LONG POINT REGION CONSERVATION A · improvements in the areas of accountability, transparency and have consistency amongst the conservation authorities. The work of the Board Committee’s

2018LONG POINT REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

ANNUAL REPORT

4 Elm Street, Tillsonburg, ON N4G 0C4

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Member of the Conservation Ontario Network

The 2018 year was a year of change that presented many challenges for the internaloperations of the Authority. Staff and Board members together can be proud that despite the uncertainty at times there were many great accomplishments in 2018.Staffing was one area of focus as there were key vacancies in 2018. The seniormanagement team of four has been staffed with two new employees and other staff positions were filled due to staff turnover. Reflecting back, it is amazing the supportthat the employee team gave to keeping the operation running smoothly. It is key toensure organizational health and resilience to carry us into the next four years. Theformer Board from 2014 to 2018 focused the Authority to be financially strong andchallenged staff to strive to deliver excellent service.

The Board of Directors adopted a new Administrative By-Law in September 2018 as a requirement of the new Conservation Authorities Act. The Conservation Authorities Act, as amended by the Building Better Communities and Conserving Watersheds Act, 2017, required conservation authorities to replace current by-laws by December 2018. The new by-laws are designed to ensure compliance with the requirements of Section 19.1 of the amended Act. The goal was to make improvements in the areas of accountability, transparency and have consistency amongst the conservation authorities.

The work of the Board Committee’s need to be commended as the groundworkthey complete is very valuable. The Backus Museum Committee along with staffcontinued the focus in 2018 on the Strategic Plan and implemented policies for the Backhouse Historic Site with the goal to enhance visitor and student experiences. The Lee Brown Marsh Management Committee initiated the revitalization project ofthe waterfowl gallery at the Backus Education Center.

CONTENTS MESSAGE FROMTHE CHAIR &

GENERAL MANAGER

3Message from The Chair & General Manager

5Protecting Life & Property

9enhancing watershed health

15Connecting people to nature

21Financial Highlights

22Board of Directors

22LPRCA Team

MICHAEL COLUMBUChair, LPRCA

JUDY MAXWELLGeneral Manager

LONG POINT REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY 3ANNUAL REPORT

The 2018 year was a year of change that presented many challenges for the internal operations of the Authority. Staff and Board members together can be proud that despite the uncertainty at times there were many great accomplishments in 2018. Staffing was one area of focus as there were key vacancies in 2018. The senior management team of four has been staffed with two new employees and other staff positions were filled due to staff turnover. Reflecting back, it is amazing the support that the employee team gave to keeping the operation running smoothly. It is key to ensure organizational health and resilience to carry us into the next four years. The former Board from 2014 to 2018 focused the Authority to be financially strong and challenged staff to strive to deliver excellent service.

The Board of Directors adopted a new Administrative By-Law in September 2018 as a requirement of the new Conservation Authorities Act. The Conservation Authorities Act, as amended by the Building Better Communities and Conserving Watersheds Act, 2017, required conservation authorities to replace current by-laws by December 2018. The new by-laws are designed to ensure compliance with the requirements of Section 19.1 of the amended Act. The goal was to make improvements in the areas of accountability, transparency and have consistency amongst the conservation authorities.

The work of the Board Committee’s need to be commended as the groundwork they complete is very valuable. The Backus Museum Committee along with staff continued the focus in 2018 on the Strategic Plan and implemented policies for the Backhouse Historic Site with the goal to enhance visitor and student experiences. The Lee Brown Marsh Management Committee initiated the revitalization project of the waterfowl gallery at the Backus Education Center.

CONTENTS MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR &

GENERAL MANAGER

3Message from The Chair & General Manager

5Protecting Life & Property

9enhancing watershed health

15Connecting people to nature

21Financial Highlights

22Board of Directors

22LPRCA Team

MICHAEL COLUMBUChair, LPRCA

JUDY MAXWELLGeneral Manager


“ WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD IN 2019, BUILDING ON THE STRENGTH AND CAPACITY OF OUR OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE TEAM AND DEDICATED BOARD MEMBERS.”

A very generous donation of 38 acres of unique and ecologically important forest was received from Mr. Joseph Blommaert in December 2018. A dedication event will occur in the spring.

The municipal election in the fall resulted in 6 new directors on the LPRCA Board for 2019. The Strategic Plan update will be a project in 2019 that staff and directors will partner on. As in 2018 opportunities to advocate at Queens Park to share the concerns and need for increased provincial funding will continue in 2019. There are many challenges and one being the level of funding for the key mandated roles. During 2018, flooding

was experienced as a result of high Lake Erie water levels and rain storm events in the watershed. The damage caused by flooding and shoreline erosion has a significant impact on public and private property.

We are looking forward in 2019, building on the strength and capacity of our outstanding employee team and dedicated Board members.

Thank you to the Board of Directors past and present, volunteers and staff for continued dedication and passion towards conservation for the customers and residents of the Long Point Watershed.

PROTECTING LIFE AND PROPERTY


“ WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD IN 2019, BUILDING ON THE STRENGTH AND CAPACITY OF OUR OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE TEAM AND DEDICATED BOARD MEMBERS.”

A very generous donation of 38 acres of unique and ecologically important forest was received from Mr. Joseph Blommaert in December 2018. A dedication event will occur in the spring.

The municipal election in the fall resulted in 6 new directors on the LPRCA Board for 2019. The Strategic Plan update will be a project in 2019 that staff and directors will partner on. As in 2018 opportunities to advocate at Queens Park to share the concerns and need for increased provincial funding will continue in 2019. There are many challenges and one being the level of funding for the key mandated roles. During 2018, flooding

was experienced as a result of high Lake Erie water levels and rain storm events in the watershed. The damage caused by flooding and shoreline erosion has a significant impact on public and private property.

We are looking forward in 2019, building on the strength and capacity of our outstanding employee team and dedicated Board members.

Thank you to the Board of Directors past and present, volunteers and staff for continued dedication and passion towards conservation for the customers and residents of the Long Point Watershed.

PROTECTING LIFE AND PROPERTY


Flood Forecasting & Low Water ResponseLong Point Region Conservation Authority continually monitors weather conditions, stream gauges, weather stations, and snowpack measurements to determine the potential for flooding. This is mandated by the Government of Ontario to reduce the risk to life and damage to property from flood hazards.

In February 2018 a significant snowmelt and rain event occurred throughout the watershed with extensive flooding in Vienna and Port Burwell, Ontario. This kept staff busy monitoring forecasts and liaising with various government partners. Lake Erie average monthly water levels were well

above average and were the highest since 1986. High lake levels combined with a number of strong southwesterly wind events caused minor flooding along the shoreline throughout the year. A particularly strong event occurred in April 2018 resulting in a flood watch being issued by the LPRCA. In total, the LPRCA issued twenty-one formal flood related messages in 2018. This was seven more than the previous year.

Overall precipitation throughout the year was above average and helped ensure sufficient base flow during the dry periods of the summer. There were no Low Water Response declarations issued for 2018.

The Water and Erosion Control Infrastructure (WECI) program, administered by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, provided funding to undertake repairs and technical studies at a number of dams in the Long Point Region Watershed. Funded projects included a Dam Safety Review and Condition Assessment of Hay Creek Dam, engineering design to rehabilitate the Teeterville Dam, the design for increased flow capacity and rehabilitation of Backus Mill Dam and the replacement of fencing at Hay Creek, Norwich and Deer Creek dams.

In total, the LPRCA issued twenty-one formal flood related messages in 2018.

LONG POINT REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY 76 LPRCA 2018 ANNUAL REPORT

Planning & RegulationsThe Long Point Region Conservation Authority planning and regulation services are essential to the prevention of loss of life and property damage due to flooding and erosion. Under the Conservation Authorities Act, it is the responsibility of the LPRCA to regulate development in and around floodplains, wetlands, watercourses and along the Lake Erie shoreline. In 2018 the planning staff reviewed 240 permit applications, a number higher than average but less than were received in 2017. Under the Planning Act, we worked with municipalities to review and provide technical advice on 175 planning applications, a sum consistent with the previous year.

In 2017, the LPRCA planning department launched a Customer Service Plan for the Planning and Regulations Program to improve the permit application process. For 2018 the continuation of this plan was implemented:

n The website was updated to provide access to the LPRCA Policies for the Administration of the Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses Regulation as well as links to supporting documents.

n A contract staff member was added in the department to improve call-back and permit turnaround times.

n Staff met with several consulting engineers that have clients in the watershed to discuss policies and standards for development within flood and erosion hazard areas with the objective of improving their understanding of requirements for permit applications and supporting documents.


Flood Forecasting & Low Water ResponseLong Point Region Conservation Authority continually monitors weather conditions, stream gauges, weather stations, and snowpack measurements to determine the potential for flooding. This is mandated by the Government of Ontario to reduce the risk to life and damage to property from flood hazards.

In February 2018 a significant snowmelt and rain event occurred throughout the watershed with extensive flooding in Vienna and Port Burwell, Ontario. This kept staff busy monitoring forecasts and liaising with various government partners. Lake Erie average monthly water levels were well

above average and were the highest since 1986. High lake levels combined with a number of strong southwesterly wind events caused minor flooding along the shoreline throughout the year. A particularly strong event occurred in April 2018 resulting in a flood watch being issued by the LPRCA. In total, the LPRCA issued twenty-one formal flood related messages in 2018. This was seven more than the previous year.

Overall precipitation throughout the year was above average and helped ensure sufficient base flow during the dry periods of the summer. There were no Low Water Response declarations issued for 2018.

The Water and Erosion Control Infrastructure (WECI) program, administered by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, provided funding to undertake repairs and technical studies at a number of dams in the Long Point Region Watershed. Funded projects included a Dam Safety Review and Condition Assessment of Hay Creek Dam, engineering design to rehabilitate the Teeterville Dam, the design for increased flow capacity and rehabilitation of Backus Mill Dam and the replacement of fencing at Hay Creek, Norwich and Deer Creek dams.



Planning & RegulationsThe Long Point Region Conservation Authority planning and regulation services are essential to the prevention of loss of life and property damage due to flooding and erosion. Under the Conservation Authorities Act, it is the responsibility of the LPRCA to regulate development in and around floodplains, wetlands, watercourses and along the Lake Erie shoreline. In 2018 the planning staff reviewed 240 permit applications, a number higher than average but less than were received in 2017. Under the Planning Act, we worked with municipalities to review and provide technical advice on 175 planning applications, a sum consistent with the previous year.

In 2017, the LPRCA planning department launched a Customer Service Plan for the Planning and Regulations Program to improve the permit application process. For 2018 the continuation of this plan was implemented:

n The website was updated to provide access to the LPRCA Policies for the Administration of the Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses Regulation as well as links to supporting documents.

n A contract staff member was added in the department to improve call-back and permit turnaround times.

n Staff met with several consulting engineers that have clients in the watershed to discuss policies and standards for development within flood and erosion hazard areas with the objective of improving their understanding of requirements for permit applications and supporting documents.



Flood Forecasting and Warning System Improvement Project In July 2018, LPRCA launched a 2-year project to update and improve its Flood Forecasting and Warning System with funding assistance from the National Disaster Mitigation Program.

Rainfall and streamflow data collection has been automated. To do this, LPRCA joined the Western Ontario WISKI hub and implemented WISKI-SODA software to automatically collect and manage the data that LPRCA relies on to forecast and provide flood warning messages to municipal emergency responders and property owners.

Two new rain gauges are ready to be installed in Simcoe and Jarvis to fill the gaps in the rain gauge network.

Several water level gauges were added to the existing stream flow gauge network across the watershed to improve our understanding about how the streams respond to storms.

LPRCA’s GAWSER hydrology model that is used to forecast floods (and also to prepare floodplain mapping) was updated.

The weather and water level thresholds for issuing flood watch and warning message were reviewed and the project will continue into 2019.

Accomplished in 2018:

ENHANCING WATERSHED HEALTH


Flood Forecasting and Warning System Improvement Project In July 2018, LPRCA launched a 2-year project to update and improve its Flood Forecasting and Warning System with funding assistance from the National Disaster Mitigation Program.

Rainfall and streamflow data collection has been automated. To do this, LPRCA joined the Western Ontario WISKI hub and implemented WISKI-SODA software to automatically collect and manage the data that LPRCA relies on to forecast and provide flood warning messages to municipal emergency responders and property owners.

Two new rain gauges are ready to be installed in Simcoe and Jarvis to fill the gaps in the rain gauge network.

Several water level gauges were added to the existing stream flow gauge network across the watershed to improve our understanding about how the streams respond to storms.

LPRCA’s GAWSER hydrology model that is used to forecast floods (and also to prepare floodplain mapping) was updated.

The weather and water level thresholds for issuing flood watch and warning message were reviewed and the project will continue into 2019.

Accomplished in 2018:

ENHANCING WATERSHED HEALTH

10 LPRCA 2018

Tree PlantingAt LPRCA we recognize how fundamental trees are to the health of our watershed. They improve water quality, create habitat for wildlife, clean the air we breathe and so much more.

This year Long Point Region Conservation Authority planted 60,000 trees in many communities throughout the watershed. The LPRCA coordinated planting sites and completed funding applications with the following programs:

n 40,850 trees planted on 18 sites located in Norfolk, Haldimand, Elgin and Oxford counties with the 50 Million Trees Program, a provincially funded program through Forests Ontario.

n 4,450 trees planted on 9 sites with support from The Ontario Power Generation (OPG)/ Forest Corridor Project.

n 14,462 seedling sales under the LPRCA’s Private Land Tree Planting Program.

n 238 trees planted with the Trees for Roads Program in the Municipality of Bayham and Township of South-West Oxford.

StewardshipTo ensure a healthy environment for generations to come, the LPRCA Healthy Watershed Program provides services to help maintain and restore natural spaces. Projects in 2018 included cover crops, wetland creation, erosion control, prairie, and riparian habitat creation.

The LPRCA continued in its collaboration with municipalities and local conservation authorities in rural water quality programs. A total of eight projects were completed with funding from Elgin Clean Water Program, Haldimand Rural Quality Program, Brant Rural Water Quality Program, and the Tri-County Clean Water Program.

There continued to be considerable interest from rural landowners for projects to

enhance and create wetlands. In total, 14 wetlands were created in partnership with Environment Canada’s Habitat Stewardship Program (including the Essex-Erie program), OPG Wetlands, Elgin Clean Water Program, Haldimand Clean Water Program, Tri-County Clean Water Program, National Wetland Conservation Fund (ECCC), COA Funding (MNRF), Ducks Unlimited Canada, and ALUS – Elgin & Norfolk.

In 2018 staff participated in a Phragmites australis control committee, focused on controlling Phragmites in the Big Creek watershed and downstream marshes. Funding went towards controlling 11 Phragmites areas in our watershed.

“ IN 2018 STAFF PARTICIPATED IN A PHRAGMITES AUSTRALIS CONTROL COMMITTEE, FOCUSED ON CONTROLLING PHRAGMITES IN THE BIG CREEK WATERSHED AND DOWNSTREAM MARSHES.”


10 LPRCA 2018

Tree PlantingAt LPRCA we recognize how fundamental trees are to the health of our watershed. They improve water quality, create habitat for wildlife, clean the air we breathe and so much more.

This year Long Point Region Conservation Authority planted 60,000 trees in many communities throughout the watershed. The LPRCA coordinated planting sites and completed funding applications with the following programs:

n 40,850 trees planted on 18 sites located in Norfolk, Haldimand, Elgin and Oxford counties with the 50 Million Trees Program, a provincially funded program through Forests Ontario.

n 4,450 trees planted on 9 sites with support from The Ontario Power Generation (OPG)/ Forest Corridor Project.

n 14,462 seedling sales under the LPRCA’s Private Land Tree Planting Program.

n 238 trees planted with the Trees for Roads Program in the Municipality of Bayham and Township of South-West Oxford.

StewardshipTo ensure a healthy environment for generations to come, the LPRCA Healthy Watershed Program provides services to help maintain and restore natural spaces. Projects in 2018 included cover crops, wetland creation, erosion control, prairie, and riparian habitat creation.

The LPRCA continued in its collaboration with municipalities and local conservation authorities in rural water quality programs. A total of eight projects were completed with funding from Elgin Clean Water Program, Haldimand Rural Quality Program, Brant Rural Water Quality Program, and the Tri-County Clean Water Program.

There continued to be considerable interest from rural landowners for projects to

enhance and create wetlands. In total, 14 wetlands were created in partnership with Environment Canada’s Habitat Stewardship Program (including the Essex-Erie program), OPG Wetlands, Elgin Clean Water Program, Haldimand Clean Water Program, Tri-County Clean Water Program, National Wetland Conservation Fund (ECCC), COA Funding (MNRF), Ducks Unlimited Canada, and ALUS – Elgin & Norfolk.

In 2018 staff participated in a Phragmites australis control committee, focused on controlling Phragmites in the Big Creek watershed and downstream marshes. Funding went towards controlling 11 Phragmites areas in our watershed.

“ IN 2018 STAFF PARTICIPATED IN A PHRAGMITES AUSTRALIS CONTROL COMMITTEE, FOCUSED ON CONTROLLING PHRAGMITES IN THE BIG CREEK WATERSHED AND DOWNSTREAM MARSHES.”



Water Quality MonitoringThe Long Point Region Conservation Authority works with a variety of provincial and municipal partners to monitor the water quality of the watershed. Samples from surface water, groundwater and aquatic ecosystems are taken to help monitor and manage our water resources. Participation continued in the Provincial Water Quality Monitoring Network (PWQMN), Provincial Groundwater Monitoring Network (PGMN) and the Ontario Benthos Biomonitoring Network (OBBN), all in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP).

Surface water samples were collected from nine sites for the PWQMN program. A partnership with Norfolk County had staff sampling water quality in both the Lynn River and Big Creek in order to meet the County’s monitoring obligations. Water samples to measure pesticide levels were taken from Venison Creek for a project in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and the MECP. Groundwater levels were continuously monitored at eleven locations for the PGMN

program, as well as sampling of groundwater quality from three well locations.

The collection of benthic samples took place in both spring and fall in 2018, as the LPRCA transitions to a fall sampling period for future years. Twenty sites were visited for the sampling of these aquatic bugs. Another continuing program involved the monitoring of stream temperature across the LPRCA. Data was collected from twenty-eight temperature loggers that were placed in various watercourses.

A partnership with the LPRCA, the Norfolk County Drainage Department and Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry focused on the re-classification of municipal drains and the implementation of a Brook Trout restoration project. In total, 22 stations were electro fished on watercourses to gather fisheries data to support both projects.

ALUSThe Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) Elgin program is hosted by the LPRCA and has grown from ALUS Bayham in 2012, to ALUS Elgin to cover the whole county. The program focuses on the working landscape where important opportunities for conservation action exist. Farmers of Elgin County are encouraged to use their skills and intimate knowledge of the land to return marginal or ecologically significant areas into natural ecosystems. Working in collaboration with farmers and local conservation partners ALUS Elgin has created, enhanced, conserved and managed over 375 acres of on-the-ground conservation projects since 2012. Projects such as wetlands, tall grass prairie, reforestation, and wild pollinator habitat provide ecosystem services (water and air filtration, erosion control, flood control, wildlife habitat) to the greater population of Elgin County and surrounding areas. Our goal in the next coming years is to build our capacity and enrollment through the establishment of demonstration farms and participant ambassadors for the ALUS Elgin program.

ALUS Elgin has created, enhanced, conserved and managed over 375 acres of on-the-ground conservation projects since 2012.


12 LPRCA 2018


Water Quality MonitoringThe Long Point Region Conservation Authority works with a variety of provincial and municipal partners to monitor the water quality of the watershed. Samples from surface water, groundwater and aquatic ecosystems are taken to help monitor and manage our water resources. Participation continued in the Provincial Water Quality Monitoring Network (PWQMN), Provincial Groundwater Monitoring Network (PGMN) and the Ontario Benthos Biomonitoring Network (OBBN), all in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP).

Surface water samples were collected from nine sites for the PWQMN program. A partnership with Norfolk County had staff sampling water quality in both the Lynn River and Big Creek in order to meet the County’s monitoring obligations. Water samples to measure pesticide levels were taken from Venison Creek for a project in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and the MECP. Groundwater levels were continuously monitored at eleven locations for the PGMN

program, as well as sampling of groundwater quality from three well locations.

The collection of benthic samples took place in both spring and fall in 2018, as the LPRCA transitions to a fall sampling period for future years. Twenty sites were visited for the sampling of these aquatic bugs. Another continuing program involved the monitoring of stream temperature across the LPRCA. Data was collected from twenty-eight temperature loggers that were placed in various watercourses.

A partnership with the LPRCA, the Norfolk County Drainage Department and Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry focused on the re-classification of municipal drains and the implementation of a Brook Trout restoration project. In total, 22 stations were electro fished on watercourses to gather fisheries data to support both projects.

ALUSThe Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) Elgin program is hosted by the LPRCA and has grown from ALUS Bayham in 2012, to ALUS Elgin to cover the whole county. The program focuses on the working landscape where important opportunities for conservation action exist. Farmers of Elgin County are encouraged to use their skills and intimate knowledge of the land to return marginal or ecologically significant areas into natural ecosystems. Working in collaboration with farmers and local conservation partners ALUS Elgin has created, enhanced, conserved and managed over 375 acres of on-the-ground conservation projects since 2012. Projects such as wetlands, tall grass prairie, reforestation, and wild pollinator habitat provide ecosystem services (water and air filtration, erosion control, flood control, wildlife habitat) to the greater population of Elgin County and surrounding areas. Our goal in the next coming years is to build our capacity and enrollment through the establishment of demonstration farms and participant ambassadors for the ALUS Elgin program.



12 LPRCA 2018

2018 Watershed Report CardThe Watershed Report Card measures watershed health across the region. It is intended to provide our community with information needed to protect and improve the natural resources of our watershed. The LPRCA released its second Report Card in 2018. This report evaluates watershed health based on four key indicators: surface water quality, forest conditions, wetlands cover and groundwater quality. These evaluations were based on data collected from 2012-2016. New report cards will be produced every five years to help us guide conservation and restoration efforts and monitor our progress.

Protecting Drinking Water Sources2018 marked the second full year of Long Point Region Source Protection Plan implementation. The LPRCA continued to work with neighbouring conservation authorities and local municipalities on the continued rollout of the program.

Early in the year a Revised Assessment Report and Source Protection Plan for the Long Point Region, with new and updated policies for areas in Bayham and Norfolk, was submitted to the Province. These revisions were still under review by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks at the conclusion of 2018.

The protection of municipal drinking water supplies across Long Point Region was at the forefront of a new protocol that was put in place in 2018. Under this protocol, the Long Point Region Source Protection Authority provides notices to municipalities informing

them whether necessary technical work under the Clean Water Act, 2006 has been completed. These notices also serve to inform municipalities about source protection plan amendment timing and allow municipalities to proceed with their drinking water works permit or license applications to the Ministry.

Staff also participated in the development of work plans for the review and update of Assessment Reports and Source Protection Plans for two neighbouring Source Protection Authorities this year. This experience will be informative to the work plan development for Long Point Region in 2019.

Finally, the LPRCA participated in Ontario’s ongoing Water Quantity Management Review. The local area is one of eight study areas across the province identified as part of the review that is looking at the sustainability and security of water supplies across Ontario.

14 LPRCA 2018

CONNECTING PEOPLE TO NATURE


2018 Watershed Report CardThe Watershed Report Card measures watershed health across the region. It is intended to provide our community with information needed to protect and improve the natural resources of our watershed. The LPRCA released its second Report Card in 2018. This report evaluates watershed health based on four key indicators: surface water quality, forest conditions, wetlands cover and groundwater quality. These evaluations were based on data collected from 2012-2016. New report cards will be produced every five years to help us guide conservation and restoration efforts and monitor our progress.

Protecting Drinking Water Sources2018 marked the second full year of Long Point Region Source Protection Plan implementation. The LPRCA continued to work with neighbouring conservation authorities and local municipalities on the continued rollout of the program.

Early in the year a Revised Assessment Report and Source Protection Plan for the Long Point Region, with new and updated policies for areas in Bayham and Norfolk, was submitted to the Province. These revisions were still under review by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks at the conclusion of 2018.

The protection of municipal drinking water supplies across Long Point Region was at the forefront of a new protocol that was put in place in 2018. Under this protocol, the Long Point Region Source Protection Authority provides notices to municipalities informing

them whether necessary technical work under the Clean Water Act, 2006 has been completed. These notices also serve to inform municipalities about source protection plan amendment timing and allow municipalities to proceed with their drinking water works permit or license applications to the Ministry.

Staff also participated in the development of work plans for the review and update of Assessment Reports and Source Protection Plans for two neighbouring Source Protection Authorities this year. This experience will be informative to the work plan development for Long Point Region in 2019.

Finally, the LPRCA participated in Ontario’s ongoing Water Quantity Management Review. The local area is one of eight study areas across the province identified as part of the review that is looking at the sustainability and security of water supplies across Ontario.

14 LPRCA 2018

CONNECTING PEOPLE TO NATURE


Land DonationsLand donations to the LPRCA benefit the watershed by creating opportunities for important natural areas to be permanently protected. The LPRCA was fortunate to have received a land donation from Joseph Blommaert in memory of his parents, Edward and Queenie. Working with Joseph, a land donation was submitted to the Ecological Gifts Program managed by Environment and Climate Change Canada. This 37.86 acre tract is unique and ecologically important due to its location. Neighbouring the

St. Williams Conservation Reserve, the Blommaert Tract has the potential to be habitat for numerous endangered flora and fauna and will be managed by the LPRCA to enhance the Carolinian forest biodiversity.

LONG POINT REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY 17ANNUAL REPORT16 LPRCA 2018

11,000

672

248,000

Acres of conservation lands

Campsites

Estimated visitors

Conservation Areas and Land HoldingsLong Point Region Conservation Authority owns just over 11,000 acres of conservation lands including five parks with 672 campsites that offer both seasonal and nightly camping experiences. The 2018 season had an estimated 248,000 visitors. Our parks are known for the extensive network of trails available and water activities like swimming, canoeing and fishing. Backus Heritage Conservation Area is home to the Backhouse Grist Mill National Historic Site along with 14 other heritage buildings and Conservation Education Centre.

This past year saw significant capital investment in all five parks that included electrical and water upgrades at Backus Heritage Conservation Area, Norfolk

Conservation Area and Haldimand Conservation Area. A major multi-year investment in Waterford North Conservation Area was initiated in 2018 in an effort to bring water and electricity to all 100 existing unserviced campsites in the park. Phase one of the project will see services brought in to the first 47 campsites by spring of 2019 with the remainder of the park to be completed by May 1, 2020. Backus Heritage Conservation Area also saw investments from LPRCA on a number of building restoration efforts including staining of the local history museum and replacement of the storm windows of the Backhouse Homestead with period correct windows.

Land DonationsLand donations to the LPRCA benefit the watershed by creating opportunities for important natural areas to be permanently protected. The LPRCA was fortunate to have received a land donation from Joseph Blommaert in memory of his parents, Edward and Queenie. Working with Joseph, a land donation was submitted to the Ecological Gifts Program managed by Environment and Climate Change Canada. This 37.86 acre tract is unique and ecologically important due to its location. Neighbouring the

St. Williams Conservation Reserve, the Blommaert Tract has the potential to be habitat for numerous endangered flora and fauna and will be managed by the LPRCA to enhance the Carolinian forest biodiversity.

LONG POINT REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY 17ANNUAL REPORT16 LPRCA 2018

11,000

672

248,000

Acres of conservation lands

Campsites

Estimated visitors

Conservation Areas and Land HoldingsLong Point Region Conservation Authority owns just over 11,000 acres of conservation lands including five parks with 672 campsites that offer both seasonal and nightly camping experiences. The 2018 season had an estimated 248,000 visitors. Our parks are known for the extensive network of trails available and water activities like swimming, canoeing and fishing. Backus Heritage Conservation Area is home to the Backhouse Grist Mill National Historic Site along with 14 other heritage buildings and Conservation Education Centre.

This past year saw significant capital investment in all five parks that included electrical and water upgrades at Backus Heritage Conservation Area, Norfolk

Conservation Area and Haldimand Conservation Area. A major multi-year investment in Waterford North Conservation Area was initiated in 2018 in an effort to bring water and electricity to all 100 existing unserviced campsites in the park. Phase one of the project will see services brought in to the first 47 campsites by spring of 2019 with the remainder of the park to be completed by May 1, 2020. Backus Heritage Conservation Area also saw investments from LPRCA on a number of building restoration efforts including staining of the local history museum and replacement of the storm windows of the Backhouse Homestead with period correct windows.

Outreach, Education & EventsAt Backus Heritage Conservation Area, our Educators continue to bring engaging and unique learning experiences to more than 5,000 students from throughout the watershed. Students in grades 2, 4 and 6 experienced nature hands on as they explored the trails and ponds at Backus. Chores, dance, and battle re-enactments brought the past to life as grade 3 and 7 students traveled through time and lived the life of early Canadian settlers and soldiers of 1812.

Over 10,000 visitors enjoyed many heritage and conservation education events including the War of 1812 re-enactment and a summer theatre production of “Angel of Long Point: An Erie Melodrama” by Adam Corrigan Holowitz. Vintage baseball was back for a popular four game tournament as well as guided tours of the Backus Cemetery and church services in the historic Teeterville Church. Visitors enjoyed dynamic interpretive tours of the Historic Site and experienced the life of early settlers of Canada.

“ OVER 10,000 VISITORS ENJOYED MANY HERITAGE AND CONSERVATION EDUCATION EVENTS INCLUDING THE WAR OF 1812 RE-ENACTMENT.”

18 LPRCA 2018

Forest ManagementThe Long Point Region Conservation Authority forest tracts are managed to enhance the health of our watershed by practicing sustainable forest management, protecting wildlife habitat and Species at Risk (SAR) and providing opportunities for recreation, hunting and education to the public. Objectives for forest management are outlined in the 20-year Forest Management Plan, which is scheduled to be renewed in 2019. The LPRCA manages nearly 10,700 acres of natural areas that includes 7,498 acres participating in the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program (MFTIP). Under the guidelines of the MFTIP, a 20-year LPRCA Managed Forest Plan (2018-2037) was completed and approved by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and formally adopted in the spring of 2018.

During the 2018 field season, there were 165 acres ecologically surveyed on three properties for the collection of data for Species at Risk (SAR) plants, provincially rare plants and vegetation types. A total of 460 acres were marked and tendered out to local sawmills including 165 acres of salvageable ash which has been impacted by the Emerald Ash Borer.

The LPRCA continued to participate in multiple research projects with partners throughout the watershed. In 2018 data was compiled to assist in the creation of a provincial database for hemlock with the goal of monitoring Hemlock Wooley Adelgid, a destructive pest, in partnership with the provincial Wooley Adelgid Working Committee.

Outreach, Education & EventsAt Backus Heritage Conservation Area, our Educators continue to bring engaging and unique learning experiences to more than 5,000 students from throughout the watershed. Students in grades 2, 4 and 6 experienced nature hands on as they explored the trails and ponds at Backus. Chores, dance, and battle re-enactments brought the past to life as grade 3 and 7 students traveled through time and lived the life of early Canadian settlers and soldiers of 1812.

Over 10,000 visitors enjoyed many heritage and conservation education events including the War of 1812 re-enactment and a summer theatre production of “Angel of Long Point: An Erie Melodrama” by Adam Corrigan Holowitz. Vintage baseball was back for a popular four game tournament as well as guided tours of the Backus Cemetery and church services in the historic Teeterville Church. Visitors enjoyed dynamic interpretive tours of the Historic Site and experienced the life of early settlers of Canada.

“ OVER 10,000 VISITORS ENJOYED MANY HERITAGE AND CONSERVATION EDUCATION EVENTS INCLUDING THE WAR OF 1812 RE-ENACTMENT.”

18 LPRCA 2018

Forest ManagementThe Long Point Region Conservation Authority forest tracts are managed to enhance the health of our watershed by practicing sustainable forest management, protecting wildlife habitat and Species at Risk (SAR) and providing opportunities for recreation, hunting and education to the public. Objectives for forest management are outlined in the 20-year Forest Management Plan, which is scheduled to be renewed in 2019. The LPRCA manages nearly 10,700 acres of natural areas that includes 7,498 acres participating in the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program (MFTIP). Under the guidelines of the MFTIP, a 20-year LPRCA Managed Forest Plan (2018-2037) was completed and approved by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and formally adopted in the spring of 2018.

During the 2018 field season, there were 165 acres ecologically surveyed on three properties for the collection of data for Species at Risk (SAR) plants, provincially rare plants and vegetation types. A total of 460 acres were marked and tendered out to local sawmills including 165 acres of salvageable ash which has been impacted by the Emerald Ash Borer.

The LPRCA continued to participate in multiple research projects with partners throughout the watershed. In 2018 data was compiled to assist in the creation of a provincial database for hemlock with the goal of monitoring Hemlock Wooley Adelgid, a destructive pest, in partnership with the provincial Wooley Adelgid Working Committee.

Municipal Levy - Operating $ 1,553,674 26%

Municipal Levy - Capital $ 368,550 6%

Provincial Funding $ 68,240 1%

Fees $ 2,504,763 42%

Forestry Sales $ 461,019 8%

Donation $ 460,000 8%

Gain on Sale of Assets $ 518,067 9%

Total $ 5,934,313 100%

Watershed Management $ 842,529 20%

Community Relations $ 61,146 1%

Backus Heritage CA $ 632,073 15%

Conservation Land Management - Other $ 572,701 13%

Conservation Land Management - Forestry $ 318,961 8%

Conservation Land Management - Parks $ 721,844 17%

Corporate Services $ 1,113,219 26%

Total $ 4,262,473 100%

Corporate Services $ 564,757 36%

Watershed Management Services $ 422,191 27%




Total $ 1,553,674 100%

Haldimand County $ 218,044 14%

Norfolk County $ 822,699 53%

Oxford County $ 333,559 21%

Brant County $ 97,809 6%

Bayham Municipality $ 70,301 5%

Malahide Township $ 11,262 1%

Total $ 1,553,674 100%

2018 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

2018 Revenue

2018 Expenditures

Use of 2018 Operating Levy

Share of 2018 Operating Levy

Conservation Education favourites, the Owl Prowl and Firefly Walk, were back in 2018 and enjoyed by many visiting families. In addition to the programming at Backus the Conservation Education team took their programs on the road this summer to bring fun filled educational programs to families camping at Deer Creek, Norfolk, Haldimand and Waterford North Conservation Areas. The programs were enjoyed by all and will return to all 5 LPRCA parks in the summer of 2019.

Backus Heritage and Deer Creek Conservations Areas each hosted a “Bob Izumi: Kids, Cops and Canadian Tire Fishing Derby” in 2018. Both events were a resounding success boasting over 300 registrants collectively. The success of these two derbies was due to the support from the OPP, community business sponsorships and volunteers.

The LPRCA once again partnered with the Camp Trillium Organization for the 3rd Annual Pancake Breakfast and Children’s Fishing Derby at Rainbow Lake in Waterford. This fundraising initiative supports Camp Trillium and the work that they do to provide recreational opportunities to children with cancer and their families. A total of 225 kids registered for the fishing derby that raised $9,890 for Camp Trillium.

The former Backus Heritage Village was rebranded and renamed the Backhouse Historic Site in 2018, a key recommendation of the new strategic plan approved by the LPRCA Board. A new Assistant Curator set up a collections management program for the care of the artifact and archival collections to museum standards and laid the groundwork for a new exhibition program. Themed around

Norfolk wildlife, the Backus Field Guide exhibit debuted in 2018 and featured a selection of paintings by Vic Gibbons.

The Lee Brown Committee awarded the $1,000 Leighton & Betty Brown Conservation Scholarship to Heather Verhoeve, who is pursuing a post secondary education at the Sir Sanford Fleming College in the environmental field in the hopes of becoming a Conservation Officer.

20 LPRCA 2018 LONG POINT REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY 21ANNUAL REPORT

Municipal Levy - Operating $ 1,553,674 26%

Municipal Levy - Capital $ 368,550 6%

Provincial Funding $ 68,240 1%

Fees $ 2,504,763 42%

Forestry Sales $ 461,019 8%

Donation $ 460,000 8%

Gain on Sale of Assets $ 518,067 9%

Total $ 5,934,313 100%

Watershed Management $ 842,529 20%




Conservation Land Management - Forestry $ 318,961 8%

Conservation Land Management - Parks $ 721,844 17%

Corporate Services $ 1,113,219 26%

Total $ 4,262,473 100%

Corporate Services $ 564,757 36%

Watershed Management Services $ 422,191 27%




Total $ 1,553,674 100%

Haldimand County $ 218,044 14%

Norfolk County $ 822,699 53%

Oxford County $ 333,559 21%

Brant County $ 97,809 6%

Bayham Municipality $ 70,301 5%

Malahide Township $ 11,262 1%

Total $ 1,553,674 100%

2018 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

2018 Revenue

2018 Expenditures

Use of 2018 Operating Levy

Share of 2018 Operating Levy

Conservation Education favourites, the Owl Prowl and Firefly Walk, were back in 2018 and enjoyed by many visiting families. In addition to the programming at Backus the Conservation Education team took their programs on the road this summer to bring fun filled educational programs to families camping at Deer Creek, Norfolk, Haldimand and Waterford North Conservation Areas. The programs were enjoyed by all and will return to all 5 LPRCA parks in the summer of 2019.

Backus Heritage and Deer Creek Conservations Areas each hosted a “Bob Izumi: Kids, Cops and Canadian Tire Fishing Derby” in 2018. Both events were a resounding success boasting over 300 registrants collectively. The success of these two derbies was due to the support from the OPP, community business sponsorships and volunteers.

The LPRCA once again partnered with the Camp Trillium Organization for the 3rd Annual Pancake Breakfast and Children’s Fishing Derby at Rainbow Lake in Waterford. This fundraising initiative supports Camp Trillium and the work that they do to provide recreational opportunities to children with cancer and their families. A total of 225 kids registered for the fishing derby that raised $9,890 for Camp Trillium.

The former Backus Heritage Village was rebranded and renamed the Backhouse Historic Site in 2018, a key recommendation of the new strategic plan approved by the LPRCA Board. A new Assistant Curator set up a collections management program for the care of the artifact and archival collections to museum standards and laid the groundwork for a new exhibition program. Themed around

Norfolk wildlife, the Backus Field Guide exhibit debuted in 2018 and featured a selection of paintings by Vic Gibbons.

The Lee Brown Committee awarded the $1,000 Leighton & Betty Brown Conservation Scholarship to Heather Verhoeve, who is pursuing a post secondary education at the Sir Sanford Fleming College in the environmental field in the hopes of becoming a Conservation Officer.

20 LPRCA 2018 LONG POINT REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY 21ANNUAL REPORT

ChairMICHAEL COLUMBUS, Norfolk County

Vice ChairJOHN SCHOLTEN, Township of Norwich

DirectorsLEROY BARTLETT, Haldimand CountyDAVE BERES, Town of TillsonburgDOUG BRUNTON, Norfolk CountyROBERT CHAMBERS, County of BrantROGER GEYSENS, Norfolk CountyCRAIG GRICE, Haldimand CountyNOEL HAYDT, Norfolk CountyDAVID HAYES, Township of Southwest OxfordWAYNE CASIER, Municipality of Bayham & Township of Malahide

Lee Brown Marsh Management CommitteeTOM HASKETT, Chair

TREVOR BROWN

DOUG BRUNTON

LARRY CHANDA

MICHAEL COLUMBUS

BARRY SMITH

Backus Museum CommitteeBETTY CHANYI, Chair

MIKE COLUMBUS

ROBERT CHAMBERS

ROGER GEYSENS

RON SACKRIDER

JULIE STONE

MADELINE WILSON

JUDY MAXWELL, General Manager/Secretary-TreasurerAARON LEDUC, Manager Corporate Services (from December)LORRIE MINSHALL, Interim Manager Watershed ServicesBRET COLMAN, Manager Conservation Land Services (from June)

HELEN BARTENS, Assistant Curator (from June)CHRIS BOOTHE, Planning Technician (from April)BONNIE BRAVENER, Resource TechnicianKIM BROWN, Marsh ManagerJEFF CALLIAUW, CarpenterMATTHEW CHURLY, Water Resources EITALYSSA COUSINEAU, ALUS Elgin CoordinatorJERRY DEBACKERE, Forestry TechnicianNATHAN DUNBAR, Interim Carpenter PAUL GAGNON, Lands & Waters SupervisorBRANDON GOOD, Backus Heritage CA SupervisorBEN HODI, Water Resources AnalystCRAIG JACQUES, Water Resources SpecialistCAROLYN JACQUES, Accounting & Administration SupervisorSHEILA JOHNSON, CuratorLEIGH-ANNE MAUTHE, Planning TechnicianDANA MCLACHLAN, Administrative AssistantFIONA NAVICKAS, Outdoor EducatorLYNN PAULSON, Interim Finance & Accounting Supervisor (from July)FRANK SCHRAM, Workshop SupervisorJARAH STEFEK, Marketing Coordinator (until July)DEBBIE THAIN, Forestry TechnicianMORGAN VAN LAEKEN, Lands & Waters TechnicianGINNY VANLOUWE, Accounting Clerk HANNAH WEBER, Marketing Coordinator (from December)

And our many seasonal staff and summer students

2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORS LPRCA STAFF THE LONG POINT REGION WATERSHED

22 LPRCA 2018

Niagara PeninsulaConservation Authority

Upper Thames RiverConservation Authority

LAKE ERIE

Catfish CreekConservation Authority

Grand RiverConservation Authority

6

24

3

59

59

Vienna

Simcoe

Jarvis

Norwich

Waterford

Long Point

Port Rowan

Port Dover

Tillsonburg

Port Burwell

Turkey Point

Harley

Langton

0 10 20 305Kilometers

LPRCA Watershed Map

LPRCA DISCLAIMER STATEMENT

© LPRCA GIS SERVICES 2018Long Point Region Conservation Authority

Portions of this map may be...Copyright, Queen's Printer for Ontario

http://www.lprca.on.ca

Users of the LPRCA's maps and data are cautioned to consider the provisional nature of the information before using it for decisions that concern personal or public safety or the conduct of business.

The Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) assumes no responsibility for the correctness of the information contained in this map nor liability to any user of such information, regardless of the purpose.

Jan 2018

Legend

LPRCA Properties Watercourse

Brant County

Haldimand County

LPRCA Watershed Boundary

Oxford County

Norfolk County

Elgin County

Waterford North CA

Haldimand CA

Deer Creek CA

Backus Heritage CA

Norfolk CA

ChairMICHAEL COLUMBUS, Norfolk County

Vice ChairJOHN SCHOLTEN, Township of Norwich

DirectorsLEROY BARTLETT, Haldimand CountyDAVE BERES, Town of TillsonburgDOUG BRUNTON, Norfolk CountyROBERT CHAMBERS, County of BrantROGER GEYSENS, Norfolk CountyCRAIG GRICE, Haldimand CountyNOEL HAYDT, Norfolk CountyDAVID HAYES, Township of Southwest OxfordWAYNE CASIER, Municipality of Bayham & Township of Malahide

Lee Brown Marsh Management CommitteeTOM HASKETT, Chair

TREVOR BROWN

DOUG BRUNTON

LARRY CHANDA

MICHAEL COLUMBUS

BARRY SMITH

Backus Museum CommitteeBETTY CHANYI, Chair

MIKE COLUMBUS

ROBERT CHAMBERS

ROGER GEYSENS

RON SACKRIDER

JULIE STONE

MADELINE WILSON

JUDY MAXWELL, General Manager/Secretary-TreasurerAARON LEDUC, Manager Corporate Services (from December)LORRIE MINSHALL, Interim Manager Watershed ServicesBRET COLMAN, Manager Conservation Land Services (from June)

HELEN BARTENS, Assistant Curator (from June)CHRIS BOOTHE, Planning Technician (from April)BONNIE BRAVENER, Resource TechnicianKIM BROWN, Marsh ManagerJEFF CALLIAUW, CarpenterMATTHEW CHURLY, Water Resources EITALYSSA COUSINEAU, ALUS Elgin CoordinatorJERRY DEBACKERE, Forestry TechnicianNATHAN DUNBAR, Interim Carpenter PAUL GAGNON, Lands & Waters SupervisorBRANDON GOOD, Backus Heritage CA SupervisorBEN HODI, Water Resources AnalystCRAIG JACQUES, Water Resources SpecialistCAROLYN JACQUES, Accounting & Administration SupervisorSHEILA JOHNSON, CuratorLEIGH-ANNE MAUTHE, Planning TechnicianDANA MCLACHLAN, Administrative AssistantFIONA NAVICKAS, Outdoor EducatorLYNN PAULSON, Interim Finance & Accounting Supervisor (from July)FRANK SCHRAM, Workshop SupervisorJARAH STEFEK, Marketing Coordinator (until July)DEBBIE THAIN, Forestry TechnicianMORGAN VAN LAEKEN, Lands & Waters TechnicianGINNY VANLOUWE, Accounting Clerk HANNAH WEBER, Marketing Coordinator (from December)

And our many seasonal staff and summer students

2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORS LPRCA STAFF THE LONG POINT REGION WATERSHED

22 LPRCA 2018

Niagara PeninsulaConservation Authority

Upper Thames RiverConservation Authority

LAKE ERIE

Catfish CreekConservation Authority

Grand RiverConservation Authority

6

24

3

59

59

Vienna

Simcoe

Jarvis

Norwich

Waterford

Long Point

Port Rowan

Port Dover

Tillsonburg

Port Burwell

Turkey Point

Harley

Langton

0 10 20 305Kilometers

LPRCA Watershed Map

LPRCA DISCLAIMER STATEMENT

© LPRCA GIS SERVICES 2018Long Point Region Conservation Authority

Portions of this map may be...Copyright, Queen's Printer for Ontario

http://www.lprca.on.ca

Users of the LPRCA's maps and data are cautioned to consider the provisional nature of the information before using it for decisions that concern personal or public safety or the conduct of business.

The Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) assumes no responsibility for the correctness of the information contained in this map nor liability to any user of such information, regardless of the purpose.

Jan 2018

Legend

LPRCA Properties Watercourse

Brant County

Haldimand County

LPRCA Watershed Boundary

Oxford County

Norfolk County

Elgin County

Waterford North CA

Haldimand CA

Deer Creek CA

Backus Heritage CA

Norfolk CA

2018LONG POINT REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

ANNUAL REPORT

4 Elm Street, Tillsonburg, ON N4G 0C4

Tel.: 519-842-4242Toll Free: 1-888-231-5408Fax: 519-842-7123Email: [email protected]

lprca.on.ca

@longpointca

fb.com/LongPointConservation

@lpr_ca

Member of the Conservation Ontario Network

LONG POINT REGION CONSERVATION A · improvements in the areas of accountability, transparency and have consistency amongst the conservation authorities. The work of the Board Committee’s

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