Fort Erie Creeks Watershed Plan - Niagara Peninsula Conservation ...

d) Restoration of the slough mosaic in the impermeable soils by creation of small closed
depressions can help isolate sloughs from drains, both Municipal and farm-specific, to
improve natural area functioning while remaining compatible with the drain maintenance
essential to the agricultural community. The landscape may also be conducive to the use
of simple constructed wetlands to treat non-point source runoff before it discharges to
streams.
e) With slough mosaic pattern enhancement where there are opportunities in feasible (e.g.,
easy access) and appropriate (e.g., levelled poorly drained lacustrine clay; low current
significance; downstream flooding) existing natural area, Fort Erie watersheds could add
considerable value to its current green infrastructure, an improvement that will help
protect the area from the effects of increased storm intensity and soil erosion associated
with climate change. These opportunities may help reduce climate change-induced
expenditures in engineered flood protection.
f) Restoration of a small hectarage of new natural area could make a large difference in the
functioning of corridors and interior forest.
g) The Fort Erie area has the potential to play a role in the potential adaptation to climate
change. Its strategic location for biota migration to bypass the Great Lakes barriers,
combined with its extensive natural cover including the Important Bird Area corridor,
makes it a likely northern migration route for terrestrial species. The alternative of the
Essex County funnel, at 4% woodland and scrubland (Larsen et al, 1998), is notably
lacking in the necessary natural area. For some species, the opportunity will be
constrained by the barrier to northward shift of species presented by the built-up area of
Buffalo; coordination with American agencies via the Remedial Action Plan linkages
could lead to improved cross-boundary corridors.
h) The area has unique opportunities to restore its globally significant coastal communities.
• Protection and management of the gradually exposed coastal corridor could allow
restoration without affecting existing property (assuming provision of water
access opportunities). Models for a wide range of climate scenarios all project a
decrease in Lake Erie levels for 2050 relative to 1961 to 1990 baseline (Mortsch
et al., 2006). Protection could include protection boundaries that remain fixed as
lake levels decline; management of road allowance access points to prevent ATV
access and encourage native shoreline community restoration while providing
low-impact walking access; development of strategies in anticipation of increased
demand for lakefront access from people in nearby cities as summer temperatures
and gas prices rise.
• The many large lots along the lake shoreline present opportunities for restoration
for property owners excited by the prospect of owning a globally significant
community. NPCA could provide: accessible information explaining significance
and suggested actions; and technical advice.
i) The unique features present economic opportunities:
• Large savings from green infrastructure (natural cover providing hydrological and
microclimate services) instead of built infrastructure.
• Current forms of agriculture can be improved through drainage while restoring
sloughs and natural area functioning.
• The hydro power heritage of the region could be expanded to make the area a hub
for green energy. Possible options include:
March 2008 150 Fort Erie Creeks Watershed Plan
General Report (105116)