marsh creek watershed management plan

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Acknowledgements The Marsh Creek Watershed Management Plan is a sub-section of ACAP Saint John’s ‘Investing in Saint John’s Urban Watercourses’ initiative. The project represents a collaboration of numerous individuals and organizations that share a common vision of protecting the immense natural capital that exists within our city. We would like to extend a special thank you to the New Brunswick Environmental Trust Fund, the New Brunswick Wildlife Trust Fund, Unilever Inc., and Clow Canada for their generous financial contributions to this important community endeavor. Contributions from the City of Saint John included those of Yves Leger (GIS Planning and Developing Branch) who contributed many of the aerial photographs and digitized maps of the City of Saint John. Thanks also to Helene Rioux from Service New Brunswick for information on property ownership, to Ryan MacAllister from the University of New Brunswick (Saint John) CURA for assistance with the concepts of urban planning and green spaces. ACAP Saint John staff member Colin Forsythe provided a wealth of background information, both biological and cultural. Eugene Lounsbury, an avid Saint John lake fisherman, provided an account of the species of fish he has caught in many of the Marsh Creek watershed lakes. Also thank you to Heather Ferguson from Jacques Whitford environmental consulting firm for electrofishing data from watercourses found within the Marsh Creek watershed. Finally, a thank you goes to Glenn Ingersoll from Hit Media for his work filming Marsh Creek and it’s tributaries, providing a video showcasing this beautiful stream hidden within our urban environment

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Executive Summary The Marsh Creek watershed is a 4180 ha drainage basin located in the eastern region of Saint John, New Brunswick. The watershed contains six sub-drainages, with Marsh Creek itself receiving inputs from the: Lily Lake Tributary, Ashburn Creek, Little Marsh Creek, Cold Brook and Majors Brook. The Marsh Creek Watershed is a highly urbanized area comprised of heavy industrial, dense commercial and residential development as well as recreational lands. The watercourse extends from its headwaters in the Renforth Bog to its terminus in Courtenay Bay, a length of 11.4 km. Fieldwork, conducted along the entire length of the stream, produced a comprehensive set of observations on the current conditions of this watershed. Using these observations as a base, recommendations for the remediation and conservation of key watershed areas were established. Key recommendations include the remediation of Marsh Creek through the removal of creosote contaminants, stopping of the flow of raw sewage into the creek, and preserving the natural green corridor along Marsh Creek’s central channel.

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Table of Contents Backgrounder on Watershed Management 6 Introduction 7 Methods 7 Chapter 1 : Marsh Creek Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Section 4 Section 5 Section 6 Section 7 Section 8 Summary of Management Options

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16 20 23 30 35 38 41 47

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Chapter 2 : Cold Brook Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Section 4 Summary of Management Options

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52 56 60 65

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Chapter 3 : Ashburn Creek Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Section 4 Summary of Management Options

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71 76 80 84

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Chapter 4 : Little Marsh Creek Section 1 Section 2 Summary of Management Options

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89 90

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Chapter 5 : Majors Brook Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Section 4 Summary of Management Options

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99 102 105 109

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Chapter 6 : Fisher Lakes Tributary Section 1 Section 2 Summary of Management Options

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116 121

122

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Backgrounder on Watershed Management A watershed is a distinct geographical area in which all water within its boundaries drains into a common watercourse (i.e. river, stream, lake, et cetera). Watershed management utilizes these distinct geographic limits to form a finite working area within which recommendations can be made to conserve or enhance desirable features. Typically, watershed management plans focus on identifying existing or potential threats to the environmental integrity of the watershed. A watershed is bound by the geology of the area with the underlying bedrock, contours, and elevation of the earth ultimately determining the natural morphology and flow rates of the watercourse. The shape of a stream may be affected by natural events, such as heavy rainfalls, spring freshets and beaver dams. However, it is the anthropogenic activities such as road construction and residential and commercial/industrial developments that result in the most substantial changes. The same can be said for the chemical composition of a watercourse, with either point or non-point source pollutants often degrading its ability to sustain aquatic life or provide safe drinking or recreational waters for humans. Developing watershed management plans requires a detailed assessment of both the watershed itself, and the watercourse(s) it supports. Assessing the features and existing activities within a watershed often provides trained personnel with an immediate inventory of how the watershed benefits the community, which areas are most worth conserving, which areas are in need of remediation or enhancement, and who within the community might be willing to assist in developing and implementing the final plan. Assessing the chemical and physical attributes of the watercourse itself often provides insights into problems that are difficult to detect with the naked eye. Analyses of fecal coliform bacteria, phosphates and nitrates may highlight the occurrence of pollutants such as sewage or fertilizers. Information like this can be readily applied to a management plan to further pinpoint the source, and correct it. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of those developing the management plan to ensure the community has an opportunity to express its interests and ideas for how a given watershed should be used, developed, or conserved. This concept is especially true in urban settings where a diverse array of potential uses may exist. Engaging all interested parties in developing the final recommendations for a given watershed may prevent unnecessary conflicts.

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Introduction and Methods Saint John, New Brunswick possesses an abundance of water resources, which form an intricate web of fish and wildlife habitat amidst an urban setting. This rich natural capital has historically been used by residents and tourists for fishing, hunting, swimming, canoeing, hiking and bird watching, in addition to the immeasurable aesthetic value it has added to our quality of life. Saint John, like other urban areas, has altered the morphological characteristics of its watersheds through residential, commercial and industrial developments. Such developments are proven environmental stressors that can negatively impact the water quality, quantity and hydraulics of the watercourse, as well as the quality and abundance of plant, animal and fish habitat. The Urban Watershed Management project set out to survey four major watersheds (and their respective watercourses) in the greater Saint John area observing both the positive features to be preserved and utilized, and the negative features, which need improvement. Topographic maps and aerial photos were used to identify four major urban watersheds in Saint John including Marsh Creek, Hazen Creek, Little River and Alder Brook. Each watershed was subdivided into distinct sub-watersheds based on existing tributaries. Each watercourse (including streams, lakes, ponds etc.) was assessed by examining aerial photos and by physically walking and making first hand observations of specific sites. These observations formed the basis of the draft management plan (including suggested management options) that will be presented to stakeholders for review and editing. Watercourses were assessed for their general condition, substrate type, shape, water flow, and riparian vegetation. A “Sport Track Map, Magellan” Global Positioning System receiver was used to mark the beginning and end of each walkthrough as well as important and interesting features along the watercourse. These notes and GPS points were then entered into a computer to assist in developing digitized maps of the watershed. Property maps and landowner information were obtained using the “Planet” program obtained via a demo account provided by Service New Brunswick.

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Introduction to the Marsh Creek Watershed The Marsh Creek watershed is located in the eastern quadrant of Saint John, New Brunswick. Encompassing a total land area of 4180 ha, it makes up the largest urban watershed in the city (Figure 0.1). Marsh Creek is a fourth order stream, which contains five major tributaries: Little Marsh Creek, Cold Brook, Ashburn Brook, Majors Brook, and the Fisher Lakes Tributary.

Figure 0.1: Overview of Saint John showing the extent of the Marsh Creek

watershed

The watershed is defined by its steep bedrock slopes that form an ample marsh basin. Water drains down these slopes and into large, deep areas of silty and heavy loam. The upper stretches of the watershed and its tributaries, primarily graduated forest streams, drain into this basin, much of which lies below sea level and was subject to regular tidal inundations prior to human intervention. Marsh Creek is an excellent example of how historical and cultural land use practices can alter the natural capital of a watershed.

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The following management plan is the culmination of hundreds of kilometres of fieldwork in and around the Marsh Creek watershed. The fieldwork was completed throughout the summer of 2006 and sought to produce a comprehensive document that would catalogue the current state of the watershed and identify both areas of concern and interest. The goal was to then supplement these findings with management suggestions on how best to ameliorate these areas in the future. Historical Background While Saint John possesses the same rocky hills as many other Atlantic coastal cities, it also has regions that share their morphology with the tidal marshlands of the Bay of Fundy. The significance of these marshlands should not be underestimated when looking at the development of the City of Saint John, as the city possesses to this day several fine examples of marshland. The real impact from these tidal marshes came from two marshlands, which are barely in existence these days. The Great Marsh (Figure 0.2), surrounding Marsh Creek, and the tidal mud flats of the West Side have both become victims of industrial and commercial development that have all but erased the land that once existed, a trend that began in the early days of settlement of the area. The Marsh Creek watershed has long been the site of human activity, beginning in the colonial era when the creek was first dyked to allow hay and other crops to be cultivated. This agricultural use continued for centuries and grew to include more modern ventures such as industrial mills and shipbuildings, which were drawn to the flat lands and close proximity to timber reserves. The arrival of the railway in the 19th century forever altered the drainage basin, as it spread the city beyond the confines of its harbour. The 20th century brought with it many changes including large-scale post-war housing projects, retail developments and highways. Geographically, Marsh Creek has lost much of its sinuosity over the centuries of development, with much of this change occurring since the 1950s. Although natural realignment has likely played a role, a considerable amount of the morphological changes resulted from anthropogenic influence. The cause of said decrease could be attributed to a natural realignment by the stream, though there may be more at work than initially meets the eye. For example, the central portion of Marsh Creek, between the Canadian National Railway yard and the Strescon properties, has undergone significant realignment since the first arrival of human stressors. A once meandering stream through marshland has become a straight thoroughfare, and has never reverted. Though it has seen far less direct developmental alterations than other parts of the watershed, the morphological changes undergone in this area are significant, and speak louder than words to the effect development can have on an environment without contacting it directly.

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Figure 0.2: Former extent of the Great Marsh shown within present day drainage

basin

The shift from a more curved, meandering stream into the now more straight flowing creek did not happen overnight, it was in fact a slow process, with remnants that can still be found today. As the creek began to forge a new, more direct path, the curves of the previous streambed continued their active flow, thereby creating islands of marsh within the flood plain. These new forms would normally have had an impact on the development of the creek’s shore, but this has not directly been the case because the city’s municipal park, Rockwood Park (established in 1893), includes a long stretch of the Marsh Creek shoreline. This meant a portion has been spared from industrial development, even if it does still feel the effects of indirect effluent. The cause of this shift in sinuosity is difficult to pinpoint. It could be due to natural changes in morphology, but more than likely it has been caused by the stresses from human development. This scenario is likely because of the nature of the activity on Marsh Creek, ranging from early dykes and mills, to modern rail yards and road constructions, to the ribbon development of the later twentieth century that took over previously farmed lands along the creek. These sorts of activities can affect the flow of the creek, resulting in changes of

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stream velocity, and shifts in the shape of the stream, especially in marshlands where the soil is soft and the creek-bed is not rocky.

Objectives This report identifies some of the existing physical, chemical and biological features of the Marsh Creek watershed, with a view toward developing recommendations to manage the natural capital. Existing and pending developments are identified to provide recommendations to alleviate potential disturbance to the ecosystem, and to prevent the scenic and biological integrity of these valuable resources. Sub-drainage Divisions The large size of the Marsh Creek watershed necessitates that each sub-drainage be examined as an individual entity, even though they collectively contribute to the overall environmental integrity of Marsh Creek proper. The greater Marsh Creek watershed can be divided into six distinct sub-drainages, and for the purposes of this management plan, these sub-drainages will be used to divide the plan into smaller geographic portions. These six sub-drainages are as follows: Marsh Creek, Majors Brook, Fisher Lakes Tributary, Cold Brook, Little Marsh Creek and Ashburn Creek (Table 1). While each of these sections maintain their unique physical characteristics, drain their own tributaries and vary greatly in length and area, they are all major contributors to the Marsh Creek drainage pattern and are essential parts of this management plan.

Table 1: Marsh Creek Sub-drainage Areas

Sub-drainage Area (Ha) Approx. Percentage of Total Watershed Area

Marsh Creek 1905 46 Cold Brook 797 19 Ashburn Creek 510 13 Little Marsh Creek 380 10 Majors Brook 338 8 Fisher Lakes Tributary 171 4

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Figure 0.3: Sub-drainages of the Marsh Creek Watershed

Elevations and Topography The Marsh Creek watershed is extremely varied in its overall topography, ranging from extremely level terrain below sea level to rocky crags and hilltops. The highest peak within the watershed (~135 m) is the central summit of Golden Grove Mountain. Located to the northeast, this landmass drains into Quinn Lake at the headwater of Cold Brook. The lowest elevation in the watershed occurs along the downstream section of Marsh Creek itself, where there are several points that lie anywhere from 1m to 2m below mean sea level (Figure 0.4).

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Figure 0.4: Elevation Profiles Along Marsh Creek and its Tributaries

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Chapter 1

Watershed Management Plan For

Marsh Creek Saint John, NB

Lacey McKenna Graeme Stewart-Robertson

Tim Vickers

Spring 2007

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Sub-drainage: Marsh Creek Marsh Creek is the single longest watercourse within the Marsh Creek watershed and serves as a common outlet for all Marsh Creek tributaries (Figure 1.1). The headwaters of this 11.42 km creek originate just outside the northeastern Saint John City limits at the Renforth Bog. The physical and biological characteristics of Marsh Creek change dramatically between its headwaters and the terminus. The observed changes in the surrounding environment allow Marsh Creek to be divided into eight distinct management sections.

Figure 1.1: Aerial view of Marsh Creek showing all 8 management zones

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Section 1 The headwaters of Marsh Creek are the Renforth Bog, which has area of 25 ha and 2.9 km shoreline (Figure 1.2). A variety of both native flora and fauna were observed, including water lily, cattail, sphagnum moss, and many grass species, as well as a variety of small fish and frog species, which were observed within the bog. Deer tracks were also observed.

Figure 1.2: Position of management Section 1 in Marsh Creek

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Figure 1.3: Two views of the Renforth Bog as seen from the logging road adjacent

the left hand bank. Right: Renforth Bog in July. Left: Renforth Bog in November

The bog is protected from MacKay Highway (located to the northwest of the bog) by a thick forest buffer composed of spruce, fir and birch. A quarry road, located parallel to the highway, closely follows the bog’s edge. The road has allowed easy vehicular access for illegal dumping and is used as a starting point for ATV trails that run between the edge of the bog and the highway. Although illegally dumped refuse still remains on the roadside and the edge of the bog, road access has recently been blocked by large boulders that will reduce further incidences of dumping along the bog (Figure 1.4).

Figure 1.4: Boulders blocking vehicular access along quarry road

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The illegal dumping is evident by the significant amounts of household and construction material (i.e. concrete, shingles, tires, etc) deposited along both the edge of the road and the bog (Figure 1.5).

Figure 1.5: An illegal dumpsite deposited along the shore of Renforth Bog

Improper and destructive recreational use of the ATV trails that parallel the bogs edge was evident. There were many areas with significant flooding, soft mud, soil erosion and damage to the local flora (Figure 1.6).

Figure 1.6: Overused ATV trail along adjacent Renforth Bog

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Management recommendations To improve the quality and sustain the natural beauty of the Renforth Bog a mass cleanup of illegal dumping should be conducted. Measures should be taken to improve the state of the ATV trails and to prevent further environmental damage. This can be achieved by implementing corduroy roads in the areas subject to deep rutting due to the soft soil along the banks of the wetland. A corduroy road creates a bridge like structure by lining logs side by side (looks like corduroy). Corduroy roads are an old method developed by early settlers to allow passage though wet lands. Creating sections of these corduroy roads would allow a less destructive passage for recreational ATV usage.

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Section 2 Section 2 of Marsh Creek (Figure 1.7) is a 1.47 km stretch that flows from the outlet of Renforth Bog (Figure 1.8) to a large earthen dam behind Glen Falls. The stream begins to form a channel as it exits the bog, and crosses under a makeshift bridge composed of logs and branches, which collects additional debris and forms a barrier to fish passage (Figure 1.9).


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Figure 1.8: The beginning of Marsh Creek from the Renforth Bog channelizing in

the bog before heading into the this cedar bog stream

Figure 1.9: Branches across the mouth of Marsh Creek headwaters

Section 2 is fairly isolated from human influences. No housing or commercial developments exist near the stream and no ATV trails cross this section. This lack of human disruption has allowed the majority of the stream to maintain its very natural and clean state-of-being. The vegetation consists of a thick cedar bog (Figure 1.10) with some alders and open bog areas. The stream exhibits some pooling, gravel, detritus, and soft, muddy

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banks (typical of a cedar bog with shallow, slow moving water). The stream serves as a water source for a variety of forest dwelling animals including deer and moose.

Figure 1.10: Cedar bog near the headwaters of Marsh Creek

Management recommendations This section is virtually undisturbed and in a very natural healthy state. The management suggestion for this section is to preserve the ecological integrity and discourage future development of the area. A cleanup the debris in the stream serving as a barrier to fish passage should be conducted.

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Section 3 Section 3, with a length of 0.95 km begins at a large earthen dam installed as a flood control measure and continues until it reaches the community of Glen Falls at the Glen Road (Figure 1.11). The earthen dam is large with a dirt access road located along the ridge. The edge of the dam is steep and covered with grasses until it reaches the forest floor (Figure 1.12).


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Figure 1.12: Oblique of Glen Falls area highlighting the large earthen flood

control dam

The stream emerges from the dam through a culvert, and flows down into a small concrete structure (Figure 1.13) creating a pool before spilling out into the natural streambed. The gradient of the land increases through this stretch creating a streambed consisting primarily of rock and rubble with some boulders. This stretch is characterized by many beautiful waterfalls and numerous cascading pools (Figure 1.14). The riparian vegetation consists primarily of mixed woods containing rowanberry, birch, spruce, and some cedar.

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Figure 1.13: Concrete flood control structure where Marsh Creek flows under the

earthen flood control dam

Figure 1.14: Waterfall created as Marsh Creek spills over exposed bedrock and

boulders in upper Marsh Creek

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An access road to the earthen dam links together a number of ATV trails within this section. Although these trails never actually cross the stream (with exception of the road located over the earthen dam), close contact occurs in various locations, allowing people easy access to specific areas. In the areas where trails allow direct human access, anthropogenic effects were observed in the form of fire pits, refuse, litter, and abandoned camping sites (Figure 1.16). One site in particular contained a small, man made, rock dam which created a small pool near an abandoned campsite (Figure 1.15). The rock dam does not inhibit the passage of fish.

Figure 1.15: Human made rock dam

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Figure 1.16: Illegal dumping near an abandoned campsite along Upper Marsh

Creek

A concrete dam, previously installed midway through this section, is now in poor condition. The concrete is crumbling and does not allow for fish passage (Figure 1.17). The stream bypasses the dam through a small pipe emerging from the right stream bank (Figure 1.18). This dam has caused a marshy, pond like area to form on its upstream side (Figure 1.19). A large amount of garbage including old bikes, tires, rusted metal, and old discarded political campaign signs were found on both sides of this dam (Figure 1.20). The stream reforms below the dam and continues in the same fashion as previously.

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Figure 1.17: Old deteriorating flood control dam

Figure 1.18: Culvert carrying water around flood control dam in upper Marsh

Creek

Figure 1.19: Pond created by old deteriorating dam

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Figure 1.20: Garbage deposited behind deteriorating dam in upper Marsh Creek

Management recommendations The stream is in very good condition for the majority of this section. It is suggested the present state be maintained. A clean up should be conducted to remove the small amount of garbage found along the stream. The dam located in the middle of the section should be replaced or modified to allow for better fish passage.

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Section 4 Section 4, with a length of 1.8 km experiences two major transitions throughout its course (Figure 1.21). The first change occurs as the stream’s gradient levels out resulting in a marsh environment, where the stream widens and cuts through the soft marshland, resulting in a wide, shallow channel with soft detritus dominated streambed (Figure 1.22). The riparian vegetation is primarily marsh grass with some willow and alder. The second major transition zone occurs as the stream cuts through the residential area of Glen Falls, where numerous residential properties border directly on the stream. These residential developments resulted in the riparian vegetation being removed and replaced with a variety of landscaping, including ornamental manicured grass and in some cases the invasive species Japanese Knotweed.


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Figure 1.22: Marsh Creek, as it flows through Glenn Falls, becomes shallow and

wide with riparian vegetation dominated by marsh grasses and alder

The stream flows through several culverts and a bridge as it weaves through the Glenn Falls neighbourhood. The first culvert crossed is situated on Glen Road near a local trailer park. Although the water flow through the culvert itself is good and relatively unobstructed, the culvert crossing the road is in poor condition. The old, rusted guardrail has tilted towards the stream as the pavement from Glen Road has deteriorated, and washed into the stream (Figure 1.23). The second culvert crossing occurs at the Simpson Drive extension and is similar in stature to the previous in that the banks are also washing into the stream during rain events, increasing the sediment load to the stream (Figure 1.24). The remains of silt fencing was found along the banks on both sides of this culvert, however, the fence has fallen over and no longer serves its purpose. Marsh Creek then passes under one small culvert in a private driveway to proceed towards its second juncture with Glen Road. Glen Road crosses Marsh Creek in the form of a concrete two-lane bridge, which allows the stream to flow freely. The banks are reinforced with granite blocks but there is road water runoff carrying sediments into the stream around the reinforcements (Figure 1.25).

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Figure 1.23: Left: Marsh Creek Culvert crossing Glen Road near a local trailer

park. Right: metal swing set dumped in Marsh Creek at the Glen Road crossing

Figure 1.24: Culvert where Marsh Creek crosses Simpson Drive Ext. Left:

pavement caving in from the road to the stream. Middle: Metal culvert and granite reinforcements. Right: silt washing into Marsh creek alongside the

adjacent culvert

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Figure 1.25: Left: Glen Road bridge. Middle: gravel running into Marsh Creek. Right: granite reinforcements along Marsh Creek stream banks adjacent Glen

Road Bridge

Cold Brook enters Marsh Creek here as a small channel cutting through the wetland along the edge of a man made flood basin. The flood basin, with an area of 13.5 ha, was erected to help control flooding in the Glen Falls area (Figure 1.26).

Figure 1.26: Flood Basin adjacent Glen Falls

As Marsh Creek approaches and crosses under Simpson Drive the amount of commercial development increases. On the right hand side of the stream, adjacent to Simpson drive, there is a sewage lift station and a car wash. Malfunctions with the lift station during the summer of 2006 caused raw untreated sewage to be released directly into the stream for approximately three months before the problem was remedied.

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Management recommendations This section is lacking natural riparian vegetation in many locations. The stream bank may be restored and strengthened by planting natural riparian vegetation, thus creating a natural buffer between residential houses and the stream. Education is also an important part of this section’s management, as residents should be educated as to proper stream management practices. Local ATV groups should also be brought into discussions on management to ensure cooperation and so that any remediation activities are sustainable in the long-term. All culverts in this section are of poor quality. New, open bottom culverts should be installed to meet the requirements for proper fish passage and stream flow. Also new bank reinforcements should be installed around the culverts to reduce the amount of silt and gravel washing into the stream.

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Section 5 Section 5 of Marsh Creek begins at Simpson Drive and continues for 1.85 km until it reaches the lower section of the Strescon concrete property (Figure 1.27). This section, which marks the beginning of the commercial and industrial properties, flows behind the 3 Mile Tavern, crosses under Rothesay Avenue through a new culvert, and re-emerges beside the Music Conservatory. The stream is highly channelized (linear) on its right bank (Figure 1.28) and reinforced with rocks to prevent erosion; however, a lack of vegetation is found along the right bank. The left bank has not been reinforced and consists of a steep incline covered with willow, alder, grasses and common herbaceous perennials (Figure 1.29).

Figure 1.27: Position of Section 5 in Marsh Creek

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Figure 1.28: Open Bottom culvert where Marsh Creek crosses Rothesay Avenue

Figure 1.29: Right: left stream bank showcasing riparian vegetation Left: right

stream bank reinforced with gabions and very little riparian vegetation

The stream is approximately 7 m wide and deeper than in previous sections, with murky, slow flowing water. There is an abundance of aquatic plants and algae, which when combined with the depth make it impossible to see the streambed. The stream flows beneath a train bridge and begins to flow away from both Rothesay Avenue and the railroad tracks, heading towards Atlantic Metal Recycling where it is joined by Little Marsh Creek. The stream makes a sharp bend after meeting up with Little Marsh Creek, and turns east back towards Rothesay Avenue where it is joined by Majors Brook. Strescon, a concrete production facility, is visible below the junction of Majors Brook and Marsh Creek. After uniting with Majors Brook Marsh Creek flows

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towards Strescon, travels beneath a large two-lane bridge, then directly under the Strescon building itself (Figure 1.30). The stream banks near the bridge have little vegetation to prevent erosion and banks closest to the building have had vegetation recently removed. The creek is slow moving and murky. The murky water may be due to increased sediment loads and increased algal growth associated with nutrient loading from sewage.

Figure 1.30: Marsh Creek flowing beneath Strescon

Stream banks along this entire section consist primarily of soft marsh soil with an abundance of marsh grasses, alder and willow. Evidence of anthropogenic impact was seen both in the form of both in-stream and stream bank debris. Some of the debris encountered consisted of food and beverage containers while other materials found were metal and wooden building materials and tires. Management recommendations This area needs to be monitored and protected from improper future development. A cleanup should be organized to remove debris deposited along the stream and surrounding riparian zone. Native riparian vegetation should be planted along banks in various locations near industry and developments, such as Strescon and Atlantic Metal Recycling, to reduce stream bank erosion, pollutants running into the stream and to increase the canopy cover.

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Section 6 Section 6 runs 1.65 km between the Rothesay Avenue rail yard and the highway. (Figure 1.31) This section of the stream has been channelized to accommodate past developments resulting in unnaturally straight stream morphology.


The streambed is soft, wide, and deep with slow flowing water. The riparian vegetation is growing in wet soil and consists of many alder and willows with occasional patches of birch, cedar and spruce. The treed areas are combined with wetter areas consisting of marsh grasses. Section 6 of Marsh Creek provides a wealth of possibilities for future development as a usable green space for the citizens of Saint John (Figure 1.32). Although there is a significant, and an extremely unsafe, amount of pollution carried within the creek the naked eye would not detect the problem. Aside from some litter located along the stream banks and slightly murky water the stream environment looks almost pristine. The creek is sheltered from both the highway and rail yard by a thick buffer of vegetation and a large rock outcrop resulting in a very isolated location (Figure 1.33).

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Figure 1.32: Marsh Creek between the highway and Rothesay Avenue

Figure 1.33: Rock outcrop along Marsh Creek

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Management Recommendations For this section of the stream a major improvement in water quality is suggested eliminating any point source pollution (such as sewage) being dispersed into the stream. Once the water quality has been improved the creek could host a trail system including boardwalks along wet stream banks and trails though the dry forested areas. The creek is also wide and slow moving and when combined with the beautiful scenery serves to be prime canoeing territory. Water quality improvements and preservation from further development will also benefit the large amount of wildlife (i.e. deer, raccoons, mink, muskrat, waterfowl, etc.) that use this section.

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Section 7 This 1.65 km section of Marsh Creek begins at a sharp bend in the channel that causes the stream to resume its flow between Rothesay Avenue and the CN Rail Yard (Figure 1.34). The terminus of this section lies just beyond the Marco Polo Bridge where the Marsh Creek Forebay begins (Figure 1.35). This section of the creek is well known for the, offensive odor associated with inputs of raw sewage. The odors are emitted throughout the year but are particularly strong on hot, summer days.


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Figure 1.35: Oblique aerial photo diagrammed to show the morphology of Marsh

Creek through Section 7

The stream is crossed by two railway bridges in this section (Figure 1.35). The second bridge, located near the intersection of Rothesay Avenue and Russell Street, is the last remaining one of several older bridges in the vicinity (Figure 1.36). The pylons and partial structures of the previous bridges still remain within the channel catching logs and other debris and obstructing the creek’s flow. The bridges are popular resting locales for waterfowl, and provide shade for the wildlife inhabiting this section. (Figure 1.37) The buffering riparian zone ranges from 10m to 0m wide depending on the development along the stream. When present the riparian vegetation consists primarily of grasses, brush and reeds.

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Figure 1.36 : CN Railway Bridge near the intersection of Rothesay Avenue and

Russell Street

Figure 1.37: Stream debris caught on pylons; Waterfowl is also visible beneath the

bridge

Marsh Creek and surrounding stream banks behind the Canada Post Corporation are contaminated with 10,000 cubic metres of creosote saturated sediment and sheen coated water. Creosote is an oil product consisting primarily of aromatic hydrocarbons used in wood preservation. The large amount of creosote deposited in Marsh Creek results from a wood treatment plant previously located in the area. The treatment plant is long gone leaving only this large creosote in its footprint. The creosote, a known carcinogenic and toxin, poses a significant environmental threat contaminating Marsh Creek’s water for both humans and wildlife that come in contact with the stream (Figure 1.38).

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Figure 1.38: Creosote sheen in the waters of Marsh Creek, behind the Canada Post

property that now occupies the land of the old Likely sawmill

Foreign substances introduced into the stream are of high concern in this region. Litter, wood debris and flushed trash all appear to be widespread along this section of shoreline. Section 7 also has ten sewage/storm-water outfalls that empty into Marsh Creek, beginning near Russell Street with the last outfall emptying adjacent the Marco Polo Bridge. (Figure 1.39)

Figure 1.39: Maps showing the location of sewage/storm-water outfalls along

Lower Marsh Creek

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These outfalls carry everything from human waste and other items flushed down toilets, to parking lot runoff and anything washing into storm-water grates. This inundation of harmful toxins and bacteria is detrimental to the stream habitat, and makes the creek potentially dangerous for humans and wildlife alike. The riparian zones are poorly vegetated with little canopy cover, resulting in banks that are more susceptible to erosion. Some areas of the stream approaching the Marco Polo bridge have an increased amount of riparian vegetation but it is still not sufficient to provide acceptable canopy cover (Figure 1.40).

Figure 1.40: Stream bank and in-water vegetation of Marsh Creek, just prior to the

Marco Polo Bridge

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Management Recommendations The most important management suggestion for this section of stream would be to remove the creosote contamination from the Marsh Creek and the riparian zone. Barry Leger MEng and Alan Drake B. Tech Env conducted an extensive study of creosote removal in 1998 for ACAP Saint John. Sc. titled “Study of the Extent of Contamination in Marsh Creek”. A copy of this is available at the ACAP office upon request. The raw sewage expelled into Marsh Creek each day poses a significant health threat. The sewage should not be from discharging into Marsh Creek. Securing the federal funding needed to complete the Harbour Cleanup wastewater infrastructure remains a top priority for the remediation of Marsh Creek.

An increase in riparian vegetation would also be beneficial to increase water quality and stabilize the stream banks. This can be implemented though the introduction of live cuttings in various locations along this section. The railway bridges in this section should be rebuilt without in-stream pylons, or at least fewer pylons, which prove to be obstructions in the channel.

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Section 8 Section 8 consists of the Forebay that extends for 0.76 km to the terminus of Marsh Creek in Courtenay Bay (Figure 1.41). The creek flows under the Causeway through a dyke and flood control structure. The Forebay is a total of 43 ha in area, although the portion occupied by watercourse-related terrains is significantly smaller.


The Forebay of Marsh Creek and Courtenay Bay provides a large area to contain the overflow from Marsh Creek during heavy rainfalls, and also provides a buffer from large swells in sea level that would normally flood the Great Marsh basin. It was designed when the Courtenay Bay Causeway was originally constructed. Marsh Creek flows into the Forebay under the CNR Bridge, and then spreads out into a large basin and channel, whose size varies depending on recent rainfalls, sea level, etc. Dutchman’s Creek, another watercourse rife with sewage contamination, also feeds the Forebay from the east (Figure 1.42). The Forebay channel carries the water out to the Causeway’s floodgates, where Marsh Creek finally into the open water/mud flats of Courtenay Bay.

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The Forebay is a significant locale for waterfowl. Bald eagles have also been observed preying on the waterfowl throughout the year.

Figure 1.42: Oblique aerial photo diagrammed to show the path of Marsh Creek to Courtenay Bay through the Forebay; also shows the location of Dutchman’s

Creek

Management Recommendations Develop a wetland plan suitable for birdwatchers, hikers, et cetera, that encircles the Forebay area, and provides access to this unique urban wetland.

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Summary of Management Suggestions Stream Section Location Recommendations

1 Quarry road along the edge of the Renforth bog Organize a cleanup of the area to remove illegal dumping

1 ATV trail Install corduroy roads along the trail in wet, environmentally sensitive areas

2 Entire length of section Protect from further development

3 Entire length of section Organize a cleanup of the area

3 Concrete flood control dam Replace dam with a new one allowing better fish passage

4 Throughout Glen Falls Plant Native riparian vegetation along stream banks

4 Culverts Replace all culverts in this section with a large, open bottom version

4 Culverts The banks near the culverts should be reinforced with native

riparian vegetation paired with gabions, riprap, or granite blocks

5 Organize a cleanup to remove litter and illegally dumped refuse

5 Plant Native riparian vegetation along stream banks

6 Sewage outlets various locations throughout

stream Redirect sewage to eliminate discharge into Marsh Creek

6 Entire length of Section Develop a walking trail and canoeing facility

7 Behind Canada Post Corporation Remove creosote & Plant native vegetation

7 Sewage outfalls Redirect sewage to eliminate discharge into Marsh Creek

7 Railway bridge Rebuild bridge with fewer in stream pylons

8 Forebay Develop a wetland/waterfowl plan for a public park

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Chapter 2 Watershed Management Plan

For Cold Brook

Saint John, NB


Tim Vickers

Spring 2007

Cold Brook

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Sub-drainage: Cold Brook Cold Brook is the most extensive tributary in the Marsh Creek watershed. This 6.7 km sub-drainage also contains the greatest number of continuous lakes (Figure 2.1), providing a rich environment for wildlife as well as for residential development. The brook originates as the drainage stream to Quinn Lake, and continues through Shaw’s, Kelly and Mystery Lakes before descending into the Great Marsh basin where it joins Marsh Creek in the vicinity of Glen Falls. Along its entire length, Cold Brook is paralleled by Golden Grove Road, a medium-density throughway for local traffic. Cold Brook passes through a variety of terrains, ranging from barren bog to canopied cascades, which allow it to be divided into four distinct management areas.

Figure 2.1: Management sections of the Cold Brook sub-drainage;

Divisions were based on terrain and stream ecology

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Section 1 Section 1 stretches 1.5 km from its origins in Quinn Lake to the far shore of Shaw’s Lake (Figure 2.2). Quinn Lake, the headwaters to Cold Brook, appears to be environmentally sound, despite having a plethora of homes along its northern shore. Overall the lake has a surface area of 5.35 ha and is surrounded by primarily bog terrain, even along sections containing residential development. Aquatic plant-life is abundant (Figure 2.3).

Figure 2.2: Section 1 of Cold Brook, extending from Quinn Lake to the exit of

Shaw's Lake

Cold Brook would naturally originate at the narrow channel in the southwest corner of Quinn Lake; however an access road for a gravel pit necessitates that the brook starts with a series of three culverts beneath the road (Figure 2.4). The road is constructed of loose fill, with the culverts appearing to have had an overall lack of care in their placement. The culverts are old and deteriorating, with two having poorly installed filter grating on the lakeside. The majority of water is handled by one of the three culverts without filter grate, while the others remain fairly stagnant.

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Figure 2.3: Quinn Lake, as seen from a quarry access road

Figure 2.4: View of the three culverts that allow Cold Brook to flow beneath the

quarry access road

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Cold Brook, upon emerging from the culverts, has an open canopy with an abundance of marsh vegetation along its banks. This marsh vegetation extends into the stream as evidenced by a substantial growth of cattails. The streambed consists of a fine mix of rock sizes and aquatic plants. The canopy and shorelines showcase numerous alders, black spruce, birch and cedar trees (listed in descending order of frequency), as well as meadow grasses and evergreen shrubbery. Cold Brook flows another 0.15 km to where it meets the Willis Road. One bank flows directly adjacent to Willis Road, while the other has a line of trees forming a barrier to the road. The streambed is well established and healthy, with a silt and rock streambed, but there is a deposit of brightly coloured gravel that indicates possible dumping of residential aquariums into the watercourse. The aquarium gravel raises concerns about the potential introduction of invasive species, such as Goldfish, Northern Snatchers or any number of aquatic plants. The stream flows through two culverts under the road bank, which is reinforced with granite blocks. Some of the larger blocks have fallen in front of culvert pipes, and though water is flowing underneath or around them, they are blocking proper flow and should be remediated. Cold Brook re-emerges on the other side and opens up into a shallow, 6-7 m wide, pond-like build up of water. The brook continues downstream with habitat similar to that above the Willis Road, with marshy edges, abundant vegetation, including lilies, cattails and eel grass (Figure 2.5).

Figure 2.5: Aquatic Vegetation along Cold Brook between Quinn and Shaw's

Lakes

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The downstream banks contain an increasing number of dead cedar and woody debris, with a declining aggregate of canopy cover. The stream flows under a bridge (to a private residence) and through a culvert. This section of Cold Brook has good canopy cover, good water flow and a small buildup of fallen woody debris. A large growth of willows completely inundates the riparian zone as the stream enters Shaw’s Lake. Shaw’s Lake, much like Quinn Lake, is bordered by residential development. This 7.6 hectare lake is included in Section 1 of Cold Brook, and delineates the end of the management area. Overall, Cold Book is characterized by good fish habitat with no obstructions to fish passage. The watercourse contains aquatic vegetation, insects, algae in good proportions, although it should be noted that no fish were observed during fieldwork. Management Recommendations The majority of management suggestions for this section pertain to culvert crossings. The location where Cold Brook exits Quinn Lake, where there are three poorly installed. The grates need to be repaired, and large rock or riprap be installed to stabilize the banks. The invasive species Japanese Knotweed is an extremely aggressive and noxious weed. Once established, Japanese Knotweed will spread throughout an area choking out native species to create a monoculture along the riparian zone. There is a small colony of knotweed located along the stream banks near the Willis Road. This colony should be removed as soon as possible to prevent further spreading. Conservation of the existing natural capital in this section is a priority.

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Section 2 Section 2 of Cold Brook, is the longest section of the watercourse with a length of 3.2 km (from the exit of Shaw’s Lake to the Mystery Lake dam) (Figure 2.6).

Figure 2.6: Section 2 of Cold Brook, extending from the exit to Shaw's Lake to the

Mystery Lake dam

Section 2 flows from the outlet of Shaw’s Lake and into Kelly Lake, which has a surface area of 6.7 ha. The environs of Kelly Lake are a natural and undisturbed terrain for this watershed (Figure 2.7). There is no development along the watercourse at this point, making this lake unique from the others in the Cold Brook sub-drainage. A large abundance of cattails are found in the lake, which is embanked by a bog-like terrain, full of tamarack, bilberry and spruce.

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Figure 2.7: Kelly Lake, as viewed from a downstream vantage point

Cold Brook, from Kelly Lake, flows under a bridge on Hillcrest Road. The water is clear; the streambed is soft, with no stream obstructions in the area of the lake or Hillcrest Road. The stream proceeds from the bridge, and meanders amidst a more solid ground substrate. The stream channel is narrower than the marsh area and as it cuts through a meadow, some cattails are found in this section, as well as tall grasses and a variety of shrubs. Cold Brook flows into a region containing an abundance of willows where the watercourse pours beneath Clayton Lane. The fill used for the road has provided a more solid ground base for these trees to root, as the surrounding areas as far too marshy to accommodate such vegetation. Japanese knotweed, an invasive alien species, is found here on this solid ground (Figure 2.8). The stream continues (below the Clayton Lane Bridge) with no canopy cover and resumes its marshy, grass-lined banks (Figure 2.9). A few rocks occur in the stream, but the bed is still primarily silt at this point. The brook is 4-6m wide with a depth of between 1-2 m.

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Figure 2.8: The invasive alien species Japanese Knotweed found streamside on

Clayton Lane

Figure 2.9: Cold Brook on the upstream and downstream sides of the Clayton

Lane bridge (left and right respectively)

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The canopy, of alder and cedar, closes in over the watercourse in a plethora of trees. The stream then passes through an Acadia Drywall industrial lot, before proceeding into a large marsh basin that eventually forms the northeastern shore of Mystery Lake. Management Recommendations A second patch of Japanese knotweed is located streamside along Clayton Lane. This patch of knotweed should also be removed from the area and properly disposed of before given the chance to completely destroy the riparian zone. The parking lot for Acadia Drywall closely borders Cold Brook for a short distance. There is no protection along this section of the stream from parking lot runoff that may contain traces of oil and other car fluids as well as sediments. A protective buffer containing natural vegetation, such as cattails, would serve to filter much of the contamination from the parking lot runoff.

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Section 3 Section 3, with a length of 1.01 km, consists of the portion of Cold Brook that descends from Mystery Lake to the Great Marsh basin (Figure 2.10).

Figure 2.10: Section 3 of Cold Brook, extending from the Mystery Lake dam to the

marsh flats of Glen Falls

Mystery Lake is the largest of the Cold Brook lakes at 14.14 ha in surface area. This wide, shallow lake has a small amount of residential and commercial development on its north shore. The dense vegetation reduces human interaction with the water (Figure 2.11).

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Figure 2.11: Western Shore of Mystery Lake

Cold Brook passes over the remains of the Mystery Lake dam (Figure 2.12). The dam creates a steep and shallow drop that poses an impediment to upstream fish passage. The brook then travels beneath Golden Grove Road where it flows via a large (2.5 m diameter) steel pipe that is placed between granite block reinforcements (Figure 2.13). The pipe has no grates and is large enough for the average adult to walk through. The water flow coming downstream from Mystery Lake is suitable to sustain a large number of fish, although the water itself is brown in colour. The stream is at minimum 6 m in width, asided on either bank by dense willow growths. Dense stands of cedar and spruce are found growing along the sides. Of note are the roadside ditches that drain into stream without any sediment barriers.

Figure 2.12: Mystery Lake Dam poses an impediment to upstream fish passage

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Figure 2.13: Metal Culvert carrying Cold Brook beneath Golden Grove Road

As the stream continues from the road crossing, a number of homes have their lawns and gardens extending to its bank, opening the canopy and increasing the risk of erosion and runoff. A case in point; there is a steep bank with a house perched high aloft the stream where a large amount of garbage extends down this precipice to the unnatural rubble on the bank below. (Figure 2.14) Considering how rapid the water movement is, relatively few large rocks are found in the streambed near the road crossing, when compared with other sections of this stream. There is also evidence of soil erosion despite the growth of a few trees.

Figure 2.14: Various types of household waste and debris found in the stream and

surrounding riparian zone

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The gradient of this section is among the steepest in the Marsh Creek watershed, and when combined with the substantial water flow, creates natural capital rich in aesthetic value (Figure 2.15).

Figure 2.15: High flow rates and large rocks characterize Section 3 of Cold Brook

The dense forest cover of Section 3 ends just prior to Roxbury Drive, where large quantities of foam in the stream were first observed (Figure 2.16). The streambed at this point is comprised of large rocks and boulders. Mixed forest growth frames the sides of the stream, though the bank itself is rather muddled. Reddish brown runoff was observed leaching from the ground upstream from Roxbury Drive. The source remains unknown.

Figure 2.16: Foam collecting along Cold Brook

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Cold Brook’s descent down the highly graduated hill is marked by a high stream flow velocity with high water volume. Though three culverts, Cold Brook flows some 3-4 m below Roxbury Drive. A small stream adjoins Cold Brook at this point from the right bank. Significant amounts of dumping have occurred in this section, ranging from bicycles, computer peripherals, tire and miscellaneous household waste. The final road crossing for Cold Brook is the bridge of John T. McMillan Avenue. This bridge is large, roughly 6m across, and provides little obstruction for the stream as it passes beneath it. There is no significant buildup of sediment. The stream levels out briefly around this point before it makes its final descent to the Great Marsh below.

Management Recommendations The amount of litter and pollution along the stream banks of section three prove to be the major concern. The litter is mostly small to medium in size and would be easily removed with a small team of volunteers. A concern is the thick white foam and a slimy reddish-brown runoff from the left stream bank. The source and chemical composition of both foam and runoff is unknown. This should be further investigated to determine origin and possible environmental effects. A small section along the right hand stream bank near the juncture with Golden Grove Road contains homes within close vicinity to Cold Brook. In some cases the mowed/landscaped lawn butts up directly with the stream providing no vegetative buffer. It is suggested that the land owners be informed of the importance of protecting local urban streams and be encouraged to plant native vegetation streamside and refrain from the use of both pesticides and herbicides. The Mystery Lake dam should be modified to allow for upstream fish passage.

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Section 4 Section 4 of Cold Brook continues for 0.44 km through the Great Marsh until it joins Marsh Creek (Figure 2.17). The stream levels out after descending from Mystery Lake and becomes sinusoidal as it flows into Marsh Creek in the vicinity of Glen Falls. This section is populated by large growths of marsh grasses, with stands of tamarack and spruce existing along the marsh shore. The stream velocity becomes slower than the upstream sections, as it moves through a channel between 2-3 m wide. The streambed consists of silty loam that has deposited at the bottom of the hills surrounding it, giving a soft base devoid of large rocks and boulders.

Figure 2.17: Section 4 of Cold Brook, consisting of the level marsh plain and

juncture with Marsh Creek

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Wildlife in this section is abundant, with many deer, muskrat, foxes, mink and multiple species of birds and waterfowl. Although this section is not large in length, its direct drainage shore (the marsh land around it) is significant and provides important habitat and flood protection for the surrounding residential and commercial areas (Figure 2.18).

Figure 2.18: Oblique aerial photo indicating Section 4 and the Cold Brook flood

plain

Management Recommendations This section is well barriered from the everyday activity of humans, whether by natural buffer or by installed fencing, and should be maintained as such to avoid further flood-basin degradation, an important consideration given the region’s history of water level rise during heavy rainfalls and spring freshets.

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Summary of Management Recommendations

Stream Section Location Recommendations

1 Culverts as Cold Brook leaves Quinn Lake

Replace culverts with large, open bottom culverts. Reinforce banks

1 Culvert where Cold Brook flows beneath Willis Road

Replace culverts with large, open bottom culverts. Reinforce banks

1 Willis road crossing Remove and properly dispose of Japanese Knotweed

2 Clayton Lane Remove and properly dispose of Japanese Knotweed

2 Acadia Drywall Create a protective buffer between Acadia Drywall parking lot and Cold Brook

3 Mystery Lake Dam Modify to improve upstream fish passage

3 Behind residential areas Organize a cleanup of the area

3 Between Golden Grove Road and Roxbury Drive

Collect a sample of reddish brown sludge for chemical composition testing and determine the

origin of the sludge

3 Residential area

Inform local landowners of proper watershed management techniques and the importance of

both native riparian vegetation and chemical free lawn care

4 Flood basin Preserve flood basin and discourage any future development of the area

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Chapter 3


Ashburn Creek Saint John, NB


Tim Vickers

Spring 2007

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Sub-drainage: Ashburn Creek Ashburn Creek headwaters originate from two bodies of water, Harrigan Lake and Long Lake, in the far north-western stretches of Rockwood Park. The two separate headwater streams are joined within the park to form Ashburn Creek, which is 4.91 km Long. The creek goes through changes resulting in four distinct stream sections (Figure 3.1) ranging from cedar bog to rocky mountain stream. The stream is fairly isolated for the majority of its run with the exception of the last section (Figure 3.2).

Figure 3.1: An aerial view of Ashburn Creek divided into 4 sections

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Figure 3.2: Oblique aerial photo diagrammed to indicate the morphology of

Ashburn Creek

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Section 1 Section one has been divided into 3 sub sections (Figure 3.3) with a total length of 2.86 km. This section is located within the boundaries of Rockwood Park. The stature and guidelines of the park protect the stream from certain stresses such as residential and commercial development. The remote upper location in the park also reduces the amount of human traffic along trails allowing further protection from disturbance and illegal dumping.

Figure 3.3: Position Section 1(a, b, c) in Ashburn Creek

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Section 1a This subsection begins at Long Lake in Rockwood Park (Figure 3.4). It flows for 1.02 km through the woods as a typical wooded stream where it connects with Owen Lake and continues until it intersects with the headwaters from Harrigan Lake.

Figure 3.4: The headwaters of Ashburn Creek, Long Lake Rockwood Park

This section of Ashburn Creek is mostly isolated from human contact with exception of a few passing foot trails. The stream crosses one specific trail under a small wooden bridge (Figure 3.5) as it leaves Long Lake before flowing as a marshy channel before heading into the woods (Figure 3.6).

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Figure 3.5: Bridge crossing the headwaters of Ashburn Creek near Long Lake

Figure 3.5: Ashburn Creek channel leaving Long Lake through marshland into the

mixed woods

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Section 1b This subsection begins at Harrigan Lake flowing for 1.59 km through the park and entering the Cherry Brook Zoo under a chain link fence into the Duck Pond. The fencing is in very poor condition and blocking the flow of the stream. When the stream re-emerges from the duck pond it exits the zoo and continues flowing through the forest to unite with section 1a. One of Rockwood Park’s main trails crosses the watercourse at Harrigan Lake. The trail is a wide, gravel covered trail used for walking, cycling, running, etc. The culvert crossing for the trail is a medium sized concrete culvert. The bank along the trail edge is reinforced with granite blocks (Figure 3.7). These granite blocks are beneficial in helping to retain the trail from eroding into the bank but do not completely eliminate the problem. Rainwater flows down the trail and is washing the silt around and over the retaining wall into Harrigan Lake.

Figure 3.6: Culvert and retaining wall adjacent a Main Trail crossing Harrigan

Lake, Rockwood Park

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Section 1c At this point the two headwater streams intersect and flow for 0.25 km to reach Foster Thurston Road. This section of the stream is isolated in the far reaches of Rockwood Park. Management Recommendations This section is in very good condition. Some suggestions would be to create better culverts for easy fish passage and improve retaining walls and stream banks surrounding culverts (such as building the retaining wall slightly higher than the trail). This will reduce the amount of erosion and silt being washed into the streams and lakes during heavy rainfall and high winds. The fence located at the Cherry Brook Zoo also needs to be replaced and should be designed in a manner which will not inhibit the flow of the stream either upon entrance or exit from the zoo.

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Section 2 This section is 1.46 km long, beginning from where the stream re-emerges from Foster Thurston Road as a thickly forested cedar Bog stream until it flows into Ashburn Lake (Figure 3.8).

Figure 3.7: Position of Section 2 in Ashburn Creek

Ashburn Lake, with an area of 20.94 ha, is home to the Glen Carpenter Center. This area is used for functions such as wedding receptions, annual meetings, and for the summer months a summer activity program co-hosted by ACAP Saint John and the YMCA. This program uses the Lake for both recreational and educational purposes allowing children to fully appreciate and understand their environment. The lake has a variety of wildlife such as ground hogs, deer, and a variety of fish (speckled trout, brown trout, eels, and cyprinids). Amphibians (eastern newt, red back salamander and green frogs) are present although rarely encountered.

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The stream flows from the southeast shore of Ashburn Lake encountering a man made rock dam (Figure 3.9). The water does not come over the dam but instead pushes through the rocks. The flow in the stream is good, however, the dam does not allow for adequate fish passage due to the small size of the crevices in the structure.

Figure 3.8: Rock Dam inhibiting fish passage as Ashburn Creek leaves Ashburn

Lake

After exiting the lake the stream crosses under a road through a concrete culvert and is briefly channelized with built up banks cutting through a section of mowed lawn (Figure 3.10). The lawn is mowed to the edge of the stream and only a few shrubs have been planted nearby, resulting in little riparian vegetation and canopy cover. The flow of the stream is good creating well-oxygenated water. Recreational use has also lead to a significant amount of garbage entering the stream. The most commonly found articles of garbage were 2 L plastic pop bottles blowing down from the picnic area located on the right hand bank of the stream.

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Figure 3.9: Ashburn Creek cutting through the Carpenter Center lawn. A spring-

fed tributary is located at the far (right) edge of the mowed area.

The water flow in Ashburn Creek is enhanced by a cold spring-fed tributary located at the edge of the mowed section. The tributary supports an abundance of brook trout up to 20 cm. When the stream exits the lawn area of the Glenn Carpenter Center it once again enters the forest becoming a cedar bog stream (Figure 3.11). The stream cuts and weaves a variety of channels through very dense, low lying, cedar as well as soft muddy banks and streambed until crossing Foster Thurston Road.

Figure 3.10: Cedar Bog riparian zone in Ashburn Creek

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Management Recommendations The rock dam separating Ashburn Lake from the stream is unsuitable for proper fish passage. The dam should be replaced and a fish ladder should be installed. This solution will not only solve the problem of proper fish passage but can later be used as an educational tool during the summer program informing children of the proper way to obtain the desired result while causing the least amount of environmental damage. Natural native plants should also be planted along the stream banks creating a buffer zone to filter and trap wind blown garbage, increase canopy cover and naturally stabilize the stream banks. Again this can also be used as a future educational tool for the summer educational program.

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Section 3 This section is 0.35 km long (Figure 3.12) beginning at a pool formed as the stream spills from a large concrete culvert beneath Foster Thurston Road (Figure 3.13). The stream significantly changes from the previous section to a faster moving watercourse due to increased change in elevation with a rocky streambed resulting in many small waterfalls throughout the run. The riparian vegetation is typical mixed wood resulting in a fairly thick tall canopy comprised of primarily Spruce and Birch. Some garbage has floated down stream during times of high water volume resulting in a small amount of litter scattered throughout the stream in various locations. The garbage included tires, metal and other building supplies.


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Figure 3.12: Culvert and large pool as Ashburn Creek flows from beneath Foster

Thurston Road

The stream continues this way for the run of the section with the exception of one small area, which levels out creating a marshy stream bank covered in marsh grasses, choke cherry trees and willows. The area was also home to a variety of insects and frogs. Evidence of historical logging in this area is found in the form of an old wooden logging dam (Figure 3.14). The dam is located in an area with a significant incline resulting in a high velocity stream. The water pushed through and around the leaky dam with great force. Fish passage downstream though the dam would be very conceivable; however fish passage upstream would be unlikely.

Figure 3.13: Left: Remains of an old wooden dam installed during logging of the

area Right: Water from Ashburn Creek rushing through the old wooden dam

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This section’s terminus is located as the stream once again levels off to flat land behind “The Hydraulic Shop”. At this location the stream forms a small pool and undercuts a bedrock outcrop. There were some small fish observed swimming in the pool and beneath the ledge (Figure 3.15). A large fire pit and sitting area were located on the right hand stream bank (Figure 3.16). The riparian vegetation was cleared away near this fire pit and there was a lot of garbage and burned material scattered along the shoreline.

Figure 3.14: Ashburn Creek undercutting a bedrock outcrop, creating an ideal

hiding spot for young trout

Figure 3.15: Small fire pit and sitting area found as the stream levels out and pools

behind a commercial development (Hydraulic shop) located near the base of Foster Thurston Road

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Management Recommendations The old logging dam is inhibiting the natural flow of the stream and should be removed allowing Alder Creek to revert to its natural state. The riparian area near the fire pit should be re-vegetated with natural vegetation to protect the area and create canopy cover.

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Section 4 The final reach of Ashburn Creek levels out in a low-lying section. The slow moving water flows for 0.24 km where it unites with Little Marsh Creek (Figure 3.17). This section flows behind a commercial development (Figure 3.18), under Foster Thurston Road, and through a marshy field with Ashburn Road along its right-hand bank.


Figure 3.17: Commercial development located at the base of Foster Thurston Rd.

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The habitat consists of flat, wet, marshland with the stream forming a channel throughout. Marsh grass, cattails and alder are the key species found in the riparian zone. A school of fish was observed swimming in a small pool beside the culvert located at the junction of Foster Thurston and Ashburn Roads (Figure 3.19).

Figure 3.18: Ashburn Creek entering a culvert at the juncture between Foster

Thurston and Ashburn Road Management recommendations Riparian vegetation has been greatly reduced in many portions of this section allowing litter, sediment, and roadway runoff to enter the stream with ease. Throughout this section native species should be planted to help provide a vegetative buffer from human stress and increase the canopy cover for the stream.

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Summary of Management Recommendations Stream Section Location Recommendations

1b Long Lake Improve and stabilize bank where the hiking trail crosses Long Lake

1c Cherry Brook Zoo Replace the perimeter fence surrounding the Cherry Brook Zoo allowing for better stream passage

2 Ashburn Lake Install a new dam where Ashburn Creek exits Ashburn Lake

2 Glen Carpenter Center Plant native vegetation

3 Middle of section Remove old logging dam

3 Behind commercial development Re-vegetate and clean up fire pit area

4 Throughout section Increase natural riparian vegetation

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Chapter 4


Little Marsh Creek Saint John, NB


Tim Vickers

Spring 2007

Little Marsh Creek

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Sub-drainage: Little Marsh Creek Little Marsh Creek is a 4.22 km long secondary tributary of the Marsh Creek watershed, extending between Moosepath and Brookville in east Saint John. The creek forms a 380 ha sub-drainage in the Marsh Creek watershed, consisting mostly of bogs and marshes, including the area known as Drury’s Pasture. The sub-drainage can be divided into 2 distinct sections for management. (Figure 4.1)

Figure 4.1: Sections of the Little Marsh Creek sub-drainage; Divided based on

terrain and stream ecology criteria, for management purposes

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Section 1 Section 1 of Little Marsh Creek originates in the 3.8 ha Lawlor Lake. This 1.09 km stretch of stream runs between Rothesay and Saint John (Figure 4.2).

Figure 4.2: Section 1 of Little Marsh Creek, draining Lawlor Lake down to Drury’s

Pasture

Lawlor Lake is situated close to the Brookville quarry, and industrial equipment is often visible along its north shore. The lake region is characterized by a marshy shoreline, and contains a large number of game trails and ATV paths. Little Marsh Creek drains the lake from the west side and flows through a series of wooded limestone drops with decent canopy cover consisting of cedar, alder, spruce and tamarack. There is no direct roadway access to the creek at this point and there is little to disturb the natural flow of water as it descends toward the marsh below. Management Recommendations ATV access to this area should be monitored and any areas where stream crossing is necessary should be properly reinforced to limit damage to the stream. The section of the stream located near the quarry should also be monitored for runoff and sediment loading.

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Section 2 The second section of Little Marsh Creek is the more significant of the two, due to its length of 3.13 km, and the greater amount of development contained within the watershed (Figure 4.3). This section is characterized by a relative lack of change in elevation resulting in marshy streambed conditions, slow moving water, a silt-laden streambed and stream banks lined with hydrophilic willows, alders and tamarack.

Figure 4.3: Section 2 of Little Marsh Creek, flowing through Drury’s Pasture and

into Marsh Creek near Rothesay Avenue

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The stream, having completed its descent from Lawlor Lake, enters this level marshland behind a few homes and a Mosque along the Rothesay Road. The creek flows beneath the road with a large concrete culvert, which is well installed and does not hang at either end. At this point the flow is slow and the stream width is a modest 2-3m on average. The creek continues across the road and meanders around some medium-scale industrial and commercial sites until it meets Drury Cove Road. The culvert here was reconstructed in 2006, allowing for more adequate fish passage, and decreasing the likelihood that an increase in water will inundate the road during freshets. The canopy before and after the roadway is lacking, though quite typical for a channel in a marsh pasture. Little Marsh Creek, after passing beneath Drury Cove Road, enters a long expanse of land enclosed by the paralleled Highway 1 and Ashburn Road. The creek is surrounded by large growth of mixed bog vegetation ranging from marsh grasses to alders and willows. Overall passage along the shore in this area is difficult because of the soft nature of the stream banks, despite the fact they are reinforced by alder growths. The area is isolated from the general public, though there are several gravel roads and paths that lead toward the stream. These roadways have allowed for a large number of illegal dumpsites in the marsh, and fill has been dumped in drainage areas as well. These have contributed to silt in the stream, and have possible leachate concerns for wildlife using the stream as habitat. The marsh here is laced with small streams and seasonal channels, though none of them contribute individually significant volumes to the flow of the creek. Along these small tributaries there are several places where roads cross the marshland, and due to the low elevations, frequently flood during rainfall freshets. The most prominent of these flood risk areas are the intersection of Drury Cove Road and Rothesay Road, and the section immediately underneath the CN Railway Bridge over Rothesay Avenue and around the Highway 1 viaduct (Figure 4.4). These areas at risk to flooding would be well served by the construction of floodplains and/or rain gardens to absorb the overflow during rainfall and keep water off of roads and away from homes and businesses.

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Figure 4.4: Aerial orthophoto diagrammed to show flood risk areas of the Little

Marsh Creek watershed

This central marshy section of Little Marsh Creek is unspoiled and has a wide buffer from most human interaction, which should remain if Saint John is to maintain a link to the past glory of the Great Marsh, of which this is one of the few remaining large expanses. As the creek nears Foster Thurston Road, it meets a number of medium-scale industrial yards, ranging from landscape to car maintenance businesses. The creek here loses its wide buffers and comes close to being channelized in numerous parts. The creek’s riparian vegetation, primarily alder, has been cut recently, reducing the canopy cover and introducing debris into the stream channel. It is suspected that the alders were cut to deter beaver from building dams along this section. Beaver have been cited as a contributing factor to the flooding of roads in this area.

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Figure 4.5: Oblique aerial photo diagrammed to indicate the juncture between

Ashburn Creek and Little Marsh Creek

The north bank of Little Marsh Creek is joined by Ashburn Creek near the Foster Thurston Road and Ashburn Road intersection (Figure 4.5). Ashburn Creek drains another sub-drainage from the Marsh Creek watershed (see Chapter 3 on Ashburn Creek), and adds significant volumes of water to the flow of the stream. As Little Marsh Creek crosses the Foster Thurston throughway exit/on-ramp, it passes through a series of concrete culverts for a relatively long distance of 60-70m. (Figure 4.6) There is adequate water flow for fish passage through this section.

Figure 4.6: Oblique aerial photo diagrammed to indicate Little Marsh Creek’s

heaviest development area

Little Marsh Creek turns to a more southerly flow behind the businesses of Ashburn Road, just prior to passing through some 50 m of culvert beneath Highway 1, and

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emerges into more pasture habitat. This pasture habitat quickly meets the industrial development in the area, including another quarry and some manufacturing yards. However, a roughly 20 m wide buffer along the channel is well maintained, by the businesses in the area. The stream passes through an access road (to the aforementioned rock quarry) which provides a slight obstruction to water flow. The road uses older culverts and gravel fill, which regularly shakes into the creek with the vibrations caused by regular truck traffic. Little Marsh Creek ultimately enters the Marsh Creek watercourse near a metal recycling yard (Figure 4.7). The juncture point between Little Marsh Creek and Marsh Creek offers good fish passage and is an ideal location for deer and muskrat access.

Figure 4.7: Oblique aerial photo diagramming Little Marsh Creek crossing

Highway 1 and junctioning to Marsh Creek

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Management Recommendations There is a small amount of illegal dumping located off dirt access roads near Drury Cove Road. Action to remove the garbage should be taken along with a preventative measures protecting from future dumping. These could include simple measures such as blocking off the areas prone to dumping with large boulders, or it could mean installing cameras to capture illegal dumping violators in order to publicly embarrass them. The riparian vegetation along the banks of Little Marsh Creek near Foster Thurston Road has been greatly reduced, allowing an increase in environmental stress, erosion, sediment load, and reduced canopy cover. The natural riparian vegetation should be replaced along the banks restoring the protective buffer. As Little Marsh Creek crosses the throughway to the second quarry two major problems are encountered. The first is the unacceptable culvert that allows the stream to cross the quarry’s access road. Secondly the banks are not stable allowing much loose gravel to wash into the stream altering the streams ecology. This culvert should be replaced with a large open bottom version accompanied with reinforced banks to reduce the sedimentation. The banks can be reinforced with large riprap accompanied with vegetation to create a buffer.

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1 Near Lawlor Lake Limit stream crossing and when crossing is necessary

create a crossing which causes the least environmental damage

1 Quarry 1 Sections of the stream in close vicinity to the quarry

should be monitored for increased sediment load and runoff

2 Drury Cove vicinity Clean up and prevent further illegal dumping

2 Near Foster Thurston Re-vegetate riparian zone with native species to create a natural buffer

2 Quarry 2 Replace old culvert with a larger, opened bottom culvert

2 Quarry 2 Reinforce banks along culvert crossing with large rock and native vegetation

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Chapter 5


Majors Brook Saint John, NB


Tim Vickers

Spring 2007

Majors Brook

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Sub-drainage: Majors Brook Majors Brook, with a length of 2.18 km, is a small tributary to Marsh Creek (Figure 5.1). The headwaters for Majors Brook stem from a small stream located near Michael Crescent and a small wetland located adjacent to the southeast parking lot of McAllister Place. The stream can be broken into four major sections based on environmental criteria.

Figure 5.1: Aerial View of Majors Brook divided into 4 sections

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Section 1 Section 1 of Majors Brook begins in a residential area to the east of Consumers Drive, along Michael Crescent. Here the stream has a vegetative buffer providing some protection from the nearby roadways and homes, although human activity along the watercourse is evident. Children play in and around the stream and litter occurs frequently in the riparian zone. The watercourse flows under Consumers Drive and into small wetland with an area of approximately 5 ha located alongside the parking lot (Figure 5.2). This wetland has been severely reduced due to parking developments created for the McAllister Place shopping center. The vegetation is very typical for marshland consisting of cattails, a few decomposing cedar, and common marsh grasses (Figure 5.3).

Figure 5.2: Position of Section 1 within Majors Brook

The wetland shows evidence of anthropogenic stresses in a variety of ways. There is a large amount of garbage (Figure 5.4) that has blown in from the adjacent

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parking lot consisting of food wrappers, food and beverage industry cups, boxes, and shopping carts. There is also a lot of silt and backfill (Figure 5.5) being deposited along the edge that is causing a continued decrease in the area of marshland available to hold water. A large amount of road salt is also pushed into the marsh each winter. The marsh serves as a dumping ground for snow removed from the parking lot after a snowfall. The increased amount of salt could alter the biological chemistry of the marsh. A number of swaths have been cut through the heavily forested hillside on the northern edge of the wetland. The swaths indicate that development could be proposed for this land. The absorption capacity of this wetland is critical for flood protection ad any developments adjacent to it should be severely criticized.

Figure 5.3: Marsh grass blowing in the wind alongside the McAllister Place

parking lot

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Figure 5.4: An array of dross, litter & debris was found along the marsh perimeter

Figure 5.5: Backfill deposited into the marsh adjacent McAllister Place

Management Recommendation This wetland is a prime piece of natural capital amidst an urban setting, and should be conserved or even enhanced for public enjoyment. The wetland should be protected from further degradation and the silt removed. The legislated 30 m buffer zone should be strictly adhered to/ Development around this wetland should be a major concern for urban planner concerned about flooding in east Saint John. ¥ n µ

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Section 2 This section stretches for 0.54 km under extremely stressful environmental conditions (Figure 5.6). The section marks the beginning of the brook’s channel and is observed by many as a marshy cattail filled “ditch” alongside the McAllister Place parking lot. The riparian vegetation is sparse resulting in low canopy cover and providing little protection from the negative effects of an urban environment such as debris carried into the stream by wind and parking lot runoff.

Figure 5.6: Position of Section 2 within Majors Brook

Along the stream bank the asphalt has been molded into channels that carry excess rainwater (contaminated with silt, oil, and other fluids leaking form vehicles) from the parking lot directly into the stream. This runoff, combined with the slow moving water and organic buildup, has formed thick, shiny, orange/brown sludge (Figure 5.7).

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Figure 5.7: unidentified orange sludge found in Majors Brook

Extraneous refuse is a huge problem in this area; there is an abundance of food wrappers, beverage industry litter, shopping bags, shopping carts and packing materials (Figure 5.8).

Figure 5.8: Shopping cart deposited along the stream bank of Majors Brook

This section ends as the stream flows under Westmorland Road through a small grated culvert (Figure 5.9). The shallow waters slow movement is further inhibited by the large amount of dross and debris collected in the grate of the culvert.

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Figure 5.9: Grated culvert as Majors Brook crosses under Westmorland Road

Management Recommendations This section of the stream is highly contaminated and contains little riparian vegetation. In 2005 and 2006 ACAP Saint John planted shrubbery to begin to alleviate this issue, however the stream banks should continue to be re-vegetated and better stream buffers established to further reduce erosion and parking lot runoff. Education plays a key role in improving and protecting this section of the stream. Many citizens of Saint John do not realize that Majors Brook flows adjacent the retail stores in the area and believe it is merely a plebian ditch. By educating the public and increasing awareness of the importance of our urban streams we can reduce the amount of negative anthropogenic impacts. The culvert on Westmorland Road needs to be increased in size and the surrounding banks must be stabilized.

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Section 3 This section has a length of 0.47 km beginning as the stream re-emerges from beneath Westmorland Road (Figure 5.10). Although the previous section of the stream flows into one culvert it re-emerges from four. There are three large metal culverts along one edge and one large concrete culvert located off to the side (Figure 5.11).

Figure 5.10: Position of section 3 within Majors Brook

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Figure 5.11: Majors Brook emerging from beneath Westmorland Road

This section of the stream flows between the parking lot of Parkway Mall and the back of Wal-Mart and Winners until it reaches Majors Brook Drive. At this point the stream velocity and depth increase as water is channeled in from an adjacent hill. The banks of the stream are steep and well vegetated with grasses and other herbaceous vegetation including golden rod and raspberry, however there is neither a significant amount of trees nor shrubbery along the length of this section (Figure 5.12). ACAP planted 600 spruce trees down this section in 2006. Additional species (deciduous) are planned for future initiatives.

Figure 5.12: Grass and herbaceous meadow vegetation along the stream banks of

Majors Brook (Wal-Mart located to the right)

Parkway Mall is located on the left hand bank. Between the parking lot and the stream there is a vegetative buffer consisting of meadow and marshland. This area

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is a hotspot for illegal dumping containing a variety of refuse including mattresses and tires (Figure 5.13).

Figure 5.13: Oblique photo of majors brook. McAllister Mall located in the lower

portion, Parkway Mall to the right hand side and Wal-Mart on the left. The stream, flows along the right of McAllister Place parking lot, between Wal-Mart

and Parkway Mall, to the right

The right hand bank is not as well buffered from development. The amount of riparian vegetation is reduced as landscaped lawn behind Wal-Mart and Winners comes within 2 m of the stream in many locations. The end of this section is marked as it flows through a large culvert under Majors Brook Road. The stream banks are steep and the right hand bank has a large metal retaining wall (Figure 5.15). The stream pools before entering the large concrete culvert carrying the stream beneath the road. At this point there is also a large concrete culvert to the left of the pool expelling water from an adjacent hill into Majors Brook. Ducks were observed swimming in this pool (Figure 5.14). There was also a large deposit of refuse (primarily shopping carts) deposited in the stream in this pool (Figure 5.15).

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Figure 5.14: Ducklings swimming in Majors Brook

Figure 5.15: Large concrete culverts where Majors Brook crosses Majors Brook

Drive

Management Recommendations It is suggested that the amount of large native trees be increased along the stream banks, focusing on the left hand stream bank next to the Parkway Mall parking lot. ¥ n µ

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Section 4 The final section of Majors Brook is 0.73 km stretching from Majors Brook Road past the Morland Park trailer park until it meets Rothesay Avenue where it unites with Marsh Creek (Figure 5.16).

Figure 5.16: Position of section 4 within Majors Brook

The stream once again increases in flow and riparian vegetation. Willow becomes the dominant tree along the banks; so dominant that it has starved out most other vegetation from the riparian zone. Pollution and contamination is evident in the stream in the form of dross and debris. Much of this refuse has blown into the stream consisting primarily of food and beverage industry litter and plastic shopping bags. There is also raw sewage draining directly into the brook from the adjacent Morland Park (Figure 5.17). The sewage enters from a residential area very close to a small footbridge. The ability to transfer dangerous pathogens to humans is high in this residential location. The small footbridge suggests there is a significant amount of human contact with the

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stream. There is a large possibility of domesticated animals using and crossing the stream, potentially picking up the pathogens and transporting them to their owners. There is also a strong possibility that neighborhood children play near or in the stream. Several ducks were observed swimming in the sewage discharge.

Figure 5.17 Sewage Outfall near Majors Brook Drive

The culvert directing Majors Brook beneath Rothesay Avenue has been recently installed and is in good condition. The banks are stabilized by large concrete buttresses, which reduce the amount of erosion therefore decreasing the sediment load deposited into the stream. Proper riparian vegetation and canopy cover is lacking. Slightly downstream the stream crosses under a train bridge (Figure 5.18). Though the bridge is moderately superannuated, it is in good condition and the banks beneath are reinforced with large granite blocks.

Figure 5.18 : Railroad Bridge crossing Majors brook

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The streambed in the final stretches of Majors Brook is soft and marshy with an abundance of willow, which gradually progressing into the dominating marsh grass. Some erosion is occurring along the soft banks with substantial erosion on the left hand stream bank near the railroad bridge. The stream has a lot of dross and debris deposited along its banks, with in-stream debris including shopping carts, metal, building supplies as well as plastic bags and food wrappers. There was an oily substance along the banks. The stream water was murky greenish/brown in colour. Majors Brook joins Marsh Creek in a large open marshy meadow (Figure 5.19). Despite the anthropogenic stressors in this section, there was evidence of both deer and muskrats use (Figure 5.20).

Figure 5.19: The juncture between Marsh Creek and Majors Brook, Strescon is

visible downstream from this juncture

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Figure 5.20: Evidence of Muskrat use in Majors Brook. Left: Muskrat tracks along

the shore leading towards Majors Brook. Right: A muskrat den

Management Recommendations The major management suggestion for this section of stream would be to treat and eliminate the raw sewage discharging into the stream. Native riparian vegetation should be planted along the stream banks near Rothesay Avenue. This vegetation will increase canopy cover and provide a natural buffer reducing the amount of runoff and litter entering the stream.

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1 Wetland adjacent McAllister Place Clean the area of all refuse and backfill

1 Wetland adjacent McAllister Place

Protect from further development. Maintain 30 m vegetation buffer. Educate citizens on its value for

wildlife and flood abatement

2 Adjacent McAllister Place Increase natural riparian vegetation

2 Adjacent McAllister Place Install new culvert where Majors Brook crosses Westmorland Road

2 Adjacent McAllister Place Install signs educating people of the importance of healthy streams

3 Between Wal-Mart and Parkway Mall

Increase natural riparian vegetation along stream banks

4 Between Majors Brook Road and Union with

Marsh Creek

Increase natural riparian vegetation along stream banks (focus on culvert near Rothesay Avenue)

4 Between Majors Brook Road and Union with

Marsh Creek Redirect raw sewage from entering Majors Brook

All Sections Total length of Majors Brook

Major Clean up on a regular basis to remove all C&D, industrial, and household refuse from Majors

Brook and riparian zone

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Chapter 6


Fisher Lakes Tributary Saint John, NB


Tim Vickers

Spring 2007

Fisher Lakes Tributary

115

Sub-drainage: Fisher Lakes Tributary Fisher Lakes tributary, as the name implies, flows from the three Fisher Lakes located in Rockwood Park for a length of 2.4 km to its terminus with Marsh Creek. The Fisher Lakes Tributary can be divided into two distinct management sections (Figure 6.1).

Figure 6.1: Aerial view of the Fisher Lakes Tributary divided into 2 management

sections

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Section 1 This section has a length of 2.04 km and is completely encased within the boundaries of the southeast quadrant of Rockwood Park (Figure 6.2). The system, which stems from the man-made Fisher Lakes system, consists of three lakes with a total area of eight hectares. Fisher Lake 1 is the largest lake with an area of 6.27 ha, Fisher Lake 2 has an area of 0.84 ha, and Fisher Lake 3 has an area of 0.9 ha. The Fisher Lakes are popular recreational spots. Local residents of Saint John fish all three lakes and evidence of yellow perch, brown bullheads, and minnows have been found. Lake 1 contains a public beach used for swimming, kayaking, canoeing and other water activities. The banks of the lakes are well vegetated with coniferous trees and native shrubbery for the most part with exception of some cleared areas near pathways and beaches. The upper section of the lake has a large bridge crossing the lake intended for vehicles, as well as, pedestrian traffic.

Figure 6.2: Location of Section 1 within the Fisher Lake Tributary


117

Fisher Lake Tributary begins at the base of Fisher Lake 3 as a small brook flowing over rocks creating a small waterfall. The beginning of the stream is adjacent to a major paved walkway in the park as well as a large parking lot. The banks of the stream are covered with manicured grass with a couple planted trees. The stream flows under the parking lot through a small culvert and re-emerges on the other side. There is a small drop creating a hanging culvert at this point. The stream flows between a groomed trail and the road coming into the park and is separated by a thick riparian buffer consisting of mixed conifers (spruce and fir), deciduous trees (alder and birch), and a variety of herbaceous plants. The streambed consists of rocks and pebbles aerating the water and creating a variety of pools and riffles. This combined with the canopy cover create excellent fish habitat. The stream then crosses the main foot trail and becomes both wider and shallower with a soft cedar lined bank while the elevations level out. The gradient once again increases causing the stream to narrow and flow over large rocks creating a variety of waterfalls until it reaches Lily Lake. There is a small footpath, stemming from the main trail, which closely follows this section of stream. The footpath is in good condition and mostly refuse free with the exception of one bag of household garbage tossed in the woods. Lily Lake has an area of 10.5 ha and is highly used for recreational purposes. The Lakes perimeter is mostly cleared of riparian vegetation as roads run alongside three quarters of the shoreline (Figure 6.3). Fishing serves as a major recreational activity for Lily Lake. The lake has previously been stocked with brook trout and small mouth bass, and evidence of a variety of fish (including yellow perch, sunfish, small mouth bass, brook trout, brown bullheads, and eels) have been fished over the years. The lake is also used for both swimming and skating. The Lily Lake Pavilion has recently been renovated, and as it is located near the main entrance to the park, which may contribute to an increase in the recreational use of the lake.


118

Figure 6.3: Oblique aerial photo diagrammed to indicate the path of the Fisher

Lakes Tributary through Lily Lake

The stream leaves Lily Lake through a culvert under the main road into a small duck pond located between the information center and the entrance to Rockwood Park Camp Ground. This pond contains a large number of waterfowl, seagulls and pigeons. A considerable number of residents and visitors feed bread to the birds in and around the duck pond. Fisher Lakes Tributary then flows under the road leading to the campground into a small pool of water created by an old concrete dam. A large bedrock wall on the right hand bank and a small footpath on the left hand bank encase the pool. This is quite visually pleasing with exception to the large amount of garbage and thick brown foamy sludge that has formed on the pond (Figure 6.4). There is an old concrete bridge, in poor condition, which crosses the stream. The stream drops sharply creating a waterfall over large rocks and boulders.


119

Figure 6.4: Foamy brown sludge formed in a small pond in the Fisher Lakes

Tributary

The stream finally levels out creating a wet stream bank with a wide stream until it disappears beneath the highway. The stream crosses through an old chain link fence causing a build up in natural debris (leaves and branches) and refuse to collect in the stream (Figure 6.5). After the stream crosses the fence it trails off to wet soggy land and the stream merely seeps into the ground gradually. This lower section has evidence of use as a meeting place for young people. Three quasi-treehouses were found in the area along with many broken beer bottles indicating recreational use of an illegal form.

Figure 6.5: Chain link fence, near the terminus of management Section 1 in Fisher

Lakes Tributary, collecting in-stream dross and debris


120

Alongside the end of the stream is a footpath between Rockwood Park and the Allison Grounds ball field. The path follows the stream down the hill with makeshift stairs to the waterfall then crossed under the highway through a large metal culvert. Litter proved to be a major concern in the final stretches of the section between the small duck pond and where the stream disappears under the highway exiting Rockwood Park. The variety of litter included; many broken bottles, food wrappers, tires, and building materials such as lumber, metal pipes, and concrete. Management Recommendations The hanging culvert at the beginning of the stream (crossing under the parking lot) can be improved by building up the stream creating a small pool and raising the water level to become even with the culvert. A clean up is suggested for the entire section to remove the littler scatter through the stream. The clean up should focus a large effort on the final stretches of the section because this is where the garbage and litter deposition is greatest. It is suggested that native riparian vegetation be planted along the bank as the stream leaves Fisher Lakes to increase canopy cover, create a buffer and decrease erosion. The dam and bridge located near the large waterfall should be replaced with a more structurally sound alternative which will also improve the trail allowing pedestrian access to the park from the Allison Grounds.

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Section 2 This section is underground for 0.36 km (Figure 6.6) flowing beneath the highway to the terminus at Marsh Creek. The stream emerges from a culvert on the left stream bank of Marsh Creek. It is unknown as to what actually happens to the stream underground because the Fisher Lakes Tributary seeps directly into the ground beneath the highway as it exits Rockwood Park. The Tributary re-emerges from beneath the ground and flows from a hanging culvert directly into Marsh Creek.

Figure 6.6: Location of Section 2 within Fisher Lake Tributary

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1 Emerging from under

parking lot adjacent Fisher Lake 3

Remedy hanging culvert

1 Entire section Organize a cleanup to remove litter and illegal dumping

1 Where FLT leaves Fisher Lake 3

Plant native riparian vegetation along the stream banks

1 After entrance to camp ground

Replace old dam with a new version more suitable for fish passage

1 After entrance to camp ground

Groom and improve existing trail connecting the Allison Grounds ball field and Rockwood Park


123

Table of Figures FIGURE 1.1: AERIAL VIEW OF MARSH CREEK SHOWING ALL 8 MANAGEMENT ZONES 15 FIGURE 1.2: POSITION OF MANAGEMENT SECTION 1 IN MARSH CREEK 16 FIGURE 1.3: TWO VIEWS OF THE RENFORTH BOG AS SEEN FROM THE LOGGING ROAD

ADJACENT THE LEFT HAND BANK. RIGHT: RENFORTH BOG IN JULY. LEFT: RENFORTH BOG IN NOVEMBER 17

FIGURE 1.4: BOULDERS BLOCKING VEHICULAR ACCESS ALONG QUARRY ROAD 17 FIGURE 1.5: AN ILLEGAL DUMPSITE DEPOSITED ALONG THE SHORE OF RENFORTH BOG 18 FIGURE 1.6: OVERUSED ATV TRAIL ALONG ADJACENT RENFORTH BOG 18 FIGURE 1.7: POSITION OF MANAGEMENT SECTION 2 IN MARSH CREEK 20 FIGURE 1.8: THE BEGINNING OF MARSH CREEK FROM THE RENFORTH BOG CHANNELIZING

IN THE BOG BEFORE HEADING INTO THE THIS CEDAR BOG STREAM 21 FIGURE 1.9: BRANCHES ACROSS THE MOUTH OF MARSH CREEK HEADWATERS 21 FIGURE 1.10: CEDAR BOG NEAR THE HEADWATERS OF MARSH CREEK 22 FIGURE 1.11: POSITION OF MANAGEMENT SECTION 3 IN MARSH CREEK 23 FIGURE 1.12: OBLIQUE OF GLEN FALLS AREA HIGHLIGHTING THE LARGE EARTHEN FLOOD

CONTROL DAM 24 FIGURE 1.13: CONCRETE FLOOD CONTROL STRUCTURE WHERE MARSH CREEK FLOWS

UNDER THE EARTHEN FLOOD CONTROL DAM 25 FIGURE 1.14: WATERFALL CREATED AS MARSH CREEK SPILLS OVER EXPOSED BEDROCK AND

BOULDERS IN UPPER MARSH CREEK 25 FIGURE 1.15: HUMAN MADE ROCK DAM 26 FIGURE 1.16: ILLEGAL DUMPING NEAR AN ABANDONED CAMPSITE ALONG UPPER MARSH

CREEK 27 FIGURE 1.17: OLD DETERIORATING FLOOD CONTROL DAM 28 FIGURE 1.18: CULVERT CARRYING WATER AROUND FLOOD CONTROL DAM IN UPPER

MARSH CREEK 28 FIGURE 1.19: POND CREATED BY OLD DETERIORATING DAM 28 FIGURE 1.20: GARBAGE DEPOSITED BEHIND DETERIORATING DAM IN UPPER MARSH CREEK

29 FIGURE 1.21: POSITION OF MANAGEMENT SECTION 4 IN MARSH CREEK 30 FIGURE 1.22: MARSH CREEK, AS IT FLOWS THROUGH GLENN FALLS, BECOMES SHALLOW

AND WIDE WITH RIPARIAN VEGETATION DOMINATED BY MARSH GRASSES AND ALDER 31

FIGURE 1.23: LEFT: MARSH CREEK CULVERT CROSSING GLEN ROAD NEAR A LOCAL TRAILER PARK. RIGHT: METAL SWING SET DUMPED IN MARSH CREEK AT THE GLEN ROAD CROSSING 32

FIGURE 1.24: CULVERT WHERE MARSH CREEK CROSSES SIMPSON DRIVE EXT. LEFT: PAVEMENT CAVING IN FROM THE ROAD TO THE STREAM. MIDDLE: METAL CULVERT AND GRANITE REINFORCEMENTS. RIGHT: SILT WASHING INTO MARSH CREEK ALONGSIDE THE ADJACENT CULVERT 32

FIGURE 1.25: LEFT: GLEN ROAD BRIDGE. MIDDLE: GRAVEL RUNNING INTO MARSH CREEK. RIGHT: GRANITE REINFORCEMENTS ALONG MARSH CREEK STREAM BANKS ADJACENT GLEN ROAD BRIDGE 33

FIGURE 1.26: FLOOD BASIN ADJACENT GLEN FALLS 33 FIGURE 1.27: POSITION OF SECTION 5 IN MARSH CREEK 35 FIGURE 1.28: OPEN BOTTOM CULVERT WHERE MARSH CREEK CROSSES ROTHESAY AVENUE

36 FIGURE 1.29: RIGHT: LEFT STREAM BANK SHOWCASING RIPARIAN VEGETATION LEFT: RIGHT

STREAM BANK REINFORCED WITH GABIONS AND VERY LITTLE RIPARIAN VEGETATION 36


124

FIGURE 1.30: MARSH CREEK FLOWING BENEATH STRESCON 37 FIGURE 1.31: POSITION OF MANAGEMENT SECTION 6 IN MARSH CREEK 38 FIGURE 1.32: MARSH CREEK BETWEEN THE HIGHWAY AND ROTHESAY AVENUE 39 FIGURE 1.33: ROCK OUTCROP ALONG MARSH CREEK 39 FIGURE 1.34: POSITION OF MANAGEMENT SECTION 7 IN MARSH CREEK 41 FIGURE 1.35: OBLIQUE AERIAL PHOTO DIAGRAMMED TO SHOW THE MORPHOLOGY OF

MARSH CREEK THROUGH SECTION 7 42 FIGURE 1.36 : CN RAILWAY BRIDGE NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF ROTHESAY AVENUE AND

RUSSELL STREET 43 FIGURE 1.37: STREAM DEBRIS CAUGHT ON PYLONS; WATERFOWL IS ALSO VISIBLE BENEATH

THE BRIDGE 43 FIGURE 1.38: CREOSOTE SHEEN IN THE WATERS OF MARSH CREEK, BEHIND THE CANADA

POST PROPERTY THAT NOW OCCUPIES THE LAND OF THE OLD LIKELY SAWMILL 44 FIGURE 1.39: MAPS SHOWING THE LOCATION OF SEWAGE/STORM-WATER OUTFALLS

ALONG LOWER MARSH CREEK 44 FIGURE 1.40: STREAM BANK AND IN-WATER VEGETATION OF MARSH CREEK, JUST PRIOR TO

THE MARCO POLO BRIDGE 45 FIGURE 1.41: POSITION OF MANAGEMENT SECTION 8 IN MARSH CREEK 47 FIGURE 1.42: OBLIQUE AERIAL PHOTO DIAGRAMMED TO SHOW THE PATH OF MARSH

CREEK TO COURTENAY BAY THROUGH THE FOREBAY; ALSO SHOWS THE LOCATION OF DUTCHMAN’S CREEK 48

FIGURE 2.1: MANAGEMENT SECTIONS OF THE COLD BROOK SUB-DRAINAGE; DIVISIONS WERE BASED ON TERRAIN AND STREAM ECOLOGY 51

FIGURE 2.2: SECTION 1 OF COLD BROOK, EXTENDING FROM QUINN LAKE TO THE EXIT OF SHAW'S LAKE 52

FIGURE 2.3: QUINN LAKE, AS SEEN FROM A QUARRY ACCESS ROAD 53 FIGURE 2.4: VIEW OF THE THREE CULVERTS THAT ALLOW COLD BROOK TO FLOW BENEATH

THE QUARRY ACCESS ROAD 53 FIGURE 2.5: AQUATIC VEGETATION ALONG COLD BROOK BETWEEN QUINN AND SHAW'S

LAKES 54 FIGURE 2.6: SECTION 2 OF COLD BROOK, EXTENDING FROM THE EXIT TO SHAW'S LAKE TO

THE MYSTERY LAKE DAM 56 FIGURE 2.7: KELLY LAKE, AS VIEWED FROM A DOWNSTREAM VANTAGE POINT 57 FIGURE 2.8: THE INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES JAPANESE KNOTWEED FOUND STREAMSIDE ON

CLAYTON LANE 58 FIGURE 2.9: COLD BROOK ON THE UPSTREAM AND DOWNSTREAM SIDES OF THE CLAYTON

LANE BRIDGE (LEFT AND RIGHT RESPECTIVELY) 58 FIGURE 2.10: SECTION 3 OF COLD BROOK, EXTENDING FROM THE MYSTERY LAKE DAM TO

THE MARSH FLATS OF GLEN FALLS 60 FIGURE 2.11: WESTERN SHORE OF MYSTERY LAKE 61 FIGURE 2.12: MYSTERY LAKE DAM POSES AN IMPEDIMENT TO UPSTREAM FISH PASSAGE 61 FIGURE 2.13: METAL CULVERT CARRYING COLD BROOK BENEATH GOLDEN GROVE ROAD 62 FIGURE 2.14: VARIOUS TYPES OF HOUSEHOLD WASTE AND DEBRIS FOUND IN THE STREAM

AND SURROUNDING RIPARIAN ZONE 62 FIGURE 2.15: HIGH FLOW RATES AND LARGE ROCKS CHARACTERIZE SECTION 3 OF COLD

BROOK 63 FIGURE 2.16: FOAM COLLECTING ALONG COLD BROOK 63 FIGURE 2.17: SECTION 4 OF COLD BROOK, CONSISTING OF THE LEVEL MARSH PLAIN AND

JUNCTURE WITH MARSH CREEK 65 FIGURE 2.18: OBLIQUE AERIAL PHOTO INDICATING SECTION 4 AND THE COLD BROOK

FLOOD PLAIN 66 FIGURE 3.1: AN AERIAL VIEW OF ASHBURN CREEK DIVIDED INTO 4 SECTIONS 69


125

FIGURE 3.2: OBLIQUE AERIAL PHOTO DIAGRAMMED TO INDICATE THE MORPHOLOGY OF ASHBURN CREEK 70

FIGURE 3.3: POSITION SECTION 1(A, B, C) IN ASHBURN CREEK 71 FIGURE 3.4: THE HEADWATERS OF ASHBURN CREEK, LONG LAKE ROCKWOOD PARK 72 FIGURE 3.5: ASHBURN CREEK CHANNEL LEAVING LONG LAKE THROUGH MARSHLAND

INTO THE MIXED WOODS 73 FIGURE 3.6: CULVERT AND RETAINING WALL ADJACENT A MAIN TRAIL CROSSING

HARRIGAN LAKE, ROCKWOOD PARK 74 FIGURE 3.7: POSITION OF SECTION 2 IN ASHBURN CREEK 76 FIGURE 3.8: ROCK DAM INHIBITING FISH PASSAGE AS ASHBURN CREEK LEAVES ASHBURN

LAKE 77 FIGURE 3.9: ASHBURN CREEK CUTTING THROUGH THE CARPENTER CENTER LAWN. A

SPRING-FED TRIBUTARY IS LOCATED AT THE FAR (RIGHT) EDGE OF THE MOWED AREA. 78

FIGURE 3.10: CEDAR BOG RIPARIAN ZONE IN ASHBURN CREEK 78 FIGURE 3.11: POSITION OF SECTION 3 IN ASHBURN CREEK 80 FIGURE 3.12: CULVERT AND LARGE POOL AS ASHBURN CREEK FLOWS FROM BENEATH

FOSTER THURSTON ROAD 81 FIGURE 3.13: LEFT: REMAINS OF AN OLD WOODEN DAM INSTALLED DURING LOGGING OF

THE AREA RIGHT: WATER FROM ASHBURN CREEK RUSHING THROUGH THE OLD WOODEN DAM 81

FIGURE 3.14: ASHBURN CREEK UNDERCUTTING A BEDROCK OUTCROP, CREATING AN IDEAL HIDING SPOT FOR YOUNG TROUT 82

FIGURE 3.15: SMALL FIRE PIT AND SITTING AREA FOUND AS THE STREAM LEVELS OUT AND POOLS BEHIND A COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT (HYDRAULIC SHOP) LOCATED NEAR THE BASE OF FOSTER THURSTON ROAD 82

FIGURE 3.16: POSITION OF SECTION 4 IN ASHBURN CREEK 84 FIGURE 3.17: COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT LOCATED AT THE BASE OF FOSTER THURSTON

RD. 84 FIGURE 3.18: ASHBURN CREEK ENTERING A CULVERT AT THE JUNCTURE BETWEEN FOSTER

THURSTON AND ASHBURN ROAD 85 FIGURE 4.1: SECTIONS OF THE LITTLE MARSH CREEK SUB-DRAINAGE; DIVIDED BASED ON

TERRAIN AND STREAM ECOLOGY CRITERIA, FOR MANAGEMENT PURPOSES 88 FIGURE 4.2: SECTION 1 OF LITTLE MARSH CREEK, DRAINING LAWLOR LAKE DOWN TO

DRURY’S PASTURE 89 FIGURE 4.3: SECTION 2 OF LITTLE MARSH CREEK, FLOWING THROUGH DRURY’S PASTURE

AND INTO MARSH CREEK NEAR ROTHESAY AVENUE 90 FIGURE 4.4: AERIAL ORTHOPHOTO DIAGRAMMED TO SHOW FLOOD RISK AREAS OF THE

LITTLE MARSH CREEK WATERSHED 92 FIGURE 4.5: OBLIQUE AERIAL PHOTO DIAGRAMMED TO INDICATE THE JUNCTURE BETWEEN

ASHBURN CREEK AND LITTLE MARSH CREEK 93 FIGURE 4.6: OBLIQUE AERIAL PHOTO DIAGRAMMED TO INDICATE LITTLE MARSH CREEK’S

HEAVIEST DEVELOPMENT AREA 93 FIGURE 4.7: OBLIQUE AERIAL PHOTO DIAGRAMMING LITTLE MARSH CREEK CROSSING

HIGHWAY 1 AND JUNCTIONING TO MARSH CREEK 94 FIGURE 5.1: AERIAL VIEW OF MAJORS BROOK DIVIDED INTO 4 SECTIONS 98 FIGURE 5.2: POSITION OF SECTION 1 WITHIN MAJORS BROOK 99 FIGURE 5.3: MARSH GRASS BLOWING IN THE WIND ALONGSIDE THE MCALLISTER PLACE

PARKING LOT 100 FIGURE 5.4: AN ARRAY OF DROSS, LITTER & DEBRIS WAS FOUND ALONG THE MARSH

PERIMETER 101 FIGURE 5.5: BACKFILL DEPOSITED INTO THE MARSH ADJACENT MCALLISTER PLACE 101 FIGURE 5.6: POSITION OF SECTION 2 WITHIN MAJORS BROOK 102


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FIGURE 5.7: UNIDENTIFIED ORANGE SLUDGE FOUND IN MAJORS BROOK 103 FIGURE 5.8: SHOPPING CART DEPOSITED ALONG THE STREAM BANK OF MAJORS BROOK 103 FIGURE 5.9: GRATED CULVERT AS MAJORS BROOK CROSSES UNDER WESTMORLAND ROAD

104 FIGURE 5.10: POSITION OF SECTION 3 WITHIN MAJORS BROOK 105 FIGURE 5.11: MAJORS BROOK EMERGING FROM BENEATH WESTMORLAND ROAD 106 FIGURE 5.12: GRASS AND HERBACEOUS MEADOW VEGETATION ALONG THE STREAM

BANKS OF MAJORS BROOK (WAL-MART LOCATED TO THE RIGHT) 106 FIGURE 5.13: OBLIQUE PHOTO OF MAJORS BROOK. MCALLISTER MALL LOCATED IN THE

LOWER PORTION, PARKWAY MALL TO THE RIGHT HAND SIDE AND WAL-MART ON THE LEFT. THE STREAM, FLOWS ALONG THE RIGHT OF MCALLISTER PLACE PARKING LOT, BETWEEN WAL-MART AND PARKWAY MALL, TO THE RIGHT 107

FIGURE 5.14: DUCKLINGS SWIMMING IN MAJORS BROOK 108 FIGURE 5.15: LARGE CONCRETE CULVERTS WHERE MAJORS BROOK CROSSES MAJORS

BROOK DRIVE 108 FIGURE 5.16: POSITION OF SECTION 4 WITHIN MAJORS BROOK 109 FIGURE 5.17 SEWAGE OUTFALL NEAR MAJORS BROOK DRIVE 110 FIGURE 5.18 : RAILROAD BRIDGE CROSSING MAJORS BROOK 110 FIGURE 5.19: THE JUNCTURE BETWEEN MARSH CREEK AND MAJORS BROOK, STRESCON IS

VISIBLE DOWNSTREAM FROM THIS JUNCTURE 111 FIGURE 5.20: EVIDENCE OF MUSKRAT USE IN MAJORS BROOK. LEFT: MUSKRAT TRACKS

ALONG THE SHORE LEADING TOWARDS MAJORS BROOK. RIGHT: A MUSKRAT DEN 112 FIGURE 6.1: AERIAL VIEW OF THE FISHER LAKES TRIBUTARY DIVIDED INTO 2 MANAGEMENT

SECTIONS 115 FIGURE 6.2: LOCATION OF SECTION 1 WITHIN THE FISHER LAKE TRIBUTARY 116 FIGURE 6.3: OBLIQUE AERIAL PHOTO DIAGRAMMED TO INDICATE THE PATH OF THE FISHER

LAKES TRIBUTARY THROUGH LILY LAKE 118 FIGURE 6.4: FOAMY BROWN SLUDGE FORMED IN A SMALL POND IN THE FISHER LAKES

TRIBUTARY 119 FIGURE 6.5: CHAIN LINK FENCE, NEAR THE TERMINUS OF MANAGEMENT SECTION 1 IN

FISHER LAKES TRIBUTARY, COLLECTING IN-STREAM DROSS AND DEBRIS 119 FIGURE 6.6: LOCATION OF SECTION 2 WITHIN FISHER LAKE TRIBUTARY 121

marsh creek watershed management plan

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