Final Project Report to Wildlife Habitat Canada (WHC) for fiscal year 2009/2010

Transcription

1 Final Project Report to Wildlife Habitat Canada (WHC) for fiscal year 2009/2010 Prepared by: Reg Newell Stewardship Coordinator Nova Scotia Eastern Habitat Joint Venture (NS-EHJV) NSDNR Wildlife Division 136 Exhibition Street Kentville, NS B4N 1Z8 March, 2010

2 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY GOALS & OBJECTIVES PARTNERSHIPS ACTIVITIES AND RESULTS COMMUNICATIONS ACTIVITIES APPENDICES Map and Description of Project Location Project Images (on compact disc) 2

3 The 2009/2010 Nova Scotia Eastern Habitat Joint Venture (NS-EHJV) Wetland Stewardship Program continued to focus on empowering individual landowners and extension workers in the agricultural community to make decisions that will contribute to a healthy landscape for wildlife and society as a whole. To achieve this goal the program aimed at ensuring that existing benefits to breeding, migratory and wintering waterfowl and other wildlife species are maintained on privately owned lands by increasing landowner awareness, encouraging change, and undertaking physical improvements affecting biodiversity on privately owned wetlands. Throughout Canada, the stewardship efforts of farmers and agricultural organizations are helping to ensure that wildlife habitat remains an integral part of the agricultural landscape. NS-EHJV partners recognize that private land stewardship in the agricultural landscape is a fundamental activity required to conserve wetlands and associated upland habitats to manage waterfowl populations. Wetlands within Nova Scotia s agricultural landscape are primarily privately owned and provide some of the province s most productive breeding and brood rearing habitat for waterfowl. The 2009/10 NS-EHJV Wetland Stewardship Program continued to facilitate partnerships with farmers and agricultural support workers to influence landscape level changes that conserve wetlands and associated habitats through on-farm activities and increased conservation/biodiversity awareness. Wetlands within Nova Scotia s agricultural landscape provide some of the province s most productive breeding and brood rearing habitat for waterfowl - including American black duck, mallard, green-winged teal, ring-necked duck, and Canada goose (NS- EHJV Key Waterfowl Species). With nearly all of Nova Scotia s agricultural land privately owned and managed, the NS-EHJV partners recognize that private land stewardship in the agricultural landscape is a fundamental activity required to conserve wetlands and manage waterfowl populations. Agricultural producer participation is essential. As stated in the 2006 National Survey of Farmers and Ranchers (Ecological Goods and Services), most farmers want to be part of the solution - believing that their management and land use practices can help deal with current environmental challenges. Through stewardship activities and support, agricultural producers can be encouraged to participate in conservation programs. In general, the overall goal of the NS-EHJV Wetland Stewardship Program is to promote and implement the conservation and sustainable use of wildlife habitats by instilling an appreciation of resource values in those who are entrusted with the proper management of Nova Scotia s wildlife and wetland resources. The NS-EHJV Wetland Stewardship Program is delivered through a partnership involving governments, nongovernment organizations, landowners, interest groups and the general public. As in previous years, the focus of the NS-EHJV Wetland Stewardship Program in 2009/10 3

4 was: to facilitate partnerships with farmers and agricultural support workers; to influence landscape level changes required to conserve and restore wetlands and associated upland habitats; to benefit wildlife; to help achieve NS-EHJV waterfowl population goals; and to maintain ecosystem services in support of broader societal needs. The objectives of the NS-EHJV Wetland Stewardship Program are: Ensuring that existing benefits to breeding, migratory and wintering waterfowl and other migratory birds, as well as benefits to other wildlife and people will be maintained on privately owned lands. Improving public understanding of wetland habitat values, processes and functions. Educating both the landowner and user in responsible land/water use practices. Undertaking physical improvements on privately owned wetlands to benefit wetland associated wildlife species. The principal partners in the Nova Scotia EHJV partnership are Wildlife Habitat Canada (WHC), Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC), the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC), Environment Canada - Canadian Wildlife Service (EC-CWS), the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources (NSDNR), the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture (NSDOA), and Nova Scotia Environment (NSE). Funding partners and their contributions and activities to the NS-EHJV Program are listed in the Financial Summary in Section 6. Without partner funding, the NS-EHJV Wetland Stewardship Program would not exist. Also critical to the program s effectiveness is the involvement of numerous community-based conservation groups, corporations and individual landowners. Partnerships involvement varies from year to year, and even throughout the year and over the lifetime of the initiative according to particular conservation and stewardship needs. These partnerships of organizations and individuals function within communities where private land ownership is predominant and the landscape diverse. Without their support, as integrated members of these communities, effective wetland conservation would be difficult. The following is a list of groups, organizations, and government departments that, in addition to the core and funding partners, participated at some level in activities delivered by the NS-EHJV Wetlands Stewardship Program in 2009/2010: Acadia University (E.C. Smith Herbarium/KC Irving Environmental Science Centre, Acadia Centre for Estuarine Research, Biology Department, Department of Environmental Sciences) Agricultural Producers 4

5 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada/PFRA Alberta Cows and Fish Program Barrington Municipal High School Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership- Minas Basin Working Group Bird Studies Canada Bluenose ACAF Cape Sable Island Important Bird Area Committee Clean Annapolis River PROJECT Cornwallis Headwaters Society Department of Fisheries and Oceans Friends of the Cornwallis River Society Gaspereau Elementary School Gulf of Maine Institute Kings Community Economic Development Agency LaHave River Watershed Committee Municipality of Kings Nature Canada Nova Knowledge Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture (includes environmental Farm Planners) Nova Scotia Department of the Environment Nova Scotia Envirthon Committee Shelburne Regional High School The Stewardship Roadmap of Canada (Action Committee) The NS-EHJV Wetland Stewardship Program continued to provide expert advice and logistical support on wetland conservation to many organizations throughout the province. The NS-EHJV Stewardship Coordinator also continued to be a resource person for municipal, provincial and federal governments developing strategies and seeking input on biodiversity, the conservation of wetlands, riparian areas and coastal habitats. In 2009/2010, most of the stewardship activities continued to focus on the agricultural landscape. In Nova Scotia, over the last 400 years, this diverse agricultural landscape has loss valuable wetland habitat, natural riparian areas and the related biodiversity. These habitats, that are prime breeding areas for several waterfowl species in the province, are still under considerable infringement pressures from human developments. To reduce some of these potential impacts, the 2009/2010 NS-EHJV Wetland Stewardship Program activities were designed to increase conservation awareness and promote positive change in the agricultural landscape. Three of the ongoing projects encompassing the agricultural landscape are listed below and described in the following text. 5

6 Agricultural Biodiversity Conservation (ABC) Plan Project This continued to be the primary focus of the NS-EHJV Wetland Stewardship Program for 2009/2010. The ABC plans were developed in 2007/2008 and have continued throughout The project is designed to increase awareness of the biodiversity in the farm landscape and to encourage agricultural producers to conserve and expand the biodiversity component of their operation. This year, the project, funded in part by Wildlife Habitat Canada, was delivered throughout the agricultural sector of Nova Scotia in partnership with Ducks Unlimited Canada. Additional, NS-EHJV stewardship activities also contributed to the promotion of biodiversity in the agricultural landscape. These included recognition of the ABC Plans in Environmental Farm Plans, participation on the Nova Scotia Sustainable Agriculture Steering Committee, participation in the Environmental Farm Stewardship Award process, participation and support for the LaHave River Watershed Committee, and participation in the Strengthening Stewardship Conference in Calgary. Two other ongoing projects originated as part of the Kings Agricultural Wetland and Biodiversity Conservation Initiative (KAWBCI). Each of these projects was initially funded under the Agricultural Policy Framework (APF) Greencover Canada Program and has been described in previous WHC reports. These projects have continued to evolve and several facets continued in 2009/2010. a. The Riparian Health Assessment Project was designed to evaluate the health of riparian areas in the Maritime Provinces, particularly Nova Scotia. Several agencies and non government organizations in the Maritimes have continued to use this tool in a variety of projects. In 2009/2010, the NS-EHJV Stewardship Coordinator continued to provide field support to several of these groups. b. The Beneficial Management Practices Demonstration and Assessment Project promoting the adoption of BMP s on the farm continued in 2009/2010. The primary focus for 2009/2010 was on the expansion of the water quality analysis (in partnership with Acadia University, the Cornwallis Headwaters Society and the producers) to better understand and record the relationship between the BMP s and water quality. A more detailed description of the projects listed above and the 2009/2010 activities associated with them are included below. The ABC Plans are designed to promote the conservation and expansion of the biodiversity component of the agricultural landscape. Several project objectives were established in 2007/2008 and continued in 2009/2010 to guide this project towards encouraging producer participation the implementation of BMP s that would enhance the biodiversity component of their farms. These objectives include: 6

7 An annual biodiversity assessment of farms (1200 ha) in Nova Scotia that identifies current biodiversity and potential BMP s that could be incorporated into the farm operation Agricultural Biodiversity Plan will identify the following: All lands including streams, wetlands, cleared upland, forested upland and built structures such as roads and buildings and property boundaries, Current and potential wetland restoration sites and areas, Riparian areas and a completed riparian health assessment of the waterways, Stands of purple loosestrife and other invasive species, Current biodiversity BMP s that are already part of the farm landscape, Areas on the property where the implementation of BMP s or other beneficial activities have benefits for biodiversity. Develop/strengthen partnerships with agricultural practitioners involved with delivering Nova Scotia Environmental Farm Plans and Provincial Agricultural Extension staff promoting BMP s. Elicit support and cooperation from agricultural producers and practitioners in effecting biodiversity and environmental BMP s in Nova Scotia. The process for each ABC plan consists of a site visit, a written report, and a copy of the photos taken during the site visit. The site visit includes an on-site biodiversity assessment that evaluates the farm landscape through a variety of the habitat components. These components include riparian, wetland and upland habitats. The upland habitats are farther sub divided into woodlands, shelterbelts, pasture, hay land and cropland. This assessment determines the riparian health along the waterways; identifies the current activities and landscape conditions that support biodiversity; and recommends potential activities that could be incorporated into the farm operation to increase biodiversity. The written report includes: a map/aerial photo of the existing landscape and current biodiversity BMP s; a map/aerial photo of potential biodiversity BMP s; a description of current activities that are enhancing biodiversity on the farm; a description of potential biodiversity activities that could be incorporated into the farm operation; and recommendations. Potential funding and technical assistance sources are also identified in the plans. Participation by the producer is voluntary and there is no obligation on the producer s part to incorporate any of the recommendations into the farm activities. Essentially, the ABC Plan provides the producer with an indication of what they are currently doing for biodiversity management and the potential of what they could be doing to strengthen biodiversity management on their farm. In many cases, the producers are unaware that their activities and farm operation are also adding to the biodiversity complexity of the farm. In addition, the ABC Plans provide the producer with an alternate perspective of the farm landscape as seen through the eyes of someone unfamiliar with the farm operation (this is re-enforced by a cd of photos taken during 7

8 the visit). Areas of the farm that have often been ignored or over-looked often become recognized as important wildlife habitat. The ABC plans provide a holistic overview of the habitats within the farm landscape. From this perspective most farm operations in Nova Scotia are undertaking activities that are enhancing some aspects of biodiversity. Recognizing the contribution to biodiversity in these habitats may encourage farmers to adopt BMP s that will promote biodiversity in other habitats. The ABC plans have been well received by the agricultural community. This is due, in part, to the recognition provided to producers for the benefits that their farm operation is providing for biodiversity. Acknowledgement of the value of the ABC Plans is also spreading throughout the agricultural community. For example, the Environmental Farm Planners are now referring producers to the ABC plans through their Environmental Farm Plans, as well as using biodiversity enhancements as part of the judging criteria for the Environmental Farm Plan Awards. The Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture publication Environmental Performance of the Agricultural Sector in Nova Scotia 2009, A Report Card also recognizes the value of these reports and states The Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources has developed a program to conduct Agricultural Biodiversity Conservation (ABC) Plans for farmers. ABC Plans have the potential to become an important indicator similar to EFP (Environmental Farm Plans) and NMP (Nutrient Management Plans). Recognizing the farm activities that are already contributing to the biodiversity aspect (or any other environmentally friendly activity) is the key to encouraging more participation. In Nova Scotia, the ABC Plan project includes all of the NS-EHJV key areas in the agricultural landscape. In , the NS-EHJV Wetland Stewardship Program, in partnership with Ducks Unlimited Canada, conducted biodiversity assessments on 26 farms (approximately 3,204 ha/7912 acres) throughout Nova Scotia. Although the farms were located throughout the province, most were in the agricultural orientated counties of Annapolis, Kings, Hants, Cumberland and Colchester. The farm types assessed included dairy, beef, sheep, horse, mink, orchard, crop, mixed, and organic. On farm habitat types included riparian, wetland, woodland, shelterbelts, crop, hay, pasture and fallow land. Riparian health assessments were conducted on the waterways on the farms. 8

9 Map 1: Location of farms participating in the 2009/2010 Agricultural Biodiversity Conservation Plan Project A summary of the specific results of the ABC project activities completed in 2009/2010 is listed below. To be an effective tool, future follow- ups to individual farms will be required to encourage the incorporation of biodiversity activities into the farm operation. In 2009/2010 biodiversity assessments were completed on 26 farms in 7 counties across Nova Scotia. Through the partnership with Ducks Unlimited Canada, 3,204 ha (7,912 acres) of farmland were assessed in the agricultural landscape. This required approximately 60 farm visits. The types of farms (i.e. commodity) assessed included: beef/forage (9), horse/forage/pasture (2), organic crop (2), crop (3), dairy (2), beef/forage/orchard (2), mink/beef (1), orchard/crop (1), sheep/horses (1), forage (1), beef/blueberry (2). Since 2007 a total of 69 farms (~5,900 ha / ac) of farmland 9

10 have been assessed. The table below indicates the estimated landscape composition of each farm. Table 1: Acres assessed by farm and a breakdown of upland, wetlands, riparian area and forest for 2009/2010 Farm Total Acres Upland Acres Wetland Acres Riparian (km) Forest Acres Farm Type beef/forage organic grapes/forage horses/forage organic garden crops beef crop dairy mink/beef crop/orchard sheep beef/forage/orchard beef/forage/orchard beef/forage beef/forage beef/forage beef/forage beef/forage beef/forage beef/forage horse stable/pasture dairy lavender beef/blueberry beef/blueberry blueberry forage Total 7,912 7, ,583.5 Activities to Promote Biodiversity Conservation in the Agricultural Community In , the NS-EHJV Stewardship Coordinator participated on several committees and in events to promote biodiversity conservation in the agriculture landscape including: The Nova Scotia Sustainable Agriculture Steering Committee. This is an inter-disciplinary government and non-government committee established through the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture to identify environmentally 10

11 sustainable farming activities and to acquire the tools to measure these activities. The committee, established in 2008/2009 has completed the project with the Federation release of a report card entitled Environmental Performance of the Agricultural Sector in Nova Scotia, The report is available at: The Environmental Farm Stewardship Award. In 2009, the NS-EHJV Stewardship Coordinator was invited by the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture to be one of the judges for the 1 st Environmental Farm Stewardship Award. The winner of the award was one of the two finalists who had participated in the ABC plans. In addition, the winning farm operation is one of the two farms involved in the Beneficial Management Practices Demonstration and Assessment Project. Strengthening Stewardship Conference. The NS-EHJV Stewardship Coordinator was a participant in a National Stewardship Conference held in Calgary. Participation included facilitating one of the sessions, a display (in partnership with Ducks Unlimited), on biodiversity and the ABC Plans in the Maritimes, and involvement in discussions on stewardship in Canada. Lieutenant Governor s Greenwing Award of Ducks Unlimited Canada. The NS-EHJV Stewardship Coordinator was invited to attend 2009 presentation of the Lieutenant Governor s Greenwing Award of Ducks Unlimited Canada. The recipients of the award also participated in the ABC plans. In Her presentation, The Honourable Mayann Francis, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, referred to the ABC Plan and praised the recipients for being leaders in the Agriculture Biodiversity Conservation Plan and establishing an environmentally sound and sustainable agricultural operation as a national model ( The KAWBCI is a long-term conservation initiative developed by the NS-EHJV to support the wise use of wetlands in agricultural landscapes within the context of sustainable development using an ecosystem approach. This initiative has a strong focus on securing the ecosystem benefits from natural and restored riparian edges and wetlands, employing watershed management and BMP s and principles. The KAWBCI includes both proven and new habitat conservation techniques, and integrates with existing conservation programs. The NS-EHJV s vision under the KAWBCI is an agricultural landscape with its wetlands and riparian habitats conserved or restored in order to provide multiple societal and environmental benefits including biodiversity and improved freshwater quality and quantity. Two projects developed under KAWBCI have continued to evolve throughout 2009/2010: 11

12 The Beneficial Management Practices Demonstration project that promotes the adoption of BMP s on farms continued in 2009/2010. Since 2007, this partnership with agricultural producers on two farms in the Upper Cornwallis River watershed has been promoting BMP s for riparian fencing, stream crossings, small marsh construction and remote watering systems (see map below). The primary focus for 2009/2010 was on the expansion of the water quality analysis (in partnership with Acadia University, the Cornwallis Headwaters Society and the producers), to better understand and record the relationship between the BMP s and water quality. The sampling was intensified to provide more complete information for a water quality model being developed by Acadia University. In addition, one producer has developed a portable solar watering system that can be easily moved from pasture to pasture. The other producer is looking at potential improvements to the milk house waste water holding pond and the development of a unique in steam livestock crossing. Acadia University has also continued a riparian biodiversity study that includes the two BMP project sites. Discussions are currently underway with Agriculture and Agri-Foods Canada to farther enhance the partnership with the Thomas Brook WEB project in the adjacent watershed. Greencover Greencover Focus Focus Watersheds Watersheds Beef Beefoperation operation demo demosite site Dairy Dairy operation operation demo demosite site Fisher Fisher Brook Brook Rand Rand Brook Brook Thomas Thomas Brook Brook Upper UpperCornwallis Cornwallis River River Upper Upper Cornwallis Cornwallis Watershed Watershed Map 2: The Upper Cornwallis Watershed indicating the general locations of the two demonstration sites. 12

13 The Riparian Health Assessment Project was designed to evaluate the health of riparian areas in the Maritime Provinces, by adapting the Alberta Cows and Fish assessment program to Nova Scotia. This partnership project with the NS- EHJV core partners, NSDOA, AgraPoint (the lead agency) and the Alberta Cows and Fish Program was completed in 2007/2008. Funding was provided through the Greencover Canada Technical Assistance Program. Since the completion of the project, several agencies and non government organizations in the Maritimes have used this assessment tool on a variety of projects. In , one Nova Scotia community organization, the LaHave River Watershed Committee, used the riparian health assessment tool to identify areas of concern along the LaHave River. In the group, through the Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation (BCAF), began partnering with landowners in these areas of concern to implement BMP s on sites identified as unhealthy through the Riparian Health Assessment project. The NS-EHJV Stewardship Coordinator is currently a resource member of the committee and has provided direct field assistance to BCAF staff. In addition, the NS-EHJV Stewardship Coordinator provided some riparian health assessment field training for the Clean Annapolis River Project. This group is interested in determining riparian health along the waterways of Annapolis County. Riparian health assessments also continued to remain part of the ABC plan farm assessments. In addition to the activities described above, the NS-EHJV Stewardship Coordinator was also involved with several other initiatives in 2009/2010. Generally these initiatives were community based projects that have been supported by the NS-EHJV Wetland Stewardship Program in the past. The NS-EHJV Stewardship Coordinator s involvement required time commitments of short duration. However, it is critical to any stewardship program that these community based (and other) partnerships be maintained. The following is a brief list of these activities: Cornwallis Headwater Society (CHS) The CHS is a mixture of agricultural producers and residents focused on conserving and improving water quality in the Upper Cornwallis River watershed. The NS-EHJV Stewardship Coordinator is a resource person for the group and continued to provide general support. The Cape Sable Important Bird Area Committee (CSIBA) /Barrington Municipal High School Environment Club 13

14 The NS-EHJV Stewardship Coordinator continued to provide general support to both the CBIBA and the Barrington Municipal High School environment club. For several years, the CBIBA Committee has organized and presented 2-4 day camps (each camp is 1-week long) for youth and adults in the community as well as supporting the high school environment club. The theme for the 2009 day camps was the potential local impact of climate change on the natural environment, biodiversity, and the community. With the support of the CSIBA, the Barrington Municipal High School Environment Club once again participated in the Gulf of Maine Institute Conference. This conference requires teams from each participating school to design, develop and implement an environmental project in their community during the year prior to the conference. The results are then presented at the conference. Shelburne High School Roseway River Project The NS-EHJV Stewardship Coordinator was a resource person for the Shelburne High School Roseway River Project. This was a pilot project to increase the awareness of the high school students in regards to the environmental and historic importance of the Roseway River. Nova Scotia Envirothon The NS-EHJV Stewardship Coordinator participated in the delivery of the biodiversity component for the provincial Envirothon program. This is an international high school competition with participation from most provinces and states. Each year an environmental theme is chosen and schools compete within their home province/state to advance to the international competition. Students work in teams and are expected to be knowledgeable about the environmental theme and to develop solutions for a specified environmental problem. In 2009, the focus was on biodiversity. Municipality of Kings The NS-EHJV Stewardship Coordinator is a member of the advisory committee for the Municipality of Kings Lake Monitoring Program and also participates as a lake monitor. The focus of this group is to collect monthly water samples on the more developed lakes in the county to ensure that the development is not negatively impacting the water quality of the lake. Friends of the Cornwallis River Society The NS-EHJV Stewardship Coordinator partnered with the Friends of the Cornwallis River Society (FOCS) in organizing and delivering a wetlands field day for approximately 200 Grade 4 students from several Kings County schools. The project is supported by the Ducks Unlimited Canada Project Webfoot and is designed to increase student awareness of the value of wetlands. Gaspereau School Camp The NS-EHJV Stewardship Coordinator designed and implemented a wetlands biodiversity module for students (grade 4-6) at the Gaspereau Elementary School camp at Sherbrooke Lake. Approximately 100 students participated in the exercise. 14

15 Additional community awareness activities These included a guided plant walk (with the EC Smith Herbarium at Acadia University) for the Irving Environmental Centre/Blomidon Naturalists, a presentation to Mt. Denson Community group and a guided plant walk with the Black Rock Trail Association. Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture s Agricultural Land Use Review The NS-EHJV Stewardship Coordinator attended several of the Agricultural Land Use Review meeting held throughout the province. Canadian Land Trust Alliance The NS-EHJV Stewardship Coordinator attended the annual conference of the Canadian Land Trust Alliance. Historical land use practices in the agricultural landscape have resulted in the loss of wetlands and riparian edges that have had negative impacts for many wildlife species - including several waterfowl species. The stewardship actions identified in this report will influence the uptake of positive land-use practices in the agricultural landscape that will support and maintain healthy wildlife habitats and society as a whole. These actions will contribute to achieving the waterfowl population goals for the NS-EHJV by directly and indirectly improving breeding and brood rearing habitat in the agricultural landscape for American black duck, mallard, green-winged teal and ring-necked duck. More specifically, each of the three principal areas of activities (Agricultural Biodiversity Conservation Project, KAWBCI Demonstration Project and Riparian Health Assessment Project), is providing direct and indirect benefits to wildlife and wildlife habitat conservation. The Agricultural Biodiversity Conservation Plans are a key component to encouraging the incorporation of wildlife habitat/biodiversity into the farm operation. These plans not only recognize what can be done to improve wildlife habitat, but also identify what the producer is already doing for biodiversity on individual farms. The whole farm approach also demonstrates that biodiversity is already part of the farm operation. The agricultural landscape in Nova Scotia is very diverse and in many cases a single farm can encompass much of this diversity. Often the producers are unaware that their farm operation is contributing to biodiversity. Combined with a funding and technical assistance program, these plans should encourage the uptake of more BMP s directed at the development and conservation of wildlife habitat. Restoration, enhancement, or conservation activities will only occur with the support of the landowner. These plans are helping to create that support. In addition, the concept of ABC plans is gaining support with many of the representative bodies in the agricultural community. The Kings Agricultural Wetland Biodiversity Conservation Initiative is continuing to support the partnership with producers to provide new examples of on-the-ground 15

16 BMP s that can reduce the farms impact on wildlife habitat and also provide benefits to the farm operation. In 2009/2010, the producers undertook several new BMP activities on their farms. In many cases the on-farm demonstration activities can be viewed from community roads by passing agricultural producers and general public. The water monitoring activities and the riparian biodiversity studies have also continued through a partnership with Acadia University and the Cornwallis Headwaters Society. In 2009/2010, the water monitoring activities were expanded to provide more complete information for a more accurate model that should help assess the benefits of BMP s on water quality. Acadia University also continued the riparian biodiversity project in 2009/2010. The Riparian Health Assessment Project has provided a riparian health evaluation tool for Nova Scotia that is also being applied in other Maritime Provinces. The tool has been used by several groups in the Maritimes to identify areas of concern. In 2008/2009, the LaHave River Watershed Committee used the riparian health assessment tool to assess riparian health along the LaHave River. Several areas of concern were identified. In 2009/2010 the Committee partnered with Bluenose CAF and landowners to implement changes in these areas. With the landowner support these changes will help improve biodiversity and restore the riparian health and biodiversity in these areas. In addition, these changes should encourage others to participate in the project. Other activities of the 2009/2010 NS-EHJV Wetland Stewardship Program have been directed at creating awareness of the importance and value of habitats such as wetlands, riparian and coastal areas especially with the youth. This awareness is the first step in any conservation effort and applies not only to the general public but also to government, non-government and community organizations. In 2009/2010, the NS-EHJV Wetland Stewardship Program continued to focus on increasing support for biodiversity in the agricultural landscape through the implementation of the ABC Plans and the promotion of the project to government and non government organizations. The ABC Plans are essentially a habitat management plan for each individual farm. These plans look at current and potential activities for the farm in a holistic approach to the management of biodiversity as part of the farm landscape and operation. This provides the project partners and the producers with a blueprint to use in habitat planning, management and decision making. In addition the plans provide the producer with recognition of their contributions and encouragement to do more. The plans also supplement the Environmental Farm Plans (EFP s), and encourage producers to become involved in the EFP program. Environmental Farm Planners are now including a reference to the ABC Plans in their Environmental Farm Plans. 16

17 Both the KAWBCI Demonstrations and the Riparian Health Project also encouraged producers, community groups and agricultural practitioners to plan actions that will encourage biodiversity and reduce the agricultural impact on wildlife habitat. In 2009/2010 the NS-EHJV Wetland Stewardship Program continued to seek new partnerships and networking opportunities with the greater agricultural community to promote wetland conservation and increase awareness of biodiversity within the agricultural landscape. This encouragement for habitat planning and management has been achieved through several avenues: The NS-EHJV Wetland Stewardship Program participation in the Agricultural Biodiversity Conservation Plan project in partnership with DUC, WHC, and with agricultural producers and environmental farm planners. The NS-EHJV Wetland Stewardship Program participation on a steering committee to develop a report card to evaluate sustainable farming activities (including biodiversity). The steering committee also included Environmental Farm Planners and representation from the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture, Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture, Nova Scotia Environment and agricultural producers. The NS-EHJV Wetland Stewardship Program participation in the National Stewardship Conference. The ABC Plans for the Maritimes were promoted through a display at the Conference. The NS-EHJV Wetland Stewardship Program participation in the LaHave River Watershed project as a resource person to the committee and field crews. The NS-EHJV Wetland Stewardship Program field training support for the Clean Annapolis River Project personnel. This included both riparian health assessment and biodiversity assessment training. The participation of the NS-EHJV Stewardship Coordinator on an evaluation committee and as a judge to recognize the environmental contributions (including biodiversity) of outstanding producers (Environmental Farm Stewardship Award) In 2009/2010, the multi-stakeholder partnerships created through the ABC Plans, the KAWBCI demonstration sites, and the riparian health assessment process are encouraging change within groups, agencies, individuals, governments, and industries by providing demonstrations and on-the-ground examples of conservation and biodiversity initiatives. These projects are recognizing the efforts of individuals (especially through the ABC plans) and encouraging these individuals and others to expand their efforts. 17

18 A substantial and critical part of the NS-EHJV Wetland Stewardship Program is communication. In 2009/2010 the focus continued to be on the various sectors of the agricultural landscape. This included promoting and increasing awareness of: biodiversity wetland conservation and riparian management; the importance of habitat for waterfowl and other wetland species; and program achievements and landowner/community support. Communication and awareness activities have led to individual, community and government participation. The 2009/2010 communication activities occurred at the local, provincial, and national levels. Communication activities at the local level included interpretive walks for community groups, presentations to schools, field presentations on wetlands, displays and brochure distribution, and participation in agricultural forums, and one on one communication with producers. At the provincial level, the NS-EHJV Stewardship Coordinator s communication activities included participation and presentations to several provincial committees, delivery of the biodiversity section of the provincial Envirothon Program and participation in several provincial agricultural/conservation events. The NS-EHJV Stewardship Coordinator was also involved in communication activities on a national level. This included a display on biodiversity at the National Stewardship Conference as well as participation in the conference, and participation in the Canadian Land Trust Alliance Annual Conference. Table 2 lists the 2009/2010 communication activities in which the NS-EHJV Stewardship Coordinator was involved, the type of participation, and the approximate number of attendees. Reg Newell (NS-EHJV Stewardship Coordinator), conducting a Riparian Health Assessment in the Annapolis Valley. 18

19 Table 2: 2009/2010 Communication Events Involving the NS-EHJV Stewardship Coordinator. Activity Participation (no. of events) Attendees DUC Greenwing (Webfoot) school field Interpretive walks ( days schools) Nova Scotia Envirothon Training/testing 14 schools/100+ attendees Mt Denson Community Group Presentation (with 12 Acadia University) NS Environmental Farm Plans Edited biodiversity --- reference in EFPs Irving Environment Centre/Blomidon Interpretive walk 20 Plant/Habitat walk Black Rock Trail Association walk Interpretive walk 20 Environmental Farm Plan Award Judge 5 farms visited Nova Scotia Agricultural Land Use Participant 200+ Reviews workshop Canadian Land Trust Alliance Annual Participant 50 Conference Nova Knowledge State of Agriculture Committee member Report Card Release The Nova Scotia Sustainable Agriculture Presentation 15 Steering Committee NS-EHJV Technical Committee Presentation 8 19

20 6.1 Map and Description of Project Location Nova Scotia lies within the Atlantic Maritime Ecozone and the Atlantic Ocean Seaboard drainage basin (refer to the web sites listed below) rk The province extends from sea level to a maximum elevation of 532 m. Two main factors govern the province s climate. The province s position halfway between the equator and the North Pole and its maritime (sea coast) location results in a temperate climate with high humidity. Nova Scotia is almost completely surrounded by the cold salt waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the Bay of Fundy and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. However, being on the east coast of the continent in a zone where the prevailing winds are from the west, gives Nova Scotia a modified continental climate, which is characterized by a wide temperature range. The modifying influence of the ocean reduces this range somewhat, resulting in cooler summers and milder winters than the interior of the continent. The mean annual temperature ranges from 5 o C to 7 o C for most of the province with the greatest difference between the mean temperatures of the warmest and coldest months (25 o C) occurring along the Northumberland coast. Mean annual precipitation varies from 900 mm inland to over 1500 mm along the coast and over 1600 mm in the Cape Breton highlands. The Atlantic Maritime Ecozone in Nova Scotia has a mixed-forest species composition with conifers predominant, especially on sites where drainage is impeded. The major conifers include red, white, and black spruce; balsam fir; eastern white and red pine; and eastern hemlock. Common hardwoods include red and sugar maple; white and yellow birch; trembling and large-tooth aspen; and beech (Neily et al. 2003). The landscape can be characterized as an interwoven tapestry of large and small lakes, rivers and streams, wetlands, agricultural and urban lands, and coniferous and deciduous tree cover. The 2009/10 NS-EHJV Wetland Stewardship Program focused primarily on the agricultural landscape in the Valley and Maritime Lowland Ecoregion (Atlantic Maritime Ecozone). Agricultural lands comprise one-fifth of this Ecoregion and represent approximately 36% off all agricultural lands in Nova Scotia making it the largest agricultural region in the province. Nearly all of this agricultural land is privately owned and farmed by an estimated 644 farmers (Statistics Canada 2001). These agricultural lands principally occur in the Annapolis Valley and the lowland areas along the major rivers in the upper Bay of Fundy. The fertile soil and warm summers has resulted in intensive agricultural production of vegetables, fruit and forage to support livestock operations. 20

21 Map 3: Distribution of the Agricultural Lands within the Valley and Central Lowlands Ecoregion of the Atlantic Maritime Ecozone in Nova Scotia 6.2 Project Images (on compact disc) Enclosed is a compact disc containing images of the 2009/2010 NS-EHJV Wetland Stewardship Program activities. 21