AGENDA FOR CONSERVATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014

NOTICE OF MEETING CONSERVATION ADVISORY BOARD Thursday, June 12, 2014 6:30 p.m. Dundas Valley Trail Centre Education Centre 650 Governors Road, Dundas A light dinner will be served

AGENDA 1. CHAIRMAN’S REMARKS

~ Bowman

2. DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 4. DELEGATIONS 5. MEMBER BRIEFING 5.1

Results of Volunteer Engagement Survey at Westfield Heritage Village ~ Rondalyn Brown and Lynn Felker

5.2

Education Program

~ Beth Stormont

6. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT ON BOARD OF DIRECTORS ACTIONS CA1420

~ Bowman

Project Technical Advisory Committee – Hamilton-Halton Watershed Stewardship Program

7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING 7.1

Minutes – Conservation Advisory Board (April 10, 2014)

~ Bowman

8. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES 8.1 8.2 8.3

CAB Tracking Report Desjardins Canal Parklands Restoration Project Update Hermitage Ruins – Verbal Update

~ Kenny ~ Bell ~ Bell

9. NEW BUSINESS 9.1 9.2 9.3

HCA 2014 Climate Change Workplan Lower Spencer Corridor Concept Plan HCA Wildlife Management Committee

10. OTHER NEW BUSINESS 11. NEXT MEETING – Thursday, July 10, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. 12. ADJOURNMENT

2

~ Breton ~ Breton ~ Stone

HAMILTON CONSERVATION AUTHORITY Conservation Advisory Board MINUTES April 10, 2014 Minutes of the Conservation Advisory Board meeting held on Thursday, April 10, 2014 at the HCA’s Millgrove Works Yard commencing at 6:30 p.m. PRESENT:

Maria Topalovic, Chair John Barkovic Sean Botham Lydia Cartlidge James Howlett Cheryl Larocque Robert Pasuta

Rob Booth Dan Bowman Frank Cucullo Donna Kydd Chris Michels Morgan Pirie

REGRETS:

Kristen Brittain, Duke O’Sullivan, Marie Robbins, John Shaw, and Mary Tice

STAFF PRESENT:

Sandy Bell, Hazel Breton, Lisa Burnside, Chris FirthEagland, Gord Costie, Darren Kenny, Judy Love, Don McConnell, Sheila O’Neal, Scott Peck, and Mike Stone HCA Staff

OTHERS:

Richard Leitner - Media

1.

CHAIR’S REMARKS Maria welcomed all to the meeting and passed on regrets from those members not able to attend. Maria thanked Don McConnell and staff for the tour of the Millgrove Works Yard facility and for the barbecue.

2.

DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST There were none.

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Conservation Advisory Board

3.

April 10, 2014

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA CA1415

MOVED BY: SECONDED BY:

John Barkovic Rob Booth

THAT the April 10, 2014 Conservation Areas Advisory Board agenda be approved. CARRIED

4.

DELEGATIONS There were none.

5.

MEMBER BRIEFING 5.1

Millgrove Works Yard – Tour of Facility

Don McConnell (Manager, Fleet and Construction) provided the members a tour of the Millgrove Works Yard facility and yard. 5.2

Climate and Weather Outlook

Hazel Breton provided a presentation on the climatic conditions experienced in our region over the winter and an outlook for spring conditions. Some highlights from the presentation are as follows: HCA Role in managing water quantity:    

Prevention e.g. Floodline maps, monitoring, studies Protection e.g. use of dams Emergency Preparedness e.g. flood forecasting and warning Low Water Response e.g. declaration of Level 1, 2, 3

•

The monthly mean snow depth at Dundas Valley and Valens was 30-50 % higher than in the last 10 years.

•

There will be higher potential for debris jams in creeks from the ice storm and higher spring runoff. Ice jams have already occurred on some creeks such as Redhill Creek.

2

Conservation Advisory Board

April 10, 2014

Outlook for April  Normal but a rapid change is expected mid-month to bring more springlike temperatures. Overall the monthly average will be near normal but that will occur with below normal temps at the start of the month and above normal towards the end  Snowfall events are still likely in the first week or two but then rainfall is expected as far north as Northeastern Ontario by Easter as heavier precipitation moves into much of the province. Issues for the Spring of 2014     

Moderate to Heavy Rainfall Air temperatures consistently above 0 degrees that lead to snow melt Ice jams Debris jams Frozen ground

That lead to:  Road closures  Urban flooding  Close monitoring of Mineral Springs Dam

6.

ELECTION OF VICE CHAIRMAN Maria called for nominations for Vice Chair. Rob Booth nominated Dan Bowman. Maria asked if Dan Bowman was willing to accept the nomination for Vice Chair. Dan indicated that he was and as there were no other nominations put forward, Dan Bowman was acclaimed as Vice Chair.

7.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT OF BOARD OF DIRECTOR’S ACTIONS Maria reported that item CA1413 was approved at the March HCA Board of Director’s meeting and item CA1414 was received. • •

CA1413 Hermitage Ruins: Recommended Stabilization Concept CA1414 Coyote Information

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Conservation Advisory Board

8.

April 10, 2014

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE PREVIOUS MEETING 8.1

Minutes – Conservation Advisory Board (March 13, 2014)

CA1416

MOVED BY: SECONDED BY:

Donna Kydd Lydia Cartlidge

THAT the minutes of the March 13, 2014 Conservation Areas Advisory Board meeting be accepted. CARRIED

9.

BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES 9.1

CAB Tracking Report

Darren Kenny briefly reviewed the report. CA1417

MOVED BY: SECONDED BY:

Jim Howlett Frank Cucullo

THAT the April, 2014 Conservation Areas Advisory Board Tracking Report be received as presented. CARRIED 9.2

Christie Pond Project – Progress Update (verbal)

Scott Peck informed the CAB that the Pond 1 is currently undergoing restoration and that the project was moving along nicely. The pond was dewatered and fish rescued from the pond and moved downstream. The creek meander through the former pond has been created as well as a small wetland feature. The tentative date for construction work to be done is Tuesday, April 14, 2014.

10.

NEW BUSINESS 10.1

Future Use of the CAB Tracking Report

Darren Kenny briefly reviewed his report and asked for endorsement of the staff recommendation. James Howlett suggested an amendment to the staff recommendation to produce the tracking report quarterly instead of twice per year. This was supported by the members. CA1418

MOVED BY:

James Howlett

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Conservation Advisory Board

April 10, 2014

SECONDED BY:

Cheryl Larocque

THAT for 2014-2016, the Conservation Advisory Board Tracking Report be produced for information quarterly and that the future use of the tracking report be reassessed in early 2017. CARRIED 10.2

HCA Planning & Regulation Policies and Guidelines - Policy Review and Update

Mike Stone informed the members that the HCA is in the early stages of the policy review and update and will be keeping the CAB updated as progress is made. The main intent of the review is to incorporate recent federal and provincial legislative changes and facilitate policy implementation. 10.3

HCA Managed Forest Program Review and Update

Mike Stone reviewed his information report. The goal of the program is to eventually return the existing plantations on HCA property to a mixed forest through both natural regeneration and planting. CA1419

MOVED BY: SECONDED BY:

John Barkovic Frank Cucullo

THAT the Conservation Advisory Board receives the HCA Planning & Regulation Policies and Guidelines Policy Review and Update and the HCA Managed Forest Program Review and Update reports as information. CARRIED 10.4

Project Technical Advisory Committee – Hamilton-Halton Watershed Stewardship Program

Sheila O’Neal reviewed her report for the members and asked for endorsement of the staff recommendation. CA1420

MOVED BY: SECONDED BY:

Donna Kydd Sean Botham

THAT the Conservation Advisory Board recommends to the Board of Directors:

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Conservation Advisory Board

April 10, 2014

THAT the responsibilities of the Project Technical Advisory Committee for the Hamilton-Halton Watershed Stewardship Program be approved as identified in the staff report of March 25, 2014; and further THAT the members on the Committee be appointed for the period of April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015. CARRIED 10.5

MOTUS Project – Long Point Bird Conservatory (Walk On)

Scott Peck advised the members that Bird Studies Canada - Long Point Bird Observatory (BSC-LPBO) was undertaking a project whereby they are installing monitoring towers in various locations along the Niagara Escarpment to track wildlife movements. The HCA has been approached regarding installation of a tower on the Westover Drumlin property. Scott advised that the HCA has concerns with the tower on the drumlin due to an existing use agreement with the Southern Ontario Glider Group (radio controlled model gliders), interruption of views and esthetic concerns. However, the HCA is in discussion with the BSCLPBO about the possibility of installing a tower at the Millgrove Works Yard facility. An update on this item will be provided to the CAB in the near future.

11.

OTHER NEW BUSINESS There was none.

12.

NEXT MEETING The next meeting of the CAB is scheduled for Thursday, May 8, 2014 at the HCA Administration Office commencing at 7:00 p.m.

13.

ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting was adjourned.

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Memorandum To:

Members of the Conservation Advisory Board

From:

Chris Firth - Eagland, CAO

Prepared by:

Darren Kenny, Watershed Officer

Date:

June 3, 2014

Re:

June 12, 2014 CAB Tracking Report

Meeting Date

Formal Recommendation

April, 2014

HCA Planning & Regulation Policies and Guidelines - Policy Review and Update – Recommendation to receive report as information

April, 2014

HCA Managed Forest Program Review and Update Recommendation to receive report as information

March, 2014

Hermitage Ruins Stabilization Concept – Recommendation to pursue the detailed design and required permits to implement a restoration of the Hermitage Ruins as per Concept No. 7 (drawings attached) at an estimated cost of $144,000 to $194,000 and to report back to the HCA Board with final design and estimates for final approval prior to commencing work on site.

Idea/Comment

Board Approval

April, 2014

Action/Status Draft Large Scale fill policy/procedure developed Further revisions to be made in second half of 2014. PIC to be held June 10, 2014. Silvicon retained to complete tree marking summer 2014 with harvesting targeted for winter 2015. Verbal update to be provided at June 12, 2014 meeting.

August, 2011

June, 2010

Veldhuis Property Restoration Plan - Recommendation to approve the Landscape Restoration Plan for the Veldhuis property and forward the plan to the City of Hamilton and Royal Botanical Gardens. Confederation Park Master Plan Update

September, 2011

Verbal Update to be provided at June 12, 2014 meeting.

N/A

The City of Hamilton is undertaking several reviews and assessments of Confederation Park to determine the costs and feasibility of implementing the development concepts presented in the plan. City and HCA staff have been involved in discussions during this process.

Report TO:

Conservation Advisory Board Members

FROM:

Chris Firth-Eagland, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

PREPARED BY:

Sandy Bell, Manager, Design & Development

DATE:

May 22, 2014

RE:

Desjardins Canal Parklands Restoration Project Update

STAFF RECOMMENDATION THAT the Conservation Advisory Board recommends to the Board of Directors: That the HCA Board of Directors approve the change in design approach to the chimney square area of the Desjardins Canal Parklands project as proposed by the Dundas Rotary Clubs; and further THAT the staff update report on the Desjardins Canal Parklands Restoration Project be received.

BACKGROUND As per the direction of the Board of Directors, staff have been proceeding with the restoration efforts of the former Veldhuis property located at 150 King St. East in Dundas. The restoration project on this brownfield site began in 2010 with the demolition of most of the 14 greenhouses and the rest of the buildings in 2011. This work was followed with further environmental studies and risk assessments on these lands. In 2013, the HCA received an approval on the risk assessment plan from the Ministry of the Environment, which permitted the HCA to begin the next phase of restoration and prepare the detail design work for the project based on the conceptual plan approved by the HCA Board. With receipt of the FedDev Ontario Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund grant and other monies raised by the HCF, the HCA proceeded with the next phase of restoration which involved clearing the site of vegetation and the placement of a minimum of 1 metre soil cap over the site. 1

The rough grading and topsoil for the site has been completed as well as foundation construction for the two lookout areas so that there will be no future need to disturb the soil cap. The existing chimney which is being retained was also repaired and fortified. Some shoreline restoration and the installation of the floating islands were also completed. This spring we will undertake further fine grading to prepare the site for seeding so that we have the full summer to change the landscape colour from brown to green.

STAFF COMMENT The HCF has entered in to an agreement with the Dundas Rotary Club and the Dundas Valley Sunrise Rotary Club to undertake the installation of a portion of restoration project which includes landscape plantings, the chimney square, interpretive panels and walkways. At their request, they are carrying their portion of the project from final design through construction and installation because they wanted a ‘hands on’ experience for their membership much like they did with splash pad/skating rink project at the Dundas Driving Park. As part of their project they reviewed the small pavilion proposed for the chimney square. They requested the opportunity to suggest some additional design approaches and came back with a concept that staff support. Attached to this report is the original plan for a greenhouse type shelter for this area and the plan being proposed by the Rotary Clubs. This area is intended to be a quiet area for relaxing and an opportunity to watch the chimney swifts enter the chimney. Interpretive signage for this area would include information on the chimney swift species and the history of the site as the famous Veldhuis greenhouse operation and the cactus capital of Canada. Staff determined that it was appropriate to bring the proposed change back through the Board.

STRATEGIC PLAN LINKAGE The initiative refers directly to the HCA Strategic Plan 2014-2018: Strategic Goal # 2 – Natural Heritage Conservation The HCA conserves, restores and enhances watershed natural areas and ecological systems. Strategic Objective: •

Maintain and enhance the natural heritage features of HCA lands and manage these lands on an environmentally sustainable basis.

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Strategic Goal # 3 – Conservation Area Experience The HCA provides customers high quality, diverse conservation areas to promote outdoor recreation, health and well-being, strengthening public awareness of the benefits of being in or near our conservation areas. Strategic Objective: •

Maintain and enhance conservation area infrastructure and natural heritage features within the context of approved master plans.

Examples of programs and initiatives that address the above noted objectives include the HCA conservation area master planning process, and the capital budget and funding programs. Strategic Goal #4 – Education and Environmental Awareness The HCA provides active outdoor learning experiences for students, teachers and the community increasing knowledge and awareness of the value of our environment and heritage. Strategic Objective: •

Maintain and enhance the education programs and infrastructure relating to natural and cultural heritage.

AGENCY COMMENTS Necessary approvals from MOE, MNR and City of Hamilton have been obtained as required. Since a portion of the original concept for this project included the City lands to the east, HCA staff have requested City staff to provide an update on their plans for the adjoining lands along the canal.

LEGAL/FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS The restoration project for these lands is being funded through the fundraising efforts of the Hamilton Conservation Foundation as part the Dundas EcoPark Campaign. Approximately $1.8 million of the total $5 million campaign target is earmarked for the HCA portion of the Desjardins Canal Parkland Restoration Project.

CONCLUSIONS Approving the design approach for the chimney square and the progress update will advance the significant restoration efforts on these lands. -3-

Report TO:

Conservation Advisory Board Members

FROM:

Chris Firth-Eagland, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

RECOMMENDED BY:

Scott Peck, Director of Watershed Planning & Engineering

PREPARED BY:

Hazel Breton, Manager Water Resources Engineering

DATE:

June 4, 2014

RE:

HCA 2014 Climate Change Workplan

STAFF RECOMMENDATION THAT the Conservation Advisory Board receives this report as information.

BACKGROUND With ongoing observations of a growing number of extreme weather events in the HCA watersheds, staff throughout 2011worked with the Ontario Centre for Climate Impacts and Adaptation Resources (OCCIAR) to assess local climate data to establish trends. This assessment revealed the following: • • •

Temperatures have increased by 0.9oC over the last 40 years. Precipitation has increased by 26mm over the last 40 years The number of extreme heat and cold days have increased Extreme weather (flooding, high winds, excessive erosion etc.) are increasing in frequency and intensity.

In order to build a Climate Change Strategy as requested by the HCA Board of Directors, staff continued to work with OCCIAR to consult with a number of partners (City of Hamilton, Ministry of Natural Resources etc.), community groups and experts in the Climate Change field to determine a role for HCA. This consultation resulted in a draft HCA Climate Change Strategy. This strategy was then endorsed by the HCA Board of Directors on March1, 2012. Specifically, Strategies for Addressing Climate Change

1. UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEM: Increase our understanding of changes to climate, what can be done to mitigate it, the impacts of climate change on watersheds, systems and communities and what needs to be done to adapt to these impacts 2. SHARE INFORMATION: Share knowledge and information about climate change with and between other partners (government agencies, municipalities, academia, the business and agricultural communities, NGOs and the public) 3. INTEGRATE INTO EXISTING POLICIES: Work with partners to integrate mitigative and adaptive measures for climate change into existing policies, plans, programs and practices 4. DEVELOP NEW POLICIES: Where needed, work with partners to develop new policies, plans, programs and practices to mitigate climate change and reduce vulnerability to its impacts Recent Work Completed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 2014) Scientists have concluded that climate change is happening today, temperatures are increasing over most of the planet and this change is as a result of increased emissions of greenhouse gases. The graph below is taken from the most recent report published by the IPCC a few weeks ago. The Earth is warming at a fast rate that has not been previously experienced by humans. Observed globally averaged combined land and ocean surface temperature anomaly 1850-2012

STAFF COMMENT The work planned for 2014 can be described as follows: •

Phase 1 – Study Future Potential Climates

This task aims to define the nature of future climate in the Hamilton area. This task is one of the first steps in assessing climate impacts and determining the risks and vulnerabilities in surface and groundwater systems (natural environment as well as infrastructure) as climate change advances in the future. This work involves downscaling a set of climate change future models that are appropriate for Hamilton’s geographic location in Ontario. In addition: In concert with the Great Lakes Cities Initiative, City of Thunder Bay, City of Hamilton and HCA, and Matrix Solutions Inc., with funding from the RBC Blue Water Project, work will be undertaken as follows: This work consists of two demonstration projects (located in City of Thunder Bay and City of Hamilton (Spencer Creek Watershed)) on the Great Lakes that show how knowledge and management of tributaries and the broader watershed can support more effective flood mitigation and stormwater management within a municipality while simultaneously reducing contaminants entering the Great Lakes. Combining consideration of flood management and ecological sensitivity is essential for Great Lakes shoreline communities as they improve how they manage stormwater, and work to protect urban waterways and water quality. This project has the added benefit of supporting the Cities Initiative's Municipal Adaptation and Resilience Service (MARS) to help cities prepare for climate change. The Great Lakes Cities Initiative will be the project managers for this work. Specific to Hamilton and the HCA’s Phase 2 work, the calibrated model (developed for the Lower Spencer Integrated Subwatershed Study) will be used to prepare a water budget and flow statistics for the current hydrologic conditions and assess changes to those conditions in the future climate scenarios for Spencer Creek. Why do we need to do this work? It is important that the City of Hamilton and the HCA are aware of the vulnerabilities that extreme events (excessive flooding, heat alert days, drought etc.) bring about. The location and associated risks of negative impacts as well as the opportunities for the local area will become the drivers of change to the economy, environment and society. Who will use the information generated? The City of Hamilton, through Clean Air Hamilton, is initiating a Climate Change Action Plan. A steering committee is currently being assembled that represent various sectors of the community such as: public health, community social organizations, faith groups,

insurance industry, industry, community environmental groups, utilities, economic developmental organizations, etc. The intention is for the results of the HCA work will be shared with this group and with the use of a change lab methods, build community resilience with a “made in Hamilton” set of solutions. There will be other avenues, yet unexplored, that will become apparent as we receive the results of this proposed work. How will this benefit the local community? By building local resilience the intention is to make Hamilton (rural and urban) sustainable over the longterm from a triple bottom line perspective (economy, environmental and social).

STRATEGIC PLAN LINKAGE The initiative refers directly to the HCA Strategic Plan 2014-2018: •

Strategic Goal #1 – Water Management o Strategic Objective – Monitor and adapt to the impacts of a changing climate and the implications to our watershed.

AGENCY COMMENTS Not applicable.

LEGAL/FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS Not applicable.

CONCLUSIONS As we move forward in the implementation of the HCA Climate Change Strategy, the use of sound science and forming key partnerships will be essential if we are to build resiliency in our communities in a changing climate. This report describes the work associated with the first strategy (Understand the Problem) of the HCA’s Climate Change Strategy that must be undertaken in the initial steps to identify vulnerabilities and associated risks to Hamilton.

Report TO:

Conservation Advisory Board

FROM:

Chris Firth-Eagland, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

RECOMMENDED BY:

Scott Peck, Director of Watershed Planning & Engineering

PREPARED BY:

Hazel Breton, Manager Water Resources Engineering

DATE:

June 4, 2014

RE:

Lower Spencer Corridor Concept Plan

STAFF RECOMMENDATION THAT the Conservation Advisory Board receives this report as information.

BACKGROUND In 2012, HCA initiated the Lower Spencer Integrated Subwatershed Study to assess the overall health of the creek system and incorporate considerations for flooding, erosion, surface and groundwater flow patterns, fish habitat and migration, the terrestrial environment, and water quality as well as how these aspects interact with each other. The study also examines future stresses and opportunities for the Lower Spencer Creek system and develops an adaptive management approach to improve the health of the watershed and the residents that live within. Urbanization within the Lower Spencer Creek (LSC) subwatershed has profoundly altered channel function, constraining the creek and leading to channel instability and a reduced capacity to support healthy aquatic environments. Historically, intervention has been through non-natural means of erosion stabilization and has met limited degrees of success. In-stream works including grade control structures, concrete lining and gabion baskets have contributed to fish-migration and sediment flow barriers which affect the overall health and functionality of the creek. Clearly, there is a need to address these limiting factors to improve the overall function of Lower Spencer Creek.

HCA has received Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources funding to proceed with preliminary design details for in-stream restoration works as recommended by the subwatershed study. With the completion of the preliminary design, HCA has received additional funding from the Ministry to start the implementation. This project involves the realignment of the Lower Spencer Creek for the reach of watercourse located between Thorpe Street and Cootes Drive. In addition, HCA has been invited to submit a detailed funding proposal to the Sustain Our Great Lakes Fund and will know the results of this submission at the end of July. STAFF COMMENT This project is driven by two primary needs: 1. Improve the channel morphology (function) 2. Improve both the aquatic and terrestrial ecology supported by the creek Within the study area, improvement of the biological form and function has been identified as the greater need. In its existing condition the channel is straightened and entrench; disconnected from its floodplain. The channel lacks morphological and habitat

diversity and predominantly supports only run morphology (i.e. no pools and riffles). While the channel does contain reaches of excellent spawning substrates and direct connectivity to one of Lake Ontario’s largest coastal wetlands (Cootes Paradise), the true natural potential of this creek is not being realized due its current form. The proposed restoration of the Lower Spencer Creek has the potential to vastly improve the ecological productivity of Spencer Creek, Cootes Paradise and ultimately Lake Ontario. The map below, demonstrates the concept being promoted by HCA.

STRATEGIC PLAN LINKAGE The initiative refers directly to the HCA Strategic Plan 2014-2018: • Strategic Goal #1 – Water Management Strategic Objective –Minimize the impacts of erosion and sedimentation on watershed streams, creeks, rivers and receiving water bodies. • Strategic Goal #2 – Natural Heritage Conservation Strategic Objective – Maintain and enhance the natural heritage features of HCA lands and manage these lands on an environmentally sustainable basis. .

AGENCY COMMENTS This project is supported by the Ministry of Natural Resources, Royal Botanical Gardens and the Hamilton Harbour Remedial Action Plan Office.

LEGAL/FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS Not applicable.

CONCLUSIONS This concept plan comes about as a direct recommendation of the Lower Spencer Integrated Subwatershed Study. The approach is supported by many of HCA’s partners. Implementation of this plan will vastly improve the reach between Thorpe Street and Cootes Drive in terms of improving water quality, reducing bank and bed erosion, and allowing access to the floodplain during high flows, all leading to vast improvements in terrestrial and aquatic habitat. As part of the implementation, a public engagement process will be initiated to ensure that the local community is kept informed, provides feedback and participates in various activities associated with the rehabilitation. At this point in time funding is pending and the project will only proceed when funding is secured.

Memorandum TO:

Conservation Advisory Board Members

FROM:

Chris Firth-Eagland, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

RECOMMENDED BY:

T. Scott Peck, MCIP, RPP, Director, Watershed Planning & Engineering

PREPARED BY:

Mike Stone, MCIP, RPP, Manager of Watershed Planning Services

DATE:

June 12, 2014

RE:

HCA Wildlife Management Committee

BACKGROUND The Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) owns or manages approximately 4,400 hectares (11,000 acres) of land. HCA’s holdings include lands dedicated for conservation purposes, as well as lands that support a variety of recreational activities and that contain significant infrastructure. Wildlife management on HCA’s lands has been required in some circumstances where conflicts have arisen between wildlife and land use activities and/or land management objectives. In these instances, wildlife management has been conducted to ensure human health and safety, to conserve important natural heritage features, or to protect infrastructure investment. HCA staff have experience dealing with a wide variety of wildlife, including racoons, squirrels, skunks, Canada Geese, fish, muskrat, and beavers. Live trapping/capture, relocation, and humane kill trapping have been employed by HCA in the past. HCA currently has no formal policy or protocol for wildlife management on its lands. The trapping of beavers at Fifty Point Conservation Area has received recent public and media attention as the result of an unintentional trapping of a snapping turtle. Beaver trapping at Fifty Point has been conducted since the 1980s. The control of beaver at Fifty Point has been a near annual requirement at the trout pond since 2006 in order to minimize damage and habitat destruction to the area. The removal of beavers at Fifty Point has always been contracted and carried out by a professional trapper who is

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registered with the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). All trapping regulations, policies, and enforcement are administered by the MNR. In response to this recent incident at Fifty Point, HCA staff took a report to the Board of Directors on May 1, 2014 recommending that a Wildlife Management Committee be established to develop best management protocols for managing wildlife on HCA lands. The report also recommended that no further trapping, other than live relocations, take place on HCA lands until the Wildlife Management Committee had completed its work and released best practices. The Board of Directors endorsed staff’s recommendation and directed that the Board also be represented on the Committee. It has since been determined that Board of Directors Vice Chair, Jim Howlett, will sit on the Wildlife Management Committee. Mike Stone, Manager of Watershed Planning Services, was also appointed to sit on the committee and serve as the project manager.

STAFF COMMENT Further to the staff recommendation that was considered and endorsed by the Board of Directors on May 1, 2014 HCA has established a Wildlife Management Committee (WMC) to develop management protocols and best practices for the management of wildlife on HCA lands. The WMC is comprised of staff from different program areas and divisions, including ecology and customer service, to ensure there are varied perspectives and experiences for the WMC to draw on. The WMC held its first meeting on May 13 to discuss the mandate of the committee, scope of work to be completed, key tasks and timelines. Key tasks identified by the committee to be completed include reviewing current HCA practices, documenting existing wildlife management rules and regulations, and consulting with experts, agencies and other stakeholders/groups that have an interest in wildlife management. Based on this review and consultation, the WMC will then work towards identifying appropriate wildlife management protocols and practices for the Board of Directors consideration. It is anticipated this work will take several months. The WMC will provide periodic updates on the status of the committee’s work to the Board of Directors and Conservation Advisory Board. It may be necessary for the WMC to consider and advise on specific wildlife management issues as they arise during the course of the committee’s work and while the interim live trapping only policy is in place.

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STRATEGIC PLAN LINKAGE The initiative refers directly to the HCA Strategic Plan 2014-2018: •

Strategic Goal #2 – Natural Heritage Conservation o Strategic Objective – Maintain and enhance the natural heritage features of HCA lands and manage these lands on an environmentally sustainable basis

•

Strategic Goal #3 – Conservation Area Experience o Strategic Objective – Maintain and enhance conservation area infrastructure and natural heritage features within the context of approved master plans

•

Strategic Goal #5 – Organizational Excellence o Strategic Objective – Lead by example in the environmentally sustainable management and maintenance of the organization

AGENCY COMMENTS Not applicable.

LEGAL/FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS Not applicable.

CONCLUSIONS The establishment of a WMC provides HCA with an opportunity to review and reflect on its current wildlife management approaches, to make adjustments to existing practices, and to develop new protocols where necessary. This work is being undertaken with the objective of ensuring HCA is employing effective, practical and responsible approaches to the management of wildlife on its lands. In conducting its review the WMC will be mindful of HCA’s diverse mandate and the range of program objectives HCA works to fulfill.

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