Ipperwash Dunes and Swales Water Quality Monitoring Program

Ipperwash Dunes and Swales Water Quality Monitoring Program Framework

Questions

Components

What parties are involved with ecosystem monitoring in the trails (eg. Lambton Nature Trails, Lambton Shores Phragmites Community Group etc.) and would they consider monitoring water quality as part of their invasive species removal projects?

Ipperwash Dunes and Swales Trail

Conjoining ditches

Ipperwash Beach itself

Community working groups

Objectives:

Is water quality along Ipperwash beach affected by contaminants in the dunes and swales system?

Monitoring Water Quality in the Ipperwash Dunes and Swales Trail

Questions

Components

Indicators

Targets

Techniques

Ensure invasive Phragmites australis is not further affecting water within the trails

Protecting rare plant communities of which Ipperwash Dunes and Swales are part of, including oak savannah, tall grass prairie, dune systems and wetlands.

Management Actions

Targets

Indicators

Successfully remove any Phragmites in the Dunes and Swales system

Enhance natural biodiversity

Presence/absence of invasive species such as Phragmites that could have an effect on the low-lying swales and that could potentially cross the buffer (via water) provided by the nearby dunes and into the endangered coastal dune ecosystem

Ensure trail system continues to be properly maintained

Put a permanent monitoring program into place to ensure invasives are kept at bay and water in the swales is maintained at a high level of cleanliness comparable to historic levels

Native species biodiversity and richness

Community-based monitoring and action is key in the management of this ecosystem. The MNRF has washed its hands of many ecologically significant areas in Ipperwash due to historical conflicts. Concerned citizens (of which there are many in this area) would play a huge role in monitoring and protecting the dunes and swales. Phrag culling events have already been held here and "restoration area" signs are placed around the trail where ATVs used to be permitted. Now that the trails are managed by the Nature Conservancy of Canada, it is up to the community to continue insisting on monitoring of invasives, trail maintenance and general stewardship of this rare area.

Techniques

Permanent monitoring carried out by Nature Conservancy of Canada

Involve community further in culling events

Hold transparent stakeholder meetings regarding what's best for the trail system; should it be advertised more to attract people to nature or would a potential influx of more foot traffic put the system at risk of invasion/abuse?

Information Managament & Analysis and Reporting

Use of survey monitoring and landscape approach to restoration can help determine whether or not the quality of water in the dunes and swales system is comparable to other similar areas. Data is collected from stagnant water in the swales and is analyzed for contaminants such as overpopulation of bacteria, farm run-off, road contamination and traces of invasive species (Phrag etc.). Samples are taken four times a year; once per season to collect a fair representation of what is in the water during any given season.

Just for fun!

http://www.natureconservancy.ca/en/where-we-work/ontario/stories/eastcourt-winter-wonder.html?referrer=https://www.google.ca/

Reporting is carried out at a public forum involving all parties concerned. Since Nature Conservancy of Canada manages the dunes and swales, recommendations should be reported to them. MNRF should also be informed of any known existing invasives or point sources of pollution in the Ipperwash area outside of the trail system.