Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists
317 Highland Road East, Kitchener, Ontario N2M 3W6
[ conserving our natural heritage through education and involvement
]
QUICK LINKS FOR THIS PAGE
Current Conservation Issues
On-going Conservation Initiatives
- F. H. Montgomery Wildlife
Sanctuary
- Founders' Wildlife Sanctuary
Earlier Conservation Initiatives
- F. W. R. Dickson Wilderness Area
- Bannister Marsh and Wrigley Lake
- Donations to
Conservation Initiatives in Other Areas
Posted November 13, 2011
On Thursday, November 10th I attended a meeting at the Headquarters of the
Grand River Conservation Authority to provide input on behalf of the KWFN
regarding their new Water Management Plan.
The previous document was from 1982 and they wish to bring it up to date, with a
target completion of early 2013.
Members of the public are invited to review and provide feedback on this
document, specifically the broad objectives, and it can be viewed online at:
http://www.grandriver.ca/index/document.cfm?Sec=87&Sub1=0&sub2=0
I invite
you as private individuals to become informed and make any relevant comments to
the GRCA through their online survey.
The deadline is tight- Dec
2 is the closing!
Karen Buschert
Conservation Director
Posted November 13, 2011
In a letter to Christopher Gosselin*, Neil Taylor has expressed his serious
concern regarding the lack of return communication regarding this very important
local environmental issue.
In his communication with Mr. Gosselin, Neil has expressed many important
questions that require satisfactory answers before there is any further
decision-making in this matter!
When will Mr. Gosselin provide this important information?
What is being done to keep the public informed in a timely manner regarding the
Regional governement's handling of this matter?
To read Neil Taylor's letter and learn about the concerns, click
South Kitchener Transportation Corridorand River Road Extension Class EA.
*Christopher Gosselin, Manager of Environmental Planning, Planning, Housing, and
Community Services Department, Regional Municipality of Waterloo, 150 Frederick
Street, Kitchener, Ontario, N2G 4J3
On Thurs (Nov 10), I attended a meeting at GRCA headquarters to provide input on behalf of the KWFN regarding their new Water Management Plan. Their previous document was from 1982 and they wish to bring it up to date, with a target completion of early 2013. Members of the public are invited to review and provide feedback on this document, specifically the broad objectives, and it can be viewed online at: http://www.grandriver.ca/index/document.cfm?Sec=87&Sub1=0&sub2=0 I invite you as private individuals to inform yourself and make any relevant comments to the GRCA through their online survey- just be aware, the deadline is tight- Dec 2 is the closing! Karen Buschert Conservation Director
Posted April 21, 2011
In a letter to Christopher Gosselin*, Neil Taylor has expressed his serious
concern regarding the lack of return communication regarding this very important
local environmental issue.
In his communication with Mr. Gosselin, Neil has expressed many important
questions that require satisfactory answers before there is any further
decision-making in this matter!
When will Mr. Gosselin provide this important information?
What is being done to keep the public informed in a timely manner regarding the
Regional governement's handling of this matter?
To read Neil Taylor's letter and learn about the concerns, click
South Kitchener Transportation Corridorand River Road Extension Class EA.
*Christopher Gosselin, Manager of Environmental Planning, Planning, Housing, and
Community Services Department, Regional Municipality of Waterloo, 150 Frederick
Street, Kitchener, Ontario, N2G 4J3
Posted March 3, 2011
March 3, 2011
EBR registry number: 011-2303.
Dear Jennifer Chikoski:
The MNR’s decision to designate as ‘protected’ all of the threatened Woodland
Caribou’s boreal forest range is commendable. However, allowing the logging,
mining and hydro industries to operate in the boreal without obtaining ESA
permits that might restrict their activities can only be detrimental to the
survival of this iconic species.
The fate of Woodland Caribou matters not only for the species, but for the
boreal forest itself. The health of caribou populations is an indicator of
overall forest health. By protecting Woodland Caribou, other wildlife that
similarly rely on undisturbed, mature boreal forest ecosystems will also
benefit.
Maintaining the overall health of the boreal forests is also essential for
absorption of greenhouse gases and serves to mitigate the effects of climate
change. This is important for all life on earth, including human.
An exemption from the ESA sends a clear signal to the marketplace that
industries are either unable or unwilling to meet the standards set out in
legislation created to ensure the survival and recovery of species at risk. At a
time when consumers are looking for products that are sustainably produced, an
exemption from the ESA is bad for business. Many organizations have
sustainability or green purchasing policies. Companies, such as Staples, Rona
and Starbucks, have made commitments to protect our shrinking forests. Limited
Brands (Victoria’s Secret) has made the protection of Woodland Caribou habitat
an explicit requirement in its sustainable purchasing commitments.
Exempting industry from requirements to protect at-risk species is unacceptable.
Therefore, I urge you to take two actions:
a) regulate the entire current range of caribou as habitat under the ESA, so
that industrial activities are subject to ESA requirements; and
b) withdraw the proposal to exempt forestry, mining and hydro from ESA
requirements. Instead, industry should be required to apply for ESA permits for
activities that harm caribou or its habitat.
Sincerely,
Mary Ann Vanden Elzen
President
Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists
Posted February 19, 2011
What's Happening?
In response to his request for an update on this project and its potential
impact on Hidden Valley, Neil A. Taylor received a reply from A. Wayne Cheater,
P.Eng, - Senior Project Manager. A summary follows.
The Project Team will prepare an information package for presentation at a
Public Consultation Centre some time in April 2011.
The purpose is to update and obtain information from the Public on:
- results and conclusions made from project work completed since 2007
- the reasons why the study has been inactive
- review of the selection of a preferred alternative planning solution to
transportation needs on the South Kitchener transportation corridor
- the Project Teams's plan to seek approval from the Regional Council to
reaffirm the approval of a new road from Bleams Road/Manitou Drive to river
Road/King Street as the Preferred solution and to resume and complete the River
Road Extension Class EA Study.
Readers are encouragead to keep their eyes and ears open for more information on
this topic.
If you would like to be included in advance notice communications regarding this
topic, please send your request to
A. Wayne Cheater, P.Eng. - Senior Project Manager
Transportation, Design and Construction, RMOW
Phone: 519-575-4757 ext.3183, Email:
WCheater@regionof waterloo.ca
Posted January 1, 2011
City of Kitchener’s Park Master Plan
By Mary Ann Vanden Elzen - November 22, 2010
“…at the lower end…”
That was the conclusion reached by
consultant, Fred Galloway, when asked to compare Kitchener’s spending on parks
compared to other Ontario municipalities.
According to a June 6, 2009 Record
article, Kitchener now spends $30 per capita on the operation and maintenance of
its parks, natural lands and trails.
Some municipalities spend $75 per
person. The median is $50.
It is clear that Kitchener has a long
way to go to even catch up to this median spending figure.
The new 2010 Park Master Plan (PMP),
authored by Galloway, discusses six core themes: Natural Areas, Community
Trails, Grand River Corridor, Active Parkland/Outdoor Sports, Neighbourhood
Parks, and Engaging the Community.
Upon first reading, the document
contains numerous ideas which the Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists would
eagerly support. One of these is a recommendation to improve, expand and connect
Kitchener’s many trails and make them part of an active transportation system.
Most exciting is a proposal for the creation of a Riverside Park - “a contiguous
system of public parks and natural areas” all along the Grand River.
Additionally, the PMP calls for a $10 million increase in spending over 10
years.
However, the devil is in the details. Or
lack thereof. Absent from the PMP were dollar allocations for many of its plans.
Often missing, too, were timelines to achieve certain outcomes. And this
question: as the population of the city continues to increase will the ratio of
parks-to-people keep pace? The PMP was specific in proposing that, of the
$10 million in increased spending, nearly half ($4.8 million) should go to one
area alone - retrofitting sports fields with artificial turf.
These and other concerns were addressed
by the KWFN, as well as by several members of the KWFN, both through written
submissions and by appearing as delegations at council meetings.
In the end, the PMP was passed by
Kitchener council with some modifications resulting from input received. First
was a name change – from Park Master Plan to Park Strategic Plan. This is
significant in that the plan now becomes a living document subject to
regular input and alteration. Second, City staff was asked to consider
appropriate benchmarking and ratios for the six theme areas. Third, staff is now
required to report back to council in one year with an update on the
implementation of the Park Strategic Plan and recommendations for future
budgets.
Posted December 22, 2010
December 20, 2010
EBR registry number: 011-0112
Dear Kathleen Pitt
I applaud the passing of The Green Energy Act in 2009 which places a priority
on expanding Ontario’s use of clean and renewable sources of energy across the
province. However, the recently posted Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR)
guidelines for the approval process do not go nearly far enough, specifically in
the case of wind power, to protect birds and their habitats from the potentially
negative impacts of wind turbines.
To ensure minimum or no damage to bird life and their habitats the Province of
Ontario needs to:
1) prohibit wind power development in Important Bird Areas (IBAs) In MNR’s
draft guidelines, no mention is made of the importance of internationally
recognized IBAs, even though there is broad agreement among conservation
organizations that wind power development should be prohibited in these areas.
The unacceptably high bird mortalities of the Wolfe Island wind farm, located in
a globally significant IBA, is a case in point.
2) establish meaningful and effective mortality thresholds
The MNR is proposing mortality thresholds of 18 birds per turbine per year. This
is nine times higher than the provincial average of two birds per turbine per
year, and is unacceptable.
3) require public disclosure of all post-construction monitoring results
The guidelines indicate that a Best Management Practice for industry is to
submit pre- and post-construction monitoring data to the Wind Energy Bird and
Bat Monitoring Database to facilitate an improved understanding of the effects
of wind turbines on birds, allow for greater consistency in assessment of wind
power effects and lead to future improvements in approval processes. Yet the MNR
guidelines do not require the submission of such information. It is critical
that such information be shared and accessible to the public to allow
independent assessments and to build the knowledge base.
I urge the province of Ontario to take into consideration the above three points
which, if adopted, would go a long way towards addressing the potentially
negative impacts of wind turbines on birds and bird habitat.
Make wind power a win win situation – a win for Ontarions and a win for birds.
Sincerely,
Mary Ann Vanden Elzen
President
Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists
Posted November 30, 2010
June 20, 2009
Laurel Davies Snyder
Economic Development and Tourism Officer
Box 158, 24 Church St. W.
Elmira, ON N3B 2Z6
Dear Ms. Davies Snyder,
I am writing on behalf of the
Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists (KWFN). As an organization that draws its
membership from all areas of Waterloo Region, we are concerned that the town of
Elmira proposes to declare a portion of Victoria Glen Park ‘surplus.’ The intent
is to replace this wooded land with residential housing.
Although this area is small, it abuts a
creek and provides habitat for many different species of plants, birds, mammals,
and other animals. The area is enjoyed by many residents for walking and nature
observation. Losing it would be to the detriment of the citizens of Elmira.
It is the KWFN’s opinion that this area
should be protected from development in order to preserve the natural habitat
and environment. Elmira does not have many forested areas, so it is imperative
that those areas that do exist are protected for future generations.
Sincerely,
Mary Ann Vanden Elzen
President
Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists
Posted November 26, 2010
Sept. 14, 2009
To Whom it May Concern,
The Kitchener Waterloo Field Naturalists
strongly and sincerely support the project to purchase and protect the Crawford
Property on the Northern Bruce Peninsula by the Nature Conservancy of Canada.
This project has much merit and community support.
The Bruce Peninsula is renown for its
biodiversity supporting many rare species. Some global rarities include
Ram’s-head Lady’s-slipper, the Lakeside Daisy, the Eastern Prairie-fringed
Orchid and the endangered Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake. Other species of note
are the very old dwarfed Northern White Cedar found along the escarpment face
and the large areas of unbroken habitat supporting the Red-shouldered Hawk,
Black Bear and Fisher. The Bruce features the largest array of orchids and ferns
found anywhere in Canada. It’s alvars, beaches, fens, woods and meadow marshes
offer a large diverse habitat that produces unique flora and fauna of global
significance.
The Bruce Peninsula is currently 90
percent intact and is now feeling the pressure of development, ATVs and the
harvesting of timber. This idyllic, heritage habitat needs our support to
preserve the richness of the area.
The Nature Conservancy of Canada has an
excellent reputation for protecting heritage lands in their control and the
Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists strongly endorses their initiative.
Sincerely,
Mary Ann Vanden Elzen
President,
Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists
Posted November 24, 2010
February 27, 2010
David Schmitt
Environmental and Urban Forestry Project
Manager
Parks Operations, Community Services,
City of Kitchener
82 Chandler Drive, P.O. Box 1118
Kitchener, ON N2E 1G6
Mr. David Schmitt
I am writing this letter on behalf of
the Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists (KWFN) to offer support towards your
application for funding through the City of Kitchener Local Environmental Action
Fund (LEAF). This funding and an Urban Forest Strategy, is a critical first step
towards ensuring the City’s ‘green-infrastructure’ will be managed in an
innovative and sustainable manner.
The Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists
believe in the value of conserving and protecting the natural heritage in our
community which includes our urban forests. We value these
areas and the myriad of benefits they provide to the members of our club and to
all residents of Kitchener. We support the development of an urban forest
strategy, especially one which brings residents together, engaging and involving
them in our natural world.
We look forward to seeing this project
evolve and having a positive and long-lasting impact on our environment.
Sincerely,
Mary Ann Vanden Elzen
President
Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists
Posted November 21, 2010
March 15, 2010
Dear Mr. Seiling
Re: Hidden Valley
It is clear that the citizens of
Waterloo Region deeply value their park lands. This was reflected in their
actions over the past twelve months in both the ‘surplus’ park lands and the
Victoria Park Lake issues in Kitchener, as well as the Victoria Glen Park
campaign in Elmira.
As an organization which draws its
members from all areas of Waterloo Region, the Kitchener-Waterloo Field
Naturalists (KWFN) also believes in the value of conserving and protecting our
natural heritage. To this end, the KWFN supports the efforts of The Friends of
Hidden Valley in their application to Kitchener’s Local Environmental Action
Fund (LEAF). This application requests that Hidden Valley’s 200 acres be
purchased by the City and converted into a public natural heritage preserve.
Such an acquisition presents a unique opportunity to expand Kitchener’s parks
system - an action that would be of value to all the citizens of the Region,
including the 220 members of the KWFN.
As well, the United Nations has declared
2010 as the International Year of Biodiversity. Communities are being encouraged
to take action to protect wild species and wild spaces. Saving Hidden Valley
would be an exemplary commitment to protecting a significantly biodiverse area
located right in the centre of the Region of Waterloo. With its Jefferson’s
salamanders, the regionally significant wood sedge and fringed gentian, its 3
provincially significant wetlands, and the more than 110 species of nesting
birds, Hidden Valley is definitely an area worth protecting. It also impacts the
20% of the Region’s drinking water that comes from the Grand River.
Further, as Ontario Nature, our parent
organization, states, “Wild spaces in Ontario make up the web of life that
sustains you and me, our children and their children. Biodiversity matters.”
For these reasons, the
Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists strongly supports the LEAF application by
the Friends of Hidden Valley, and requests that the Regional Municipality of
Waterloo uses its environmental fund to support Kitchener, and together, acquire
all of Hidden Valley as a natural area park.
Sincerely,
Mary Ann Vanden Elzen
President, Kitchener-Waterloo Field
Naturalists
cc: all members of Regional Council
Posted November 19, 2010
Nov. 13, 2009
To whom it may concern
The City of Kitchener is preparing to
conduct a Blanding’s Turtle study in several of Kitchener's Natural Areas as
well as other locations across Waterloo Region. The Blanding's Turtle is a
threatened species in Ontario with population numbers continuing to decline.
Currently there is no plan or recovery strategy for the species. The intent of
this study is to monitor and track the Blanding’s Turtle to determine population
status and behaviours.
The Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists
(KWFN), as an organization that believes in the value of conserving and
protecting the natural heritage in our community, is fully supportive of this
project. In fact, as a major partner in the Kitchener Natural Areas Program, the
KWFN looks forward to assisting with the monitoring of the Blanding’s and,
thereby, gaining a better understanding of how these turtles interact with their
environment in Waterloo Region.
I urge you to seriously consider funding
the application of this very worthwhile project and help to put the Blanding’s
Turtle back on the road to recovery.
Sincerely,
Mary Ann Vanden Elzen
President
Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists
Posted November 18, 2010
EBR Registry number 011-1300
Dear Barton Feilders:
The number one priority of Ontario’s provincial parks is to maintain their
ecological integrity. This is clearly stated in the Provincial Parks and
Conservation Reserves Act. Therefore, I was dismayed to learn that the Ontario
government recently announced its intention to extend cottage leases inside
ecologically sensitive Rondeau Provincial Park to 2038. This reneges an earlier
declaration that the leases should be terminated in 2017.
Currently, 287 leaseholds, over half of which have changed ownership since the
final lease extension in 1986, are located inside park boundaries. All cottagers
entered into their leases knowing that the leases would not be renewed after
2017.
There are several reasons for opposing the cottage lease extension.
1) protected areas are key to conservation and the preservation of biodiversity.
Terminating cottage leases in 2017 would be an exemplary commitment to
protecting a significantly biodiverse area located right in heavily populated
Southern Ontario where, presently, less than 4% of the landscape is protected in
parks and conservation lands;
2) the extension of the cottage leases was a highly contentious issue during the
preparation of the plan in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The extension of the
cottage leases to 2017 was a huge concession to cottagers at the time and
strongly opposed by conservation organizations. Another such concession is
unacceptable, especially given the provincial government’s commitments to
protecting biodiversity, recovering endangered species and maintaining the
ecological integrity of protected areas;
and, finally,
3) located on some of the most environmentally significant portions of the park,
the cottages already have a negative ecological impact. Simply by occupying a
good portion of the land base, the cottages impede its use by wildlife. Also, a
2008 survey of the eastern dunes of the park found numerous invasive plant
species, many intentionally introduced by cottage leaseholders.
For these reasons, I urge the government to reconsider their proposal to extend
the Rondeau cottage leases to 2038.
Sincerely,
Mary Ann Vanden Elzen
President
Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists
Posted November 18, 2010
November 18, 2010
To whom it may concern:
The City of Kitchener is preparing to conduct a multi-species turtle study in
several of its Natural Areas as well as locations across the Region of Waterloo.
The study will focus on two at-risk species in Ontario - the threatened
Blanding's Turtle and the special concern Snapping Turtle. Also to be studied is
the only Ontario turtle not listed as at-risk - the Painted Turtle.
All turtles face increasing threats within the urban environment, especially in
Southern Ontario where development and urban sprawl continue to encroach into
natural spaces.
The intent of this study is to monitor and track turtles to determine their
population status, trends and behaviours. Engaging and educating the community
in the stewardship of at-risk turtles will also be a large part of the turtle
project in 2011 and something we believe is critically important in our
community.
The Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists (KWFN), as an organization that
believes in the value of conserving and protecting the natural heritage in our
community, is fully supportive of this project. In fact, as a major partner in
the Kitchener Natural Areas Program, the KWFN looks forward to assisting with
the monitoring of the turtles and, thereby, gaining a better understanding of
how these turtles interact with their environment in Waterloo Region.
I urge you to seriously consider funding the application of this very worthwhile
project and help to conserve our urban turtle populations.
Sincerely,
Mary Ann Vanden Elzen
President
Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists
Posted September 1, 2010.
There is an ongoing project to provide assistance to our turtle population. Please report sightings of turtle fatalities (road kills) or knoweldge of any areas where there seems to be a lot of turtles crossing the road.
Contact
Angie Schoen
Turtle Haven
1-519-745-4334
uros@sympatico.ca
Angie is recording this information in a database. She will use this data to approach different municipalities about placing turtle crossing signs on high use (by the turtles) roadways. Any help will be appreciated.
Related Note
Dr. Chris Murfin
Kingsdale Animal Hospital
2848 King Street, East, Kitchener
519-896-0532
www.kingsdale.com
has offered to provide medical attention to injured native turtles at no cost to
the people that bring them in.
Karner Blue Butterfly Project
Angie Schoen (see above contact information) would
like to contact any conservation group(s) that are working with the Karner Blue
Butterfly Project.
Please Note:
These initiatives have been and are supported by donations to the KWFN Sanctuary
Fund and a portion of the funds generated by members' particiaption in and
support of the annual Baille Birdathon.
In 1974, as part of KWFN's fortieth anniversary celebration, this KWFN property was officially named in honour of one of the founding members of KWFN.
This 18.28 acre site is located near the town of New Dundee, Ontario. To reach the property from New Dundee, you travel west on Bridge Street, crossing roads named Hallman, Sandhills, Pinehill and Puddicombe. In the next block you will reach the Ninth River and an iron bridge. The property is located in the southeast corner of Bridge Street and the Nith River (just before you cross the bridge).
In September 2003 the KWFN Board of Directors established The Montgomery Committee and gave it the responsibility to manage this property in accordance with the following vision statement.
"The Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists are committed to protect and preserve the natural history of the F. H. Montgomery Tract, and thereby provide opportunities for nature appreciation, research, education, and the advancement of conservation."
The committee continues to work steadily to fulfil its mandate by improving signage, establishing a marked trail, clarifying the bourndary corners, conducting outings on the property, working to eliminate invasive species of plants (garlic mustard, periwinkle), producing a trail guide and creating an inventories of the physical features, plant species and animal species.
Members and their guests are welcome to use this property. Users are requested to stay on the trail. The trail through the property is identified as an "unimproved trail". Therefore, anyone using the trail does so at their own risk. The trail is posted in this manner. Please stay on the trail, take only pictures and treat this sancturary with respect. Currently, the trail guide is available at each KWFN meeting for a nominal cost of $1.00 (to defray expenses).
In 1984, as part of KWFN's fiftieth anniversary, this property was officially named the Founders' Wildlife Sanctuary.
This 12.95 acre site is located in North Dumfries Township, not too far from the hamlet of Roseville. To reach the property from Kitchener, Ontario, you travel south on Fischer-Hallman Road to Roseville. Turn left onto Roseville Road following it until crossing over Highway 401. Turn right onto Dumfries Road. Watch for the Waterloo Region Police Association sign on the right and follow the road to their parking lot. We have a legal right-of-way to access our property from theirs. Cross the open area to the west of the parking lot and enter the woodlot. Our property is immediately west across the creek.
There are no plans to develop this property further at this time.
Members and their guests who wish to access the property should contact the Conservation Director for assistance. We have a few members who are familiar with the property who may be able to assist you. This is definitely a Use at your own risk site.
This property is located south of Cambridge. It was purchased by KWFN and later donated to the Grand River Conservation Authority.
These properties located between Ayr and Cambridge, Ontario. They have been preserved through KWFN's co-operation with the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA).
Over the years, KWFN has found it expediant to pool resources with other conservation minded groups to preserve significant natural areas and support naturalist interests in Ontario.
©2010 Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists. All Rights Reserved.