Ontario Vernal Pool Association: First Special Meeting Date: Saturday, March 6, 2004 Time: 9:30 am – 3:00 pm Location: Credit Valley Conservation Boardroom, 1255 Old Derry Road Mississauga, ON Cost: $15 (non-member) $10 (member) Registration fee covers lunch and breaks. Some Background Information... What are Vernal Pools? Vernal Pools, also known as ephemeral ponds, are landform depressions that temporarily fill with water following the snow melt in the spring or heavy rainfall events. A defining feature of vernal pools is that they usually dry up by the middle of the summer. The temporary nature of these wetlands ensures that fish cannot inhabit these pools. The lack of fish in these pools is essential to the success of frogs, salamanders and invertebrates that would be preyed upon by fish. Some animals have adapted and thrive because of the wet-dry cycles of these pools. Species like Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica), fairy shrimp and mole salamanders are dependant on vernal pools for their reproduction. Vernal pools provide critical habitat for significant species like the nationally threatened Jefferson Salamander (Ambystoma jeffersonianum). In Ontario, vernal pools are threatened habitats due to urban development, deforestation, and poor land and water management and conservation practices. The Ontario Vernal Pool Association Objectives: To promote the education, study, and protection of Vernal Pool habitats in Ontario. To establish partnerships with other individuals, organizations, agencies and institutions that are involved in the education, study, and protection of Vernal Pool habitats in Ontario. To support individuals, organizations, agencies and institutions that are involved in the education, study, and protection of Vernal Pool habitats in Ontario. To educate municipalities and planning authorities on the role and significance of vernal pools in a healthy watershed and ecosystem. To encourage municipalities and planning authorities to develop policies that protect “significant” vernal pools. To develop criteria to assess the significance of particular vernal pools. For more information: e-mail us, visit our online group, or write to us! Ontario Vernal Pool Association P.O. Box 263, Norval, Ontario L0P 1K0 Photo Credits: Dragonfly by Kerry Jarvis; Red Eft by Don Scallen   Island Lake Annual Ice Fishing Derby 2004 The annual Island Lake Ice Fishing Derby is taking place from February 1st to the 29th, 2004. There is a total of $3,000 being offered in prizes, with grand prizes being awarded to the persons who land the "Big Catches" of the derby. Grand prize categories are: Longest Northern Pike - Jiffy Power Ice Auger (value $600) Longest Black Crappie - Canadian Tire Fishing Package (value $500) Longest Yellow Perch - Handcraft Blanket Box (value $500) Grand prizewinners will be announced on March 1st, 2004. In addition, there are weekly draw prizes being awarded to Ice Fishing Derby participants, along with an early bird prize. The registration fee is $20.00. All funds raised through this derby will be used for the protection of and improvements to Island Lake Conservation Area. For more information about the Ice Fishing Derby or the Winter Program at Island Lake, please call 519-941-6329 or 1-800-367-0890   Attention Anglers: Special Regulations for the Credit River and its tributaries The Ministry of Natural Resources has implemented the new fishing regulations for the Credit River and its tributaries. The new regulations are as follows: Fishing season is open from the last Saturday in April to September 30th. Upstream from Old Baseline Road, the Credit River and its tributaries within the Town of Caledon are a fish sanctuary during the closed season. Fishing for Atlantic Salmon is closed all year. Upstream from Old Baseline Road, the possession limit for rainbow, brook and brown trout is zero (0) in one day.   In order to maintain a healthy resident trout population, catch and release is mandatory. For further information, please refer to the Ministry of Natural Resources Fishing Regulations, or call the Aurora District MNR Office at 905-713-7400.   A.D. Latornell Conservation Symposium 2003 Last year the A.D. Latornell Conservation Symposium celebrated its 10th anniversary attracting over 700 participants. Among the participants, Credit Valley Conservation was able to contribute several presentations on various topics including: “Water Budget Analysis Results in an Uncontrolled Watershed: Credit Valley” by Hazel Breton “CVC's Terrestrial Watershed Monitoring Program and Preliminary Results” by Deanne Meadus “Terra Cotta Conservation Area – From Intense Recreation to Naturlization” by Tim Wood Current Initiatives in Natural Heritage Conservation and Open Forum involving Mike Puddister and Scott Sampson In addition to the presentations, CVC was presented with an award of appreciation for the volunteer work CVC's Communications Manager, Merebeth Switzer, contributed towards the media aspects of the conference. Other speakers at the symposium included the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario, Mr. Gord Miller, and the Minister of the Environment, The Honourable Leona Dombrosky. In his speech Mr. Miller asked the audience to continue to focus their efforts on the key environmental issues of today and to carry them into the future. Ms. Dombrosky announced the formation of two expert source protection committies during her breakfast speech on the concluding day of the symposium. The A.D. Latornell Conservation Symposium has come a long way since its inception. It has become Ontario's most prestigious and well-attended conservation conference bringing together environmental practitioners, students, academics, politicians and non-governmental organizations. The Symposium provides an arena to discuss challenges and opportunities in the conservation movement in Ontario, as well as learn about new tools, techniques and strategies for natural resources management.   Terrestrial Talk in the Maritimes In recognition of the innovative Terrestrial Monitoring Program at Credit Valley Conservation (CVC), CVC's Forester, Deanne Meadus, was invited to present at the 9th Annual Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network (EMAN) National Science Meeting on November 24-30 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. With over 200 representatives from academia, government, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, students, and individuals, Deanne was able to make her presentations to a large audience on the various aspects of the Terrestrial Monitoring Program including the program design, its implementation, community involvement and preliminary results, as well as giving a general overview of who Credit Valley Conservation is. Dr. Robert Milne from Laurier University and Dr. Lorne Bennett from the University of Guelph also summarized their findings of CVC's baseline frog population data in a poster presentation. The theme of the meeting "Delivering Ecological Science to Society: Influencing and Informing Governance, Policy, Adaptation and Decision-making" inspired participation from speakers and attendees from across the country. Multiple workshops were held both in the conference center and out in the field, and whether it was a field trip to visit ecological monitoring sites within Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site or community-based monitoring workshops, information was freely shared between participants. EMAN has been a funding partner through the Science Horizon Internship Program, which has enabled CVC to hire two new graduates for a six-month term over the last two field seasons. CVC is looking forward to developing this partnership over the long term as more information and best practices/protocols are developed.   Left to right: Christine Doucet, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador; Stephanie Phaneuf, Natural Resources Canada; Jessica Carlsen, Environment Canada; Amy Seabrook, Wildlife Habitat Canada; John Kinsella, Mayor of Annapolis Royal; Kamila Tomcik, Nova Scotia Environment and Labour; Deanne Meadus, Credit Valley Conservation; Deputy Mayor of Annapolis Royal   2003 Summer Staff Member Wins Third Prize in National Digital Photo Contest Kari Walker, a CVC summer staff member, received the honor of 3rd prize in the Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network (EMAN) Digital Postcard Photo Contest this past November for a photograph she snapped while working as a Terrestrial Monitoring Assistant. The announcement of Kari's placement was made at the EMAN National Science Meeting in Halifax. Since Kari is presently living in BC, CVC's Forester, Deanne Meadus, accepted the honor on her behalf. Kari worked for six months this past summer under Deanne as part of the Terrestrial Monitoring Program. Kari was very pleased her photograph was chosen. Overall CVC staff submitted more than 20 photographs to the contest. Four were placed on the EMAN website for use as Internet postcards. Photo Credits: Kari Walker   CVC Hosts Securement Options Workshop In response to the growing number of requests CVC staff has received from landowners who are interested in easements or donations of land for conservation purposes, Credit Valley Conservation hosted a Securement Options workshop for staff and interested watershed landowners on Monday December 8, 2003. CVC was pleased to have the following presenters: Graham Bryan, a habitat biologist working with the Ecological Gifts Program for the Canadian Wildlife Service, presented a slide show on donation options, ecogifts and tax breaks available to landowners who donate ecologically sensitive land for conservation protection. He provided attendees with some background information on the new land trust movement in Ontario and how landowners in Southern Ontario are taking proactive measures to protect their land. Michelle Albanese, a staff member at the Nature Conservancy Canada, added to the discussion as a knowledgeable interested resident within the Credit watershed keen on seeing further securement happen. Robert Orland, of OrLand Conservation currently working as a consultant with York Region on their acquisition of natural areas, discussed the importance of long range planning and the formation of partnerships. He also emphasized how securement should be a landowner driven process and shared some thoughts on how to talk to landowners and strategically work together to secure land. With approximately 30 people at the workshop representing CVC staff, local landowners and watershed partners, CVC was extremely pleased with the turn out and would like to extend their thanks to those who attended the workshop. For more information please contact: Credit Valley Conservation   Fletcher’s Creek Outreach Program Credit Valley Conservation has recently initiated an Outreach Program for the community of West Brampton. This program is designed to target citizens, both children and adults, to educate and make them aware of the issues that have arisen with respect to water quality in Fletcher's Creek, a tributary of the Credit River. Residents of the West Brampton area appear to benefit from the recreational opportunities offered by the creek and its surrounding land, although practices are taking place that contribute to the poor health of the creek today. These habits include leaving garbage and food in and near the creek, allowing pollutants such as motor oil and pesticides to enter the storm drain system, and not remembering to “stoop and scoop” after pets. Practices such as these can directly contribute to the poor health of the creek, including higher bacteria and nutrient levels in the water. Plans for the Fletcher's Creek Outreach Program include visits to Grade 2 classrooms, approaching community groups, as well as attending local community events to pass the word on about the program. For more information regarding this program, please contact: Credit Valley Conservation   Elora Cataract Trailway - Hillsburgh Parkland Receives Donation from the Hillsburgh Horticultural Society The Hillsburgh Horticultural Society has donated $500.00 to the Elora Cataract Trailway - Hillsburgh Parkland to help in the replacement of damaged or dying native shrubs. Situated beside the Guelph Fishing Club pond, the site offers opportunities to view a variety of birds, waterfowl, beavers and muskrats and is landscaped using native tree and shrub species. The Hillsburgh Parkland was built and opened in 2000 as part of the Trans Canada Trail ceremony. The site is situated on the former Hillsburgh station grounds and includes a kiosk with historical site pictures and an old water hand pump that has served the station for many years. The parkland is a tourist destination, but mostly a gathering point for the local citizens out for their morning and evening walks. As part of the development of the former CP railway right of way into the Elora Cataract Trailway, the CVC built two parkland access points, one in the Village of Erin and one in the Village of Hillsburgh.   Reconnecting to Nature! Children have an amazing capacity to learn and an insatiable desire to explore the world around them. A child that is allowed to play in the local forests, fields, and ponds not only gets dirty, but also develops an intimate understanding of the environment around them. Ask them where to tell you where they catch frogs or snakes, and they will proudly show you and share their experiences and funny stories. My four-year-old nephew is a fantastic frog catcher, and every time I visit him he wants to show me the frogs in the wetland next to his house. As we grow up, many of us tend to lose that connection to the environment due to the responsibilities of day-to-day living. In doing so, we not only put ourselves, but also the environment that we depend upon at risk. Without this type of connection to the world around us, we do not get the feedback that we require in order to understand the implications of our day-to-day actions on the surrounding landscape and its wildlife. An excellent way to re-establish that connection is to join a local naturalists' club. Naturalists come from a wide range of backgrounds; some are returning to the outdoors for the first time since their childhood, others have a particular interest in nature (flowers, trees, birds, or frogs), while still others are professionals or academics involved in the study or management of the environment. In any case, belonging to a naturalist club is an excellent way to meet new people, share an outdoor experience, expand your understanding of Ontario's plants and animals, and just get out and explore the world around you. Many naturalist clubs hold both indoor and outdoor meetings. Indoor meetings usually involve a guest speaker from other clubs, government staff or non-governmental organizations. Outdoor meetings range from hikes in local Conservation Areas to visits to distant Provincial and Federal Parks. If you are interested in joining a Naturalist Club please visit the Federation of Ontario Naturalists to find a naturalist club near you. The Halton North Peel Naturalist Club is holding a public meeting to welcome visitors and new members.   Caring for the Credit: Let's Work Together While we all have an impact on the environment we live in, CVC has had to set priorities for the work it does with watershed landowners and with different communities within our watershed. The Stewardship Strategy provides CVC and our partners with the strategic direction for working with the landowners to ensure that their activities on their land contribute to a healthy watershed. Furthering this strategy, a brochure has been released by the Watershed Stewardship and Restoration Services covering a range of information to advise the landowner of the programs and services that are currently being offered to them. In addition to detailing the forestry, pond, wetland and stream naturalization and conservation planning services that are offered by CVC, the brochure outlines other ways for communities and individuals to help out in the quest for ‘conservation through cooperation'. A detailed map of the watershed is also contained within the document. If you would like to receive a copy of the brochure, please contact Dave Beaton, or review the information by visiting the Taking Action section of the CVC website.   World Wetlands Day February 2, 2004 World Wetlands Day marks the signing of the Convention of Wetlands on February 2, 1971 and it recognizes the importance of wetlands both to society and biodiversity. World Water Day March 22, 2004 World Water Day promotes a greater global understanding of the need for more responsible water use and conservation. ............................... 2004 Volunteer Workday Calender The 2004 Volunteer Workday Calender is currenly in development. If your group is eager to help out within the watershed, or would like the use of the Stewardship Trailer, please contact Dave Beaton ............................... That Wetlands: filter sediment and toxic substances? supply food and habitat for many wildlife? provide products for food, energy and building material? ...............................