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In this issue we continue our Ausable Bayfield Conservation 75th Anniversary feature article profile series on positive stewardship and conservation work in our 12 member municipalities. In this edition, enjoy the articles on conservation projects in the Municipality of Lambton Shores; and the Township of Lucan Biddulph.
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Lambton’s ‘other’ shore: Celebrating the Ausable River and 75 years of conservation
By Ian Jean, Forestry and Land Stewardship Specialist, Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA)
The Municipality of Lambton Shores is blessed with fantastic natural features such as Lake Huron beaches and sand dunes; and Carolinian forest and deep, fertile soils.
With big Lake Huron forming the western border, it’s easy to overlook the Ausable River, which forms the eastern municipal boundary. One of the most species-rich river systems in Canada, the Ausable supports more than 80 different fish; 26 species of freshwater mussels; and 21 reptile species.
Entering the municipality at Rock Glen near Arkona, the Ausable flows north through the Ausable River Valley, a provincially recognized Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) along the river between Rock Glen and Thedford. The steep-sided valley is home to Carolinian forests with trees such as Flowering Dogwood; Sassafras; and Tulip Tree reaching their northern limit here. At the bottom of the valley, the river’s sand and gravel riffles support rare freshwater mussels such as the Snuffbox; Northern Riffleshell; Wavy-rayed Lampmussel; and the Purple Wartyback.
While the river’s waters today are directed west to the lake at Port Franks through ‘The Cut,’ before 1875, the river continued north to Grand Bend, and the municipal boundary follows the original riverbed. At Grand Bend, the Ausable made a hairpin turn south and paralleled the lake to its mouth at Port Franks. There was no river outlet at Grand Bend, and it was the hairpin turn in the river that was responsible for the name ‘Grand Bend.’
In 1892, the Grand Bend Harbour was cut through to the lake, cutting off 14 kilometres (km) of river bed to the south. Today, the spring-fed Old Ausable Channel (OAC) provides habitat to a number of rare fish. The mouth of the Ausable River at Port Franks is also a place of great biodiversity. The main river; Mud Creek; and several small spring-fed inland lakes, wetlands and intervening dunes support a variety of birds, mammals and reptiles. The Port Franks area is home to Ontario’s only lizard (the Five-lined Skink) and was the last place in Canada where the extirpated Karner Blue Butterfly was seen.
The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority, established in 1946 (at that time the Ausable River Conservation Authority), has been fortunate to work collaboratively with community and municipal partners on a number of important conservation projects. These projects, and the ongoing work of residents and community groups, are important for the viability and function of the river the important natural habitats it supports.
A key project in the early years of the Conservation Authority was to support the creation of Pinery Provincial Park, which opened in 1959. Prior to that time, the land was owned by the Canada Company, with various private development projects being considered. Ausable River Conservation Authority (as it was known at that time), was part of a group that lobbied the Province of Ontario to purchase the land. Initially unsuccessful, the Conservation Authority then produced the ‘Pinery Report’ which it presented to service clubs, interest groups and organizations in order to build public support for a provincial park. The efforts of these local groups and the Conservation Authority paid off, with the provincial decision to purchase the Pinery lands in 1957.
Rock Glen Conservation Area is another example of community collaboration to support conservation and highlight also some of the unique natural history of Lambton Shores. Park development surrounding the waterfall and river area was initiated in 1948 by the Arkona Lions Club. Picnic tables, swings and barbecues were donated by the Lions Club and placed in a park area above the Rock Glen Falls waterfall. In 1954 the former Ausable River Conservation Authority purchased the nine-acre park area, which has expanded to 60 acres since that time. In 1985, Arkona Lions Museum and Information Centre was moved to Rock Glen, where it continues to showcase fossils and cultural artifacts from the Lambton Shores region. The Lions continue to operate the museum (which is currently being renovated) which, along with the waterfall, picnic grounds and hiking trails, draw tens of thousands of visitors annually.
More recently, conservation efforts have focused on stewardship projects to protect and improve water quality. The health of the river, and the lake, depend on our collective efforts to keep soil and contaminants out of our streams. A drive along any of the rural roads in the municipality and you will notice where people are taking positive actions such as tree-lined streams; field windbreaks; and water control berms. These stewardship projects on our farms and other lands help reduce surface water runoff, reducing soil erosion and downstream flooding, sedimentation and erosion of streams. By keeping topsoil in fields, these projects also improve soil health and agricultural productivity, a true win-win.
Lambton Shores is fortunate to have many active volunteer groups engaged in conservation projects. The Lambton Shores Phragmites Community Group has made significant progress in managing invasive Phragmites grass which threatens boating and significant wildlife habitat. Similarly, Lambton Shores Nature Trails is involved in development and maintenance of more than 20 km of hiking trails with trail maps, interpretive signage and projects such as installation of a floating dock and stairs for canoes and kayaks at Ausable Cut Conservation Area. The Lakeshore Eco Network, through fundraising and educational events, supports tree planting, climate action and conservation in the region.
These are just a few examples to illustrate the hard work and dedication of community volunteers that supports the health of our community and its natural areas. As we celebrate 75 years at Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority, we look forward to continuing this important work in partnership with the community.
– In 2021, Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) is celebrating its 75th anniversary (1946-2021) and 75 Years of Conservation. ABCA is honouring its 12 member municipalities, during this anniversary year, for their partnership, over the past 75 years, which helps to protect life and property, water, soil, and habitat for all living things. To learn more visit abca.ca and this web page:
#AusableBayfield75th
PHOTO INFORMATION: LAMBTON SHORES COMMUNITY WORKING TO IMPROVE WATERSHED – In this photo collage, of four photos, we see (clockwise from top left) scenic Rock Glen Falls at Rock Glen Conservation Area (RGCA) in Arkona; members of the Lambton Shores Phragmites Community Group – 2016 winners of the Conservationist of the Year Award – making strides against ‘Canada’s worst invasive plant,’; Rosalind Chang, Healthy Watersheds Technician with Ausable Bayfield Conservation holding a Lake Chubsucker fish at the Old Ausable Channel (OAC) in Pinery Provincial Park in Municipality of Lambton Shores; and an aerial view photo of the start of the Ausable River Cut. The photo with Lambton Shores Phragmites Community Group (LSPCG) shows, from left to right in photo, Kate Monk, of Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA); Michelle Hay; Brian Horner, General Manager and Secretary-Treasurer, ABCA; Ray Horban; Derek Scott; Nette Pachlarz; Paul Petersen; and Nancy Vidler, LSPCG Chair. Absent from photo is Bill MacDonald.
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Municipal Feature Series (Read them all!)
Have you missed any of our feature articles on stewardship and other conservation projects in municipalities in the Ausable Bayfield watershed?
This series, profiling positive work in our 12 local member municipalities, continues throughout Ausable Bayfield Conservation's 75th anniversary (1946-2021) year in 2021.
Enjoy (and share!) the feature articles (so far!) in our 75th anniversary series:
Read them all on the #AusableBayfield75th Anniversary web page:
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Local schools, students become Watershed Champions
Watershed Champion grants up to $1,000 per project help local schools to complete projects that: improve surface and groundwater quality, forest cover, and overall watershed health; and may also include a public educational event or activity.
Here is a video from Stephen Central Public School, Dashwood, about the Watershed Champion project they did in 2018.
Learn more:
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Job Opportunity – Field Services Labourer
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) seeks a Field Services - Labourer.
This is a regular full-time position reporting to the Stewardship and Conservation Lands Manager.
Learn more:
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Contractor is fined $13,500 for violating Conservation Authority Development Regulation
A local contractor undertaking development activity, without required permits from Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA), was fined $13,500 and pled guilty to constructing shoreline walls in front of four properties along the shoreline of Lake Huron in the Beach O’ Pines subdivision.
The contractor pled guilty to five charges under the Conservation Authorities Act and received the fine of $13,500.
There were also landowners charged in connection with the work. One landowner has already pleaded guilty. Charges on two other landowners are still before the court.
“Any development activities within a regulated area require permission from the Conservation Authority,” said Daniel King, ABCA Regulations Coordinator and Provincial Offences Officer. “Regulations are in place and permits are required to ensure development such as shoreline walls do not negatively affect erosion, dynamic beaches, flood control, pollution, or the conservation of land,” he said.
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority said the prosecution and fine send a strong reminder of the obligations that contractors and landowners have to ensure they abide by environmental protection laws.
“This case is a reminder that service providers and property owners need to ensure any proposed development they intend to undertake has the required legal permissions before proceeding,” said Geoffrey Cade, ABCA Water and Planning Manager. “Anyone who is considering development activities such as construction of seawalls should contact us first to verify if a permit is needed or not,” he said. “Our staff members work very hard to ensure anyone who contacts us receives a timely response with the information they need.”
Calling first and getting the best information is always a good idea, he said, to avoid potential delays, costs, or even fines.
Property owners or agents are encouraged to contact the following staff at ABCA at 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610: Meghan Tydd-Hrynyk, Planning and Regulations Officer, extension 258, email mtydd-hrynyk@abca.ca; or Daniel King, Regulations Coordinator and Provincial Offences Officer, ext. 224, email dking@abca.ca.
Learn more here:
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Conservation remains strong focus in Township of Lucan Biddulph even as community grows
By Shevaun Verhoog, Aquatic Resource Technician, Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA)
The Township of Lucan Biddulph is not only the home of several tributary streams that contribute to the Little Ausable River but it is also the home of a growing number of residents.
As development continues to boom in Lucan Biddulph, the municipality continues to foster its close relationship with Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA).
“We consider the ABCA partners in our growth,” said Ron Reymer, long-time Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) at the Township of Lucan Biddulph. “We all have an interest in making sure things get done correctly.”
Reymer has worked for the township for more than 30 years. He said that, in those three decades, he and the township have developed a close working relationship with the conservation authority and its staff. He said Ausable Bayfield Conservation and the township have similar philosophies of finding cooperative and partnership solutions. "We try to work with people, to sit down together and figure it out," he said.
Some of the most notable projects over his past 30 years working with ABCA include the two-zone flood mapping done in the 1990s. Other projects have included numerous tree planting projects that have taken place behind municipal buildings.
Each year, the Township of Lucan Biddulph buys trees for the parks and roadsides tree replacement initiative. Two trees are provided for every tree removed under their roadside tree replacement program. “Every year we buy trees and every year, from storms or from age, some trees need to come down,” he said. “Our policy is that when we remove a tree we plant two trees.”
The council, staff, and ratepayers of Lucan Biddulph have made local conservation a priority.
The students of Wilberforce Public School, Lucan, showed they were Watershed Champions by doing a project at their school. To watch the video about the Wilberforce Wetland Project and Nature Study Area visit this link:
Ausable Bayfield Conservation’s Annual Reports, over the years, document many stewardship projects each year by participating landowners in Lucan Biddulph. There is great value to these projects, which combine the investments of participating property owners with those of funding partners. There are benefits in economic terms of project value and in terms of protecting the watershed resources upon which we rely. These actions protect water quality, soil health, and habitat for the native fish species of the Little Ausable River.
Some of Lucan Biddulph’s residents have been recognized as Conservationists of the Year. For instance, Paul and Vic Hodgins, owners of Shadyside Farms, were winners in 2005. The award winner the next year was the Middlesex Eco Crew, nominated by the Township of Lucan Biddulph. The Eco Crew helped Lucan Biddulph municipal staff remove four truckloads of illegally-disposed garbage from a steep riverbank on Fallon Drive, north of Lucan, over three days.
These are just some examples of Lucan Biddulph putting conservation into action. There are many more.
Ausable Bayfield Conservation is celebrating its 75th anniversary (1946-2021) in 2021. The conservation authority looks forward to continuing to protect and enhance watershed resources through a close and productive working relationship with all of its 12 member municipalities, including Lucan Biddulph and its council, staff, and residents.
– In 2021, Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) is celebrating its 75th anniversary (1946-2021) and 75 Years of Conservation. ABCA is honouring its 12 member municipalities, during this anniversary year, for their partnership, over the past 75 years, which helps to protect life and property, water, soil, and habitat for all living things. To learn more visit abca.ca and this web page:
#AusableBayfield75th
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Conservation Dinner Committee sets April 7, 2022 as date
Committee asks you to put date in your calendars, watch for more information in new year on event
The Conservation Dinner Committee held the community fundraiser as an online event, in 2021, for the first time. The Dinner Committee hopes guests will be able to gather in person again in 2022. The Conservation Dinner has supported projects in local communities for more than 30 years. The Dinner Committee has scheduled the fundraising event for Thursday, April 7, 2022. The committee invites you to mark this date in your calendar and to watch for more information in the new year.
The Chair of the Conservation Dinner Committee is Dave Frayne. “We encourage people to put the April 7, 2022 date in their calendars,” he said. “We will work towards an in-person gathering,” he said. “We also want to keep everyone safe so we will follow public health and municipal direction and have the Dinner in person only if and when it is safe to do so.”
The 2021 #VirtualConservationDinner was a success, Frayne said, having raised $40,000 for conservation programs in the community. He said the Committee is looking forward to the prospect of fundraising and fellowship together in person in 2022.
There is a continued need to raise funds for community projects of the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation and Exeter Lions Club, the Dinner Chair said. “We encourage people to donate to the work of the Dinner,” he said. “The Conservation Dinner supports parks and trails and conservation areas; conservation education for local youth; job experience and bursary programs for youth; turtle habitat and much more.”
Personal donations made now, this year, can be made and charitable gift receipts for income tax purposes provided for the 2021 tax year.
The 2022 Conservation Dinner is scheduled to take place on April 7, 2021 at South Huron Recreation Centre at 94 Victoria Street East in Exeter. Holding the event in person will require pandemic adaptations and it will depend on the status of public health rules in 2022 and will also depend on municipal rules at that time. The Dinner Committee will post information at conservationdinner.com and abca.ca in the new year, closer to the date, as more details are confirmed.
The Conservation Dinner fundraiser supports projects in local communities. Projects include parks and conservation areas; accessible nature trails in Bayfield, Clinton, Parkhill, Lucan, Arkona, Exeter, and Varna; outdoor nature education; a $1,000 student environmental bursary for students in local communities; a summer job at Ausable Bayfield Conservation for a senior secondary school student; turtle monitoring in Port Franks and Ailsa Craig; aquatic habitat studies in Old Ausable Channel at Grand Bend; and other projects.
This dinner and auction started in 1990. The Exeter Lions Club joined as co-partner in 1991. The net profits are split 50-50 between community conservation projects of the Foundation and community conservation projects of the Exeter Lions Club. The event has raised more than $1.255 million over more than 30 years. The annual charitable event features auctions of art and other distinctive items including travel packages and sports and entertainment memorabilia. The Dinner also includes special raffles, general raffles, appetizers, wine tasting, fun and fellowship, and a wonderful meal.
The Conservation Dinner Committee thanks all the creative people who have been feature artists over the year in media ranging from paintings to ice sculptures to metal art to culinary arts to other creative disciplines.
You may find out more at abca.ca and conservationdinner.com or phone 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610.
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Two free drop-in events for families starting on Winter Solstice (December 21)
Family Forest Play Oaks and Acorns Drop In for families with children is December 21; Winter Open House is December 23
Conservation educators at Ausable Bayfield Conservation are hosting two free activities for families this season.
“Both of these events are free of charge and families are invited to drop in when they can,” said Denise Iszczuk, Conservation Educator with Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA). “These two events offer something to do for families to do before Christmas Day while their children are not at school.”
These events are a chance to get outside at beautiful nature areas and to get active, she said.
The first of the two events is a free Family Forest Play – Oaks and Acorns Program Drop In. It takes place on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. This event is for families with children and is “best for children under 10 years old.” It takes place at the Morrison Dam Conservation Area pavilion, south of Morrison Reservoir (Morrison Lake), at 71042 Morrison Line.
The second of the two events is a free Winter Open House – with games; crafts; snowshoeing; and “family fun.” It takes place on Thursday, December 23, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. noon at Morrison Dam Conservation Area, 71108 Morrison Line, east of Exeter. Conservation education staff invite teachers to stop by with their children to find out more about new hands-on winter programs for the schoolyard, which don’t require snow.
Staff and participants follow public health pandemic protocols to help keep everyone safe.
To learn more contact Ausable Bayfield Conservation at 1-888-286-2610 or through the abca.ca staff contacts web page at this link:
The conservation educators also invite caregivers to register for the 2022 Oaks and Acorns program, for ages 2-4 with caregiver. Oaks and Acorns is an inquiry-based education program. It has an emergent curriculum based on children’s evolving interests and the season designed to give children and their caregivers the opportunity to explore nature with guidance and knowledge from Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority education staff. Registration closes on December 27, 2021 for Oaks and Acorns on Tuesdays in 2022: January 4, 11, 18, and 25.
Caregivers can also register for 2022 sessions in February (1, 8, 15, 22); March (1, 8, 22, 29); April (5, 12, 19, 26); May (3, 10, 17, 24); and June (7, 14, 21, 28).
To learn more about conservation education programs visit abca.ca.
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The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) office at 71108 Morrison Line, RR 3 Exeter, is now open to visitors with scheduled appointments or scheduled meetings.
All public health protocols, such as the wearing of masks and screening, remain in place.
Visitors who remain in the office for 15 minutes or more must show proof of vaccination.
The policy helps to ensure we are able to provide personal service to our clients while continuing to do our part to help protect the public during the current coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.
Staff of all departments of Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority are working in the office and on site, as necessary, using pandemic safety protocols.
To contact staff directly with program and service inquiries, or to schedule in-person appointments or meetings, you may contact staff directly by phone or email through the staff contact list on the Ausable Bayfield Conservation website at abca.ca
71108 Morrison Line,
RR 3 Exeter, ON
N0M 1S5
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Staff continue to serve you by email and phone and by appointment and on-site using pandemic public health protocols during regular business hours, weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The office is now open to visitors with scheduled appointments or scheduled meetings. All public health protocols, such as the wearing of masks and screening, remain in place. Visitors who remain in the office for 15 minutes or more must show proof of vaccination.
For current notices of service disruptions and adaptations, and updates, visit abca.ca
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