CONSERVATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING AGENDA THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2016

Transcription

1 CONSERVATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING AGENDA THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2016

2 NOTICE OF MEETING CONSERVATION ADVISORY BOARD Thursday, December 8, :00 p.m. at Woodend 1. CHAIRMAN S REMARKS ~ Topalovic 2. DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 4. DELEGATIONS 5. STEWARDSHIP AND HCA AWARDS ~ Topalovic 6. MEMBER BRIEFING 7. CHAIRMAN S REPORT ON BOARD OF DIRECTORS ACTIONS ~ Topalovic 8. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING 8.1 Minutes Conservation Advisory Board (November 10, 2016) ~ Topalovic 9. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES 10. STAFF REPORTS/MEMORANDUMS 10.1 Lower Spencer Creek Integrated Sub-watershed Stud ~ Peck/Bastien 10.2 Managed Forest Program Overview ~ Stone/McDonell 11. NEW BUSINESS 12. NEXT MEETING Thursday, January 12, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. 13. ADJOURNMENT

3 HAMILTON CONSERVATION AUTHORITY 8.1 Conservation Advisory Board MINUTES November 10, 2016 Minutes of the Conservation Advisory Board meeting held on Thursday, November 10, 2016 at HCA s Woodend Administration Building commencing at 7:00 p.m. PRESENT: Maria Topalovic, Chair John Barkovic Kristen Brittain Frank Cucullo Donna Kydd Chris Michels Morgan Pirie Rob Booth Lydia Cartlidge Brad Gautreau Cheryl Larocque Duke O Sullivan John Shaw REGRETS: Kris Brown, Joanne Di Maio, Susan Fielding, Robert Pasuta, Marie Robbins, Santina Moccio, and Wayne Terryberry OTHERS PRESENT: Lisa Burnside, Gord Costie, Matt Hall, Lisa Jennings, Amber Lammers, Lesley McDonell, Val Pazzi, Scott Peck, and Mike Stone HCA Staff 1. CHAIR S REMARKS Maria welcomed everyone and indicated the regrets received for the meeting. 2. DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST There was none. 1

4 Conservation Advisory Board November 10, APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA CA1636 MOVED BY: Kristen Brittain SECONDED BY: Donna Kydd CARRIED THAT the agenda be approved. 4. DELEGATIONS There was none. 5. MEMBER BRIEFING 5.1 Christie Pond Project Lisa Jennings gave a PowerPoint presentation on the summary of the Christie Lake Conservation Area Ponds project. The presentation included project goals, restoration work completed, construction activities, habitat features restored, and monitoring results for Christie Ponds 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Lisa Jennings highlighted on the next steps to Christie Pond project, and reported on the tender brought forward at the November 3 Board of Directors Meeting for Pond 6. Lisa Jennings answered member s questions. 6. CHAIRMAN S REPORT OF BOARD OF DIRECTOR S ACTIONS Maria indicated there was nothing to report. 7. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING 7.1 Minutes Conservation Advisory Board (September 8, 2016) CA1637 MOVED BY: John Shaw SECONDED BY: Chris Michels CARRIED THAT the minutes of the September 8, 2016 Conservation Areas Advisory Board meeting be approved. 2

5 Conservation Advisory Board November 10, BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES 8.1 Tracking Report (for your information only) Maria asked members if there were any questions on the Tracking Report. Lisa Burnside provided an update on Spencer Gorge which included: trail resurfacing has been completed by HCA staff between Tew Falls and the Dundas Peak section of the Bruce Trail on private property remains closed by the landowners this section connects Webster and Tew Falls and visitors wishing to access both areas are advised to drive or walk to the other parking lot; fencing and signage has been erected conducting visitor surveys at Spencer Gorge to bring information to Conservation Advisory Board enforcement of parking by City by-law officers on Greensville community streets signed as no parking/stopping continues to be an issue 9. STAFF REPORTS/MEMORANDUMS 9.1 HCA Managed Forest Program Christie Lake Restoration Plan Lesley McDonell spoke briefly on the HCA Managed Forest Program and the Christie Lake Restoration Plan report, and introduced Amber Lammers, Forest Ecology Intern. Amber Lammers provided a PowerPoint presentation on the overview of the HCA Managed Forest Program work completed at Christie Lake Conservation Area and the associated Restoration Plan. Amber Lammers reviewed the Short-Term and Long-Term Management recommendations for the implementation of the Restoration Plan. Amber Lammers and Lesley McDonell answered member s questions. CA1638 MOVED BY: Rob Booth SECONDED BY: Morgan Pirie CARRIED THAT the memorandum titled HCA Managed Forest Program Christie Lake Restoration Plan be received. 3

6 Conservation Advisory Board November 10, Planning & Regulation Policies and Guidelines Review Mike Stone spoke briefly about the importance of Planning & Regulation Policies and Guidelines program. Mike indicated that the Planning & Regulation Policies and Guidelines manual is used on a daily basis. This manual provides HCA staff with direction when reviewing and commenting on planning and regulation matters. Mike advised that this manual is periodically updated, and the most recent version is Mike reported that a review and update of the HCA s Planning & Regulation Policies and Guidelines dated October 2011 is required to address policy deficiencies that have been identified based on experience working with the current manual, and to reflect recent changes in federal and provincial legislation and policy. Mike Stone and Scott Peck answered member s questions. CA1639 MOVED BY: John Barkovic SECONDED BY: Brad Gautreau CARRIED THAT the memorandum titled Planning & Regulation Policies and Guidelines Review be received. 10. NEW BUSINESS Maria reported two items added under New Business Brad Gautreau announced and circulated a flyer about the Friends of The Eramosa Karst 10 th Anniversary Dinner/Dance on Saturday, March 4, Rob Booth attended a presentation at McMaster University on Climate and Flood Risks with keynote speaker Dr. Coulibaly and FloodNet team. Rob asked if this would be of interest to HCA, and suggested this could be a Conservation Advisory Board presentation in the future. 11. NEXT MEETING The next meeting of the CAB is scheduled for Thursday, December 8, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. 12. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting was adjourned. 4

7 10.1 Report TO: FROM: RECOMMENDED BY: PREPARED BY: Conservation Advisory Board Chris Firth-Eagland, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) T. Scott Peck, MCIP, RPP, Director of Watershed Planning & Engineering Jonathan Bastien, Water Resources Engineering DATE: November 18, 2016 RE: Lower Spencer Creek Integrated Sub-Watershed Study STAFF RECOMMENDATION THAT the Conservation Advisory Board receives this report as information. BACKGROUND The HCA is undertaking an Integrated Sub-Watershed Study for Lower Spencer Creek. The purpose of the study is to protect, maintain and enhance the ecological processes, functions and significant natural features of the area in the context of existing and changing land uses and watershed stressors. The study is being completed such that the requirements of an integrated sub-watershed study and of the Conservation Ontario and Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Processes will be satisfied to facilitate future implementation of the works. The study is being managed by HCA staff, with some components undertaken by HCA staff and some components, which require outside expertise, undertaken by subconsultants. The study includes a comprehensive flood and erosion control assessment for Lower Spencer Creek and has identified flooding and erosion areas and is developing options for addressing identified problems. The HCA and the City have been collaboratively working on flood and erosion control projects within the watershed since Dundas was developed around Spencer Creek below the escarpment and has a history of flooding dating back to the 1800 s. Many strategies have been employed over the years

8 to reduce risk to property with varying levels of success. Instability in the creek system still exists, which has led to erosion, which threatens infrastructure and property located near the creek. The study has also focused on better quantifying water quality and establishing achievable targets and recommendations for water quality improvements. The Hamilton Harbour Remedial Action Plan has been working on the delisting of Hamilton Harbour as an Area of Concern since the 1990 s. Part of this effort involves reducing pollutants and nutrients entering the Harbour, including those from Cootes Paradise. As Spencer Creek is the largest source of water to Cootes Paradise, the creek has been identified as an area that requires further analysis to determine sources of pollutant loading and solutions for remediating water quality concerns. The study also identified remaining fish passage barriers and will develop plans to properly eliminate them while improving the stability of the system. This science-based study investigated the functionality of the sub-watershed through assessment of the hydrology, hydraulics, hydrogeology, water quality, aquatic ecology, terrestrial ecology, and fluvial geomorphology. Integration between these disciplines was important to achieving a full understanding of the watershed and how it responds to change. All of the concerns and opportunities raised above are being considered and incorporated both individually and as pieces of a larger strategy. STAFF COMMENT This report has been brought before the Conservation Advisory Board for the purposes of providing an update as to the status of the study. To date, the following deliverables of the Lower Spencer Creek Integrated Sub-Watershed Study have been completed: Reviewed and compiled available background data and understanding regarding the hydrology, hydraulics, hydrogeology, fluvial geomorphology, water quality, terrestrial ecology and aquatic ecology within the Spencer Creek watershed; Completed additional field work to fill gaps in background data, including watercourse and bridge inventory, terrestrial and aquatic ecology surveys, fluvial geomorphology surveys, and additional water quality sampling; Developed calibrated and validated numerical modeling, which was then used to assess the existing characterization of hydrology, hydrogeology and hydraulics, as well as to support the existing characterizations of the other components; Characterized the watershed and / or Lower Spencer Creek study area. This included existing drainage patterns, peak flow rates for various return events and the regulatory event, flow duration curves, groundwater recharge and discharge zones, hydrostatic (geology) layers, maximum flood levels for various return events and the regulatory event, water quality classification by reach in Lower Spencer Creek, erosion thresholds by reach, land classifications and significant habitat features, existing fish habitat conditions, and evaluation of fish barrier impacts;

9 Drafted Phase 1 Characterization Reports for each study component (hydrology, hydraulics, hydrogeology, fluvial geomorphology, water quality, terrestrial ecology and aquatic ecology), detailing the existing characteristics of the watershed and/or Lower Spencer Creek study area; Drafted Phase 1 Overall Characterization Report for the study, summarizing the findings from the component reports; Public Engagement Public Information Centre (PIC) Introduction to the project and request for feedback; Developed 3 future scenarios to be assessed by the various study components 1. Increased Surface water runoff Source Control in Dundas 2. Increased Irrigation Demand 3. Extended Drought Conditions Public Engagement PIC Summarized the findings from the Phase 1 Characterization of the Watershed, and presented the approach for the Phase 2 Impact Scenario analyses, Assessed the impact of the above 3 future scenarios on the watershed characteristics associated with each study component; Recommended objectives / targets for the watershed, for each component; Identified existing and future (under Impact Scenarios) issues related to flooding, erosion, water quality, creek instability, ecology habitat issues, etc; Drafted recommendations to achieve improvements to existing issues or the impacts of future scenarios, as well as to achieve, or more closely achieve, recommended targets. This includes flooding, erosion, water quality, creek instability, ecology habitat issues, etc. Recommendations include Planning and Policy, Rehabilitation and Retrofit, Stewardship, Monitoring, Research and Development. Developed revised regulatory flood levels for Lower Spencer Creek from the downstream side of Crooks Hollow Dam to the outlet at Cootes Paradise. This has been based on the hydrologic and hydraulic assessments undertaken in Phase 1 and HCA staff s extensive review of these assessments. The project team is currently working on completing the following outstanding tasks of the Lower Spencer Creek Integrated Sub-Watershed Study: Revise and extend the draft recommendations to achieve improvements to existing issues or the impacts of future scenarios; Identify alternative solutions to existing issues or Issues under Impact Scenario. Alternatives will include Do Nothing, Structural solutions, Non Structural solutions and Hybrid solutions; Concept designs for alternative solutions; Evaluation of alternatives; Evaluation of the potential changes on the evaluated watershed parameters (flows, flood levels, erosion potential, water quality, stream stability, habitat health, etc.) due to possible flood, erosion, creek stability and fish barrier improvements; Selection of preferred solutions;

10 Draft Phase 2 Impact Scenario Reports for each study component (hydrology, hydraulics, hydrogeology, fluvial geomorphology, water quality, terrestrial ecology and aquatic ecology). These reports will detail the expected watershed characteristics under future scenarios, identify future issues, and summarize alternative solutions, and preferred options; Draft Phase 3 Implementation Reports for each study component, which will focus on the recommendations for the management of flood control, erosion control, stream corridors and stability, water quality, groundwater, terrestrial ecology and aquatic ecology. This report will also suggest the proposed approach to implementation of recommendations; Draft Overall Phase 2 and 3 reports; Review of, and Revisions to, all the above Draft Reports; Finalization of Reports; Public Engagement PIC - Present findings and recommendations; Develop and approve Floodplain Mapping from the downstream side of Crooks Hollow Dam to the outlet at Cootes Paradise. This will be based on the hydraulic assessments undertaken in Phase 1 AGENCY COMMENTS Not applicable. LEGAL/FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS Not applicable. CONCLUSIONS The Lower Spencer Creek Integrated Sub-Watershed Study continues to make progress. Completion of the outstanding items is underway and is expected to be completed in the near future. It is HCA staff s expectation that draft reports will be available for review by key project team members and HCA staff by the end of January 2017.

11 10.2 Report TO: FROM: RECOMMENDED BY: PREPARED BY: Conservation Advisory Board Chris Firth-Eagland, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) T. Scott Peck, MCIP, RPP, Director of Watershed Planning & Engineering Mike Stone, MCIP, RPP, Manager of Watershed Planning Services Lesley McDonell, Terrestrial Ecologist DATE: December 1, 2016 RE: Hamilton Conservation Authority Pine Plantation Row Harvest Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program STAFF RECOMMENDATION THAT the Conservation Advisory Board receives this report as information. BACKGROUND In 2008, a Managed Forest Plan (MFP) was developed for forested sections of some Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) owned lands (900 ha in total). The following HCA Conservation Area lands participate in the MFP, Fletcher Creek, Valens, Beverly Swamp, Christie Lake, Dundas Valley, Mount Albion, Vinemount and Fifty Point. The MFP is a detailed plan that indicates the types of forest cover in each discrete forest unit, including both coniferous and deciduous forests, and identifies corresponding management objectives. The MFPs allows HCA to register under the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program (MFTIP) administered by the government of Ontario. Properties covered by MFTIP are taxed at a reduced rate of 25% of the municipal tax rate for residential properties. Being registered under this program saves HCA approximately $48, 000/ year in tax (based on the 2016 tax assessment). The HCA is currently working to update the 2008 Managed Forest Plan for the next 10 year period.

12 In the summer of 2013, Silv-Econ was hired to assess all units within HCA s MFPs for harvest potential. This involved a thorough on the ground assessment of all MFP units on HCA owned and managed lands. As a result of this work, approximately 200 ha of conifer plantation were identified as being suitable for harvest. This included areas of plantation at Christie Lake, Dundas Valley, Valens and Mount Albion Conservation Areas, as well as Westfield Heritage Village. The purpose of harvesting these areas is to transition HCA s pine plantations to hardwood forests. Between 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 pine plantations at Christie Lake Conservation Area were harvested by Moggie Valley Timber Inc. Moving forward the additional 90 ha of conifer plantation at Dundas Valley, Valens, Mount Albion and Westfield that were identified by Silv-Econ Ltd. in 2013 will be thinned over two winters. Silv-Econ Ltd. has developed harvest prescriptions and marked the areas identified as suitable for harvest. Nine hundred and ninety cords in total of Red and White pine, Spruce, Scots Pine and Cedar were marked for removal. The conifer plantation stands identified for thinning at Dundas Valley, Valens, Mount Albion and Westfield generally do not support recreational or other uses. Notwithstanding this, HCA staff has planned a public information center (PIC) for the evening of December 6 th, This will inform the public of the proposed harvesting activities. HCA staff will also contact the City of Hamilton woodland conservation by-law officer, Niagara Escarpment Commission and the Ministry of Natural Resources to ensure that all requirements are met prior to initiation of any harvesting. STAFF COMMENT A harvest of the coniferous plantations at Dundas Valley, Valens, Mount Albion and Westfield will help to transition these lands to hardwood forests that are more representative of the original forest types found in the watershed, and that will support greater biodiversity. HCA has received a bid from Moggie Valley Timber Inc. again for this work. They were the only company to bid on the harvest despite staff sending the tender to six companies. Staff anticipate (depending on weather) that work for the harvest would begin in January 2017 and continue as conditions warrant until March STRATEGIC PLAN LINKAGE The Managed Forest Plan initiative contributes to the achievement of HCA s Strategic Plan , including the following: Strategic Goal #2 Natural Heritage Conservation

13 o Strategic Objective Maintain and enhance the natural heritage features of HCA lands and manage these lands on an environmentally sustainable basis. AGENCY COMMENTS Not applicable. LEGAL/FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS None. CONCLUSIONS In 2008 Managed Forest Plans were developed for approximately 900 ha of HCA owned lands. As part of implementation of these plans, approximately 200 ha of coniferous plantation have been identified as being suitable for harvest. HCA is undertaking plantation harvesting at identified properties in a phased manner. The purpose of harvesting is to transition pine plantations to hardwood forests that are more representative of the original forest types found in the watershed, and that will support greater biodiversity.