2013 annual report v25 20141103 documents/ssea... · e v e r n s o u n d. message from the chair...

Severn Sound

Celebrating 17 Years of Continued Success

2013ANNUALREPORT

The Severn Sound Environmental Association is a community success story. Effective partnerships are the key to environmental conservation and protection. We rely on these partnerships with municipalities, organizations and individuals to raise awareness and achieve conservation, environmental and stewardship targets.

Our Mission: To sustain environmental quality and to ensure continued protection through implementing a legacy of wise stewardship of Severn Sound and its tributaries.

2 Message from the Chair and Executive Director3 Watershed Map of the Severn Sound Area3 SSEA Board of Directors4 Annual Partners Reception5 Public Grant and Donation Campaign6 Education and Engagment7 Tree Planting8 Fish and Wildlife Habitat Evaluation9 Source Water Protection10 2013 Monitoring Program11 Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting12 Plan Input and Review13 Financial Summary13 Project Value14 Ongoing Partnerships

Table of Contents

Severn Sound Environmental Association 2013 Annual Report

Severn SoundImage

1 SEVERN SOUND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATION

Severn Sound

Message from the Chair and Executive Director

As Severn Sound Environmental Association (SSEA) Chair and Executor Director, we are pleased to share with you the 2013 Annual Report. This year marked the 17th year since the SSEA’s inception.

The SSEA is a Joint Municipal Services Board of appointed representatives from the nine member municipalities – Midland, Penetanguishene, Orillia, Severn, Tiny, Tay, Georgian Bay, Oro-Medonte and Springwater. A Board of Directors governs the SSEA, to ensure that our many project partners and the Severn Sound community are well served in understanding, sustaining and enhancing the Severn Sound ecosystem. Together we focus on the health of Severn Sound and its watershed.

The SSEA has a proud history of working closely with our municipalities and many other public and private partners, providing cost-effective expertise and leadership. Achieving this level of collaboration requires transparency and receptiveness to the input of all stakeholders.

During 2013, the SSEA developed a five-year plan to deal with an accumulated deficit. We made strides in eliminating this deficit as a result of aggressively implementing numerous new processes and procedures. There were also several new challenges such as concerns over water levels, introduction of new invasive species and the need to increase our stakeholder engagement in support of finding additional solutions to these issues.

We continued to nurture and enhance staff competencies and capabilities, and acquired new underwater camera equipment and further developed a valuable partnership with the University of Windsor for sonar technology to map our nearshore waters - another example of how we use collaboration to improve our access to technology while controlling our operating costs.

2013 was a great year for the SSEA. We have a lot to be proud of, but there is still much work to be done and 2014 will bring new challenges. With respect to municipal Source Water Protection, we are working with our partners to update the Severn Sound Source Water Assessment Report and our Source Protection Plan for submission to the Province. We are also helping to prepare our municipalities for implementation of the Plan policies by confirming significant threats to their drinking water supplies. We must continue to work at being flexible in responding to environmental issues, and be proactive wherever possible, while applying the same fiscal business acumen demonstrated this past year.

In closing, we thank past and current Board members and the many individuals who have worked hard and volunteered their expertise and perspectives. We also offer our sincere gratitude to our member municipalities, the SSEA staff, and the many groups and businesses that continue to support our efforts. Thank you for helping us keep our watershed healthy and thriving.

Councillor Ron StevensSSEA Chair

Keith ShermanSSEA Executive Director

2013 ANNUAL REPORT 2

Produced by the Severn Sound Environmental Association with data supplied in part from the County of Simcoe, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (© Queen's Printer 2014) and under License with Members of the Ontario Geospatial Data Exchange, 2014.



12

400

MIDLAND

TAYTINY

ORO-MEDONTE

MIDLAND

PENETANGUISHENE

SEVERN

ORILLIA

TOWNSHIP OF GEORGIAN BAY

SEVERNSOUND

93

27

PENETANGUISHENE

TOWNSHIP OF GEORGIAN BAY

SEVERNSEVERNSEVERNSEVERNSEVERNSEVERNSEVERNSEVERNSOUNDSOUNDSOUNDSOUNDSOUNDSOUNDSOUNDSOUND

GEORGIAN BAY

NOTTAWASAGABAY

27

SPRINGWATER

12

11

12BassLake

MIDLANDMIDLANDLittleLake

SPRINGWATER

OrrLake

WyeMarsh

FarlainLake

5kmN

400

Councillor Ron Stevens (Chair) Township of SevernMayor Ray Millar (Vice Chair) Township of TinyCouncillor Andrew Hill City of OrilliaDeputy Mayor Stephan Kramp Town of Midland

SSEA BOARD OF DIRECTORSDeputy Mayor Pat Marion Town of PenetanguisheneCouncillor Kelly Meyer Township of Oro-MedonteCouncillor Dave Ritchie Township of TayCouncillor Perry Ritchie Township of SpringwaterCouncillor Paul Wiancko Township of Georgian Bay

From left to right: Deputy Mayor Pat Marion, Councillor Paul Wiancko, Councillor Ron Stevens(Chair), Councillor Kelly Meyer, Mayor Ray Millar (Vice Chair), Councillor Dave Ritchie, Councillor Perry Ritchie, SSEA Executive Director Keith Sherman and Councillor Perry Ritchie. Absent from photo: Deputy Mayor Stephan Kramp and Councillor Andrew Hill.

Severn Sound


The SSEA 2013 Partners Reception was held at the Midland Public Library on Thursday November 14th. Many mayors, councillors, SSEA members, community service groups, volunteers and landowners attended to celebrate our partnerships, projects and award recipients. MP Bruce Stanton and MPP Garfield Dunlop were also in attendance.

Over the past year, the SSEA has worked with a number of organizations, individuals and businesses to monitor environmental quality and implement stewardship projects to protect the Severn Sound watershed. In total, 48 landowners and partners were recognized for their exceptional contributions to the Severn Sound environment.

Annual Partners Reception 2013

Award Recipients

Severn SoundBob Whittam

Environmental Award:

Bill Sweenie

Severn Sound Environmental

Stewardship Award:

André Beausoleil (Habitat Restoration

Association of Lafontaine)

Student Environmental

Award:

Jake Lemcke (St. Theresa’s Catholic High

School)

Student Environmental

Award:

Dylan Mount (Penetanguishene

Secondary School)

Severn SoundSustainability Award:

Huronia Historical Parks


Shawn Berriault (Town of Midland)


Denise Baker (Eco-Huronie)


Public Grant and Donation CampaignThe Severn Sound Environmental Association accepts donations and grants from individuals and groups to help with wetland evaluations, fish habitat mapping, the sampling of Severn Sound open water (Christopher Stow Fund) and tree planting. Donations and grants that we receive help us continue the work that makes the Severn Sound Environmental Association a success story.

Various promotional items raise the profile of the SSEA and encourage individuals and groups to support the SSEA through financial contributions. In 2013, SSEA staff continued to enhance promotional material including the SSEA web site.


Visit us atwww.severnsound.ca

Huronia Community Foundation Director Claude Marchildon,

SSEA Chair Ron Stevens and SSEA Executive Director

Keith Sherman

Huronia Community Foundation

Executive Director Patricia Copeland, Duncan McLaren

and Keith Sherman

Donation Box

SSEA Brochure

Education and EngagementThe SSEA has a number of programs and services to educate and engage local residents and organizations in the Severn Sound Watershed area. Information and resources, education programs, workshops, displays and meetings with groups help to build awareness of a healthy environment.

In 2013, SSEA staff attended the following conferences and events:

Wye Marsh Sweetwater Festival Midland Kids Fishing Derby Just Add Water Festival

Canada Day in Little Lake Park Coldwater Heritage Day Festival du Loup TugFest Tall Ships in Midland Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre 13th Annual POW WOW Hummingbird

Festival at Wye Marsh Agriculture Summit Emerald Ash Borer Technical Forum Ontario

Invasive Plant Council Symposium County of Simcoe Invasive Species Seminar 37th Annual Forest

Health Review Latornell Conference Copeland Forest Public Meeting

SSEA staff facilitated several tours and events during 2013, including:

Severn Sound Area Tour with the

Environmental Commissioner of

Ontario, Gord Miller

Four Trout Unlimited Canada Yellow Fish Road™ storm drain marking events

Great Canadian Shoreline Clean Up in Midland


3C4U Community

Career Connections Career Day

Tour

SSEA Open House with

guest speaker Kevin Rich from

Ducks Unlimited Canada

Tree PlantingTree Seedling DistributionIn 2013,the Tree Seedling Distribution program provided 10,000 reasonably-priced, native tree and shrub seed-lings to private landowners. The goal of the project is to promote local tree planting, improving environmental health and increasing tree cover in the Severn Sound area.

Municipality Seedlings Distributed

Georgian Bay 140Midland 160Orillia 710Oro-Medonte 1,960

Severn 2,440Springwater 260Tay 2,020Tiny 1,670

2013 Total 10,000

Penetanguishene 550

other municipality 90

Value of Project

$189$216$960

$2,650

$3,299$352

$2,731$2,258

$13,520

$744

$122

Municipality # TreesPlanted

Georgian Bay 0Midland 1,700Orillia 0Oro-Medonte 400

Severn 2,000Springwater 0Tay 100Tiny 2,500

Total 6,700

Penetanguishene 0

Value of Project

$0$8,475

$0$1,393

$8,462$0

$353$10,615

$29,302

$0

# Projects

0202

7017

19

0

Habitat Tree PlantingThe objective of the Habitat Tree Planting Program is to enhance forest cover and improve water quality in streams and rivers by planting buffers along waterways. In 2013, 6,700 tree seedlings were planted at 17 sites, including ten community tree plants organized and coordinated by the SSEA. Over 450 volunteers were involved in tree planting, contributing more than 950 hours of service towards the initiative. Since 1992, more than 212,000 tree seedlings have been planted in the Severn Sound area through this program.


Volunteers help SSEA plant trees

Fish and Wildlife Habitat EvaluationNearshore Fish Habitat Condition MappingIn 2013, fish habitat data was collected along several nearshore sections of Severn Sound by SSEA and University of Windsor staff, as part of a long-term project.

The University provided specialized equipment for collecting depth and aquatic plant data in areas that are too shallow for other survey methods. The SSEA’s underwater cameras and GPS unit were used in conjunction with the University’s equipment to capture still and video images of the bottom substrate and aquatic vegetation.

The high resolution images collected will be catalogued and interpreted for percent cover of aquatic vegetation, composition of substrate (where visible), and location information. Other available data sets, such as aerial photos, depth and imagery data collected in previous years, will be used to enhance the aquatic vegetation and substrate information and mapping.

When complete, the mapped substrate, aquatic vegetation and nearshore water depths will be used as an input to a fish habitat suitability model for the nearshore of Severn Sound. This information will result in a defensible classification of fish habitat and help provide the technical basis for marine construction and municipal planning decisions that have potential to impact nearshore fish habitat.


Poster display that was created to demonstrate Nearshore Fish Habitat Condition Mapping


Fish and Wildlife Habitat EvaluationTiny Bog Wetland Evaluation ProjectIn 2013, the SSEA continued the field investigations begun in 2012 to support of the completion of an updated wetland evaluation for Tiny Bog and associated wetlands. A wetland evaluation identifies and quantifies the values of wetlands, and determines the relative importance of different wetlands in a landscape. It is a tool that helps planning agencies make informed decisions about land use and ensure that Provincially Significant wetlands are protected from development and alteration.

Through the project, the extent of the wetland was mapped, plant communities were described, and information on features, species and habitat was collected. Field data was used to complete the scoring record for the wetland, with Tiny Bog being a Provincially Significant wetland; the evaluation is subject to review and approval by the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Source Water ProtectionIn 2013 our efforts revolved around preparing our municipalities for implementation of the Source Protection Plan and process, updating reports, and verifying significant drinking water threats (SDWT).

In 2013 Severn Sound Source Protection Authority (SS SPA) contributed to the following source water reports• Updated Assessment Report• Updated Source Protection Plan• Tier three water budget from Midland-Penetanguishene-Tiny

In order to ensure the municipalities were ready for implementation SS SPA attended and contributed to the following workshops

• Municipal workshop addressing establishing a risk management office and understanding where policies would apply• Municipal workshop regarding land use planning incentives, education & outreach• Attended the Simcoe County planners meeting

Table outlining the progress SS SPA made in verifying, removing, or

adding Significant Drinking Water Threats in 2013

Note: Original table contained errors.Corrected in 2015.

2013 Monitoring Programs


Surface water monitoring programs provide SSEA with the ability to define baseline conditions water quality, detect long-term changes, identify specific water quality issues, and measure the effectiveness of pollution control projects. Groundwater is monitored to establish baselines for water quantity and quality, and to identify trends and issues in rural aquifers

Open Water MonitoringSevern Sound - 11 long term stations were monitored for physical, chemical and biological variables over 12 sampling visits

Special study areas:Victoria Harbour raw water intake – monitoring coincided with Severn Sound open water sampling, and continued through the winter months Honey Harbour - 3 stations monitored in conjunction with open water sampling, plus 12 stations monitored in North Bay on a single sample

Inland Lake MonitoringLake Couchiching – 6 lake stations and 4 raw water intakes monitored over 12 sampling visitsLittle Lake (Midland) – one mid-lake station was sampled over 12 sampling visits

Beach MonitoringSmall tributaries surrounding Woodland Beach were sampled for E. coli, to investigate potential contaminant sources to the beach area.

Provincial Water Quality Monitoring Network (PWQMN)Twelve river stations throughout the watershed were sampled 7 times throughout the field season for 37 different variables. Two additional streams were sampled that correspond with PWQMN sampling, and analyzed for 16 different variables.

Benthic Invertebrate MonitoringNine stations were sampled in the Copeland, Hogg, Lafontaine and Wye River watersheds.

Continuous Environmental MonitoringPrecipitation - Rain gauges were maintained at 4 locations (Huronia Airport, Balm Beach, Midland Sewage Treatment Plant, Pinegrove Rd.)Temperature – 46 stream temperature and two air temperature data loggers were maintained throughout the watershed

Provincial Groundwater Monitoring Network (PGMN)Water levels - 9 wells were monitoredWater Chemistry - 8 wells were sampled for 52 different variables

Collecting hypolimnion samples, total phosphorus

Collecting field parameters

Observation recording

Collecting Benthic Invertebrates

Locating and collecting temperature loggers

WoodlandBeach

Investigations

Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting 2013The following Inland Lake Water Quality reports are in preparation: Orr Lake, MacLean Lake, Farlain Lake, Bass Lake, Little Lake and Lake Couchiching. A report comparing water quality at Tay Township water intakes versus Severn Sound open waters has been completed in draft form. A report is also in preparation for investigative sampling at Woodland Beach.

The following reports have been completed, and are available on SSEA’s website:Little Lake Beach Quality ReportReport On Church Bay Sediment Quality Survey 2012Report on Water Quality in the Honey Harbour Area of Georgian Bay 1998-2009

Overview presentations were given to agencies and municipalities, which included updates on monitoring and analysis activities:Oro-Medonte 2012 review – including Bass Lake resultsTay Source Water Protection 2013 update – included raw water intake qualityPenetanguishene – presentation on water quality and habitat considerations for the 2015 Champlain EventEnvironment Canada – presentation to the Eastern Georgian Bay Stakeholder WorkshopMOE Barrie – presentation of SSEA activities including summary of monitoring activitiesBass Lake Cottage Association – Bass Lake water quality

The following updates/progress reports were given to municipal councils:Lake Couchiching update on planned monitoring activitiesChurch Bay 2013 Progress ReportLittle Lake 2013 Progress ReportHoney Harbour 2013 Progress Report

Special Presentations:An oral presentation was given at the 2013 International Conference for Great Lakes Research (IAGLR) entitled Internal phosphorus loading and metalimnetic algae blooms: Case study of an isolated embayment of South-Eastern Georgian Bay.

Results on all monitoring activities were presented at SSEA’s annual open house, and at the annual partner reception.


Land Use Planning Input and ReviewLand Use Planning Input and Reviews for 2013 included reviewing and commenting on proposed developments for the municipalities, including three each in the Town of Midland, the Town of Penetanguishene and the Township of Tay, and seven in the Township of Tiny.

Township of Tiny Natural Heritage Inventory

In 2013, the SSEA began conducting a Natural Heritage Inventory for the Township of Tiny, to assist with the Official Plan Review and making informed decisions regarding natural heritage and land use planning.

Natural heritage features have environmental, social, and/or economic benefits, such as wetlands, forests, valleylands, and fish and wildlife habitat. The project involves updating the digital forest layer for the Township, using recent 2012 aerial photographs, completing a Habitat Analysis to provide mapping of existing habitat, and evaluating the natural heritage of the Township. The project is a planning tool that identifies important natural heritage features, and will provide the Township with the rationale for land use designations and zoning.

Committee Involvement

SSEA staff provided an advisory role on the following committees:

• Dufferin Simcoe Land Stewardship Network• Huronia Land Conservancy• Wye Marsh Stewardship Committee• Lafontaine Creek Stewardship Committee• Copeland Forest Stewardship Committee• Midland Active Transportation and Trails Advisory Committee• Geese Management Program Task Force• Municipal Environmental Committees


Natural Heritage in the Township of Tiny

SSEA reviews development plans to provide input to municipalities

A buffer to a wetland is delineated as a

result of plan review

M

unicipal Partners (Share $340,865)

Tiny

Tay

Springwater

Severn

Penetanguishene

Oro-Medonte

Orillia

Midland

Georgian Bay

2013 SSEA OPERATIONSRevenues - $860,232

Federal Grants 1.4%

Source Water 26.6%

Community/Private 2.2%

Municipal Grants 57.5%

Interest 0.1%

Provincial Grants 2.0%

Projects 10.2%

PROJECT VALUE

0

300

600

900

1200

1500

ValueExpenditures

$K

$340,865

$1,143,043

Total Value

$90,390

$58,132

$8,828

$112,689

$29,302

$13,520

$149,350

$6,000

$430,741

$98,091

$11,000

$135,000

$1,143,043

Activity

Open Water Monitoring

Honey Harbour Monitoring

Inland Lake Monitoring

Lake Couchiching Monitoring

Habitat Tree Planting

Tree Distribution

Tributary monitoring

Well surveys & education

Source Water Protection (Technical Support)

Risk Managment Services

Habitat mapping and management

Provincial Groundwater Monitoring Network

Total

Financial Summary

The value of SSEA to the municipal partners and the community is demonstrated in the bar graph below. For the investment in the SSEA during 2013, of $340,865, the total value of projects facilitated by SSEA was $1,143,043– a three-fold return.

Capital Assets 1.1%

ContractedServices 14.3%

Benefits 15.7% Salaries 58.9%

Rent/ Financial 4.9%

Materials/Office 5.1%

Expenditures - $727,398


Ongoing Partnerships

Copyright © 2013 Severn Sound Environmental Association

CONTACT INFORMATION

Sever

n Sound

Mailing Address: 67 Fourth St. Midland, ON L4R 3S9Phone Number: (705) 527-5166Fax Number: (705) 527-5167Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM ESTGeneral Inquiries: [email protected] Site: www.severnsound.ca

SSEA Member Municipalities: • Township of Georgian Bay • Town of Midland • City of Orillia • Township of Oro-Medonte • Town of Penetanguishene • Township of Springwater • Township of Severn • Township of Tay • Township of Tiny

Academic Partners: • Georgian College • McMaster University • Simcoe Muskoka Catholic School Board (local schools) • Simcoe County District School Board (local schools) • Trent University • University of Guelph • University of Windsor

First Nations: • Beausoleil First Nation • Chippewas of Rama First Nation

Regional Government and Organizations: • County of Simcoe • District of Muskoka • Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit • Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority • Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority

Provincial Government: • Ontario Ministries of - Natural Resources - Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs - Environment

Federal Government: • Environment Canada • Water Survey of Canada • Department of Fisheries and Oceans • Canadian Hydrographic Service • Parks Canada - Trent-Severn Waterway - Georgian Bay Islands National Park • Geological Survey of Canada

Business: • Southeast Georgian Bay Chamber of Commerce • Southern Georgian Bay Chamber of Commerce and Tourism • Web Site Hosting: Compu- SOLVE Technologies Inc.

Groups: • Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario • Eastern Georgian Bay Stewardship Council • Friends of Wye Marsh Inc. • Georgian Bay Hunters and Anglers • Green Communities Canada • Huronia Community Foundation • Kids For Turtles • Muskoka Watershed Council • North Simcoe Community Futures Development Corporation • North Simcoe Stewardship • Ontario Federation of Agriculture • Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association - North Simcoe • Orillia Area Community Development Corporation • Rotary Club of Midland • Scouts Canada • Trout Unlimited Canada - Yellow Fish Road™ • TD Friends of the Environment Foundation

2013 annual report v25 20141103 documents/ssea... · e v e r n s o u n d. message from the chair...

Documents