat and
species diversity.
3) Allow low lying or wet areas to naturalize.
These are key areas and allowing them to regenerate will help to
improve the wetland scores. It is also important to restore
previously drained wetlands. For information on possible programs and
incentives with Ducks Unlimited Canada see www.ducks.ca.
4)
Protect existing wetlands and forests. This can
be accomplished through designations in planning documents,
enforcement of tree cutting bylaws, landowner incentives,
education, and promotion of sustainable recreational uses. With
wetland cover scoring a ‘D’ grade this is extremely important in
this watershed.
5) Implement Best Management Practices (BMP’s)
One of the primary land uses in the North Saugeen River
Watershed is farming at roughly 51%. The implementation of best
management practices (BMP's) is highly recommended.
Key BMP’s include:
• proper storage and application of manure, fertilizers and
pesticides which would help to decrease phosphorus loadings
• the implementation of farming practices such as strip
cropping, grassed waterways and the use of cover crops to
prevent erosion and reduce the movement of nutrients and
pesticides
• the restriction of cattle from waterways
• the establishment of shelterbelts in farm areas to protect
valuable topsoil, increase wildlife habitat, protect crops against
wind damage, increase energy efficiency of farm buildings, and
increase the value of farm property
For more information on Best Management Practices see
www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/environment/bmp/series.htm
6) Protect your drinking water supply by:
• ensuring that you know the condition of your well and the
risks to your water supply (www.wellwise.ca)
• sample private wells each spring and fall (available through the
local Health Unit)
• keep contaminants away from wells (e.g. fuel, pesticides,
manure/waste)
• decommission abandoned wells according to Ministry of the
Environment standards
• fix faulty septic systems and establish a
septic maintenance plan
NOTE: Landowners near municipally owned
and operated drinking water systems (including
wells and intakes) may be eligible for funding to
undertake early actions to protect sources of
drinking water. See www.waterprotection.ca
5
A ‘Gold Star’ for Current Practices
Did you know that Saugeen Conservation...
> administers its Regulation and Planning programs designed to
protect existing wetlands, as well as riverine systems and
hazard areas
> plants trees, (48,500 at 10 locations in this watershed from
2002 - 2006) on an annual basis throughout its entire
jurisdiction
> implements an intensive conservation education program
aimed at teaching students about the health of the local
ecosystem, including forests, wetlands, endangered species,
natural habitats, species relationships and more
> conducts an extensive water sampling program, both for
surface and groundwater. Three of these surface water stations
are located on the North Saugeen River systems
> conducts on-going sampling of aquatic organisms to monitor
water quality
> provides technical support to landowners
Other Initiatives
> Environmental self assessments are now available for the rural non-farm landowner with the release of The Rural Landowner
Stewardship Guide for the Lake Huron Watershed. This guide provides a framework to allow landowners to evaluate their property
and its management. Through completion of the worksheets, landowners will learn what they are doing right, and where they can
improve in protecting the natural environment. See the website http://theguide.huronstewardship.on.ca to find out how to get a guide.
> Grey County Forest Stewardship Council endeavours to foster education and new initiatives that promote natural resource
sustainability within Grey County. The main focus is to initiate and support stewardship projects and demonstrations of sustainable
resource management practices.
If you and your organization are working to improve the watershed, please let us know!
For more information contact:
CONSERVATION
261123 Grey Rd. 28, R. R. #1
Hanover ON N4N 3B8
519-364-1255
www.svca.on.ca