Barrie Creeks, Lovers Creek, and Hewitt's Creek Subwatershed Plan

The Barrie Creeks, Lovers Creek and Hewitt’s Creek Subwatershed Plan
Figure 6-10: Wetland patch size distribution in the Hewitt’s Creek subwatershed.
Again, like woodlands, the physical connections between individual wetland patches are
extremely important for some species. In the case of wetlands specifically, many species of
turtles, frogs, and salamanders require both upland and wetland habitat to meet the needs of
their breeding cycle. Preserving these species in a rural-urban landscape like that of these
subwatersheds requires that both habitat types, as well as the physical connectivity between
them, be protected.
6.2.3 Valleylands
A valleyland is a natural depression in the landscape that is often, but not always, associated
with a river or stream. Valleylands are an important part of the framework of a watershed as the
landscape is generally a mosaic of valleylands and tablelands.
Valleylands provide numerous functions for an ecosystem. These include (OMNR, 2010):
• Ecological Values: dispersal and migration of wildlife, microclimate for plant
communities
• Hydrological Values: movement of surface water, ground water discharge areas,
transport of sediment and nutrients, often associated with floodplains
• Cultural values: location of aboriginal travel routes, influence current development
patterns
Chapter 6: Terrestrial Natural Heritage 278