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Funds support landowner projects for Ausable River

Web_Tree_Planting_HSP_2019_File_Photo.jpg
Tree planting is one of projects supported by new funding.

 

Ausable Bayfield Conservation receives HSP funding to support stewardship projects, education and research
Habitat Stewardship Program funding in Ausable River watershed supports more local projects

The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) is receiving $100,000 in federal funding to help aquatic Species at Risk in the Ausable River watershed. 

Most of the funding will go to rural landowners for projects on agricultural and other rural lands to reduce sedimentation and improve habitat. These projects include tree planting, cover crops, livestock exclusion fencing along watercourses, erosion control, wetlands, and management of invasive Phragmites. All projects are done on a voluntary basis. Most, if not all, cash costs of these local projects may be covered through grants.

The work in the Ausable River Watershed goes beyond the on-the-ground stewardship projects. The funding also makes it possible to provide local school programs, community events, freshwater mussel surveys, and rare fish habitat monitoring near Grand Bend. 

The work is recommended in the proposed Ausable River Action Plan. The funding is provided through the federal Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk through Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

The ABCA has received Habitat Stewardship Program (HSP) funding for 15 years. This year’s work will build on past successes in completing projects that protect species at risk. The 2018-2019 funding alone helped landowners plant nearly 12 hectares of trees, more than 100 hectares of cover crops, and to create wetlands. As well, more than 10 in-school programs and three community events focused on local Species at Risk. 

“The annual funding helps us to make continual improvements to water quality and cover costs for landowners who want to do projects to improve their farms and other rural properties,” said Kate Monk, ABCA Stewardship, Land and Education Manager. “Everyone wants to keep soil on the land and grants help to make this happen.”
People with land in the Ausable River watershed, from Exeter downstream, can apply for a grant by calling Ausable Bayfield Conservation at 1-888-286-2610. 

The Ausable River supports one of the most diverse and unique communities of aquatic species for a watershed of its size in Canada. The watershed is 1,142 square kilometres in size with its source near Staffa in West Perth and enters Lake Huron at Port Franks in Lambton Shores. 

Sedimentation from soil erosion on fields and along riverbanks; pollution; and degraded habitat (food, clean water, and shelter) are the main threats to Species at Risk in the watershed. 
At least 26 mussel species, 85 fish species, and 21 reptile species have been found in the Ausable River and its tributaries. Many of these species are rare. 

TREE PLANTING AND STEWARDSHIP PROJECTS SUPPORTED BY HABITAT STEWARDSHIP FUNDING IN AUSABLE RIVER WATERSHED: Local landowners can help improve habitat in the Ausable River watershed with tree planting and other projects including cover crops, erosion control, wetlands, livestock exclusion fencing along watercourses, and management of invasive Phragmites. New federal funding of $100,000, to Ausable Bayfield Conservation, from the Habitat Stewardship Program (HSP), will make it possible to reduce landowners’ costs to complete these projects. Most, if not all, cash costs of these local projects may be covered through grants. In above photo, Ian Jean, Forestry and Land Stewardship Specialist with Ausable Bayfield Conservation, kneels by a planted seedling.

MONITORING, EDUCATION, AND STEWARDSHIP FOR AUSABLE RIVER WATERSHED: The Ausable River and its tributaries are home to at least 85 fish species, 26 mussel species, and 21 reptile species. A lot of those species are rare and even at risk. New federal funding will make it possible to conduct freshwater mussel surveys and rare fish habitat monitoring near Grand Bend, to educate the community about protecting species at risk, and to support on-the-ground voluntary stewardship projects by local landowners to improve habitat for these important species. Shown in photo, conducting a freshwater mussel survey, is Kari Jean, Aquatic Biologist with Ausable Bayfield Conservation.
             
This project was undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada through Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the federal department that safeguards our waters and manages Canada’s fisheries, oceans and freshwater resources.

Ce projet a été réalisé avec l'appui financier du gouvernement du Canada agissant par l’entremise de Pêches et Océans Canada, le ministère fédéral responsable de la protection de nos eaux et de la gestion des pêches, des océans et des ressources d’eau douce du Canada.

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