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River of SandDraft
Sustainability and Renewal in the DeSable Watershed
A Watershed Plan
DeSable River Enhancement and Activity Management, Inc,
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This plan is the result of extensive input from members of the DeSable watershed community.
Further contribution is always appreciated, and is necessary for the long-term success of theDeSable River Enhancement and Activity Management Inc.
Thank you for your support
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary
Participants
Introduction
The DeSable Watershed
Flora and Fauna of the DeSable Watershed
Accomplishments of DREAM
Planning Process
Overall Goals
Issues within the DeSable Watershed
- Siltation/Erosion- Riparian/Buffer Zones
- Fish Habitats/Culverts
- Nitrates- Beavers
- Trails- Invasive Species
- Linden Hill Pond
Vision for the Future
APPENDICES
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The DeSable River Enhancement and Activity Management Inc (DREAM) watershed
management plan is being developed to serve as a guide to managing the areas natural resourceswhile maintaining environmental and economic sustainability. This plan will reflect the desires
of the DeSable watershed community. The development of the plan will be an ongoing project inorder to echo the needs of the community; it is, in essence, a living document.
With all aspects of life dependent on water, it is of vital importance that every effort be made to
enhance and preserve water quality. Given the interconnection between all life and water, it is
crucial the plan include all facets of the environment.
Objectives and Purpose (as outlined in incorporation) include the following:
To evaluate the environmental quality of the area;
To work with neighbours, communities and stakeholders for the improvement of theenvironment;
To promote environmental stewardship through community education, engagement and
encouragement;
To strategically promote and initiate conservation measures and remedial actions by this
company and by other groups; and
To promote and initiate publically accessible green spaces within the watershed served byDREAM Inc., those projects which are in keeping with other stated objectives.
This document outlines specific characteristics and issues raised by the community members;each issue includes strategies that will be implemented in order to address these concerns.
Watershed planning and implementation is an ongoing and long-term process that requiresfrequent attention and input from the community residents, organizations and businesses. The
success of the group is based on collaboration between the DeSable area, the board of directors
and all levels of government.
The following Vision Statement sums up the view of the DeSable watershed group:
DREAM is dedicated to creating a revitalize and healthy system of streams, ponds, rivers and
estuary that are clean and life-giving. This water will support fish, birds, amphibians and other
wildlife, in addition to creating great beauty and recreation for the inhabitants of the area. The
people of the DeSable Watershed will see themselves as true stewards of the water, land and
forests that support the watershed , and will pass on this legacy to future generations.
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PARTICIPANTS
Community Involvement:
Thanks to the many members of the community who attended the watershed meetings on a
regular basis and contributed their valued opinions to the planning process; this input was viameetings, kitchen table discussions, phone calls and surveys. Without the involvement of thecommunity, DREAMs management plan would not be an accurate representation of the needs
of the DeSable watershed.
Prince Edward Island Watershed Management Fund:
The Watershed Management Fund, distributed by the PEI Department of Environment, Energy
and Forestry, grants financial support to various watershed groups across the province. This fundprovided the financial backbone for the development of the management plan.
Management Plan Writers:
This document was written by Kelley Arnold and Ron Arvidson.
DeSable Watershed Board of Directors (as of 2011):
Ron Arvidson
Angela LarterDarrin Dunsford
Harry SmithScott Arnold
Kelley Arnold
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INTRODUCTION
A Watershed is an area of land that catches rain and snow and drains or seeps into a marsh,
stream, river, lake or
groundwater. Watersheds may
contain such land uses ashomes, farms, ranches, towns,
and cities. They come in all
shapes and sizes and can crosscounty, provincial or
international borders. Some are
relatively small, as isDeSables, while others may
contain millions of square
kilometres.
The boundaries of a watershedare defined by topographical
features that drain into acommon point. Everything in
the defined area is
interconnected, and activitiesthat occur in the watershed can affect water quality of the whole region. The flow of water (both
groundwater and surface water) from higher to lower elevations may lead to cumulative effectsat the lowest points of the water flow; the lowest point is the mouth of the river or estuary.
DeSable-Argyle Shore residents met at a Strategic Planning Meeting on Oct. 6th, 2005, to
discuss environmental problems in the vicinity, including the ever-increasing pungency of theestuary. The DeSable River Enhancement and Activity Management (DREAM) group formed as
a result of this meeting, when residents from throughout the area decided that they would
volunteer to make improvements within the watershed.
THE DESABLE WATERSHED
DeSable is one of the surviving names of the old French Regime on Prince Edward Island
recorded by the French Census of 1752, meaning "Riviere de Sable" (River of Sand). DeSablewatershed drains the majority of Lot 29 (Meachum Atlas 1880).
DeSable watershed is a hilly, wedge-shaped land area in south-central PEI. The watershed
encompasses over 4177.5 Ha, is five kilometres wide near the Northumberland coast, andreaches inland more than 12 kilometres; this roughly follows Route 246 to Maplewood. It
encompasses portions of DeSable, South Melville, Hampton, Green Road, Appin Road, Kellys
Cross and Maplewood. At the estuary, visible from the DeSable Bridge on Route 1, thewatershed drains from the two arms of the DeSable River along with the unrelated Bells Creek.
Figure 1 Typical Watershed on P.E.I.
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Figure 2 DeSable Watershed
The history of the area can be traced back to the arrival of the first Island residents
approximately 10,000 years ago; the Paleo-Indians arrived via land bridge to forage and hunt on
the Island. About 5000 years ago, sea levels rose, and Prince Edward Island was created. Priorto Columbus, the Island was a part of the Mikmaq nation which represented the union of the
Atlantic Region, the Gaspe Peninsula and parts of Maine.
Prince Edward Island was discovered by Europeans after Jacques Cartier in 1534, but was not
permanently settled until the 18th century.
DeSable and the surrounding area has a history of being part of water mill country, beginning
with early Acadian settlement. According to Old DeSable by Clifton C. Ince (1975), there werethree mills built in the 1820s. These mills provided a variety of goods for the community,
including corn and wheat flour, oatmeal, carded wool, cloth, lumber and shingles. Mills were
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established on the east arm (Holms Pond) and west arm (Dixons Mill) of the DeSable River inthe 1800s; a third mill was built on Bells Creek in the 1820s. There were also at least three
mills upriver, one just north of the Green Road, and two on the main branch. Beers Mill was
located on the Sandy Point Road, and Dunsfords Mill was approximately three miles upstream.
FLORA AND FAUNA OF THE DESABLE WATERSHED
Wild birds, mammals, amphibians and other creatures are an integral part of the Island's
environment. Prior to European settlement, PEI shared most of the same species found in New
Brunswick and Nova Scotia; this included caribou, moose, Canada lynx, black bear, otter, andpine marten. By 1890, large scale land clearance resulted in the clearing of approximately 70%
of the Island for agriculture. Habitat loss, combined with few
game hunting regulations, caused the extirpation of caribou,
lynx and pine marten.
Presently throughout the DeSable watershed, one has the
opportunity to see many mammals that are common to the PEIlandscape; red fox, mink, raccoons and rodents can be seen
throughout Bonshaw, South Melville and Kellys Cross.
Coyotes were introduced on the island in the 1980s and are
now a common sight island wide. During DREAMs 2008winter project, Dan Buell reported seeing fresh footprints of a
bobcat (unverified).
The provincial government website claims about 333 speciesof birds reside, pass through during migration, or are
occasional/accidental visitors on Prince Edward Island. Since2006 the Maritime Breeding Bird Survey has taken placeacross the Island, and the DeSable river crosses through two of
the survey squares - Victoria and Kellys Cross. Since the survey, began at least 66 species have
been seen or are confirmed breeders in the watershed. Species include osprey, eagles, owls andhawks, as well as woods warblers and sparrows. The DeSable estuary attracts many migrants in
both spring and fall; some of the first geese to arrive on PEI arrive in DeSable. In the fall, a
number of migratory shorebirds can be seen in the estuary,
including lesser and greater yellowlegs, dowitchers,sandpipers and plovers. Interestingly, some of the first
visitors to Linden Hill Pond were pectoral and least
sandpipers.
There are as many as 1,300 different plants identified on
Prince Edward Island. A wide variety of them may befound within the watershed (many of these were noted andcompiled in the 2008 winter study). Our Provincial flower
is the stemless Ladys Slipper (Cypripedium acaule), and
Figure 3 Lady Slipper
Figure 4 Fish Caught during
Electrofishing, 2010
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is located in a variety of sites in DeSable.
The river, estuary, riparian zone, and woodlands of the area are home to many species of fish,
insects, amphibians, and snakes. Although most are familiar, many are still being studied to
determine their presence and lifestyle. DREAM Inc. is active in the study of these through
programs such as Community Aquatic Monitoring Program (CAMP), Canadian AquaticBiomonitoring Network (CABIN) and Discover your River/Adopt-a-River/Fish Habitat Watch
Out.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF DREAM
Watershed enhancement, preservation and restoration are ongoing processes; however, thanks to
the overwhelming support from the community, DREAM has many accomplishments to beproud of, some of which include:
Establishment of Linden Hill Pond for public enjoyment, improved habitat and silt
entrapment. Stream restoration with banks stabilized and flow enhanced
Removal of waste and refuse
Planted in excess of 1000 trees
Worked with the provincial government
(Transportation and Public Works) to improve roads,
stream crossings and reduce sedimentation
Conducted research and testing for water quality
and nutrient testing
Assessed the watershed to develop a StrategicPlan
Development of a Watershed Management Plan Enhancement of the the local economy throughemployment and purchases within the local area
Participation in the PEI Garden Show to promote
educational awareness of our watersheds
Conducted Birding the DeSable annually
Organized volunteer days to promote activities such as beach clean-up, tree planting etc
Organized public meetings and events
Published newsletters and promotional material, including a brochure for Linden Hill Pond
Hosted an electrofishing demonstration
Active member of the PEI Watershed Alliance
PLANNING PROCESS
The watershed planning process is community-driven and
requires support, opinions and knowledge of the residents of the
watershed. There is also a need for technical information from
provincial and federal government agents, knowledgeable
Figure 6 Linden Hill Pond
Figure 5 Electrofishing Demo, Fall 2010
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members of the local community, and experts from a variety of fields and sectors. There aremany good reasons to get involved in watershed planning. The process gives residents a voice in
protecting and restoring watershed resources that are important to the community, and is also an
excellent opportunity to learn more about watersheds and provide creative and innovativestrategies for dealing with the issues that matter.
Cooperation between all groups is essential in the development and execution of an effectivemanagement plan. This plan is the result of a series of community meetings, activities,
workshops, and kitchen table discussions held from 2005 onward. It reflects the vision, goals,
and objectives of the watershed community (residents and all other interested parties).
OVERALL GOALS
The overall goals established by DREAM are designed to help achieve its mission and visionlaid out by the founding members in 2005:
Goal 1: To create the healthiest possible watershed, containing pure, natural water and the bestpossible environment for fish and other wildlife;
Goal 2: to improve the depth, current and flow of the watersheds streams and rivers;
Goal 3: to establish an ongoing process of evaluating and repairing all aspects of the watershed
once initial restoration is complete;
Goal 4: to involve the maximum number of community members in the watershed improvement
process;
Goal 5: to educate the community and increase awareness of the importance of the DeSable
watershed, as well as how each member can contribute to its well being;
Goal 6: to identify and/or expand the number of usable public green spaces, outdoor recreational
areas, historical sites and safe trails for the benefit of the community;
Goal 7: to support and contribute to the economic vitality of the area;
Goal 8: to work with all influential parties, including provincial and federal representatives,ministers, government staff, and other watershed groups to expand the understanding and support
for watershed efforts; and
Goal 9: to continually improve and strengthen DREAMs organizational capabilities and
volunteer participation.
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ISSUES WITHIN THE DESABLE WATERSHED
Siltation/Erosion
Soil erosion is one of the most significant and widespread issues watersheds face on PEI.
Sediment originates from a wide variety of sources; examples can include runoff fromagricultural fields, residential and commercial development, forestry activities and infrastructure.Ponds, pools, springs, streams and estuaries are gradually being filled in, and these events are
having a devastating effect on the wildlife that inhabit DeSable, Kellys Cross, South Melville
etc. Feeding patterns are affected, and wildlife areas are slowly being suffocated. Bells Creek
and the DeSable estuary are two prime examples of this phenomenon.
As DeSable is located within a rural area, there are several tertiary roads composed of clay; in
the absence of check dams and sediment traps/ponds, these roads can be a significant cause ofsiltation during heavy rain events and spring melt. It is important to be in constant contact with
the Department of Highways to insert dams and ensure traps and ponds are maintained.
Sedimentation is also caused by erosion ofstreambanks through both natural and unnatural
flow of water. When a stream is straightened or
widened, streambank erosion increases.Accelerated streambank erosion is part of the
process as the stream seeks to reestablish a stable
size and pattern. Damaging or removing
streamside vegetation to the point where it nolonger provides for bank stability can also cause a
serious increase in erosion.
Response:
Stream enhancement and stream restoration are
two key activities that work towards alleviatingsome of the pressure on the watercourses and
estuary; however, these are only band-aid
solutions and do not stop the causes of siltation within the region. It is important to locate pointsources of sedimentation, and work with both the landowners and the province to eliminate the
problems. As employees and volunteers work throughout the watershed, they find and report any
evidence of siltation. Activities within the watershed have played a large part in sedimentation of
Bells Creek at the tail end of the river system, and although strides have been made in the recent
past, it is imperative that the DeSable watershed maintain a consistent dialogue with theprovincial government to ensure that these activities, and their impact on the environment, are
properly monitored.
Riparian Zones
Buffer and riparian zones are increasingly viewed as an effective and successful method of
combating soil erosion and watercourse siltation; the value of these zones cannot be understated.
Figure 7 Silt Deposits
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A buffer zone is a protected area alongside watercourses and wetlands. They protect Prince
Edward Islands water resources by filtering and assimilating contaminants from surface runoff
water...and provide valuable habitat for many species of wildlife and shade for streams(Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry, n.d.). As of 2008, the Department of
Environment changed the Watercourse and Wetland Protection Regulations, increasing thebuffer zone to 15 meters from the edge of the sediment bed. This is proving to be tremendouslysuccessful across the Island, as more previously farmed land is reverting back to a natural state
or is being planted by landowners and/or watershed groups.
Response:
It is important that all buffer and riparian zones throughout the watershed are assessed; thisinformation will serve as a baseline for future decisions made with regards to protecting and
enhancing DeSables precious buffer zones. DREAMs summer students, along with willing
volunteers, will continue to plant appropriate trees and shrubs along the streams to stabilizebanks and provide the roots necessary to minimize sedimentation and erosion.
Fish Habitat/Culverts
For populations to thrive, fish species require the capability of instream movement in each life
stage and in each season of the year. In many
rivers in Prince Edward Island, the principallimiting factor is the presence of
blockages to fish movements (Atlantic
Salmon Federation, 2009). DeSable is noexception; there are various blockages
throughout the watershed that prevent the
movement of fish upriver. This includes
beaver dams, heavy debris instream, andimproperly installed culverts or hanging
culverts.
Typically-used culverts are smooth or
corrugated metal tubes, and are used to
provide passage in low order streams. It hasbeen necessary to install culverts in order to construct roads, but the end result can be habitat
fragmentation, often leading to pockets of fish communities. This is especially evident in outfalls
of hanging culverts. Even a small drop (>6inches) can result in the inability of smelts to maketheir way upstream.
Response:Culverts should be placed low in the stream bed, in order for the water to flow through naturally.
Additionally, the bottom of smooth culverts should be roughed up with cement in order to slow
the water flow. Residents are very concerned with the lack of fish passage, and many have
commented on the low number of fish compared to the past.
Figure 8 Hanging Culvert, Black Creek
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Figure 9 Hanging Culverts in the DeSable Watershed
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One of DREAMs fundamental goals is the long-term improvement of fish habitat, and this willbe successful with the continued partnership between the watershed group, Department of
Transportation and the Department of Environment; this will be necessary for the successful
reintegration of fish species into the upper reaches of the DeSable River. Fish monitoring shouldalso be implemented within the watershed.
DREAM annually participates in C.A.M.P. (CommunityAquatic Monitoring Program); CAMP was established in
2003 and offers guidance to watershed groups who wish to
monitor the health and productivity of their water
ecosystems. Using Department of Fisheries and Oceans
(DFO) monitoring programs, DeSable is able to use ascientific approach for determining the health of is
watershed. From May September, local volunteers assist
DFO employees in collecting data using beach seines thatcapture and release live fish and crustaceans. Information
is gathered, such as identification and numbers of these
species, water chemistry, and sediment and water samples.This is then used to recognize the cause of water changes and help put an action plan into place.
This has proved invaluable for DeSable, as CAMP is solely focused on coastal and estuarine
environments, where DeSable has seen major decreases in quality over the last 20 years.
Nitrates
For over 30 years PEI has seen an increase in the level of nitrates across the province; this isevident in both groundwater and surface water (i.e. streams, rivers and estuaries). These sources
of water are vital components of the environment, and are home to a wide variety of wildlife anda source of enjoyment for residents and tourists alike. According to the Guidelines for Canada
Drinking Water Quality, the maximum acceptable concentration for nitrate is 10 milligrams perlitre (mg/L); many samples on PEI were tested at a level far above this level.
Nitrates have various effects on the environment; these include eutrophication (abundant growth
of plants, leading to a decline in water quality and oxygen levels) and a subsequent loss ofaquatic life and financial losses for those who rely on the water for their livelihoods.
Eutrophication is aesthetically unpleasant; the DeSable estuary emits a strong smell during
several months of the year. Estuary problems are causing not only offense to nearby residents,but also to visitors. This can have direct economic consequence to local business, a situation that
is ever-intensifying.
Figure 10 C.A.M.P. - Fish Counting in
2008
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Response:DREAM hosted a nitrate clinic in August 2008, inviting residents to test their water to determine
nitrate levels within the watershed. The results were as follows:
Figure 11 Nitrate Levels 2008
Date Location
of Clinic
Total
Samples
% Range (mg/L NO3-N)
10
August
14, 2009
Kellys
Cross
97 12 60 18 9 1
Although only one sample was above the acceptable limit for drinking water, it was evident there
were several samples with higher than normal nitrates; this led to annual water samplingthroughout the watershed by members of the DREAM board of directors, as well as summer
students. DREAM will continue to monitor nitrates in the hopes that their restorative efforts will
result the lowering of levels within the DeSable watershed in the future.
Beavers
Beavers are a species which can significantly alter habitat and impact their surroundingenvironment. This has become a serious problem on PEI, and many watershed groups are facing
a losing battle with beavers and beaver dams within their drainage basins. An integrated
management approach will be necessary to deal with the beaver issue within the watershed, andsubsequently maintain a diverse, healthy and
productive area for wildlife and humans alike.
Beavers construct dams for protection and to
gain access to food. They can provide habitatfor birds, fish and mammals, create nursery
areas for trout, and act as a natural water
purifier. However, they can block streams and
culverts, prevent fish passage, and alter watertemperatures. Trappers licenses are required to
trap beavers, and permission must be granted to
go into a stream and remove active/abandoneddams. Failure to comply with the government
can lead to charges and fines.
Response:
DREAM has been unable to access the beaver dams on the river as of 2010; landowners have
prevented the group from assessing the dam in order to develop measures to deal with theproblem. It is the hopes of the group that future negotiations will result in the implementation of
a beaver policy on the DeSable River.
Figure 12 Beaver
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TrailsTrails provide a variety of environmental, social and health benefits to a community; trails and
greenways improve air and water quality, and an easily accessible and comprehensive set of
trails can provide opportunities for activity that improves physical and mental health. Byprotecting land along rivers and streams, trails can help minimise erosion and can filter runoff
from agriculture and development. A nature trail can be an effective tool for environmentalawareness and education, and trail users can observe nature more directly.
Response:
Residents have expressed a deep desire to build up and/or expand trail systems throughout the
watershed, and DREAM will continue to seek landowner permission and support for thedevelopment of trails throughout the area.
Invasive Species
DeSable watershed is home to some of the most beautiful species of flora and fauna seen on
Prince Edward Island; all one has to do is walk along the stream or sit quietly by the coast towitness the wonder of nature. Unfortunately, the watershed has also become home for some
invasive species, the most common types being purple loosestrife and Japanese knotweed. These
are plants that, due to lack of controlling factors, can replace
important native plant species. Future vigilance is the key to
controlling new species in the area. Other invasive species thatare impacting the Island ecology are Scotch pine, garlic
mustard and glossy buckthorn; insects include European rose
slug and gypsy moth.
Response:
An area of considerableconcern is that of the native species of PEI that are at risk of being lost.DeSable can participate in some of the citizen science that contribute information useful to
scientists on how and why changes are occurring in PEIs natural environment. Participation in
these projects is educational and helps develop new skills. Some of the monitoring projectsinclude: Plantwatch Prince Edward Island, the Maritime Breeding Bird Atlas, the new Maritime
Butterfly Atlas and Frogwatch. Information regarding these projects is readily available on the
internet or through various interest groups.
Linden Hill Pond
This area was home to a pond many years ago, and was recentlyexcavated (2008) due to the generosity of time and materials from
surrounding communities, individuals, institutions, and businesses.
The pond now stands at over 100 feet long and 40 feet at its widestpoint. The soil removed during excavation was levelled into a high
flat area, creating a place for seating. Hundreds of trees have beenplanted and the water that flows into the pond is crystal clear and a
haven for blue heron and other wildlife.
Figure 14 Linden Hill Pond
Excavation
Figure 13 Japanese Knotwood
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Response:
There has been much discussion since 2008, as to whether this pond will be left to return to a
natural state, or should be turned into a recreational area. Both sides of the issue have been heard,and it will be up to the community to decide the fate of Linden
Hill Pond. However, regardless of the outcome, Linden Hill willremain a hotspot for various species of wildlife and an area to
witness the tremendous resilience of nature.
VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Some opportunities for environmental improvements might include:
(a) better communication to and between watershed groups to make them aware of what is
available to individual groups in a clear concise and timely fashion so they might access funds,personnel, businesses etc., to help achieve their goals.
(b) greater awareness in the general public to what the regulations are for trespassing, insurance,
claims and liabilities; this is particularly relevant when landowners consider offering their
properties for enhancement, trails, studies, nature walks, school groups, etc.
...vision for the future is not going to happen without dedication on the part of community and
government... (Cindy Newson, resident). DREAMs vision is that of a healthy set of tributariesand an estuary that is able to flush normal levels of sediment out of the watershed. It is evident
by the survey responses that DREAM exists not only to perform restoration activities, but to
provide leadership and direction for residents to ensure the watershed is improved andmaintained for future generations (Leigh Farrar, resident).
All stakeholders in the region should be engaged and involved in the watershed process; thisincludes members of agriculture, fisheries, forestry, landowners and wildlife. It is only when all
members of the community are on the same page that true stewardship and improvement can
begin.
Figure 15 Linden Hill Pond
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APPENDIX A REFERENCES AND RESOURCES
A Guide to Watershed Planning, PEI Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry
Buffer Zones, PEI Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry
Old DeSable by Clifton C. Ince, 1975 produced by DeSable Womens Institute
http://www.allaboutbirds.org
http://enature.com/home/
http://www.ec.gc.ca/eau-water
http://www.gov.pe.ca/infopei
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/http://www.allaboutbirds.org/http://enature.com/home/http://enature.com/home/http://www.ec.gc.ca/eau-waterhttp://www.ec.gc.ca/eau-waterhttp://www.gov.pe.ca/infopeihttp://www.gov.pe.ca/infopeihttp://www.nationalgeographic.com/http://www.nationalgeographic.com/http://www.nationalgeographic.com/http://www.gov.pe.ca/infopeihttp://www.ec.gc.ca/eau-waterhttp://enature.com/home/http://www.allaboutbirds.org/ -
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APPENDIX B GLOSSERY OF TERMS AND COMMON ACRONYMS
Acadian Forest presence of red spruce is characteristic but not exclusive to the Acadian forestregion, as well as yellow birch, red oak, sugar maple, white and red pine, American beech, and
eastern hemlock. In low land areas, black spruce, larch and red maple are common. Other speciesof note are white spruce, white elm, white ash, white and grey birch, eastern white cedar andpoplar.
Anoxic conditions in a body of water where oxygen level are low or absent. Such conditions
are detrimental to most forms of aquatic life.
Brushmat a device built into a stream bed that is used to settle silt out of water and stabilize
the bank; a brushmat is made of spruce boughs or old Christmas trees, stakes and twine/jute
Buffer Zone 15 meter strip of land adjacent to watercourses, coastlines, and wetlands
primarily aimed at maintaining good water quality, controlling erosion and providing wildlifehabitat.
C.A.M.P. Community Aquatic Monitoring Program
CSJ Canada Summer Jobs, federal funding program for summer staff
DEEF PEI Department of Environment Energy and Forestry
EcoAction federal funding program
Ecosystem system formed by the interaction of a community of organisms with their
environment
EDA- Employment Development Agency; provides funding for summer staff via Jobs for Youth
and Special Projects Program. This is applied for through the Watershed Management Fund
Enhancement strengthening and repairing stream banks, as well as recreating the natural
shape of the watercourse; this is conducted by summer staff and volunteers
Estuary the area between stream and sea where fresh and salt water mixes; often called the
nurseries of the sea
Eutrophication having waters rich in mineral and organic matter will promote a proliferation
of plant life, primarily algae, which reduces the dissolved oxygen (DO) and it detrimental to
most forms of aquatic life
Fish Passage ability of fish to complete life cycle migration upstream
Forest Enhancement Program provincial program designed to make landowners aware of the
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potential of their forest land through the development of a forest management plan. Wildlife,recreation, and biodiversity are all increased through this program
Greening Spaces Program fund granted through the DEEF (see above). A variety of Acadianforest species of trees and shrubs are available through the nursery for buffer zone and
windbreak plantings
In-Kind a donation of volunteers time; this may also be travel expenses/time or materials
given to the organization. Funding partners almost always wish their funds to be matched with
cash and volunteerism. Board members are asked to log their in-kind hours
Invasive Plants species not native to PEI
Nitrates water soluble form of nitrogen and one of two primary nutrients to limit aquatic
productivity on PEI. Nitrate enters groundwater primarily through percolation. Extreme levelscan lead to excessive growths of vegetation and anoxic conditions
Nutrient Management an agricultural technique that involves applying manure and/orfertilizer at a rate that will meet crop requirements without leaving unused nutrients behind
Permits (landowner) issued by landowners to DREAM to access streams, buffer zones etc.
located on their land
Recharge total amount of groundwater that recharges a watershed on an annual basis
Restoration conducted by summer staff and volunteers in the watercourses within the
watershed; refers to the returning of an area to a natural and undisturbed state
Sediment loose clay, sand and silt that settle at the bottom of a body of water. Sediment can
come from erosion, or the decomposition of plants and animals. The primary concern of mostwatershed groups on PEI
Water Budget the total quantity of groundwater available, usually calculated on a watershedbasis
Watershed all land on PEI can be divided into areas called watersheds. Each watershed
consists of all the land that surface water and groundwater flows over or through to get to aparticular river or stream. Watershed boundaries are high points of land where water flows into
distinct waterways at lower elevations
Watershed Alliance an affiliation of groups representing common interests of all PEI
watershed groups; established in 2008
Watershed Planning a community-driven process of managing natural resources, particularly
water, to ensure environmental, economic and social sustainability
Wetland and Watercourse Alteration Permits issued by DEEF for virtually any restoration
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activity performed in streams or within the 15 meter buffer zone. Applications must be submittedannually, and expire September 30 of each year
WMF - Watershed Management Fund; responsible for core funding for most groups on PEI.Applied through DEEF