DREAM Management Plan

8/3/2019 DREAM Management Plan

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River of SandDraft

Sustainability and Renewal in the DeSable Watershed

A Watershed Plan

DeSable River Enhancement and Activity Management, Inc,


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This plan is the result of extensive input from members of the DeSable watershed community.

Further contribution is always appreciated, and is necessary for the long-term success of theDeSable River Enhancement and Activity Management Inc.

Thank you for your support


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Executive Summary

Participants

Introduction

The DeSable Watershed

Flora and Fauna of the DeSable Watershed

Accomplishments of DREAM

Planning Process

Overall Goals

Issues within the DeSable Watershed

- Siltation/Erosion- Riparian/Buffer Zones

- Fish Habitats/Culverts

- Nitrates- Beavers

- Trails- Invasive Species

- Linden Hill Pond

Vision for the Future

APPENDICES


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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The DeSable River Enhancement and Activity Management Inc (DREAM) watershed

management plan is being developed to serve as a guide to managing the areas natural resourceswhile maintaining environmental and economic sustainability. This plan will reflect the desires

of the DeSable watershed community. The development of the plan will be an ongoing project inorder to echo the needs of the community; it is, in essence, a living document.

With all aspects of life dependent on water, it is of vital importance that every effort be made to

enhance and preserve water quality. Given the interconnection between all life and water, it is

crucial the plan include all facets of the environment.

Objectives and Purpose (as outlined in incorporation) include the following:

To evaluate the environmental quality of the area;

To work with neighbours, communities and stakeholders for the improvement of theenvironment;

To promote environmental stewardship through community education, engagement and

encouragement;

To strategically promote and initiate conservation measures and remedial actions by this

company and by other groups; and

To promote and initiate publically accessible green spaces within the watershed served byDREAM Inc., those projects which are in keeping with other stated objectives.

This document outlines specific characteristics and issues raised by the community members;each issue includes strategies that will be implemented in order to address these concerns.

Watershed planning and implementation is an ongoing and long-term process that requiresfrequent attention and input from the community residents, organizations and businesses. The

success of the group is based on collaboration between the DeSable area, the board of directors

and all levels of government.

The following Vision Statement sums up the view of the DeSable watershed group:

DREAM is dedicated to creating a revitalize and healthy system of streams, ponds, rivers and

estuary that are clean and life-giving. This water will support fish, birds, amphibians and other

wildlife, in addition to creating great beauty and recreation for the inhabitants of the area. The

people of the DeSable Watershed will see themselves as true stewards of the water, land and

forests that support the watershed , and will pass on this legacy to future generations.


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PARTICIPANTS

Community Involvement:

Thanks to the many members of the community who attended the watershed meetings on a

regular basis and contributed their valued opinions to the planning process; this input was viameetings, kitchen table discussions, phone calls and surveys. Without the involvement of thecommunity, DREAMs management plan would not be an accurate representation of the needs

of the DeSable watershed.

Prince Edward Island Watershed Management Fund:

The Watershed Management Fund, distributed by the PEI Department of Environment, Energy

and Forestry, grants financial support to various watershed groups across the province. This fundprovided the financial backbone for the development of the management plan.

Management Plan Writers:

This document was written by Kelley Arnold and Ron Arvidson.

DeSable Watershed Board of Directors (as of 2011):

Ron Arvidson

Angela LarterDarrin Dunsford

Harry SmithScott Arnold

Kelley Arnold


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INTRODUCTION

A Watershed is an area of land that catches rain and snow and drains or seeps into a marsh,

stream, river, lake or

groundwater. Watersheds may

contain such land uses ashomes, farms, ranches, towns,

and cities. They come in all

shapes and sizes and can crosscounty, provincial or

international borders. Some are

relatively small, as isDeSables, while others may

contain millions of square

kilometres.

The boundaries of a watershedare defined by topographical

features that drain into acommon point. Everything in

the defined area is

interconnected, and activitiesthat occur in the watershed can affect water quality of the whole region. The flow of water (both

groundwater and surface water) from higher to lower elevations may lead to cumulative effectsat the lowest points of the water flow; the lowest point is the mouth of the river or estuary.

DeSable-Argyle Shore residents met at a Strategic Planning Meeting on Oct. 6th, 2005, to

discuss environmental problems in the vicinity, including the ever-increasing pungency of theestuary. The DeSable River Enhancement and Activity Management (DREAM) group formed as

a result of this meeting, when residents from throughout the area decided that they would

volunteer to make improvements within the watershed.

THE DESABLE WATERSHED

DeSable is one of the surviving names of the old French Regime on Prince Edward Island

recorded by the French Census of 1752, meaning "Riviere de Sable" (River of Sand). DeSablewatershed drains the majority of Lot 29 (Meachum Atlas 1880).

DeSable watershed is a hilly, wedge-shaped land area in south-central PEI. The watershed

encompasses over 4177.5 Ha, is five kilometres wide near the Northumberland coast, andreaches inland more than 12 kilometres; this roughly follows Route 246 to Maplewood. It

encompasses portions of DeSable, South Melville, Hampton, Green Road, Appin Road, Kellys

Cross and Maplewood. At the estuary, visible from the DeSable Bridge on Route 1, thewatershed drains from the two arms of the DeSable River along with the unrelated Bells Creek.

Figure 1 Typical Watershed on P.E.I.


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Figure 2 DeSable Watershed

The history of the area can be traced back to the arrival of the first Island residents

approximately 10,000 years ago; the Paleo-Indians arrived via land bridge to forage and hunt on

the Island. About 5000 years ago, sea levels rose, and Prince Edward Island was created. Priorto Columbus, the Island was a part of the Mikmaq nation which represented the union of the

Atlantic Region, the Gaspe Peninsula and parts of Maine.

Prince Edward Island was discovered by Europeans after Jacques Cartier in 1534, but was not

permanently settled until the 18th century.

DeSable and the surrounding area has a history of being part of water mill country, beginning

with early Acadian settlement. According to Old DeSable by Clifton C. Ince (1975), there werethree mills built in the 1820s. These mills provided a variety of goods for the community,

including corn and wheat flour, oatmeal, carded wool, cloth, lumber and shingles. Mills were


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established on the east arm (Holms Pond) and west arm (Dixons Mill) of the DeSable River inthe 1800s; a third mill was built on Bells Creek in the 1820s. There were also at least three

mills upriver, one just north of the Green Road, and two on the main branch. Beers Mill was

located on the Sandy Point Road, and Dunsfords Mill was approximately three miles upstream.

FLORA AND FAUNA OF THE DESABLE WATERSHED

Wild birds, mammals, amphibians and other creatures are an integral part of the Island's

environment. Prior to European settlement, PEI shared most of the same species found in New

Brunswick and Nova Scotia; this included caribou, moose, Canada lynx, black bear, otter, andpine marten. By 1890, large scale land clearance resulted in the clearing of approximately 70%

of the Island for agriculture. Habitat loss, combined with few

game hunting regulations, caused the extirpation of caribou,

lynx and pine marten.

Presently throughout the DeSable watershed, one has the

opportunity to see many mammals that are common to the PEIlandscape; red fox, mink, raccoons and rodents can be seen

throughout Bonshaw, South Melville and Kellys Cross.

Coyotes were introduced on the island in the 1980s and are

now a common sight island wide. During DREAMs 2008winter project, Dan Buell reported seeing fresh footprints of a

bobcat (unverified).

The provincial government website claims about 333 speciesof birds reside, pass through during migration, or are

occasional/accidental visitors on Prince Edward Island. Since2006 the Maritime Breeding Bird Survey has taken placeacross the Island, and the DeSable river crosses through two of

the survey squares - Victoria and Kellys Cross. Since the survey, began at least 66 species have

been seen or are confirmed breeders in the watershed. Species include osprey, eagles, owls andhawks, as well as woods warblers and sparrows. The DeSable estuary attracts many migrants in

both spring and fall; some of the first geese to arrive on PEI arrive in DeSable. In the fall, a

number of migratory shorebirds can be seen in the estuary,

including lesser and greater yellowlegs, dowitchers,sandpipers and plovers. Interestingly, some of the first

visitors to Linden Hill Pond were pectoral and least

sandpipers.

There are as many as 1,300 different plants identified on

Prince Edward Island. A wide variety of them may befound within the watershed (many of these were noted andcompiled in the 2008 winter study). Our Provincial flower

is the stemless Ladys Slipper (Cypripedium acaule), and

Figure 3 Lady Slipper

Figure 4 Fish Caught during

Electrofishing, 2010


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is located in a variety of sites in DeSable.

The river, estuary, riparian zone, and woodlands of the area are home to many species of fish,

insects, amphibians, and snakes. Although most are familiar, many are still being studied to

determine their presence and lifestyle. DREAM Inc. is active in the study of these through

programs such as Community Aquatic Monitoring Program (CAMP), Canadian AquaticBiomonitoring Network (CABIN) and Discover your River/Adopt-a-River/Fish Habitat Watch

Out.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF DREAM

Watershed enhancement, preservation and restoration are ongoing processes; however, thanks to

the overwhelming support from the community, DREAM has many accomplishments to beproud of, some of which include:

Establishment of Linden Hill Pond for public enjoyment, improved habitat and silt

entrapment. Stream restoration with banks stabilized and flow enhanced

Removal of waste and refuse

Planted in excess of 1000 trees

Worked with the provincial government

(Transportation and Public Works) to improve roads,

stream crossings and reduce sedimentation

Conducted research and testing for water quality

and nutrient testing

Assessed the watershed to develop a StrategicPlan

Development of a Watershed Management Plan Enhancement of the the local economy throughemployment and purchases within the local area

Participation in the PEI Garden Show to promote

educational awareness of our watersheds

Conducted Birding the DeSable annually

Organized volunteer days to promote activities such as beach clean-up, tree planting etc

Organized public meetings and events

Published newsletters and promotional material, including a brochure for Linden Hill Pond

Hosted an electrofishing demonstration

Active member of the PEI Watershed Alliance

PLANNING PROCESS

The watershed planning process is community-driven and

requires support, opinions and knowledge of the residents of the

watershed. There is also a need for technical information from

provincial and federal government agents, knowledgeable

Figure 6 Linden Hill Pond

Figure 5 Electrofishing Demo, Fall 2010


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members of the local community, and experts from a variety of fields and sectors. There aremany good reasons to get involved in watershed planning. The process gives residents a voice in

protecting and restoring watershed resources that are important to the community, and is also an

excellent opportunity to learn more about watersheds and provide creative and innovativestrategies for dealing with the issues that matter.

Cooperation between all groups is essential in the development and execution of an effectivemanagement plan. This plan is the result of a series of community meetings, activities,

workshops, and kitchen table discussions held from 2005 onward. It reflects the vision, goals,

and objectives of the watershed community (residents and all other interested parties).

OVERALL GOALS

The overall goals established by DREAM are designed to help achieve its mission and visionlaid out by the founding members in 2005:

Goal 1: To create the healthiest possible watershed, containing pure, natural water and the bestpossible environment for fish and other wildlife;

Goal 2: to improve the depth, current and flow of the watersheds streams and rivers;

Goal 3: to establish an ongoing process of evaluating and repairing all aspects of the watershed

once initial restoration is complete;

Goal 4: to involve the maximum number of community members in the watershed improvement

process;

Goal 5: to educate the community and increase awareness of the importance of the DeSable

watershed, as well as how each member can contribute to its well being;

Goal 6: to identify and/or expand the number of usable public green spaces, outdoor recreational

areas, historical sites and safe trails for the benefit of the community;

Goal 7: to support and contribute to the economic vitality of the area;

Goal 8: to work with all influential parties, including provincial and federal representatives,ministers, government staff, and other watershed groups to expand the understanding and support

for watershed efforts; and

Goal 9: to continually improve and strengthen DREAMs organizational capabilities and

volunteer participation.


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ISSUES WITHIN THE DESABLE WATERSHED

Siltation/Erosion

Soil erosion is one of the most significant and widespread issues watersheds face on PEI.

Sediment originates from a wide variety of sources; examples can include runoff fromagricultural fields, residential and commercial development, forestry activities and infrastructure.Ponds, pools, springs, streams and estuaries are gradually being filled in, and these events are

having a devastating effect on the wildlife that inhabit DeSable, Kellys Cross, South Melville

etc. Feeding patterns are affected, and wildlife areas are slowly being suffocated. Bells Creek

and the DeSable estuary are two prime examples of this phenomenon.

As DeSable is located within a rural area, there are several tertiary roads composed of clay; in

the absence of check dams and sediment traps/ponds, these roads can be a significant cause ofsiltation during heavy rain events and spring melt. It is important to be in constant contact with

the Department of Highways to insert dams and ensure traps and ponds are maintained.

Sedimentation is also caused by erosion ofstreambanks through both natural and unnatural

flow of water. When a stream is straightened or

widened, streambank erosion increases.Accelerated streambank erosion is part of the

process as the stream seeks to reestablish a stable

size and pattern. Damaging or removing

streamside vegetation to the point where it nolonger provides for bank stability can also cause a

serious increase in erosion.

Response:

Stream enhancement and stream restoration are

two key activities that work towards alleviatingsome of the pressure on the watercourses and

estuary; however, these are only band-aid

solutions and do not stop the causes of siltation within the region. It is important to locate pointsources of sedimentation, and work with both the landowners and the province to eliminate the

problems. As employees and volunteers work throughout the watershed, they find and report any

evidence of siltation. Activities within the watershed have played a large part in sedimentation of

Bells Creek at the tail end of the river system, and although strides have been made in the recent

past, it is imperative that the DeSable watershed maintain a consistent dialogue with theprovincial government to ensure that these activities, and their impact on the environment, are

properly monitored.

Riparian Zones

Buffer and riparian zones are increasingly viewed as an effective and successful method of

combating soil erosion and watercourse siltation; the value of these zones cannot be understated.

Figure 7 Silt Deposits


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A buffer zone is a protected area alongside watercourses and wetlands. They protect Prince

Edward Islands water resources by filtering and assimilating contaminants from surface runoff

water...and provide valuable habitat for many species of wildlife and shade for streams(Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry, n.d.). As of 2008, the Department of

Environment changed the Watercourse and Wetland Protection Regulations, increasing thebuffer zone to 15 meters from the edge of the sediment bed. This is proving to be tremendouslysuccessful across the Island, as more previously farmed land is reverting back to a natural state

or is being planted by landowners and/or watershed groups.

Response:

It is important that all buffer and riparian zones throughout the watershed are assessed; thisinformation will serve as a baseline for future decisions made with regards to protecting and

enhancing DeSables precious buffer zones. DREAMs summer students, along with willing

volunteers, will continue to plant appropriate trees and shrubs along the streams to stabilizebanks and provide the roots necessary to minimize sedimentation and erosion.

Fish Habitat/Culverts

For populations to thrive, fish species require the capability of instream movement in each life

stage and in each season of the year. In many

rivers in Prince Edward Island, the principallimiting factor is the presence of

blockages to fish movements (Atlantic

Salmon Federation, 2009). DeSable is noexception; there are various blockages

throughout the watershed that prevent the

movement of fish upriver. This includes

beaver dams, heavy debris instream, andimproperly installed culverts or hanging

culverts.

Typically-used culverts are smooth or

corrugated metal tubes, and are used to

provide passage in low order streams. It hasbeen necessary to install culverts in order to construct roads, but the end result can be habitat

fragmentation, often leading to pockets of fish communities. This is especially evident in outfalls

of hanging culverts. Even a small drop (>6inches) can result in the inability of smelts to maketheir way upstream.

Response:Culverts should be placed low in the stream bed, in order for the water to flow through naturally.

Additionally, the bottom of smooth culverts should be roughed up with cement in order to slow

the water flow. Residents are very concerned with the lack of fish passage, and many have

commented on the low number of fish compared to the past.

Figure 8 Hanging Culvert, Black Creek


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Figure 9 Hanging Culverts in the DeSable Watershed


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One of DREAMs fundamental goals is the long-term improvement of fish habitat, and this willbe successful with the continued partnership between the watershed group, Department of

Transportation and the Department of Environment; this will be necessary for the successful

reintegration of fish species into the upper reaches of the DeSable River. Fish monitoring shouldalso be implemented within the watershed.

DREAM annually participates in C.A.M.P. (CommunityAquatic Monitoring Program); CAMP was established in

2003 and offers guidance to watershed groups who wish to

monitor the health and productivity of their water

ecosystems. Using Department of Fisheries and Oceans

(DFO) monitoring programs, DeSable is able to use ascientific approach for determining the health of is

watershed. From May September, local volunteers assist

DFO employees in collecting data using beach seines thatcapture and release live fish and crustaceans. Information

is gathered, such as identification and numbers of these

species, water chemistry, and sediment and water samples.This is then used to recognize the cause of water changes and help put an action plan into place.

This has proved invaluable for DeSable, as CAMP is solely focused on coastal and estuarine

environments, where DeSable has seen major decreases in quality over the last 20 years.

Nitrates

For over 30 years PEI has seen an increase in the level of nitrates across the province; this isevident in both groundwater and surface water (i.e. streams, rivers and estuaries). These sources

of water are vital components of the environment, and are home to a wide variety of wildlife anda source of enjoyment for residents and tourists alike. According to the Guidelines for Canada

Drinking Water Quality, the maximum acceptable concentration for nitrate is 10 milligrams perlitre (mg/L); many samples on PEI were tested at a level far above this level.

Nitrates have various effects on the environment; these include eutrophication (abundant growth

of plants, leading to a decline in water quality and oxygen levels) and a subsequent loss ofaquatic life and financial losses for those who rely on the water for their livelihoods.

Eutrophication is aesthetically unpleasant; the DeSable estuary emits a strong smell during

several months of the year. Estuary problems are causing not only offense to nearby residents,but also to visitors. This can have direct economic consequence to local business, a situation that

is ever-intensifying.

Figure 10 C.A.M.P. - Fish Counting in

2008


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Response:DREAM hosted a nitrate clinic in August 2008, inviting residents to test their water to determine

nitrate levels within the watershed. The results were as follows:

Figure 11 Nitrate Levels 2008

Date Location

of Clinic

Total

Samples

% Range (mg/L NO3-N)

10

August

14, 2009

Kellys

Cross

97 12 60 18 9 1

Although only one sample was above the acceptable limit for drinking water, it was evident there

were several samples with higher than normal nitrates; this led to annual water samplingthroughout the watershed by members of the DREAM board of directors, as well as summer

students. DREAM will continue to monitor nitrates in the hopes that their restorative efforts will

result the lowering of levels within the DeSable watershed in the future.

Beavers

Beavers are a species which can significantly alter habitat and impact their surroundingenvironment. This has become a serious problem on PEI, and many watershed groups are facing

a losing battle with beavers and beaver dams within their drainage basins. An integrated

management approach will be necessary to deal with the beaver issue within the watershed, andsubsequently maintain a diverse, healthy and

productive area for wildlife and humans alike.

Beavers construct dams for protection and to

gain access to food. They can provide habitatfor birds, fish and mammals, create nursery

areas for trout, and act as a natural water

purifier. However, they can block streams and

culverts, prevent fish passage, and alter watertemperatures. Trappers licenses are required to

trap beavers, and permission must be granted to

go into a stream and remove active/abandoneddams. Failure to comply with the government

can lead to charges and fines.

Response:

DREAM has been unable to access the beaver dams on the river as of 2010; landowners have

prevented the group from assessing the dam in order to develop measures to deal with theproblem. It is the hopes of the group that future negotiations will result in the implementation of

a beaver policy on the DeSable River.

Figure 12 Beaver


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TrailsTrails provide a variety of environmental, social and health benefits to a community; trails and

greenways improve air and water quality, and an easily accessible and comprehensive set of

trails can provide opportunities for activity that improves physical and mental health. Byprotecting land along rivers and streams, trails can help minimise erosion and can filter runoff

from agriculture and development. A nature trail can be an effective tool for environmentalawareness and education, and trail users can observe nature more directly.

Response:

Residents have expressed a deep desire to build up and/or expand trail systems throughout the

watershed, and DREAM will continue to seek landowner permission and support for thedevelopment of trails throughout the area.

Invasive Species

DeSable watershed is home to some of the most beautiful species of flora and fauna seen on

Prince Edward Island; all one has to do is walk along the stream or sit quietly by the coast towitness the wonder of nature. Unfortunately, the watershed has also become home for some

invasive species, the most common types being purple loosestrife and Japanese knotweed. These

are plants that, due to lack of controlling factors, can replace

important native plant species. Future vigilance is the key to

controlling new species in the area. Other invasive species thatare impacting the Island ecology are Scotch pine, garlic

mustard and glossy buckthorn; insects include European rose

slug and gypsy moth.

Response:

An area of considerableconcern is that of the native species of PEI that are at risk of being lost.DeSable can participate in some of the citizen science that contribute information useful to

scientists on how and why changes are occurring in PEIs natural environment. Participation in

these projects is educational and helps develop new skills. Some of the monitoring projectsinclude: Plantwatch Prince Edward Island, the Maritime Breeding Bird Atlas, the new Maritime

Butterfly Atlas and Frogwatch. Information regarding these projects is readily available on the

internet or through various interest groups.

Linden Hill Pond

This area was home to a pond many years ago, and was recentlyexcavated (2008) due to the generosity of time and materials from

surrounding communities, individuals, institutions, and businesses.

The pond now stands at over 100 feet long and 40 feet at its widestpoint. The soil removed during excavation was levelled into a high

flat area, creating a place for seating. Hundreds of trees have beenplanted and the water that flows into the pond is crystal clear and a

haven for blue heron and other wildlife.


Excavation

Figure 13 Japanese Knotwood


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Response:

There has been much discussion since 2008, as to whether this pond will be left to return to a

natural state, or should be turned into a recreational area. Both sides of the issue have been heard,and it will be up to the community to decide the fate of Linden

Hill Pond. However, regardless of the outcome, Linden Hill willremain a hotspot for various species of wildlife and an area to

witness the tremendous resilience of nature.

VISION FOR THE FUTURE

Some opportunities for environmental improvements might include:

(a) better communication to and between watershed groups to make them aware of what is

available to individual groups in a clear concise and timely fashion so they might access funds,personnel, businesses etc., to help achieve their goals.

(b) greater awareness in the general public to what the regulations are for trespassing, insurance,

claims and liabilities; this is particularly relevant when landowners consider offering their

properties for enhancement, trails, studies, nature walks, school groups, etc.

...vision for the future is not going to happen without dedication on the part of community and

government... (Cindy Newson, resident). DREAMs vision is that of a healthy set of tributariesand an estuary that is able to flush normal levels of sediment out of the watershed. It is evident

by the survey responses that DREAM exists not only to perform restoration activities, but to

provide leadership and direction for residents to ensure the watershed is improved andmaintained for future generations (Leigh Farrar, resident).

All stakeholders in the region should be engaged and involved in the watershed process; thisincludes members of agriculture, fisheries, forestry, landowners and wildlife. It is only when all

members of the community are on the same page that true stewardship and improvement can

begin.



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APPENDIX A REFERENCES AND RESOURCES

A Guide to Watershed Planning, PEI Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry

Buffer Zones, PEI Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry

Old DeSable by Clifton C. Ince, 1975 produced by DeSable Womens Institute

http://www.allaboutbirds.org

http://enature.com/home/

http://www.ec.gc.ca/eau-water

http://www.gov.pe.ca/infopei

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/http://www.allaboutbirds.org/http://enature.com/home/http://enature.com/home/http://www.ec.gc.ca/eau-waterhttp://www.ec.gc.ca/eau-waterhttp://www.gov.pe.ca/infopeihttp://www.gov.pe.ca/infopeihttp://www.nationalgeographic.com/http://www.nationalgeographic.com/http://www.nationalgeographic.com/http://www.gov.pe.ca/infopeihttp://www.ec.gc.ca/eau-waterhttp://enature.com/home/http://www.allaboutbirds.org/


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APPENDIX B GLOSSERY OF TERMS AND COMMON ACRONYMS

Acadian Forest presence of red spruce is characteristic but not exclusive to the Acadian forestregion, as well as yellow birch, red oak, sugar maple, white and red pine, American beech, and

eastern hemlock. In low land areas, black spruce, larch and red maple are common. Other speciesof note are white spruce, white elm, white ash, white and grey birch, eastern white cedar andpoplar.

Anoxic conditions in a body of water where oxygen level are low or absent. Such conditions

are detrimental to most forms of aquatic life.

Brushmat a device built into a stream bed that is used to settle silt out of water and stabilize

the bank; a brushmat is made of spruce boughs or old Christmas trees, stakes and twine/jute

Buffer Zone 15 meter strip of land adjacent to watercourses, coastlines, and wetlands

primarily aimed at maintaining good water quality, controlling erosion and providing wildlifehabitat.

C.A.M.P. Community Aquatic Monitoring Program

CSJ Canada Summer Jobs, federal funding program for summer staff

DEEF PEI Department of Environment Energy and Forestry

EcoAction federal funding program

Ecosystem system formed by the interaction of a community of organisms with their

environment

EDA- Employment Development Agency; provides funding for summer staff via Jobs for Youth

and Special Projects Program. This is applied for through the Watershed Management Fund

Enhancement strengthening and repairing stream banks, as well as recreating the natural

shape of the watercourse; this is conducted by summer staff and volunteers

Estuary the area between stream and sea where fresh and salt water mixes; often called the

nurseries of the sea

Eutrophication having waters rich in mineral and organic matter will promote a proliferation

of plant life, primarily algae, which reduces the dissolved oxygen (DO) and it detrimental to

most forms of aquatic life

Fish Passage ability of fish to complete life cycle migration upstream

Forest Enhancement Program provincial program designed to make landowners aware of the


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potential of their forest land through the development of a forest management plan. Wildlife,recreation, and biodiversity are all increased through this program

Greening Spaces Program fund granted through the DEEF (see above). A variety of Acadianforest species of trees and shrubs are available through the nursery for buffer zone and

windbreak plantings

In-Kind a donation of volunteers time; this may also be travel expenses/time or materials

given to the organization. Funding partners almost always wish their funds to be matched with

cash and volunteerism. Board members are asked to log their in-kind hours

Invasive Plants species not native to PEI

Nitrates water soluble form of nitrogen and one of two primary nutrients to limit aquatic

productivity on PEI. Nitrate enters groundwater primarily through percolation. Extreme levelscan lead to excessive growths of vegetation and anoxic conditions

Nutrient Management an agricultural technique that involves applying manure and/orfertilizer at a rate that will meet crop requirements without leaving unused nutrients behind

Permits (landowner) issued by landowners to DREAM to access streams, buffer zones etc.

located on their land

Recharge total amount of groundwater that recharges a watershed on an annual basis

Restoration conducted by summer staff and volunteers in the watercourses within the

watershed; refers to the returning of an area to a natural and undisturbed state

Sediment loose clay, sand and silt that settle at the bottom of a body of water. Sediment can

come from erosion, or the decomposition of plants and animals. The primary concern of mostwatershed groups on PEI

Water Budget the total quantity of groundwater available, usually calculated on a watershedbasis

Watershed all land on PEI can be divided into areas called watersheds. Each watershed

consists of all the land that surface water and groundwater flows over or through to get to aparticular river or stream. Watershed boundaries are high points of land where water flows into

distinct waterways at lower elevations

Watershed Alliance an affiliation of groups representing common interests of all PEI

watershed groups; established in 2008

Watershed Planning a community-driven process of managing natural resources, particularly

water, to ensure environmental, economic and social sustainability

Wetland and Watercourse Alteration Permits issued by DEEF for virtually any restoration


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activity performed in streams or within the 15 meter buffer zone. Applications must be submittedannually, and expire September 30 of each year

WMF - Watershed Management Fund; responsible for core funding for most groups on PEI.Applied through DEEF

DREAM Management Plan

Documents