Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists
317 Highland Road East, Kitchener, Ontario N2M 3W6
[ conserving our natural heritage through education and involvement
]
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Posted May 2, 2013
Dear Friend of Our Natural Environment,
The government has not heard us yet. Despite concerns expressed by thousands and
thousands of people like you, the government of Ontario is getting ready to gut
the Endangered Species Act (ESA) with sweeping exemptions for industry. These
include:
• A five-year exemption for forestry (an industry that impacts about 30 million
hectares of land in Ontario)
• Permanent exemptions for existing pits and quarries, and hydro operations
• Exemptions for planned or approved activities that harm newly listed species,
species newly discovered at a site and newly protected habitat
Speak out against these gaping new loopholes for pits and quarries, residential
and commercial development, mining, waste management, renewable energy, hydro,
roads, and more. Any day now, Cabinet will be making the final decision. We need
to get their attention, fast. Please help us!
Here’s what you can do:
1. Call a Cabinet Minister near you at
protectendangeredspecies.ca
2. Express your concern to the Premier through our
Sturgeon Face Facebook campaign
3. Tell the Finance Minister that there are better ways to deal with the deficit
than to
gut the ESA
For more information:
• Read this
letter to the Premier signed by 54 environmental organizations
• Read this
Toronto Star editorial
• Listen to my
interview CBC Fresh Air about Earth Day and the proposed ESA exemptions
Did you know that in southern Ontario alone, the value of ecosystem services
provided by nature (e.g., pollination, seed dispersal, atmospheric regulation,
flood control, erosion control, water quality maintenance) is worth over
$84 billion per year? We need to take care of this asset. We simply can’t
afford environmental deregulation.
Thanks for standing up for the more than 200 endangered plants and animals in
Ontario!
Sincerely,
Dr. Anne Bell
Ontario Nature
Director of Conservation and Education
Posted May 2, 2013
The provincial government is about to pass legislation that will ......
KWFN is joining with Ontario Nature and other similar minded groups to encourage
Premier Wynne to change course in this matter. Following is the letter
that will be sent to the Premier in the next day or so.
May xx, 2013
The Honourable Kathleen Wynne
Premier of Ontario
Legislative Building
Queens Park
Toronto, Ontario
M7A 1A1
Dear Premier Wynne,
Re: Proposed exemptions under the Endangered Species Act, 2007
It is our understanding that the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) is
proceeding with its plans to create a broad new suite of exemptions under the
Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA), and that Cabinet will be making a final
decision about this proposal in the very near future. We are writing to urge
your government to turn down this ill-advised proposal.
On March 1st of this year, 54 environmental organizations co-signed a letter to
you outlining our concerns about the exemptions and requesting that they be
withdrawn. Thousands upon thousands of Ontarians have expressed their
disapproval of the exemptions. Collectively, we have tried through various means
(participation in public consultations, letters to relevant Ministers, meetings
with staff at your office and the office of Minister Orazietti) both to convey
our opposition to the proposal and to offer alternatives. But to no avail.
We are left wondering how it could be that your government which so proudly
passed the ESA only a few years ago could now be turning its back on endangered
species and on those of us who hailed this new law as the gold standard in
Canada and beyond. There seem to be two possible explanations: either the
government has indeed made a conscious decision to change direction and no
longer stands behind the legislated purpose and intent of the ESA, or it has
been misinformed by the MNR about the intent and likely impacts of the proposed
exemptions. Certainly the MNR has been less than fully transparent with the
public about the real implications of and reasons for these proposed changes.
Premier, we are deeply appreciative of the many significant steps that have been
taken by the Liberal government to improve environmental law and policy in
Ontario. The reintroduction of the Local Food Act and the Great Lakes Protection
Act is a strong signal of your ongoing commitment to fostering healthy,
sustainable communities. Yet we have to ask whether your government will stand
behind its own legislation in the years to come. The proposed exemptions to the
ESA cast a disturbing shadow of doubt across your green agenda and legacy.
There is no doubt that the proposed exemptions would severely weaken the ESA’s
current standard of protection and undermine the government’s ability to monitor
and control activities that harm threatened and endangered species and their
habitats. Indeed, some organizations have raised concerns that the Ministry's
proposed regulatory approach is contrary to law.
While we acknowledge that there have been many challenges in implementing the
ESA, broad exemptions are not the appropriate way to address them. There are
other viable options which should be explored. These include fair and fiscally
responsible ways to address the deficit. We are willing to discuss these
opportunities at any time.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. We look forward to your
response.
Yours truly,
cc. The Honourable David Orazietti, Minister
of Natural Resources
The
Honourable Charles Sousa, Minister of Finance
Gordon
Miller, Environmental Commissioner of Ontario
Posted March 15, 2013
Read the details of Vice-president Graham Macdonald's presentation to the February 25, 2013 General Meeting of KWFN. Share your thoughts regarding this presentation with Graham as soon as possible. There will be an update at the March 25, 2013 General Meeting. Go to Using Sanctuary Funds.
Posted Februry 23, 2013
!!! URGENT APPEAL !!!
Carolyn Schultz, President of Ontario Nature, in an appeal to KWFN and other
similar organizations, writes,
"Once again I am reaching out to you to ask whether you would be willing to
consider signing a letter to the Premier opposing proposed changes under
Ontario’s Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA). As you will remember, last spring
the provincial government proposed to make several damaging amendments to the
ESA through the budget bill. With your help, we were able to demonstrate
widespread public opposition to the amendments, and at the last hour they were
removed from the budget bill.
Now the Ministry of Natural Resources is proposing to weaken ESA protections for
species at risk through sweeping exemptions that would be created through
regulation (with Cabinet approval). The proposed exemptions are very broad –
for the most part, sector-wide and/or permanent – and include:
• A five-year exemption for forestry;
• permanent exemptions for existing pits and quarries,
hydro operations and drainage infrastructure;
• exemptions for planned or approved activities that
harm newly listed species, newly discovered species at a site and newly
protected habitat. Exemptions would last for the life of the project. This
applies to activities regulated under the Aggregate Resources Act, the Planning
Act, the Condominium Act, the Environmental Assessment Act, the Energy Board Act
and the Environmental Protection Act (renewable energy). It would include pits
and quarries, residential and commercial development, electricity, waste
management, renewable energy, hydro, roads and other infrastructure, and more;
The proposed exemptions will significantly weaken the standard of protection
currently required under the ESA. At the same time, government and public
oversight of activities that are harmful to threatened and endangered species
will be dramatically reduced. As a group, we need to again rally to defend
the ESA by reaching out directly to our new Premier, Kathleen Wynne. I have
attached a letter to Premier Wynne expressing our concerns and asking that the
proposed exemptions be withdrawn. I am asking each of your organizations
to consider signing this letter. So far, organizations that have agreed to sign
include the Owen Sound Field Naturalists and the Algonquin to Adirondacks
Conservation Association as well as the Canadian Environmental Law
Association, the David Suzuki Foundation, Great Lakes United, Sierra Club
Canada, and more. Collectively, I firmly believe we can make a difference."
Refer to additional postings below.
Posted February 23, 2013
Read this letter at ON's Letter.
Posted February 23, 2013
Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists
317 Highland Road East, Kitchener, Ontario N2N 3W6
February 24, 2013
Ministry of Natural Resources
Province of Ontario
(Natural Resources Information Centre)
300 Water Street
Peterborough ON K9J 8M5
Re: The Endangered Species Act
EBR Registry Number: 011-7696
Attention: Krista Adams, Senior Permits and Agreements Specialist
Dear Ms Adams:
On behalf of the Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists, I would like to provide
input regarding the proposed changes to Endangered Species Act that would, for
the most part, exempt business and industry from its requirements.
As a local conservation group that seeks to preserve wild areas and associated
species, we feel that these changes will be a huge threat to the existence of
rare species and natural areas throughout the province.
We recommend the following:
1. Exemptions to the Endangered Species Act should NOT be industry
wide and exceptions only allowed in rare
circumstances.
2. Retain the existing requirement to obtain a permit BEFORE
construction, logging, mining and/or development in sensitive
areas occurs.
3. Recoup administrative costs by charging a fee for each permit to
those who will benefit from the development and use of
natural resources.
4. Retain rigorous government and public oversight of activities
that potentially pose harm to endangered species and
associated habitat.
We are hopeful that pressure to cut costs within government services and undue
pressure from development interests will not result in the compromising of
endangered species and habitats throughout our province.
Please reconsider the negative ramifications of providing exemptions within the
Endangered Species Act.
Sincerely,
Karen Buschert (signed)
Conservation Director
Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists
Posted February 23, 2013
"Attn: Krista Adams, Senior Permits and Agreements Specialist, Ministry of
Natural Resources
I support a strong Endangered Species Act that fulfills its mandate to protect
Ontario’s species at risk.
The proposals put forward by the Ministry of Natural Resources will severely
weaken the Endangered Species Act (ESA), jeopardizing the recovery of species
already at risk, and increasing the potential for destruction of essential
habitats.
The proposals fly in the face of sensible and considered evaluation of the true
impact of for profit industrial activity on the ever decreasing quality of our
landscape and environment. Logging, mining, hydro electric power, road and rail
infrastructure that are all rapidly encroaching on the pristine and essential
Boreal Forest regions of Ontario (e.g. the so-called Ring of Fire Mining
development) must not be allowed to proceed under exemptions to the Endangered
Species Act, nor without rigorous government inspection and oversight.
It is ludicrous to expect for-profit corporations to act for the greater good
while being allowed to begin work before obtaining a permit, which may or may
not be issued. The damage will have been done, and it will be irrevocable.
The proposals appear to follow the very disturbing policies of the current
Federal Government that heavily favour the desire of big business to remove all
regulatory impediments to development and resource extraction and transportation
that would limit or prevent or delay their activity.
With Ontario Nature, I am asking that:
1. Exemptions to the Endangered Species Act must NOT be industry wide.
Exemptions should only be allowed under rare
circumstances.
2. Existing requirement to obtain a permit BEFORE construction or logging takes
place be kept.
3. Government and public oversight of activities that harm endangered species
and their habitat be retained
4. Those who will benefit from the permit pay for it – this way the government
can recover the costs of permitting and
inspection.
Keep the Endangered Species Act strong. Don’t water it down and allow loopholes
that will increase the risks to Ontario’s most endangered wildlife and
habitats."
____________________________________________
Graham Macdonald.
Posted May 24, 2012
Dear Friends of Hidden Valley,
This has been an eight year battle so far .... are you still there? We
need your help in June!
Gord and I had just returned from a month of visiting our daughter in Sweden and
travelling in England: it's taken a week to recuperate. In our absence,
Larry Hamel prepared and posted the article Hidden Valley and LEAF Fund Review
that follows below this article. Please review this article in relation to
the information that follows here.
Compass Kitchener, a group of community volunteers chaired by Theron Kramer, has
been given the responsibility of choosing which of 4 causes will receive all or
some of the $3.4 million left in the Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF), to
make a positive impact on the environment.
Hidden Valley is one of the 4 tabled options. Background Information on all of
the options is given on the Kitchener website. The Backgrounder information on
Hidden Valley lists 4 planning documents which relate to Hidden Valley, all of
them reflecting out-of- date environmental standards, but none of the pertinent
facts is explained.
These documents allow "light industries" such as garages, trucking
companies, scientific plants, to name a few, a business "park" , a subdivision,
each with parking lots and driveways which would drain into the Grand, just
above where 23% (+/-) of our drinking water is syphoned out of the river for
treatment at the Manheim plant. So close to the water intake ... surely the
precautionary principle MUST apply. They permit the destruction of acres of
forest. Such developments would also impact the 3 Provincially Significant
Wetlands, the Regionally Significant plants, the nesting place of over 100
species of birds, a biodiverse ecosystem, many species of wildflowers and
habitat of the endangered Jefferson salamander. Is this what you'd like? I'm not
ready to concede!
Getting a major part of $3.4 million for Hidden Valley might not be sufficient
to purchase it, but it would send a strong message to the community and it could
be the start of corporate/private fundraising that would save all of
Hidden Valley as a Natural Area Park in the centre of the Region. For that
reason, I'm hoping people from Waterloo and Cambridge will attend the meetings
and fill in the questionnaires too, carefully and thoroughly. Read the
background information and be prepared, please!
On May 30, 11 am, on the 6th floor of City Hall, I'm meeting with Kitchener
Senior Planner, Brandon Sloan, to get a clear understanding of what the planning
documents stipulate for Hidden Valley. If you are able to join us, please let me
know ASAP, so Brandon can book a room. Lets make sure a LARGE room is needed!
The biggest impact will be if there's a large number of participants at
each of 3 Compass Kitchener Public Input meetings. We hope you will be
able to attend one or more of the following Kitchener meetings, and lobby for
Hidden Valley!
Thursday, May 31 6-7:30, Kitchener Youth Action Council Downtown
Community Centre, 35 B Weber St. W.
Saturday, June 9 , 9:30-11:30, Stanley Park Community Centre 505 Franklin St. N.
Tuesday, June 12, 5:30-7:30, Kitchener Market , 300 King St. E.
Those of us willing and able to continue to lobby for Hidden Valley are
requested to prepare for the meetings by reading the Backgrounders for all 4
causes, attend one or all of the meetings, and fill in a questionnaire. If you
can't manage all of these, PLEASE, PLEASE consider doing what you can, and share
this information with friends who are interested.
An overview of the LEAF Program Review is available on the City of Kitcherner’s
website at
http://www.kitchener.ca/en/insidecityhall/LEAF_Program_Review.asp
We need LOTS of people at the public meetings. The committee
won't be able to ignore large numbers of people. I'm not making your email
addresses public, but I'm sending this message to as many interested
people as I can. In case I miss someone you know, please forward this message.
Thank you!
Daphne Nicholls
Posted May 16, 2012
The City of Kitchener has given Compass Kitchener, an advisory group to City
Council, the responsibility to gather public input and make recommendations to
council as to how these funds should be allocated.
The Leaf Fund contains 3.4 million dollars.
Compass Kitchener is comprised of 11 citizens of Kitchener, from various
backgrounds, appointed by City Council. Theron Kramer is the chair of
Compass Kitchener.
During the public consultation process (May 15 – June 25) Compass Kitchener will
seek feedback from the community on which options(s) is/are most viable.
Currently four alternatives are open for consideration:
- Proceed with the LEAF program based on its approved mandate;
- Allocate all or some of the remaining funds toward the city’s efforts to
address the effects of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) on
local trees;
- Allocate all or some of the remaining funds toward several unfunded
parks and trails projects;
- Allocate all or some of the remaining funds toward purchasing lands in
the Hidden Valley community.
During the consultation process other alternatives may be identified.
An overview of the LEAF Program Review is available on the City of Kitcherner’s
website at
http://www.kitchener.ca/en/insidecityhall/LEAF_Program_Review.asp
This information may also be accessed as follows:
www.kitchener.ca
A-Z Services
Advisory Committees
LEAF Program Review (left side bar)
This site provides background information about the alternatives listed above.
Public meetings are scheduled as follows.
Saturday, June 9, 2012, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.,
Stanley Park Community Centre, 500 Franklin St. N. (Franklin & Ottawa St. N.)
Tuesday, June 12, 2012, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.,
Kitchener Farmers Market, King St. E. (between Eby St. and Cedar St.)
Each meeting will include:
- a brief overview of the background information available on the city’s
website,
- small group (6-8 people) discussion guided by a list of questions
(provided),
- during the discussion each participant will have an opportunity to
indicate why his/her choices are important to him/her and
to council and, if so desired, an opportunity to indicate why
any or all of the alternatives should not be considered for
funding,
- at the end of the discussions participants will fill out the allocation
chart or they can go online after the meeting to complete
the online survey.
Compass Kitchener will also gather public input via an online survey that can be
accessed via the website given above.
Other alternatives raised during the consultation process will be considered at
the discretion of Compass Kitchener.
Over the summer Compass Kitchener will analyze the data acquired via the public
meetings and the online survey. One or more recommendations will be
prepared. The advisory group will report to council in September.
It may be of interest to know that the Kitchener Youth Action Council (KYAC) is
also hosting a meeting for local youths to discuss the tabled options on
Thursday, May 31, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., at the Downtown Community Centre, 35B
Weber St. W.
Posted May 15, 2012
At the April 23, 2012 General Meeting of KWFN Anna Baggio, Director
Conservation Land Use Planning, Wildlands League, presented information about
the Ring of Fire.. This is a section of Northern Ontario that is currently
receiving intense attention from companies intent on extracting mineral
resources from the area. Anna shared photos and information that
underlined current concerns about the uncontrolled environmental degradation
that was taking place. She also expressed some optimism that the
Government of Ontario was beginning to exercise some of its authority in an
effort to bring some order to these mining operations and their impact on the
environment.
A recent announcement regarding a deal between the Government of Ontario and
US-based Cliffs Natural Resources, that obligates the taxpayers of Ontario to
build a 350 km all weather road at a cost of $600 million, suggests that Anna’s
optimism may have been misplaced.
More information is available in a communication provided by Dave Pearce, Forest
Conservation Analyst, CPAWS Wildlands League, and other links provided in Dave’s
communication.
To read more, please go to
Ring of Fire Communication.
For a summary of Anna's presentation access the June issue of The Heron via the
Newsletter Page
(after May 24, 2012.)
Posted May 15, 2012
On April 23, 2012, at a General Meeting of the club, Fraser Gibson, President
of KWFN, was pleased to
present the KWFN Conservation Award to Wayne Buck, a longtime member of KWFN.
Graham and Marg Macdonald, longtime KWFN members, were responsible for
nominating Wayne for this award. In their comments during the presentation
ceremony they cited Wayne's wide ranging involvment in conservation related
matters and made it quite clear that, in their opinion, this award was
well-earned and long overdue.
(left to right)
Fraser Gibson, Wayne Buck, Graham Macdonald, Marg Macdonald
and Karen Buschert (Conservation Director)
Wayne expressed his appreciation for being selected as the recipient of the
award.
Wayne Buck
The Macdonalds and Bucks have been long time participants in the management of
our F.H. Montgomery Wildlife Sanctuary property and other conservation
initiatives.
(left to right)
Marg Macdonald, Graham Macdonald, Lynda Buck, Wayne Buck
To learn more about this award, please read
Wayne Buck Award.
Posted May 15, 2012
On March 26, 2012, at a General Meeting of the club, Fraser Gibson, President
of KWFN, was pleased to
present the KWFN Conservation Award to Waynco Ltd., a local aggregate company.
Tom Palko received the award on behalf of Waynco Ltd.
(left to right) Larry Lamb, Tom Palko, Fraser Gibson, Neil E. Taylor, Karen
Buschert (KWFN Conservation
Director)
Photo by Michael Frind
Waynco Ltd. is located on the south side of Cambridge, Ontario, 2 miles south of
Regional Road 97 and east of Hwy #24 on Waynco Road, Cambridge, Ontario, L0R
1B2. Waynco Limited is a subsidiary of Nelson Aggregate Co.
Neil Taylor and Larry Lamb, both recipients of the KWFN Honorary Life Membership
Award, nominated this company because of its willingness to preserve and restore
valuable prairie habitat on their property and permit easy access to this unique
landscape for prairie researchers and other visitors such as KWFN outings and
school trips.
Tom Palko, a representative of Waynco Ltd., was present to receive the award.
He, in turn, praised KWFN for its conservation efforts.
To find out more, please read the
Waynco Ltd. Conservation Award.
Posted April 4, 2012
February 12, 2012
To: The Record
Re: Hidden Valley
A recent article appeared in the Record advocating the preservation of Hidden
Valley (Let’s Preserve Hidden Valley, January 21, 2012). As a long-time
local club whose goals include the preservation of significant local natural
areas, and as a partner in the Kitchener’s Natural Areas Program (KNAP), the K-W
Field Naturalists (KWFN) wishes to provide input on the fate of Hidden Valley to
be determined over the coming months.
We believe development on this site, even if it is restricted to the ‘clearing’
of a few trees to provide road allowance, is a mistake for many reasons. First,
the natural value of Hidden Valley in its size, biodiversity, presence of
Provincially Significant Wetlands (PSW) and endangered species is undisputed.
That alone should secure its preservation. It does not. Nor does the
contribution this area makes to the region’s air and water quality prevent it
from development.
The water from the three PSWs in Hidden Valley enters the Grand River where 22%
of the Region's drinking water is piped out and sent to Mannheim for treatment.
Any contaminants from development, roads and parking lots would end up there.
But not all contaminants, including road salt, oil and gasoline can be removed,
so surely the precautionary principle should apply. That would mean that the
business parks (zoned B1, B2 and B3 which could include manufacturing, a service
centre, research and development laboratory, a bio-tech company, warehousing, or
trucking centre) and the subdivision, all of which, while permitted in
Hidden Valley, should NOT be constructed. The zoning bylaws were
established 24 years ago and are out-of-date: current zoning standards would not
permit this kind of development. Hidden Valley needs to be rezoned.
The construction of the River Rd. extension, including new ramps onto highway 8,
would require clearcutting a large portion of the mature forest near Highway 8.
The Grand River Conservation Authority recommends forest coverage of 30%, but
Kitchener has less than 12%. Trees produce oxygen and remove an equal volume of
carbon dioxide. Air pollution in KW is already the worst in Ontario, yet here we
contemplate removing a natural (and free) filter system for the sake of yet more
roads and development that will further erode our air quality and ultimately our
own health. However, time and again it has been proven that building MORE roads
does not relieve traffic congestion; instead, they just fill up with more cars
until they too are equally gridlocked.
There is no doubt that the bare minimum of Hidden Valley will be preserved,
saved only by its status as an ESPA and the presence of 3 PSWs. But why
stop there? We don’t need more development nibbling away at this site, but
rather healthy and secure buffer areas to maintain it. Since the local
population is expected to increase by 200,000 people in the next 19 years, we
need a variety of parks for recreational needs. Instead of slicing Hidden Valley
into more roads and businesses, preserve it in its entirety for future
generations.
For these reasons, the KWFN strongly urges the City and Regional Council to
reconsider development and road construction in, or near, Hidden Valley and
preserve it as a Natural Area Park that will provide value to the community
through its unique environmental features and functions.
Money from the Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF) that is potentially being
collapsed could be used for such a purpose. Future generations would be
thankful.
Sincerely,
Karen Buschert
Conservation Director, Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists
Note:
Some of the other letters to the editor that were printed in The Record appear
immediately below.
Posted April 4, 2012
The following letter was sent to The Record as a letter to the Editor and to Mayor Zehr
and the members of Kitchener City Council.
"Let's preserve Hidden Valley"
That was the Record's stance in its January 21st editorial.
Many Kitchener residents have the same opinion. Over the years, numerous
presentations have been made to Kitchener city staff and council expressing
this view.
Citizen support for this idea was reiterated by the authors of the Park
Master Plan (PMP) which was presented to council in 2010. On page 42, the
PMP states: "Kitchener residents place a high value on the open spaces
along the Grand River and opportunities to access, appreciate and
experience the scenic river valley. This was confirmed at the Park Master
Plan public open houses and workshops where natural area land and
specifically acquisition along the Grand River Corridor were rated as high
priorities by many residents. Petitions and presentations...have sought to
expand the City's ownership of open space land within and adjacent to the
river valley."
The PMP goes on to recommend the creation of a Grand River Corridor Park
through acquisition of several specifically named areas along the Grand
River. One of the named areas is Hidden Valley.
The debate concerning the fate of Hidden Valley has been ongoing for many
years. Now is the time for bold action. The City of Kitchener should
acquire Hidden Valley.
The citizens of Kitchener have asked for it. There are many good reasons
for doing so.
Let's acquire and preserve Hidden Valley.
Mary Ann Vanden Elzen
Kitchener, Ontario
Posted April 4, 2012
The following letter to the Editor was printed in The Record.
January 2, 2012
To: The Editor
Re: Let's preserve Hidden Valley
It was encouraging to see The Record's support for purchasing portions of
HiddenValley. This intact piece of natural habitat, consisting of provincially
significant wetlands, old fields as well as mature forest cover is
irreplaceable. Such diverse habitats, all interconnected and forming a single,
larger natural area, provide the varied support systems necessary for
biodiversity.
This fifty-plus hectare parcel of nature in the centre of the City of Kitchener
not only provides the necessities of life for the creatures living there but
also contributes greatly to the health of local human residents. Approximately
twenty percent of our water supply comes from the Grand River immediately
downstream of Hidden Valley. The wetlands in Hidden Valley act as a filtering
system enhancing the quality of our drinking water. The forested regions act as
nature's lungs exchanging the air we breathe. The trails through the area
provide users with a much needed mental and emotional break from the stresses of
everyday city life. All life benefits in untold ways from its existence!
I too urge councilors to seriously consider purchasing this natural gem before
too much of it is "developed" and its ecological services are lost forever.
Fraser Gibson,
Kitchener, Ontario
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
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.
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