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SITE INVESTIGATION REPORT Windsor Solar Project November 2014

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Page 1: Windsor Solar Project - samsungrenewableenergy.ca · Project components, including solar modules and electrical facilities such as inverters, transformers, substations and electrical

SITE INVESTIGATION REPORT Windsor Solar Project

November 2014

Page 2: Windsor Solar Project - samsungrenewableenergy.ca · Project components, including solar modules and electrical facilities such as inverters, transformers, substations and electrical

Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report

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Table of Contents

Page

1. Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1

2. The Proponent ................................................................................................................................. 4

3. Project Location ............................................................................................................................... 5

4. Results of Records Review ............................................................................................................... 8

5. Site Investigation Purpose ............................................................................................................... 9

6. Site Investigation Methodology ..................................................................................................... 10

6.1 Ecological Land Classification ............................................................................................ 11

6.2 Wetland Boundary Delineation ........................................................................................ 12

6.3 Woodland Boundary Delineation ..................................................................................... 12

6.4 Wildlife Habitat Identification Survey ............................................................................... 12

6.4.1 Incidental Wildlife Surveys................................................................................... 13

6.5 Name and Qualifications of Site Investigators .................................................................. 13

7. Site Investigation Results ............................................................................................................... 14

7.1 Site Investigation Dates, Times, Duration, and Weather Conditions ............................... 14

7.2 Natural Features ............................................................................................................... 15

7.2.1 Ecological Land Classification Results .................................................................. 15

7.2.2 Wetlands .............................................................................................................. 17

7.2.3 Woodlands ........................................................................................................... 17

7.2.4 Wildlife Habitat .................................................................................................... 19

8. Summary of Amendments to the Records Review ........................................................................ 45

9. Conclusions .................................................................................................................................... 48

10. References ..................................................................................................................................... 51

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List of Figures

Figure 1: General Location of Windsor Solar Project in Ontario .................................................................. 3

Figure 2: Project Location ............................................................................................................................. 6

Figure 3: Natural Heritage Assessment Records Review Mapping ............................................................... 7

Figure 4: Ecological Land Classification ....................................................................................................... 17

Figure 5: Wetlands, Woodlands and Wildlife Habitat ................................................................................ 18

Figure 6: Site Investigation .......................................................................................................................... 46

List of Tables

Table 1: Summary of Natural Heritage Assessment Records Review Determination .................................. 8

Table 2: Overview of Methods Employed During the Site Investigation of Natural Features.................... 11

Table 3: Name and Qualifications of Site Investigator................................................................................ 13

Table 4: Site Investigation Dates, Times, Duration and Weather Conditions ............................................. 15

Table 5: Description of ELC Communities Documented within 300 m of the Windsor Solar Project ........ 15

Table 6: Candidate Wildlife Habitat in the Project Location and Surrounding 50 m based on Records

Review and Site Investigation ..................................................................................................................... 20

Table 7: Summary of Amendments to the Records Review ....................................................................... 47

Table 8: Identified Natural Features within 50 m of the Project Location ................................................. 49

List of Appendices

Appendix A: Field Notes

Appendix B: Site Photographs

Appendix C: Species

Appendix C1: Species Tables

Table C1-1: Vascular Plant Bryophyte Species Identified as Potentially Occurring in the General Area of the Project Location Table C1-2: Wildlife Species Identified as Potentially Occurring in the General Area of the Project Location Appendix C2: Species Codes

Page 4: Windsor Solar Project - samsungrenewableenergy.ca · Project components, including solar modules and electrical facilities such as inverters, transformers, substations and electrical

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1. INTRODUCTION

Windsor Solar LP proposes to develop a solar facility with a maximum name plate capacity of

50 megawatts alternating current (MWac), located on the Windsor International Airport property in the

City of Windsor, Ontario. The Windsor International Airport is owned by the City of Windsor and

operated by Your Quick Gateway (Windsor) Inc. (YQG). The renewable energy facility will be known as

the Windsor Solar Project (the “Project”).

Windsor Solar LP has initiated the Project with the Ontario Power Authority. The Project will require

approval under Ontario Regulation 359/09 (O. Reg. 359/09) – Renewable Energy Approval (REA) under

Part V.0.1 of the Ontario Environmental Protection Act.

Ontario Regulation 359/09 requires that all renewable energy projects conduct a site investigation for all

natural heritage features that fall within the Project Location or the prescribed setback area (REA

Section 26). This Natural Heritage Assessment (NHA) Site Investigation Report was completed in partial

fulfillment of the regulatory requirements for the REA process (as detailed in Table 1). All known natural

features within the Project Location and prescribed setback area have been outlined in the NHA Records

Review Report for this Project. These reports will be submitted to the Ministry of Natural Resources and

Forestry (MNRF) for review and comment, as required in Ontario Regulation 359/09. Discussion of

Species at Risk, fish habitat and other information needs, as outlined in the MNRF’s Approval and

Permitting Requirements Document (APRD) for Renewable Energy (MNRF 2009), are discussed in

separate reports, under direction from the MNRF and in compliance with the REA and other applicable

legislation.

Table 1: Checklist for Requirements under O. Reg. 359/09 – Natural Heritage Assessment – Site Investigation

Required Documentation Location in Report

A site investigation in accordance with the Table in section 26 of O. Reg. 359/09 was conducted, either by visiting the site or by an alternative investigation of the site, for the purpose of determining:

(a) whether the results of the analysis summarized in the “records review” report are correct or require correction, and identifying any required corrections;

Table 7: Summary of

Amendments to the Records

Review

(b) whether any additional natural features exist, other than those that were identified in the “records review” report

Table 7: Summary of

Amendments to the Records

Review

(c) the boundaries, located within 50 or 120 metres of the Project Location, of any natural feature that was identified in the records review or the site investigation; and

Figure 6: Site Investigation

(d) the distance from the Project Location to the boundaries determined under clause (c).

Figure 6: Site Investigation

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Required Documentation Location in Report

A report was prepared and submitted to the Ministry of Natural Resources that sets out the following:

(a) A summary of any corrections to the “records review” report and the determinations made as a result of conducting the site investigation.

Table 7: Summary of

Amendments to the Records

Review

(b) Information establishing the type of each natural feature identified in the records review and in the site investigation.

Section 7, Site Investigation

Results

(c) A map showing,

i. the boundaries located within 50 or 120 metres of the Project Location, of any natural feature that was identified in the records review or the site investigation,

ii. the location and type of each natural feature identified in relation to the Project Location, and

iii. the distance from the Project Location to the boundaries determined under clause 1 (d) above.

Figure 6: Site Investigation

(d) A summary of methods used to make observations for the purposes of the site investigation.

Section 6, Site Investigation

Methodology

(e) The name and qualifications of any person conducting the site investigation.

Section 6.5, Name and

Qualifications of Site Investigators

(f) If investigation was conducted by visiting the site:

i. The dates and times of the beginning and completion of the site investigation,

ii. The duration of the site investigation,

iii. The weather conditions during the site investigation, and

iv. Field notes kept by the person conducting the site investigation.

Section 7.1, Site Investigation Dates, Times, Duration, and Weather Conditions

Appendix A

(g) If an alternative investigation of the site was conducted:

i. The dates of the generation of the data used in the site investigation, and

ii. An explanation of why the person who conducted the alternative investigation determined that it was not reasonable to conduct the site investigation by visiting the site.

N/A

Page 6: Windsor Solar Project - samsungrenewableenergy.ca · Project components, including solar modules and electrical facilities such as inverters, transformers, substations and electrical

_̂Project Location

U.S.A.

L A K E E R I E

L A K E S T . C L A I R

']

'z

WINDSOR

CHATHAM

SARNIA

LONDON

LEAMINGTON

COUNTY ROAD 42

WINDSOR SOLAR PROJECT

FIGURE 1GENERAL PROJECT LOCATION

0 10 205 km ²MAP DRAWING INFORMATION:DATA PROVIDED BY MNRMAP CREATED BY: GMMAP CHECKED BY: MBMAP PROJECTION: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 17N

FILE LOCATION: I:\GIS\149152 - Samsung Windsor\mxd\PDR

PROJECT: 149152STATUS: DRAFTDATE: 9/22/2014

1:500,000

%±%Ð

%z

%z

%Ò%Ð

%]

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Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report

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2. THE PROPONENT

Windsor Solar LP is coordinating and managing the approvals process for the Project. Windsor Solar LP is

located at 2050 Derry Road, 2nd Floor, Mississauga, ON, L5N 0B9 (1-866-236-5040). Dillon Consulting

Limited (Dillon) has been retained by Windsor Solar LP to prepare the REA application for the Project.

The contact at Dillon is:

Full Name of Company: Dillon Consulting Limited

Prime Contact: Bruce McAllister, Project Manager

Address: 10 Fifth Street South, Chatham, Ontario, N7M 4V4

Telephone: (519) 354-7802 x3314

Fax: (519) 354-2050

Email: [email protected]

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3. PROJECT LOCATION

The proposed Class 3 Solar Facility is to be located within the YQG, Windsor International Airport

property, in the City of Windsor. The overall optioned lands available for development consist of

approximately 175 hectares (432 acres) and the proposed Project Location is generally bounded by

Rhodes Drive to the north, Division Road to the south, Lauzon Parkway to the east, and Walker Road to

the west. Of the optioned lands, approximately 128.3 hectares (317 acres) will be occupied by

components to make up the Project. The geographic coordinates of the centroid of the proposed Project

Location are as follows:

Latitude: 42° 16’ 43.07” N

Longitude: 82° 56’ 9.56” W

Figure 1 shows the general location of the Project in Southwestern Ontario. The Project Location is

defined in Ontario Regulation 359/09 to be “a part of land and all or part of any building or structure in,

on or over which a person is engaging in or proposes to engage in the Project”. The Project Location as

currently shown on Figure 2 identifies the maximum buildable area and will be further refined around

the project components in the final reports. Figure 2 includes 50 m, 120 m and 300 m setbacks from the

Project Location. Each setback distance is applicable to various components of the REA process. The 300

m setback is shown in the mapping for reference in the Construction Plan Report and other required REA

reports only. Where space is shown between the fencelines and the Project Location boundary, this has

been reserved to accommodate areas of operational flexibility for the Project (ex. stormwater measures,

temporary laydown areas, etc.). Setback development prohibitions for solar facilities are outlined in Part

V, Sections 37 and 38 of Ontario Regulation 359/09 (revised in November 2012).

Project components, including solar modules and electrical facilities such as inverters, transformers,

substations and electrical lines, will be located on Windsor International Airport lands owned by the City

of Windsor and operated by YQG. The results of the analysis and determinations made in the records

review regarding known natural features are mapped on Figure 3. The planned solar facility will occur

on lands designated as “Airport”, and “Future Employment Area” by the City of Windsor Official Plan

(2013; see Appendix A1).

Page 9: Windsor Solar Project - samsungrenewableenergy.ca · Project components, including solar modules and electrical facilities such as inverters, transformers, substations and electrical

&,

#*

E C ROW EXPRESSWAY

E C ROW EXPRESSWAY

COUNTY ROAD 42

LAU

ZON

PARKW

AY

RHODES DRIVE

NORTH SERVICE ROAD EAST

CO

NC

ESS

ION

RO

AD

9

JEFFERSON

BO

ULEVA

RD

JEFFERSON

RD.

PILETTE RD

.

SHO

OTIN

G R

AN

GE RD

.

LAU

ZON

ROA

D

M UN ICH COURTSER VIC

ERO

AD

SOUTH

TWIN OAKS DRIVE

SERVICE ROAD SOUTH

WINDSOR SOLAR PROJECT

FIGURE 2PROJECT LOCATION

0 100 200 30050 m ²MAP DRAWING INFORMATION:DATA PROVIDED BY MNRMAP CREATED BY: GMMAP CHECKED BY: JPMAP PROJECTION: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 17N

FILE LOCATION: I:\GIS\149152 - Samsung Windsor\mxd\Records Review\

PROJECT: 149152STATUS: DRAFTDATE: 11/13/2014

1:10,000

_̂ Project Location

U.S.A.

LAKE ERIE

LAKE ST. CLAIR

WINDSORCHATHAM

SARNIA

LONDON

%] %±

%z

Access Road

Solar Panel Row

#* Communication Tower

&, Point of Common Coupling

Fence

Operations & Maintenance Building

MV Station

Substation Transformer

Substation Yard

Temporary Laydown Area

Railway

Permanent / Intermittent Stream

Ephemeral Stream

Project Location

Project Location 50 m Setback

Project Location 120 m Setback

Project Location 300 m Setback

Parcel Boundary

Page 10: Windsor Solar Project - samsungrenewableenergy.ca · Project components, including solar modules and electrical facilities such as inverters, transformers, substations and electrical

Windsor Airport Swamps (ER 23)

Rivard Drain

L ittle

River

McGill Drain

Rusette Drain

Branch of Rusette Drain

Lappan Drain

Rusette Drain

M

cGill Drain

Lappan Drain

Windsor Airport Swamps (ER 23)

E C ROW EXPRESSWAY

E C ROW EXPRESSWAY

COUNTY ROAD 42

LAUZON

PARKWAY

CON

CES

SIO

N R

OA

D 1

0

RHODES DRIVE

NORTH SERVICE ROAD EAST

CON

CESS

ION

RO

AD

9

WINDSOR SOLAR PROJECT

FIGURE 3RECORDS REVIEW

0 100 200 30050 m ²MAP DRAWING INFORMATION:DATA PROVIDED BY MNR

MAP CREATED BY: GMMAP CHECKED BY: JPMAP PROJECTION: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 17N

FILE LOCATION: I:\GIS\149152 - Samsung Windsor\mxd\Records Review\

PROJECT: 149152

STATUS: DRAFT

DATE: 8/19/2014

1:10,500

_̂ Project Location

U.S.A.

LAKE ERIE

LAKE ST. CLAIR

WINDSORCHATHAM

SARNIALONDON

%] %±

%z

Freeway

Arterial Road

Collector Road

Minor Road

Ramp

Railway

Permanent / Intermittent Stream

Ephemeral Stream

Project Location

Project Location 50 m Setback

Project Location 120 m Setback

Project Location 300 m Setback

Parcel Boundary

Provincially Significant Wetland

Woodland (Airport Woodlands Environmentally Significant Area #39)

Pond

Jefferson Woodlot

Shooting Range Woodlot

East Perimeter Woods

St. Louis Woods

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4. RESULTS OF RECORDS REVIEW

As shown on Figure 3, a records review was completed according to Section 25 of Ontario Regulation

359/09. A summary of the determinations made during the records review is outlined in Table 2.

Table 2: Summary of Natural Heritage Assessment Records Review Determination

Natural Feature ID Source of Information

Evaluation Status Distance Relative to Project Location

Carried Forward to Site

Investigation? Y/N

Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves

No known features identified within the Project Location or adjacent lands within 120 m N

ANSI, Life Science

No known features identified within the Project Location or adjacent lands within 120 m N

ANSI, Earth Science

No known features identified within the Project Location or adjacent lands within 120 m N

Wetlands

Unevaluated Southern Wetlands

LIO Mapping Unevaluated None within 120 m Y

Windsor Airport Swamps

LIO Mapping Provincially Significant Wetland

Within 120 m of the Project Location

Y

Woodlands

Airport Woodlands LIO Mapping Previously evaluated as Significant

Within 120 m of the Project Location

Y

Wildlife Habitat

Seasonal Concentration Areas

No known features identified within the Project Location or adjacent lands within 120 m Y

Rare Vegetation Communities

No known features identified within the Project Location or adjacent lands within 120 m Y

Specialised Wildlife Habitat

No known features identified within the Project Location or adjacent lands within 120 m Y

Habitat of Species of Conservation Concern

No known features identified within the Project Location or adjacent lands within 120 m; Species with the potential to occur in the general area are identified in Appendix C1.

Y

Animal Movement Corridors

No known features identified within the Project Location or adjacent lands within 120 m Y

Provincial Plan Areas

None applicable to the Project Location or setback areas N

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5. SITE INVESTIGATION PURPOSE

This site investigation report was completed to analyze the accuracy of the determinations made in

the records review. It is consistent with Section 26 of Ontario Regulation 359/09, which states that a

person who proposes to engage in a [solar] renewable energy Project shall ensure that a physical

investigation of the air, land and water within 50 m of the Project Location is conducted for the

purpose of determining:

Whether the results of the analysis summarized in the report prepared under subsection 25

(3) [NHA Records Review Report] are correct or require correction, and identifying any

required corrections;

Whether any additional natural features exist, other than those that were identified in the

report prepared under subsection 25 (3) [NHA Records Review Report];

The boundaries, located within 50 m of the Project Location, of any natural feature that was

identified in the records review or the site investigation; and,

The distance from the Project Location to the boundaries [of the natural feature].

Species at Risk listed under the federal Species at Risk Act and provincial Endangered Species Act, 2007,

with the potential to interact with the Project Location and/or adjacent lands, are being considered in

consultation with the appropriate agency. Reporting related to the protection of Species at Risk is being

provided to the appropriate agency under separate cover.

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6. SITE INVESTIGATION METHODOLOGY

Based on analysis of the resources and records searched in the NHA Records Review Report, the

determinations made with respect to natural features were the subject of multiple site investigations of

the Project Location. These site investigations were also conducted to identify natural features not

identified during the records review. Where possible, site investigations focused on those areas within

50 m of Project components.

Table 3 outlines the method and/or procedure followed in order to determine the presence, absence

and/or extent of a natural feature in the Project Location or 50 m setback. An outline of these methods

is provided in greater detail in Sections 6.1 to 6.4.

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Table 3: Overview of Methods Employed During the Site Investigation of Natural Features

Feature

Source of Information/Data

Co

nsu

ltat

ion

/

Re

cord

s

Re

vie

w

ELC

We

tlan

d

De

line

atio

n

Wild

life

Hab

itat

Map

pin

g

Inci

de

nta

l

Ve

geta

tio

n/

Wild

life

Surv

ey

Wetlands

Woodlands

Wildlife Habitat

6.1 Ecological Land Classification

During field investigations, vegetation was characterized using the Ecological Land Classification

System (ELC) for Southern Ontario (Lee et al. 1998). Where present, vegetation community

boundaries were determined through the review of aerial photography, and then further

refined through on-site field studies. Field studies involved identifying the dominant species for

each vegetation cover type based on visual estimates of species abundances. The ELC system

methodology recommends that a vegetation community be a minimum of 0.5 ha in size before

it is defined.

Vegetation communities have been mapped on aerial photography according to ELC

nomenclature to graphically represent the specific spatial pattern in the vegetation cover

according to species composition, physiognomy, and physical site characteristics. ELC

information was used to identify treed communities. Areas of anthropogenic uses such as

agriculture and urban land uses were also mapped to provide a complete account of existing

conditions within the Project Location. Where site access was restricted, classification of

vegetation communities was completed to the ecosite level, using air photo interpretation.

Soil profiles for ELC involved the examination of a 120 cm hand auger soil profiles. This allowed

for the description of soil texture and site moisture characteristics which influence plant

distributions and the resulting vegetation communities. Other physical traits such as

topography and slope aspect were also noted within each community.

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6.2 Wetland Boundary Delineation

Wetlands found within the Project Location are required to be surveyed using protocols outlined

in the Southern Manual of the Ontario Wetland Evaluation System (MNRF 2002) and are to be

carried out by a MNRF certified evaluator. Wetlands within the 50 m setback area may be

assumed provincially significant and assessed using Appendix C of the Natural Heritage

Assessment Guide for Renewable Energy Projects (MNRF 2012). Applicable wetland boundaries

within 50 m of the Project Location, or in close proximity to this setback, were delineated on

accessible lands using the tracking function of a GPS unit. The wetland boundaries were

delineated by following wetland indicator species and determining where vegetation consisted

of 50 percent wetland species and 50 percent upland species in accordance with the Ontario

Wetland Evaluation System Southern Manual (MNRF 2013). Wetlands were then classified

according to the dominant vegetation form.

6.3 Woodland Boundary Delineation

As detailed in the NHA Records Review Report, a search and analysis of the records and

resources identified woodlands previously evaluated as significant within 120 m of the Project

Location. The focus of the woodlands site investigation was to document the boundaries of

woodland features identified during the records review and to determine if additional woodland

features were present. Although these woodlands were previously reported to be evaluated as

significant by other sources (City of Windsor 2008), should the woodlands fall within 50 m of the

Project Location they will be evaluated using the evaluation criteria required by the MNRF and

outlined in the Natural Heritage Assessment Guide for Renewable Energy Projects (MNRF 2012).

The woodland boundary was delineated along the edge of the drip-line. Woodlands that were

separated by more than 20 m are considered to be separate woodlands. Woodland interior was

determined by applying a 100 m buffer from the woodland edge and calculating the area. If a

woodland was determined to be within 50 m of the Project Location, information about the

attributes and composition of the woodlands will be summarized from data collected and

recorded in the field during ELC assessment.

6.4 Wildlife Habitat Identification Survey

The potential presence of wildlife habitat in the Project Location and adjacent lands, applicable

to Eco-region 7E, was assessed using the criteria outlined in Sections 4 – 7 and Appendix M, N,

and Q of the Significant Wildlife Habitat Technical Guide (MNRF 2000) and the associated Eco-

region Criteria Schedule (MNRF 2012). This included further characterization of the Project

Location and lands within 50 m for the presence of necessary habitat structure (e.g. permanent

open water for green frogs, etc.) as well as habitat of appropriate size, shape and structure (e.g.

interior forest) reasonably required for candidate significant wildlife habitat to occur; as well as

further investigation of ELC communities correlating to wildlife habitat listed in the Significant

Wildlife Habitat 7E Ecoregion Criterion Schedule (MNR 2012) to determine any candidate

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significant wildlife habitat. Criteria pertaining to each individual habitat type which were used in

identification of candidate significant wildlife habitat are provided in Table 7 in Section 7.2.4.

6.4.1 Incidental Wildlife Surveys

Incidental observations of vegetation, birds, herpetozoa, mammal and invertebrate species

were recorded during all phases of fieldwork to assist in the identification of candidate wildlife

habitat within the Project Location and 50 m setback.

6.5 Name and Qualifications of Site Investigators

The names and qualifications of all site investigators are outlined in Table 4 below. All site

investigators listed below have been involved with the Project since the initiation of this work

and have been involved in numerous renewable energy projects that are seeking or have

approval under Ontario Regulation 359/09.

Table 4: Name and Qualifications of Site Investigator

Name: Richard Baxter

Degrees and Professional

Designations:

B.Sc. (Resource Management- Fish and Wildlife), University of Northern British Columbia (2007)

Fish and Wildlife Technician Diploma, Sir Sandford Fleming College (2001)

ISA Certified Arborist (member- Ontario Chapter)

Affiliated with Ontario Field Ornithologists, Ontario Field Botanists, and Ontario Nature

Years of Experience 13 (over 30 renewable energy projects)

Project Role: ELC

Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat Surveys

Wetland Delineation

Incidental Wildlife Observations

Certifications: Ecological Land Classification for Southern Ontario (2009)

Ontario Wetland Evaluation System Certification (2011)

MNRF Bat Maternity Colony Training (2012)

MNRF Renewable Energy Approvals Natural Heritage Process Workshop (2011)

MNRF Wind Energy and Bats Seminar (2010)

Butternut Health Assessor Certification (2014)

Affiliated with Ontario Field Ornithologists, Ontario Field Botanists, and Ontario Nature

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7. SITE INVESTIGATION RESULTS

In addition to assessing if the results of the NHA Records Review Report were correct or required

amendments, information relating to each natural feature within the Project Location and surrounding

50 m was collected, including the type, attributes, composition and function of the features. Site

investigation information presented in the sections below details the presence, absence or non-

detection of natural features, species and habitat identified during the records review as well as the

potential for additional natural features. All field notes from the site investigation work are included in

Appendix A.

7.1 Site Investigation Dates, Times, Duration, and Weather Conditions

As outlined in Table 5, site investigations of the Project Location were undertaken over a period of 3 months. The details of each site investigation completed in accordance with REA Section 26(3) are provided in Table 5 and should be read concurrently with Table 4.

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Table 5: Site Investigation Dates, Times, Duration and Weather Conditions

Date (2014)

Survey Type

Site

Inve

stig

ato

r

Star

t Ti

me

Du

rati

on

(h

ou

rs)

Weather Conditions (Field Observations)

Weather Conditions (EC* Station)

Air

Te

mp

. (oC

)

Win

d

(Be

aufo

rt S

cale

)

Clo

ud

Co

ver

(%)

Ave

rage

Air

Tem

p. (

oC

)

Win

d S

pe

ed

/

Dir

ect

ion

)

Pre

cip

itat

ion

(mm

)

April 29 Survey for Candidate Wildlife Habitat attributes, Incidental Wildlife

RB 13:15 2 15 2-3 80 15.3 61/14 19.2

May 16 ELC/ Botanical, Incidental Wildlife

RB 18:30 1 16 2-3 80 7.7 <31 0.8

June 14 Incidental Breeding Bird Survey #1

RB 05:40 2 12 1 0 16.6 32/33 0.0

June 25 Incidental Breeding Bird Survey #2, ELC/ Botanical, Wetland Boundary Delineation

RB 08:30 11.25 20-25 2-3 50-100

21.8 <31 0.0

August 20 ELC/ Botanical, Incidental Wildlife

RB 10:30 2 30 1 100 23.3 39/26 1.6

Total Duration of Field Work 18.25 hours

*Closest Environment Canada (EC) Weather Station is at the Windsor International Airport. All EC Data refers to daily values; n/a

indicates the information was not available from an Environment Canada weather station from the date/time of field work.

7.2 Natural Features

Based on the site investigation results, the presence of natural features is documented below.

Figure 4 displays the results of the ELC survey within 50 m of the Project Location and is the

basis for determining the type of natural feature present and its boundaries.

7.2.1 Ecological Land Classification Results

The major land use within the Project Location consists of annual row crops with a small area

of manicured grass in the southwest corner. A total of five main natural vegetation

communities were observed within 300 m of the Project Location. The location, type and

boundaries of natural features located within 300 m of the Project Location (as required by

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Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report

P a g e | 16

P a g e | 16

the Construction Plan Report) are delineated in Figure 4. None of the vegetation communities

documented in the Project Location or surrounding 50 m are considered rare in Ontario.

Table 6 outlines the communities documented during the 2014 ELC surveys. The results of

this work were used to further confirm the extent of natural features within the Project

Location and surrounding 50 m. Field notes are attached in Appendix A.

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Rivard Drain

McGill Drain

Lappan Drain

Rusette Drain

Branch of Ruset te Drain

L appan Drain

M

cGillDrain

McGill Drain

Rusette Drain

4(202.34 ha)

4(148.57 ha)

4(79.9 ha)

6(21.49 ha)

4(19.28 ha)

5(8.78 ha)

2(2.97 ha)

3(2.19 ha)

7(0.87 ha)

1(0.6 ha)

E C ROW EXPRESSWAY

E C ROW EXPRESSWAY

COUNTY ROAD 42

LAU

ZON

PARKW

AY

RHODES DRIVE

NORTH SERVICE ROAD EAST

CO

NC

ESS

ION

RO

AD

9

Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, i-cubed, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping,Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community

WINDSOR SOLAR PROJECT

FIGURE 4ECOLOGICAL LAND CLASSIFICATION

0 100 200 30050 m ²MAP DRAWING INFORMATION:DATA PROVIDED BY MNR

MAP CREATED BY: GMMAP CHECKED BY: JPMAP PROJECTION: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 17N

FILE LOCATION: I:\GIS\149152 - Samsung Windsor\mxd\Site Investigation\

PROJECT: 149152STATUS: DRAFTDATE: 10/17/2014

1:10,000

Project Location

Project Location 50 m Setback

Project Location 120 m Setback

Project Location 300 m Setback

Railway

Municipal Drain/Stream

Ephemeral Stream

Naturalized Vegetation

1. MEF: Forb Meadow

2. MEMM4: Fresh-Moist Mixed Meadow

3. MG: Manicured Grass

4. OAGM1: Annual Row Crop

5. SWDM3-3: Swamp Maple Mineral Deciduous Swamp

6. SWDM4-2: White Elm Mineral Deciduous Swamp

7. THDM5: Fresh-Moist Deciduous Thicket

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Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report

P a g e | 15

Table 6: Description of ELC Communities Documented within 300 m of the Windsor Solar Project

First Approximation Second Approximation

ELC Code

Classification ELC Code Classification Soils Size (ha)

Vegetation Comments

SWD4-2 White Elm Mineral Deciduous Swamp

SWDM4-2 White Elm Mineral Deciduous Swamp

Clay; Moisture: 6 21.49 This deciduous swamp community contains abundant White Elm (Ulmus americana) and Freeman’s Maple (Acer X freemanii), with occasional Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa) and rare occurrences of Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides ssp. deltoides), Pin Oak (Quercus palustris), and Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata) in the canopy. Manitoba Maple (Acer negundo) and Green Ash are present in the understory.

Shrub and vine species present include Red-berried Elderberry (Sambucus racemosa var. pubens), Grey Dogwood (Cornus racemosa), Climbing Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans ssp. negundo), Riverbank Grape (Vitis riparia) and Wild Black Currant (Ribes americana).

Herbaceous species present include Fox Sedge (Carex vulpinoidea), Fowl Manna Grass (Glyceria striata), Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis), Bebb’s Sedge (Carex bebbii), Curled Dock (Rumex crispus), Ladies Thumb (Persicaria maculosa) and Touch-me-not (Impatiens sp.).

Within 266 m of Project Location (See Figure 4).

See Photo 1 in Appendix B.

N/A N/A THDM5 Fresh-Moist Deciduous Thicket

Clay; Moisture: 6 0.87 This deciduous thicket community contains abundant tall-shrub sized Downy Hawthorn (Crataegus mollis) and Manitoba Maple.

Other shrub and vine species present include Riverbank Grape, Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), Grey dogwood, Thicket Creeper (Parthenocissus inserta) and Climbing Poison Ivy.

Herbaceous species present include White Avens (Geum canadense), Broad-leaved Enchanter’s Nightshade (Circaea canadensis ssp. canadensis), Virginia Knotweed (Persicaria virginiana) and Violets (Viola sp.).

Within 266 m of Project Location (See Figure 4).

See Photo 2 in Appendix B.

SWD3-3 Swamp Maple Mineral Deciduous Swamp

SWDM3-3 Swamp Maple Mineral Deciduous Swamp

Clay; Moisture: 6 8.78

This deciduous swamp community contains abundant Freeman’s Maple in the canopy and sub-canopy. Other canopy tree species present include occasional Bur Oak and rare occurrences of Green Ash, White Elm, Shagbark Hickory, American Basswood (Tilia americana), and Eastern Cottonwood.

Shrub and vine species present include Downy Hawthorn, Climbing Poison Ivy, Grey Dogwood, Red Raspberry, Red Elderberry, Prickly Ash and Climbing Prairie Rose.

Herbaceous species present include Touch-me-not, Virginia Knotweed, Lakebank Sedge (Carex lacustris), White Avens, Bittersweet Nightshade (Solanum dulcamara) and Sensitive Fern.

Within 55 m of Project Location (See Figure 4).

See Photo 3 in Appendix B.

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Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report

P a g e | 16

First Approximation Second Approximation

ELC Code

Classification ELC Code Classification Soils Size (ha)

Vegetation Comments

CUM1-1 Dry-Moist Oldfield Meadow

MEMM4 Fresh-Moist Mixed Meadow

N/A 2.97 This mixed meadow community is typical of disturbed sites and contains a mix of forb and grass species including Common Barnyard Grass (Echinochloa crus-galli), Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), Common Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum ssp. sylvestris) Common Reed (Phragmites australis ssp. australis), Grass-leaved Goldenrod (Euthamia graminifolia), and Giant Foxtail (Setaria faberi). Rare occurrences of Giant Ironweed (Vernonia gigantea) were observed in this community.

Within >0 m of Project Location (See Figure 4; immediately adjacent).

See Photo 4 in Appendix B.

CUM1-1 Dry-Moist Oldfield Meadow

MEF Forb Meadow (within Manicured Grass)

N/A 0.6 This forb dominated meadow community occurs on piled topsoil within a flat area of manicured grass. Species present are typical of recently disturbed sites and include Wild Carrot (Daucus carota), Common Reed, Bird-foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense), Chicory (Cichorium intybus), Common Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis), Prickly Lettuce (Lactuca serriola), Lamb’s Quarters (Chenopodium album var. album) and Lady’s Thumb.

Within 103 m of Project Location (See Figure 4). The area of manicured grass extends slightly into the defined Project Location. The Forb Meadow is not within the Project Location.

See Photo 5 in Appendix B.

N/A Annual Row Crop OAGM1 Annual Row Crop N/A 202.34 No natural vegetation is associated with this community, only cultivated crops species (soybean). The majority of the Project Location is comprised of Annual Row Crops (See Figure 4).

See Photo 6 in Appendix B.

N/A N/A N/A Naturalized Vegetation (Drainage Ditch)

N/A >0.5 ha The drains running through the Project Location are bordered with naturalized shrubby vegetation. This community is very small in size and therefore was not characterized using ELC codes. Where applicable, areas associated with the natural vegetation along the drainage ditches was considered during the delineation of candidate wildlife habitat (see Table 7 and Figure 5).

See Photo 7 in Appendix B.

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Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report

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7.2.2 Wetlands

As detailed in the NHA Records Review Report, a search and analysis of the records and

resources outlined identified one provincially significant wetland complex within 120 m of the

Project Location (see Figure 3).

The focus of the wetlands site investigation was to determine the boundaries of wetland

features as presented in Figure 3 and to determine if any additional southern wetlands were

identified. Where wetland features were identified using ELC (Figure 4 and Table 6),

delineation of the communities was undertaken using OWES protocol. The boundaries of all

wetlands identified are shown on Figure 5.

No southern wetlands were identified in the Project Location or within the surrounding 50 m.

7.2.3 Woodlands

As detailed in the NHA Records Review Report, a search and analysis of the records and

resources identified woodlands within 120 m of the Project Location. These woodlands are

part of the Airport Woodlands Environmentally Significant Area #39 and have been previously

evaluated as significant. The focus of the woodlands site investigation was to document the

boundaries of woodland features identified during the records review (Figure 3) and to

determine if additional woodland features were present.

The Jefferson Woodlot is the woodland nearest the Project Location at 55 m (Figure 5).

Therefore, no woodlands were found to occur within the Project Location or the surrounding

50 m.

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Rivard Drain

Little

River

McGill Drain

Rusette Drain

Lappan Drain

Branch of Rusette Drain

Rusette Drain

McGill

Drain

Lappan Drain

Windsor Airport Swamps (ER 23)

E C ROW EXPRESSWAY

E C ROW EXPRESSWAY

COUNTY ROAD 42

LAU

ZON

PARKW

AY

RHODES DRIVE

NORTH SERVICE ROAD EAST

CO

NC

ESS

ION

RO

AD

9

JEFFERSON

RD.

PILETTE RD

.

SHO

OTIN

G R

AN

GE RD

.

LAU

ZON

ROA

D

M UN ICH COURT

SERVICE ROAD SOUTH

TWIN OAKS DRIVE

SERVICE

ROA

DSOUTH

WINDSOR SOLAR PROJECT

FIGURE 5WOODLANDS, WETLANDS ANDWILDLIFE HABITAT

0 100 200 30050 m ²MAP DRAWING INFORMATION:DATA PROVIDED BY MNR

MAP CREATED BY: GMMAP CHECKED BY: JPMAP PROJECTION: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 17N

FILE LOCATION: I:\GIS\149152 - Samsung Windsor\mxd\Site Investigation\

PROJECT: 149152STATUS: DRAFTDATE: 10/17/2014

1:10,000

Jefferson Woodlot

East Perimeter Woods

Project Location

Project Location 50 m Setback

Project Location 120 m Setback

Project Location 300 m Setback

Railway

Municipal Drain/Stream

Ephemeral Stream

Candidate Giant Ironweed Habitat

Wetland

Woodland

Candidate Climbing Prairie Rose Habitat/Candidate Giant Ironweed HabitatCandidate Colonially-Nesting Bird Breeding Habitat (Ground)for Brewer's Blackbird

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Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report

P a g e | 19

P a g e | 19

7.2.4 Wildlife Habitat

An overall review of known wildlife habitat that has been identified in the area of the Project

Location was completed in the NHA Records Review Report. The records review information has

been augmented by the results of the site investigation work. The information collected during

the site investigation was assessed in consideration of the habitat criteria outlined in Sections 4

to 7 and Appendix M, N, and Q of the Significant Wildlife Habitat Technical Guide (MNRF 2000)

and associated Eco-region Criteria Schedule for wildlife habitat applicable to Ecoregion 7E

(MNRF 2012). Based on this information, determinations about candidate significant wildlife

habitat in the area surrounding the Project Location were made. Table 7 outlines wildlife habitat

applicable to Ecoregion 7E and summarizes if it is relevant to the Project Location and/or

adjacent area(s). The boundaries and location of each candidate significant wildlife habitat is

described in Table 7 and mapped on Figure 5.

Species of Conservation Concern were identified according to the definition provided in the

Significant Wildlife Habitat Technical Guide (MNRF 2000). Therefore, species listed in Appendix

C with an SRANK of S1, S2 or S3, Special Concern in Ontario or have a status of Threatened or

Endangered federally (but not provincially), denote Species of Conservation Concern. Species of

Conservation Concern with the potential to occur in the general area of the Project Location are

discussed in Table 7 below. Where appropriate, they are discussed in the relevant wildlife

habitat type. Reporting related to the protection of Ontario’s Endangered and Threatened

Species at Risk is being provided to the appropriate agency under separate cover.

Of the wildlife habitat reviewed during the site investigation work, three candidate significant

wildlife habitats were identified: Habitat for Climbing Prairie Rose; Habitat for Giant Ironweed;

and, Colonially Nesting Bird Breeding Habitat (Ground) for Brewer’s Blackbird. Candidate

wildlife habitats are mapped on Figure 5.

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Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report

P a g e | 20

Table 7: Candidate Wildlife Habitat in the Project Location and Surrounding 50 m based on Records Review and Site Investigation

Wildlife

Habitat Definition of Habitat

1

Habitat Composition:

Attributes, Condition and

Function

Photo Record

(Appendix B)

Location Status

Rationale for Status

Project

Components

within

50 m

Distance

to Nearest

Project

Component

(m)

Wit

hin

Pro

ject

Loca

tio

n

Wit

hin

50

m o

f

Pro

ject

Lo

cati

on

No

t A

pp

licab

le

Can

did

ate

Pre

vio

usl

y

Eval

uat

ed

Sign

ific

ant

Ge

ne

raliz

ed

Can

did

ate

Sign

ific

ant

Wild

life

Hab

itat

*

Seasonal Concentration Areas

Waterfowl

Stopover and

Staging Areas

(Terrestrial)

Fields with sheet water or fields utilized by Tundra

Swan during Spring. Fields flooding during spring melt

and run-off which provide invertebrate foraging

habitat for migrating waterfowl. Can be found in any

Meadow (ME) or Thicket (TH) that are maintained

through anthropogenic disturbances (i.e., planting or

agriculture, clearing, recreation, soil movement,

grazing or mowing). Agricultural fields with waste

grains are commonly used by waterfowl, these are not

considered SWH.

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- The Project Location has a network of drains

indicating that the area does not drain quickly.

The Project Location is comprised of almost

entirely agricultural fields, and is not located

within the Long Point, Rondeau, Lake St. Clair,

Grand Bend, or Point Pelee areas. There is a

2.97 ha MEMM4 community directly adjacent to

the Project Location within a railway corridor;

however, due to the location and shape of the

polygon, as well as the fact that the entire area

is drained, this would not likely support a

Waterfowl Stopover and Staging Area. Project

Location

n/a n/a

Waterfowl

Stopover and

Staging Areas

(Aquatic)

Ponds, marshes, lakes, bays, coastal inlets and

watercourses used during migration can be significant

wildlife habitat for local and migrant waterfowl

populations during migration. Sewage treatment ponds

and storm water ponds do not qualify as a significant

wildlife habitat; however, a reservoir managed as a

large wetland or pond/lake does qualify. These

habitats have an abundant food supply (mostly aquatic

invertebrates and vegetation in shallow water). Can

be found in the following community types: Meadow

Marsh (MAM), Shallow Marsh (MAS), Shallow Aquatic

(SA), and Deciduous Swamp (SWD).

Species of Conservation Concern:

Canvasback

Redhead

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- The Project Location and 50 m setback area is

almost entirely agricultural and therefore does

not contain any SWD or MAM communities.

Additionally, no Important Bird Areas (IBAs)

were identified within more than 3 km of the

Project Location.

n/a n/a

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Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report

P a g e | 21

Wildlife

Habitat Definition of Habitat

1

Habitat Composition:

Attributes, Condition and

Function

Photo Record

(Appendix B)

Location Status

Rationale for Status

Project

Components

within

50 m

Distance

to Nearest

Project

Component

(m)

Wit

hin

Pro

ject

Loca

tio

n

Wit

hin

50

m o

f

Pro

ject

Lo

cati

on

No

t A

pp

licab

le

Can

did

ate

Pre

vio

usl

y

Eval

uat

ed

Sign

ific

ant

Ge

ne

raliz

ed

Can

did

ate

Sign

ific

ant

Wild

life

Hab

itat

*

Shorebird

Migratory

Stopover and

Staging Areas

Shorelines of lakes, rivers and wetlands, including

beach areas, bars and seasonally flooded, muddy and

un-vegetated shoreline habitats. Great Lakes coastal

shorelines, including groynes and other form of armour

rock lakeshores, are extremely important for migratory

shorebirds in May to mid-June and early July to

October. Sewage treatment ponds and storm water

ponds do not qualify as a significant wildlife habitat.

Can be found within the following ELC habitat types:

Meadow Marsh (MAM), Sand Dune (SD), Beach Bar

(BB).

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- The Project Location and 50 m setback area is

almost entirely agricultural and does not contain

any MAM, SD, or BB communities.

n/a n/a

Raptor

Wintering

Area

The habitat provides a combination of fields and

woodlands that provide roosting, foraging and resting

habitats for wintering raptors. Least disturbed sites,

idle/fallow or lightly grazed field/meadow habitats

with adjacent woodlands may be considered significant

wildlife habitat. Habitat includes any Forest (FO), in

addition to one of the following Community Types:

Meadow (CUM), Thicket (CUT), Savannah (CUS),

Woodland (CUW) (<60% cover). Raptor wintering sites

need to be >20 ha.

Species of Conservation Concern:

Short-eared Owl

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- The Project Location and 50 m setback area is

almost entirely agricultural and does not contain

any forest communities. There are two small

patches of meadow within 50 m of the Project

Location, but they are not adjacent to

woodlands and would therefore not provide

suitable habitat for raptor wintering (>20 ha).

Project Location

n/a

n/a

Bat

Hibernacula

Hibernacula may be found in abandoned mines,

underground foundations, karsts, or one of the

following ELC communities: Crevice (CCR) or Cave

(CCA). SWH does not include buildings. The locations

of bat hibernacula are relatively poorly known.

Species of Conservation Concern:

Eastern Tri-coloured Bat

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- The Project Location and 50 m setback area is

almost entirely agricultural and does not contain

any CCR or CCA communities.

n/a n/a

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Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report

P a g e | 22

Wildlife

Habitat Definition of Habitat

1

Habitat Composition:

Attributes, Condition and

Function

Photo Record

(Appendix B)

Location Status

Rationale for Status

Project

Components

within

50 m

Distance

to Nearest

Project

Component

(m)

Wit

hin

Pro

ject

Loca

tio

n

Wit

hin

50

m o

f

Pro

ject

Lo

cati

on

No

t A

pp

licab

le

Can

did

ate

Pre

vio

usl

y

Eval

uat

ed

Sign

ific

ant

Ge

ne

raliz

ed

Can

did

ate

Sign

ific

ant

Wild

life

Hab

itat

*

Bat Maternity

Colonies

Maternity colonies can be found in tree cavities,

vegetation and often in buildings; however, buildings

are not considered significant wildlife habitat.

Maternity roosts are not found in caves and mines in

Ontario. This habitat is associated with any of the

following Community Types: Deciduous Forest (FOD),

Mixed Forest (FOM), that have ≥10/ha wildlife trees

≥25 cm diameter at breast height (dbh). Female bats

prefer wildlife tree (snags) in early stages of decay,

class 1-3 or class 1 or 2.

Species of Conservation Concern:

Eastern Tri-coloured Bat

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- The Project Location and 50 m setback area is

almost entirely agricultural and does not contain

any forest communities.

n/a

n/a

Bat Migratory

Stopover Area

Long distance migratory bats typically migrate during

late summer and early fall from summer breeding

habitats throughout Ontario to southern wintering

areas. Their annual fall migrations concentrate these

species of bats at stopover areas. The location and

characteristics of stopover habitats are generally

unknown.

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- Based on MNRF direction, criteria to assess this

habitat type has not been developed and

therefore this habitat type will not be assessed

as significant wildlife habitat at this time.

n/a n/a

Turtle

Wintering

Areas

For most turtles, wintering areas are in the same

general areas as their core habitat. Over-wintering

sites are permanent water bodies, large wetlands, and

bogs and fens with adequate dissolved oxygen. Water

has to be deep enough not to freeze and have soft

mud substrates. These habitats are found in the

following Community Types: Swamp (SW), Marsh (MA),

Open Water (OA), Shallow Water (SA), Open Fen (FEO),

Open Bog (BOO).

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- The Project Location and 50 m setback area is

almost entirely agricultural and does not contain

any SW, MA, OA, SA, FEO, or BOO communities.

n/a n/a

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Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report

P a g e | 23

Wildlife

Habitat Definition of Habitat

1

Habitat Composition:

Attributes, Condition and

Function

Photo Record

(Appendix B)

Location Status

Rationale for Status

Project

Components

within

50 m

Distance

to Nearest

Project

Component

(m)

Wit

hin

Pro

ject

Loca

tio

n

Wit

hin

50

m o

f

Pro

ject

Lo

cati

on

No

t A

pp

licab

le

Can

did

ate

Pre

vio

usl

y

Eval

uat

ed

Sign

ific

ant

Ge

ne

raliz

ed

Can

did

ate

Sign

ific

ant

Wild

life

Hab

itat

*

Snake

Hibernaculum

Hibernation occurs in sites located below frost lines in

burrows, rock crevices, broken and fissured rock,

wetlands such as conifer or shrub swamps and swales,

poor fens, or depressions in bedrock terrain with

sparse trees or shrubs with sphagnum moss or sedge

hummock ground cover. Wetlands can also be

important over-wintering habitat in conifer or shrub

swamps and swales, poor fens, or depressions in

bedrock terrain with sparse trees or shrubs with

sphagnum moss or sedge hummock ground cover. The

following Community Types may be directly related to

snake hibernacula: Talus (TA), Rock Barren (RB),

Crevice (CCR), Cave (CCA), and Alvar (RBOA1, RBSA1,

RBTA1).

Species of Conservation Concern:

Eastern Milksnake

Eastern Ribbonsnake

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- The Project Location and 50 m setback area is

almost entirely agricultural and does not contain

any TA, RB, CCR, CCA, or alvar communities.

Further, no features that could be used as snake

hibernaculum (i.e., rock piles, old foundations,

etc.) were observed during site investigation.

n/a n/a

Colonially

Nesting Bird

Breeding

Habitat (Bank

and Cliff)

Any site or area with eroding banks, sandy hills, borrow

pits, steep slopes, sand piles, cliff faces, bridge

abutments, silos, or barns found in any of the following

Community Types: Meadow (ME), Thicket (TH),

Savannah (SV), Bluff (BL), Cliff (CL).

This does not include man-made structures (bridges or

buildings), licensed/permitted mineral aggregate

operation, or recently (within the last 2 years)

disturbed soil areas, such as berm, embankments, and

soil or aggregate stockpiles.

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- Meadow communities which may be associated

with this habitat are present within 50 m of the

Project Location, however eroding banks, sandy

hills, borrow pits, steep slopes, sand piles, or

cliff faces which would support the presence of

these species were not observed within the

Project Location or 50 m setback area.

n/a n/a

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Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report

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Wildlife

Habitat Definition of Habitat

1

Habitat Composition:

Attributes, Condition and

Function

Photo Record

(Appendix B)

Location Status

Rationale for Status

Project

Components

within

50 m

Distance

to Nearest

Project

Component

(m)

Wit

hin

Pro

ject

Loca

tio

n

Wit

hin

50

m o

f

Pro

ject

Lo

cati

on

No

t A

pp

licab

le

Can

did

ate

Pre

vio

usl

y

Eval

uat

ed

Sign

ific

ant

Ge

ne

raliz

ed

Can

did

ate

Sign

ific

ant

Wild

life

Hab

itat

*

Colonially

Nesting Bird

Breeding

Habitat

(Tree/Shrubs)

Nests in live or dead standing trees in wetlands, lakes,

islands and peninsulas. Shrubs and occasionally

emergent vegetation may also be used. Most nests in

trees are 11 to 15 m from ground, near the top of tree.

This habitat can be found in any of the following

community types: Mixed swamp (SWM); deciduous

swamp (SWD), coniferous swamp (SWC).

Species of Conservation Concern:

Black-crowned Night Heron

Great Egret

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- The Project Location and 50 m setback area is

almost entirely agricultural and does not contain

any swamp or fen communities.

n/a n/a

Colonially

Nesting Bird

Breeding

Habitat

(Ground)

Nesting colonies of gulls and terns on islands or

peninsulas associated with open water or in marshy

areas. Brewer’s Blackbird colonies are found loosely

on the ground in low bushes in close proximity to

streams and irrigation ditches within farmlands. Any

rocky island or peninsula within a lake or large river, in

close proximity to watercourses in open fields or

pastures with scattered trees or shrubs found in any of

the following Community Types: Meadow Marsh

(MAM), Shallow Marsh (MAS), Meadow (ME), Thicket

(TH), Savannah (SV).

Species of Conservation Concern:

Great Black-backed Gull

Little Gull

Caspian Tern

Forster’s Tern

Brewer’s Blackbird

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- The Project Location and 50 m setback area is

almost entirely agricultural and no MAM, MAS,

or SV communities were observed within the

Project Location or 50 m setback. There are two

small patches of ME within 50 m of the Project

Location, but they are not adjacent to any of the

drains. However, due to the fact that there are

drains running through the Project Location and

area within 50 m with vegetation and shrubs

present along the banks, Colonially Nesting Bird

Habitat (Ground) may be present for Brewer’s

Blackbird.

Perimeter

fence

Solar

panels

Access

roads

0

Migratory

Butterfly

Stopover

Areas

A butterfly stopover area will be a minimum of 10

hectares in size with a combination of field and forest

habitat present, and will be located within 5 km of Lake

Ontario and Lake Erie.

Species of Conservation Concern:

Monarch

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- The Project is not located within 5 km of Lake

Ontario or Lake Erie.

n/a n/a

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Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report

P a g e | 25

Wildlife

Habitat Definition of Habitat

1

Habitat Composition:

Attributes, Condition and

Function

Photo Record

(Appendix B)

Location Status

Rationale for Status

Project

Components

within

50 m

Distance

to Nearest

Project

Component

(m)

Wit

hin

Pro

ject

Loca

tio

n

Wit

hin

50

m o

f

Pro

ject

Lo

cati

on

No

t A

pp

licab

le

Can

did

ate

Pre

vio

usl

y

Eval

uat

ed

Sign

ific

ant

Ge

ne

raliz

ed

Can

did

ate

Sign

ific

ant

Wild

life

Hab

itat

*

Landbird

Migratory

Stopover

Areas

Woodlots greater than 10 hectares in size and within 5

km of Lake Ontario and Lake Erie are important for

migrating landbirds.

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- The Project is not located within 5 km of Lake

Ontario or Lake Erie.

n/a n/a

Deer Winter

Congregation

Areas

Within Ecoregion 7E, deer are not constrained by snow

depth; however deer will annually congregate in large

numbers in suitable woodlands to avoid the impacts of

winter conditions. These include woodlands >100 ha in

size or >50 ha in size if woodlands are rare in the

planning area.

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- Planning authorities are advised to rely on

MNRF advice for locations and significance of

Deer Winter Congregation Areas as deer

management is an MNRF responsibility.

However, any woodland >50 ha would be

considered significant for this habitat type. Since

no woodlands are located within 50 m of the

Project Location, no Deer Winter Congregation

Areas were identified in the Project Location or

50 m setback area.

n/a n/a

Rare Vegetation Communities

Cliffs and

Talus Slopes

A cliff is vertical to near vertical bedrock that is greater

than 3 m in height. A talus slope is rock rubble at the

base of a cliff made up of coarse rocky debris. Talus

Slopes are associated with the following ELC

communities: TAO (Open Talus), TAS (Shrub Talus),

TAT (Treed Talus).

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- ELC studies did not identify talus slopes within

the Project Location or 50 m setback.

n/a n/a

Sand Barren Sand barrens typically are exposed sand, generally

sparsely vegetated, and caused by lack of moisture,

periodic fires and erosion. This habitat is associated

with any of the following Community Types: SBO1

(Open Sand Barren Ecosite), SBS1 (Shrub Sand Barren

Ecosite), SBT1 (Treed Sand Barren Ecosite). The site

must not be dominated by exotic or introduced

species (<50% vegetative cover exotics). Tree cover is

always < 60%.

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- ELC studies did not identify sand barrens within

the Project Location or 50 m setback.

n/a n/a

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Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report

P a g e | 26

Wildlife

Habitat Definition of Habitat

1

Habitat Composition:

Attributes, Condition and

Function

Photo Record

(Appendix B)

Location Status

Rationale for Status

Project

Components

within

50 m

Distance

to Nearest

Project

Component

(m)

Wit

hin

Pro

ject

Loca

tio

n

Wit

hin

50

m o

f

Pro

ject

Lo

cati

on

No

t A

pp

licab

le

Can

did

ate

Pre

vio

usl

y

Eval

uat

ed

Sign

ific

ant

Ge

ne

raliz

ed

Can

did

ate

Sign

ific

ant

Wild

life

Hab

itat

*

Alvar An alvar is typically a level, mostly unfractured

calcareous bedrock feature with a mosaic of rock

pavements and bedrock overlain by a thin veneer of

soil. The hydrology of alvars is complex, with

alternating periods of inundation and drought.

This habitat is associated with any of the following ELC

communities: ALO1(Open Alvar Rock Barren Ecosite),

ALS1 (Alvar Shrub Rock Barren Ecosite), ALT1 (Treed

Alvar Rock Barren Ecosite), FOC1 (Dry Pine Calcareous

Shallow Coniferous Forest Ecosite), FOC2 (Dry Cedar

Calcareous Shallow Coniferous Forest Ecosite), CUM2

(Bedrock Cultural Meadow Ecosite), CUS2 (Bedrock

Cultural Savannah Ecosite), CUT2-1 (Common Juniper

Cultural Alvar Thicket Type), CUW2 (Bedrock Cultural

Woodland Ecosite) that are >0.5 ha in size.

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- ELC studies did not identify alvars within the

Project Location or 50 m setback.

n/a n/a

Old Growth

Forest

Old Growth Forests are characterized by heavy

mortality or turnover of over-storey trees resulting in a

mosaic of gaps that encourage development of a

multi-layered canopy and an abundance of snags and

downed woody debris. Stands ≥30 ha with at least 10

ha interior assuming 100 m buffer at edge of forest,

and are associated with the following Community

Types: FOD (Deciduous Forest), FOM (Mixed Forest),

FOC (Coniferous Forest). The stand will have

experienced no recognizable forestry activities.

Forests with a wide range of tree sizes, uneven canopy

and canopy gaps, abundant fallen logs in varying states

of decomposition, trees in older age classes (often 50-

140 years+).

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- ELC studies did not identify old growth forests

within the Project Location or 50 m setback.

n/a n/a

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Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report

P a g e | 27

Wildlife

Habitat Definition of Habitat

1

Habitat Composition:

Attributes, Condition and

Function

Photo Record

(Appendix B)

Location Status

Rationale for Status

Project

Components

within

50 m

Distance

to Nearest

Project

Component

(m)

Wit

hin

Pro

ject

Loca

tio

n

Wit

hin

50

m o

f

Pro

ject

Lo

cati

on

No

t A

pp

licab

le

Can

did

ate

Pre

vio

usl

y

Eval

uat

ed

Sign

ific

ant

Ge

ne

raliz

ed

Can

did

ate

Sign

ific

ant

Wild

life

Hab

itat

*

Savannah A Savannah is a tallgrass prairie habitat that has tree

cover between 25-60%, and are associated with the

following ELC communities: TPS1 (Dry-Fresh Tallgrass

Mixed Savannah Ecosite), TPS2 (Fresh-Moist Tallgrass

Deciduous Savannah Ecosite), TPW1 (Dry-Fresh Black

Oak Tallgrass Deciduous Woodland Ecosite), TPW2

(Fresh-Moist Tallgrass Deciduous Woodland Ecosite),

CUS2 (Bedrock Cultural Savannah Ecosite). These

communities must be restored or natural and must not

be dominated by exotic or introduced species (<50%

vegetative cover exotics).

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- ELC studies did not identify savannahs within

the Project Location or 50 m setback.

n/a n/a

Tallgrass

Prairie

A tallgrass prairie has ground cover dominated by

prairie grasses. An open tallgrass prairie habitat has

less than 25% tree cover. This habitat is associated

with the following communities: TPO1 (Dry Tallgrass

Prairie Ecosite), TPO2 (Fresh-Moist Tallgrass Prairie

Ecosite). These communities must be restored or

natural.

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- ELC studies did not identify tallgrass prairies

within the Project Location or 50 m setback.

n/a n/a

Other Rare

Vegetation

Communities

May include beaches, fens, forests, marshes, barrens,

dunes and swamps. Provincially rare S1, S2 and S3

vegetation communities are listed in Appendix M of

the Significant Wildlife Habitat Technical Guide (MNRF

2000). Woodlands with >60% forest cover, containing

regionally/locally or provincially rare tree species or

tree associations.

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- ELC studies did not identify any rare vegetation

communities, as defined in the Significant

Wildlife Habitat Technical Guide, within the

Project Location or 50 m setback. Further,

woodlands containing rare tree species or tree

associations were not observed.

n/a n/a

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Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report

P a g e | 28

Wildlife

Habitat Definition of Habitat

1

Habitat Composition:

Attributes, Condition and

Function

Photo Record

(Appendix B)

Location Status

Rationale for Status

Project

Components

within

50 m

Distance

to Nearest

Project

Component

(m)

Wit

hin

Pro

ject

Loca

tio

n

Wit

hin

50

m o

f

Pro

ject

Lo

cati

on

No

t A

pp

licab

le

Can

did

ate

Pre

vio

usl

y

Eval

uat

ed

Sign

ific

ant

Ge

ne

raliz

ed

Can

did

ate

Sign

ific

ant

Wild

life

Hab

itat

*

Specialised Habitat for Wildlife

Waterfowl

Nesting Area

Upland habitats of any kind located adjacent to (≤ 50

m) any wetland or the following wetland Community

Types: Meadow Marsh (MAM), Shallow Marsh (MAS),

Shallow Aquatic (SA), Bedrock Thicket (RBS), Mineral

Thicket Swamp (SWT), or Mineral Deciduous Swamp

(SWD). The upland areas should be at least 50 m wide.

Wetland is >0.5 ha or cluster of 3 or more smaller

wetlands within 50 m of each other where waterfowl

nesting occurs. Wood ducks and hooded mergansers

utilize large diameter trees (>40 cm dbh) in woodlands

for cavity nest sites.

Species of Conservation Concern:

Redhead

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or

50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- The Project Location and setback area is almost

entirely agricultural; there are no MAM, MAS,

SA, RBS, SWT, or SWD communities present.

n/a n/a

Bald Eagle

and Osprey

Nesting,

Foraging and

Perching

Habitat

Nests are associated with lakes, ponds, rivers or

wetlands along forested shorelines, islands or on

structures over water. Osprey nests are usually at the

top of a tree whereas Bald Eagle nests are typically in

super canopy trees in a notch within the tree’s

canopy. Nests located on man-made structures are

not included as significant wildlife habitat. Forest

(FO), or Swamp (SW) that are immediately adjacent to

rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands should be

considered.

Species of Conservation Concern:

Bald Eagle

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- The Project Location and 50 m setback area is

almost entirely agricultural; there are no FO or

SW communities present. No Bald Eagle or

Osprey nests were observed during field

investigations.

n/a n/a

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Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report

P a g e | 29

Wildlife

Habitat Definition of Habitat

1

Habitat Composition:

Attributes, Condition and

Function

Photo Record

(Appendix B)

Location Status

Rationale for Status

Project

Components

within

50 m

Distance

to Nearest

Project

Component

(m)

Wit

hin

Pro

ject

Loca

tio

n

Wit

hin

50

m o

f

Pro

ject

Lo

cati

on

No

t A

pp

licab

le

Can

did

ate

Pre

vio

usl

y

Eval

uat

ed

Sign

ific

ant

Ge

ne

raliz

ed

Can

did

ate

Sign

ific

ant

Wild

life

Hab

itat

*

Woodland

Raptor Nesting

Habitat

Stick nests found in a variety of intermediate-aged to

mature conifer, deciduous or mixed forests within

tops or crotches of trees. Species such as Cooper’s

Hawk nest along forest edges sometimes on

peninsulas or small off-shore islands. In disturbed

sites, nests may be used again or a new nest will be in

close proximity to the old nest. Can be found in the

following ELC communities: Forest (FO), Treed

Swamp (SW), Coniferous Plantation (CUP3/TAGM1)

that are >30 ha with >10 ha of interior habitat

(interior habitat having a 200 m buffer of surrounding

woodland and/or forest).

Species of Conservation Concern:

Red-shouldered Hawk

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- Woodland communities were not present within

50 m of the Project Location.

n/a n/a

Turtle Nesting

Areas

For an area to function as a turtle nesting area, it must

provide sand and gravel that turtles are able to dig in

and are located in open, sunny areas. Nesting areas

on the sides of municipal or provincial road

embankments and shoulders are not significant

wildlife habitat. Sand and gravel beaches adjacent to

undisturbed shallow weedy areas of marshes, lakes

and rivers are most frequently used. Exposed mineral

soil (sand or gravel) areas <100 m from or within the

following Community Types: Mineral or Organic

Meadow Marsh (MAM or MAO), Shallow Marsh

(MAS), Shallow Aquatic (SA), Open Bog (BOO), Open

Fen (FEO).

Species of Conservation Concern:

Northern Map Turtle

Snapping Turtle

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- The Project Location is entirely agricultural;

there are no MAM, MAO, MAS, SA, BOO, or FEO

communities’ present. Further, no exposed

mineral soils suitable for nesting were observed

during site investigations within the Project

Location and 50 m setback, so suitable habitat is

not present.

However, during the field visits, a snapping

turtle was observed within the 50 m setback.

Mitigation measures to minimize impacts on

wildlife in the general area of the project will be

included under Best Management Practices in

the Environmental Impact Study Report.

n/a n/a

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Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report

P a g e | 30

Wildlife

Habitat Definition of Habitat

1

Habitat Composition:

Attributes, Condition and

Function

Photo Record

(Appendix B)

Location Status

Rationale for Status

Project

Components

within

50 m

Distance

to Nearest

Project

Component

(m)

Wit

hin

Pro

ject

Loca

tio

n

Wit

hin

50

m o

f

Pro

ject

Lo

cati

on

No

t A

pp

licab

le

Can

did

ate

Pre

vio

usl

y

Eval

uat

ed

Sign

ific

ant

Ge

ne

raliz

ed

Can

did

ate

Sign

ific

ant

Wild

life

Hab

itat

*

Seeps and

Springs

Seeps and springs are areas where ground water

comes to the surface, often in forested headwater

areas. Any forested area (with <25% meadow, field, or

pasture) within the headwaters of a stream or river

system may have seeps or springs. Presence of a site

with 2 or more seeps/springs should be considered

SWH.

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- Seeps and springs were not identified within the

Project Location or 50 m setback area during

site investigations.

n/a n/a

Amphibian

Breeding

Habitat

(Wetland)

Wetlands and pools isolated from woodlands with

presence of shrubs, logs available for calling, foraging,

and escape/concealment from predators. Bullfrogs

require permanent water bodies with an abundance

of emergent vegetation. Associated with any of the

following ELC communities: Swamp (SW), Marsh

(MA), Fen (FE), Bog (BO), Open Water (OA), Shallow

Aquatic (SA), including vernal pools, that are >500 m2

or 25 m in diameter, and located >120 m from

woodlands.

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- The Project Location and 50 m setback area is

almost entirely agricultural; there are no SW,

MA, FE, BO, OA, or SA communities present.

n/a n/a

Amphibian

Breeding

Habitat

(Woodland)

The presence of a wetland, lake or pond within or

adjacent to (within 120 m) a woodland that contains

permanent ponds or contains water in most years

until mid-July are most likely to be used as breeding

habitat.

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- The Project Location and 50 m setback area is

almost entirely agricultural and there are no

FOC, FOM, FOD, SWC, SWM, or SWD

communities present.

n/a n/a

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Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report

P a g e | 31

Wildlife

Habitat Definition of Habitat

1

Habitat Composition:

Attributes, Condition and

Function

Photo Record

(Appendix B)

Location Status

Rationale for Status

Project

Components

within

50 m

Distance

to Nearest

Project

Component

(m)

Wit

hin

Pro

ject

Loca

tio

n

Wit

hin

50

m o

f

Pro

ject

Lo

cati

on

No

t A

pp

licab

le

Can

did

ate

Pre

vio

usl

y

Eval

uat

ed

Sign

ific

ant

Ge

ne

raliz

ed

Can

did

ate

Sign

ific

ant

Wild

life

Hab

itat

*

Habitat of Species of Conservation Concern

Marsh

Breeding Bird

Habitat

This habitat includes all wetlands as long as there is

shallow water with emergent aquatic vegetation

present. For Green Heron, habitat is at the edge of

water such as sluggish stream, ponds and marshes

sheltered by shrubs and trees. Less frequently it may

be found in upland shrubs or forest a considerable

distance from water. The following ELC communities

should be considered: Meadow Marsh (MAM),

Shallow Aquatic (SA), Open Bog (BOO), Open Fen

(FEO), or for Green Heron: SW (Swamp), MA (Marsh)

and Meadow (ME).

Species of Conservation Concern:

Black Tern

Wilson’s Phalarope

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- The Project Location and 50 m setback area is

almost entirely agricultural, there are no MAM,

SA, BOO, or FEO communities present. There are

two small patches of ME within 50 m of the

Project Location but they are not associated

with any wetlands, streams, or open water.

Further, there were no incidental observations

of marsh bird species during site investigations.

n/a n/a

Woodland

Area-sensitive

Bird Breeding

Habitat

Habitats where interior forest breeding birds are

breeding in forest stands or woodlots >30 ha (forest

interior is defined as at least 200 m from the forest

edge). These include any of the following Community

Types: Forest (FO), Treed Swamp (SW) that are mature

(>60 years old).

Species of Conservation Concern:

Hooded Warbler

Canada Warbler

Eastern Wood-pewee

Wood Thrush

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- Although hooded warblers were observed

during breeding bird surveys, no suitable habitat

exists within the Project Location or 50 m

setback. There are no woodlands present within

50 m of the Project Location as the Project

Location is entirely within an agricultural field.

n/a n/a

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Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report

P a g e | 32

Wildlife

Habitat Definition of Habitat

1

Habitat Composition:

Attributes, Condition and

Function

Photo Record

(Appendix B)

Location Status

Rationale for Status

Project

Components

within

50 m

Distance

to Nearest

Project

Component

(m)

Wit

hin

Pro

ject

Loca

tio

n

Wit

hin

50

m o

f

Pro

ject

Lo

cati

on

No

t A

pp

licab

le

Can

did

ate

Pre

vio

usl

y

Eval

uat

ed

Sign

ific

ant

Ge

ne

raliz

ed

Can

did

ate

Sign

ific

ant

Wild

life

Hab

itat

*

Open Country

Bird Breeding

Habitat

Large grassland areas (including natural and cultural

fields and meadows) are important to support

grassland breeding bird species. Grassland areas > 30

ha, and do not include Class 1 or Class 2 agricultural

lands. Habitat does not include fields with row-

cropping or intensive hay or livestock pasturing in the

last 5 years. This habitat can be found in Meadows

(ME).

Species of Conservation Concern:

Short-eared Owl

Western Meadowlark

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- Large grasslands >30 ha, active hay fields, or

livestock pasturing were not observed within

the Project Location or 50 m setback. The

Project Location and setback area is almost

entirely agricultural (row crop). There are two

small patches of ME (both <3 ha in size) within

the 50 m setback, but these are not large

enough to support this type of habitat.

n/a n/a

Shrub/Early

Successional

Bird Breeding

Habitat

Oldfield areas succeeding to shrub and thicket

habitats >10 ha, that are not Class 1 or Class 2

agricultural lands, with no row-cropping or intensive

hay or livestock pasturing in the last 5 years. This

habitat can be found in Thickets (TH) and Savannahs

(SV).

Species of Conservation Concern:

White-eyed Vireo

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- Thicket communities >10 ha, hay fields, or

livestock pasturing were not observed within

the Project Location or 50 m setback. The

Project Location and setback area is almost

entirely agricultural (row crop).

n/a n/a

Terrestrial

Crayfish

This species constructs burrows in marshes, mudflats,

and meadows. The ground cannot be too moist and

the burrows can often be found far from water.

Meadow (ME) and edges of Meadow Marshes (MAM)

and Shallow marshes (MAS) (no minimum size)

identified should be surveyed for terrestrial crayfish.

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- Meadow Marshes and Shallow Marshes were

not observed within the Project Location or 50

m setback. Crayfish chimneys were observed in

woodland and wetland communities during site

investigations, but these features do not occur

within the Project Location or 50 m setback.

n/a n/a

Habitat of Species of Conservation Concern

American

Lotus

American Lotus is an emergent aquatic plant that

grows in lakes, ponds, swamps, marshes, and areas

subject to periods of flooding. Blooming period occurs

June through September. 1

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- No wetlands or other areas of open water were

observed within the Project Location or 50 m

setback. Further, this species was not noted

during ELC surveys.

n/a n/a

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Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report

P a g e | 33

Wildlife

Habitat Definition of Habitat

1

Habitat Composition:

Attributes, Condition and

Function

Photo Record

(Appendix B)

Location Status

Rationale for Status

Project

Components

within

50 m

Distance

to Nearest

Project

Component

(m)

Wit

hin

Pro

ject

Loca

tio

n

Wit

hin

50

m o

f

Pro

ject

Lo

cati

on

No

t A

pp

licab

le

Can

did

ate

Pre

vio

usl

y

Eval

uat

ed

Sign

ific

ant

Ge

ne

raliz

ed

Can

did

ate

Sign

ific

ant

Wild

life

Hab

itat

*

Biennial Gaura Biennial Gaura is a biennial plant that is found in

prairie habitats, meadows in wooded areas, as well as

dry, rocky habitats, and deserts. This species prefers

disturbed areas where there is reduced competition

from other plants. Bloom mid-summer to mid-

autumn. 2

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- Since the Project Location is entirely agricultural

there are no prairie habitats, or wooded areas

present. There were mixed meadow

communities observed within 50 m of the

Project Location; however, this species was not

observed during ELC surveys.

n/a n/a

Bowman’s

Root

This species is a perennial plant that grows best in

moist, well-drained soils, in woodlands and rocky

areas in sheltered areas of partial sun. Blooming

period is April to June.1

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- The Project area is entirely open with no

woodlands or shady areas. Further, this species

was not observed during ELC surveys.

n/a n/a

Bush’s

Hawthorn

This species can be found along forest edges, in

prairies, meadows, and fields, in areas of sun or

partial shade. Blooms in May.14

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- There are no forest edges or prairie habitats

located within the Project Location or 50 m

setback. There were mixed meadow

communities observed within 50 m of the

Project Location; however, this species was not

observed during ELC surveys.

n/a n/a

Climbing

Prairie Rose

The Climbing Prairie Rose is typically found in open

habitats with moist heavy clay to clay-loam soils such

as old fields, abandoned agricultural land, as well as

prairie remnants and shrub thickets. This rose depends

on areas being kept open by periodic fire or other

disturbances. Blooming season for this species is late

June through July. 3

Potential habitat occurs

along road allowance to the

west of the Project

Location. Where the access

road intersects with internal

roads on Airport property

will be within the candidate

habitat.

8 --- --- --- Habitat for this species was observed along

roadside ditches and drains within the Project

Location and 50 m setback.

Perimeter

fence

Solar

panels

Access

roads

0

Commons’

Panicgrass

Commons’ Panicgrass is typically found in dry, sandy

habitat on coastal plains and in sand barrens. It can

also be found on dry pine-oak woods in sites with

moderate disturbance. Sandy areas along roadsides

with power line cuts may provide habitat for this

species. Bloom May through July.4

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- The Project Location and 50 m setback area is

almost entirely agricultural and does not provide

habitat for this species. Further, this species was

not noted during ELC surveys.

n/a n/a

Compass Plant This species inhabits prairies, savannahs, and railroad

corridors. It prefers full sun and moist to slightly dry

conditions. Blooming period is mid-summer.2

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- There are no prairie or savannah habitats or

railroad corridors located within the Project

Location or 50 m setback. Further, this species

was not noted during ELC surveys.

n/a n/a

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Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report

P a g e | 34

Wildlife

Habitat Definition of Habitat

1

Habitat Composition:

Attributes, Condition and

Function

Photo Record

(Appendix B)

Location Status

Rationale for Status

Project

Components

within

50 m

Distance

to Nearest

Project

Component

(m)

Wit

hin

Pro

ject

Loca

tio

n

Wit

hin

50

m o

f

Pro

ject

Lo

cati

on

No

t A

pp

licab

le

Can

did

ate

Pre

vio

usl

y

Eval

uat

ed

Sign

ific

ant

Ge

ne

raliz

ed

Can

did

ate

Sign

ific

ant

Wild

life

Hab

itat

*

Cross-leaved

Milkwort

Habitat of Cross-leaved Milkwort includes moist sand

prairies, shrub prairies, sandy Black Oak savannahs,

and edges of sandy marshes. Blooming period occurs

mid-summer to early fall. 2

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- No prairie, savannah, or marsh habitats are

present within the Project Location or 50 m

setback. Further, this species was not noted

during ELC surveys.

n/a n/a

Crowned

Beggarticks

This species inhabits wet areas including swamps,

marshes, wet fields, and shores with access to

sunlight. Blooming season is August to October.5

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- No wetlands or shorelines were observed within

the Project Location or 50 m setback. Further,

this species was not noted during ELC surveys.

n/a n/a

Culver’s-root Culver’s root is a perennial herb that grows in moist

prairies, in openings and edges of woodlands,

thickets, savannahs, and stream banks. The blooming

period is early to late summer.2

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- No prairies, woodlands, thickets, savannahs are

present within the Project Location or 50 m

setback. There are stream banks present along

drains within 50 m of the Project Location;

however, this species was not noted during ELC

surveys in these areas.

n/a n/a

Giant

Ironweed

Giant Ironweed is a species of prairies and other

grasslands, old fields, roadsides, savannahs,

woodlands, swamps, and seeps and springs. It is

especially common in overgrazed pastures. Bloom late

summer to early fall.1

Potential habitat occurs

throughout the area within

50 m of the Project

Location. Where the access

road intersects with internal

roads on Airport property

will be within the candidate

habitat.

9 --- --- --- Habitat for this species was observed along

roadside ditches and drains within the Project

Location and 50 m setback.

Perimeter

fence

Solar

panels

Access

roads

0

Gray-headed

Coneflower

This species is a perennial herb that grows in moist or

dry habitat in prairies, on the margins of woods,

thickets, and on roadsides. Bloom May through

September.1

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- No prairies, woodlands, or thickets are present

within the Project Location or 50 m setback. This

species was not noted during ELC surveys along

roadsides.

n/a n/a

Great Water

Dock

Great Water Dock is found on open shores and in

marshes, wet meadows and floating mat fens,

sometimes rooted in shallow water. The flowers

bloom mid-summer.10

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- There are no wetlands, or areas of open water

within the Project Location or 50 m setback.

Further, this species was not noted during ELC

surveys.

n/a n/a

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Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report

P a g e | 35

Wildlife

Habitat Definition of Habitat

1

Habitat Composition:

Attributes, Condition and

Function

Photo Record

(Appendix B)

Location Status

Rationale for Status

Project

Components

within

50 m

Distance

to Nearest

Project

Component

(m)

Wit

hin

Pro

ject

Loca

tio

n

Wit

hin

50

m o

f

Pro

ject

Lo

cati

on

No

t A

pp

licab

le

Can

did

ate

Pre

vio

usl

y

Eval

uat

ed

Sign

ific

ant

Ge

ne

raliz

ed

Can

did

ate

Sign

ific

ant

Wild

life

Hab

itat

*

Green Cornet

Milkweed

Habitat for Green Cornet Milkweed includes openings

in uplands forests that are rocky or sandy, prairies,

barrens, sand dunes, and abandoned fields. Blooming

period early summer.1

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- There are no upland forests, prairies, barrens, or

sand dunes within the Project Location or 50 m

setback. Since the Project is located entirely on

an active agricultural field, habitat for this

species is not present. Further, this species was

not noted during ELC surveys.

n/a n/a

Green Dragon The Green Dragon grows in somewhat wet to wet

deciduous forests along stream, particularly maple

forest and forest dominated by Red Ash and White Elm

trees. This species bloom in May and June. 3

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- Since the Project is located entirely on an active

agricultural field, habitat for this species is not

present. There are no forests within the Project

Location or 50 m setback. Further, this species

was not noted during ELC surveys.

n/a n/a

Hairy-fruited

Sedge Habitat of this species includes soggy thickets, wet

prairies, prairie swales, fens, sedge meadows, low-

areas along streams, calcareous seeps, and roadside

ditches. The blooming period occurs during summer.2

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- Preferred habitat for this species does not occur

within the Project Location or within the 50 m

setback. Further, this species was not noted

during ELC surveys.

n/a n/a

Hazel Dodder Hazel Dodder is found in sandy lake margins, wet

areas, mud flats, and moist fields. Bloom mid-summer

to early fall.6

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- Since the Project is located entirely on an active

agricultural field, habitat for this species is not

present. Further, this species was not noted

during ELC surveys.

n/a n/a

Heavy Sedge Heavy Sedge is found on damp or drying prairies,

open woodlands, disturbed meadows, savannahs,

swales, and roadside ditches. It is most abundant on

limestone or chalk soils. The short blooming period

occurs late spring. 2

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- There are no prairies, woodlands, or savannahs

located within the Project Location or 50 m

setback. There were swales, mixed meadow,

and ditches observed within 50 m of the Project

Location; however, this species was not

observed during ELC surveys in those areas.

n/a n/a

Hoary Tick-

trefoil

Hoary Tick-trefoil can be found in shady areas with

well drained or dry soils. Blooming period is the

month of August.7

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- Since the Project is located entirely on an active

agricultural field, with no shady areas, habitat

for this species is not present. Further, this

species was not noted during ELC surveys.

n/a n/a

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Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report

P a g e | 36

Wildlife

Habitat Definition of Habitat

1

Habitat Composition:

Attributes, Condition and

Function

Photo Record

(Appendix B)

Location Status

Rationale for Status

Project

Components

within

50 m

Distance

to Nearest

Project

Component

(m)

Wit

hin

Pro

ject

Loca

tio

n

Wit

hin

50

m o

f

Pro

ject

Lo

cati

on

No

t A

pp

licab

le

Can

did

ate

Pre

vio

usl

y

Eval

uat

ed

Sign

ific

ant

Ge

ne

raliz

ed

Can

did

ate

Sign

ific

ant

Wild

life

Hab

itat

*

Illinois

Greenbrier

Habitat of this species includes riverside thickets and

low wooded areas and blooms from May to June.13

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- Preferred habitat for this species does not occur

within the Project Location or 50 m setback.

Further, this species was not noted during ELC

surveys.

n/a n/a

Large Yellow

Pond Lily

This species is found in lakes, ponds, and quiet stream

and rivers.10

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- No wetlands were observed within the Project

Location or 50 m setback. Drains within 50 m of

the Project Location do contain open water;

however, this species was not noted during ELC

surveys in those areas.

n/a n/a

Le Conte’s

Violet

This species inhabits river or stream floodplains,

forests, meadows and fields, shorelines, swamps and

wetland margins.15

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- There are no floodplains, forests, shorelines,

swamps, or wetland communities located within

the Project Location or 50 m setback. Further,

this species was not noted during ELC surveys.

n/a n/a

Long-spined

Hawthorn

This species occurs in disturbed habitats, along forest

edges, meadows and fields, and in shrub lands or

thickets.15

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- There are no shrubs or thickets located within

the Project Location or 50 m setback. There

were mixed meadow communities observed

within 50 m of the Project Location; however,

this species was not observed during ELC

surveys.

n/a n/a

Lowland

Brittle Fern

This species is found in shady areas of woodlands on

normal to moist soils. This species is spring

ephemeral.8

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- The Project area is entirely open with no

woodlands or shady areas. Further, this species

was not observed during ELC surveys.

n/a n/a

Missouri

Ironweed Missouri Ironweed occurs in prairies, openings and

edges of woodlands, swamps, seeps, shorelines,

overgrazed pastures, vacant lots, and along railroads.

The blooming period occurs from late summer to

early fall.2

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- Preferred habitat of this species does not occur

within the Project Location or 50 m setback.

There were mixed meadow communities

observed within 50 m of the Project Location;

however, this species was not observed during

ELC surveys.

n/a n/a

Nodding Wild

Onion

Nodding Wild onion is a perennial plant that grows in

dry woods, on rock outcroppings, and in prairies.

Nodding Wild Onion is normally found in high-quality

natural areas. Bloom mid-summer.2

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- There are no woodland or prairie habitats

located within the Project Location or 50 m

setback. Further, this species was not observed

during ELC surveys.

n/a n/a

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Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report

P a g e | 37

Wildlife

Habitat Definition of Habitat

1

Habitat Composition:

Attributes, Condition and

Function

Photo Record

(Appendix B)

Location Status

Rationale for Status

Project

Components

within

50 m

Distance

to Nearest

Project

Component

(m)

Wit

hin

Pro

ject

Loca

tio

n

Wit

hin

50

m o

f

Pro

ject

Lo

cati

on

No

t A

pp

licab

le

Can

did

ate

Pre

vio

usl

y

Eval

uat

ed

Sign

ific

ant

Ge

ne

raliz

ed

Can

did

ate

Sign

ific

ant

Wild

life

Hab

itat

*

Prairie

Milkweed

Habitat of the Prairie Milkweed includes prairies,

moist meadows along rivers or near woodlands,

thickets, and roadside ditches. Prairie Milkweed is an

indicator of average to high quality prairies. Blooming

occurs early-mid-summer.2

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- There are no prairies, moist meadow, or thicket

habitats present within the Project Location or

50 m setback. Since the Project is located

entirely on an active agricultural field, habitat

for this species is not present. There were

roadside ditches observed within 50 m of the

Project Location; however, this species was not

observed during ELC surveys.

n/a n/a

Prairie

Rosinweed

Prairie Rosinweed can be found in prairies, rocky

woodlands, woodland borders, and old fields.

Blooming occurs mid-summer to fall.2

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- Since the Project is located entirely on an active

agricultural field, habitat for this species is not

present. Further, no Prairie Rosinweed was

noted during ELC surveys.

n/a n/a

Prairie Straw

Sedge

This species is found in fens and moist to wet

calcareous meadows and prairies. Blooming occurs

late May to early June.7

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- Since the Project is located entirely on an active

agricultural field, habitat for this species is not

present. Further, no Prairie Straw Sedge was

noted during ELC surveys.

n/a n/a

Pumpkin Ash Pumpkin Ash occurs in low, open, wet sites. Flowering

occurs in the early spring.9

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- Since the Project is located entirely on an active

agricultural field, habitat for this species is not

present. Further, this species was not observed

during ELC surveys.

n/a n/a

Riddell’s

Goldenrod

Riddell’s Goldenrod prefers open tallgrass prairie

habitat with moist to wet calcium-rich soils. In Ontario,

it also occurs in roadside ditches and along railway

right-of-ways.3

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- No prairie habitat is present within the Project

Location or 50 m setback. There were roadside

ditches observed within 50 m of the Project

Location; however, this species was not

observed during ELC surveys.

n/a n/a

Sessile-leaved

Tick-trefoil

Habitat for this species includes prairies, savannahs,

rocky open woodlands, and roadside embankments.

Blooming period is mid-late summer.2

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- There are no prairies, savannahs, or woodlands

present within the Project Location or 50 m

setback. This species was not observed during

ELC surveys.

n/a n/a

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Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report

P a g e | 38

Wildlife

Habitat Definition of Habitat

1

Habitat Composition:

Attributes, Condition and

Function

Photo Record

(Appendix B)

Location Status

Rationale for Status

Project

Components

within

50 m

Distance

to Nearest

Project

Component

(m)

Wit

hin

Pro

ject

Loca

tio

n

Wit

hin

50

m o

f

Pro

ject

Lo

cati

on

No

t A

pp

licab

le

Can

did

ate

Pre

vio

usl

y

Eval

uat

ed

Sign

ific

ant

Ge

ne

raliz

ed

Can

did

ate

Sign

ific

ant

Wild

life

Hab

itat

*

Shellbark

Hickory

Can be found on moist to wet sites, usually on flooded

plains. Flowers in spring.9

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- Since the Project is located entirely on an active

agricultural field, habitat for this species is not

present. Further, no Shellbark Hickory was

noted during ELC surveys.

n/a n/a

Shumard Oak Shumard Oaks prefer moist soils, and can grow close to

water and in swampy areas. It typically grows in

deciduous forest or along fencerows.3

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- Since the Project is located entirely on an active

agricultural field, habitat for this species is not

present. Further, no Shumard Oaks were noted

during ELC surveys.

n/a n/a

Squarrose

Sedge

Squarrose Sedge is found in wet areas of woodlands,

prairies, swamps, sedge meadows, and gravelly seeps.

It usually occurs in shaded or partially shaded areas of

wetland. Blooming occurs late spring to mid-summer.2

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- The Project area is entirely open with no

wetlands or areas of wet woodlands or shady

areas. Further, this species was not observed

during ELC surveys.

n/a n/a

Stiff Cowbane Stiff cowbane is found in wet habitats including

meadows, prairies, fields, swamps, and marshes, and

requires partial shade. Bloom late summer to early

fall.1

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- There are no wet habitats or shady areas within

the Project Location or 50 m setback. Since the

Project is located entirely on an active

agricultural field, habitat for this species is not

present. Further, this species was not noted

during ELC surveys.

n/a n/a

Stiff-leaved

Goldenrod

Habitat of Stiff-leaved Goldenrod includes prairies,

thickets, savannahs, abandoned fields, and open areas

along railroads. Bloom late summer to fall.2

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- Since the Project is located entirely on an active

agricultural field, habitat for this species is not

present. Further, no Stiff-leaved Goldenrod was

noted during ELC surveys.

n/a n/a

Swamp

Agrimony

Swamp Agrimony is found in floodplain woodlands,

swamps, soggy thickets, gravelly seeps, prairies, and

roadside ditches. It prefers full sun to light shade. The

blooming period occurs from mid to late summer.2

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- Since the Project is located entirely on an active

agricultural field, and no woodlands, prairies,

thickets, swamps, or seeps are present, habitat

for this species is not present. Further, no

Swamp Agrimony was noted during ELC surveys.

n/a n/a

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Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report

P a g e | 39

Wildlife

Habitat Definition of Habitat

1

Habitat Composition:

Attributes, Condition and

Function

Photo Record

(Appendix B)

Location Status

Rationale for Status

Project

Components

within

50 m

Distance

to Nearest

Project

Component

(m)

Wit

hin

Pro

ject

Loca

tio

n

Wit

hin

50

m o

f

Pro

ject

Lo

cati

on

No

t A

pp

licab

le

Can

did

ate

Pre

vio

usl

y

Eval

uat

ed

Sign

ific

ant

Ge

ne

raliz

ed

Can

did

ate

Sign

ific

ant

Wild

life

Hab

itat

*

Swamp Rose-

mallow

In Ontario, Swamp Rose-mallow is restricted to

shoreline marshes, in the Carolinian and Great Lakes -

St. Lawrence forest regions, associated with lakes Erie,

Ontario or St. Clair.

Swamp Rose-mallow is most commonly found in deep-

water cattail marshes and in meadow marshes. It

reaches its greatest numbers in dyked wetlands, where

competition from other plants is controlled and the

open habitat is maintained by periodic flooding. It is

also found in open wet woods, thickets, spoil banks,

and drainage ditches. 3

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- No wetlands, or wet woodland, or thicket

habitats are present within the Project Location

or 50 m setback. Since the Project is located

entirely on an active agricultural field, habitat

for this species is not present. Drainage ditches

are located within 50 m of the Project Location;

however, this species was not noted during ELC

surveys in those areas.

n/a n/a

Tall Boneset This species occurs in prairies, savannahs, thickets,

openings in upland forests, dry banks of lakes,

pastures, abandoned fields, fence rows, vacant lots,

and areas along railroads. The species prefers full or

partial sun. The blooming period occurs from late

summer to early fall.2

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- None of the preferred habitat types for this

species occur within the Project Location and 50

m setback. Further, this species was not

observed during ELC surveys.

n/a n/a

Tall Tickseed Tall Tickseed grows in open areas of woodlands, along

roadsides, and in damp prairies in partial shade. The

blooming period for this species is July through

September.1

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- There are no woodlands, damp prairies, or

shady areas present within the Project Location

or 50 m setback. Further, this species was not

observed during ELC surveys.

n/a n/a

Thyme-leaved

Pinweed

Habitats of this species include sand prairies, openings

and edges of sandy oak woodlands, sandy oak

savannahs, rocky bluffs and cliffs, partially wooded

sand dunes, and edges of sandy marshes. Blooms

during the late summer.2

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- Since the Project is located entirely on an active

agricultural field, habitat for this species is not

present. Further, no Thyme-leaved Pinweed was

noted during ELC surveys.

n/a n/a

Winged

Loosestrife

Winged Loosestrife habitats include moist prairies,

marshes, fens, borders of water bodies, drainage

ditches, and low-lying areas around railroads. Bloom

mid-late summer.2

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- There are no moist prairies, wetlands, or water

bodies present within the Project Location or 50

m setback. Drainage ditches are present within

50 m of the Project Location; however, no

Winged Loosestrife was noted during ELC

surveys in those areas.

n/a n/a

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Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report

P a g e | 40

Wildlife

Habitat Definition of Habitat

1

Habitat Composition:

Attributes, Condition and

Function

Photo Record

(Appendix B)

Location Status

Rationale for Status

Project

Components

within

50 m

Distance

to Nearest

Project

Component

(m)

Wit

hin

Pro

ject

Loca

tio

n

Wit

hin

50

m o

f

Pro

ject

Lo

cati

on

No

t A

pp

licab

le

Can

did

ate

Pre

vio

usl

y

Eval

uat

ed

Sign

ific

ant

Ge

ne

raliz

ed

Can

did

ate

Sign

ific

ant

Wild

life

Hab

itat

*

Wing-stem Wing-stem is found in moist prairies, moist meadows

near rivers and woodlands, thickets, savannahs,

shaded seeps, pastures, abandoned fields, and

roadside ditches. The blooming period occurs from

late summer to early fall.2

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- Since the Project is located entirely on an active

agricultural field, habitat for this species is not

present. Further, no Wing-stem was noted

during ELC surveys.

n/a n/a

Common

Nighthawk

Traditional Common Nighthawk habitat consists of

open areas with little to no ground vegetation, such as

logged or burned-over areas, forest clearings, rock

barrens, peat bogs, lakeshores, and mine tailings.

Although the species also nests in cultivated fields,

orchards, urban parks, mine tailings and along gravel

roads and railways, they tend to occupy natural sites.3

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- Since the Project is located entirely on an active

agricultural field, habitat for this species is not

present. Additionally, this species was not

observed field surveys.

n/a n/a

Peregrine

Falcon

Peregrine Falcons usually nest on tall, steep cliff ledges

close to large bodies of water. Although most people

associate Peregrine Falcons with rugged wilderness,

some of these birds have adapted well to city life.

Urban peregrines raise their young on ledges of tall

buildings, even in busy downtown areas. Cities offer

peregrines a good year-round supply of pigeons and

starlings to feed on.3

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- Since the Project is located entirely on an active

agricultural field, habitat for this species is not

present. Additionally, no Peregrine Falcons were

observed during site investigations.

n/a n/a

Redheaded

Woodpecker

The Red-headed Woodpecker lives in open woodland

and woodland edges, and is often found in parks, golf

courses and cemeteries. These areas typically have

many dead trees, which the bird uses for nesting and

perching.3

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- Since the Project is located entirely on an active

agricultural field, habitat for this species is not

present. There are no woodlands within the

Project Location or the 50 m setback.

n/a n/a

Wood Thrush The Wood Thrush lives in mature deciduous and mixed

forests. They seek moist stands of trees with well-

developed undergrowth and tall trees for singing

perches.3

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback. n/a --- --- --- --- ---

Wood Thrush has been categorized under

Woodland Area Sensitive Bird Breeding Habitat.

n/a n/a

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Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report

P a g e | 41

Wildlife

Habitat Definition of Habitat

1

Habitat Composition:

Attributes, Condition and

Function

Photo Record

(Appendix B)

Location Status

Rationale for Status

Project

Components

within

50 m

Distance

to Nearest

Project

Component

(m)

Wit

hin

Pro

ject

Loca

tio

n

Wit

hin

50

m o

f

Pro

ject

Lo

cati

on

No

t A

pp

licab

le

Can

did

ate

Pre

vio

usl

y

Eval

uat

ed

Sign

ific

ant

Ge

ne

raliz

ed

Can

did

ate

Sign

ific

ant

Wild

life

Hab

itat

*

Snapping

Turtle

Snapping Turtles prefer shallow waters so they can

hide under the soft mud and leaf litter, with only their

noses exposed for breathing. During the nesting

season, from early to mid-summer, females travel

overland in search of a suitable nesting site, usually

gravelly or sandy areas along streams. 3

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- ---

This species has been considered under Turtle

Nesting Habitat and Turtle Overwintering Areas.

Although no suitable nesting habitat was found

within the Project Location or surrounding 50 m,

since one individual was observed, Best

Management Practices will be included in the

EIS report to protect any incidental turtles

during construction activities.

Black Dash Habitat includes boggy marshes, wet meadows, and

marshy stream banks.11

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- There are no wetland areas or meadows present

within the Project Location or 50 m setback.

Since the Project is located entirely on an active

agricultural field, habitat for this species is not

present.

n/a n/a

Blue-tipped

Dancer

This species occurs in stream, rivers, and swamps.

Usually perches on the ground.12

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- There are no wetland areas, or stream or rivers

present within the Project Location or 50 m

setback. There are agricultural drains within the

50 m setback, however, as they carry run-off

water from agricultural and industrial areas,

they would not provide suitable habitat.

n/a n/a

Common

Sootywing

Habitat includes open or disturbed areas such as

landfills, vacant lots, gardens, roadsides, fields, and

pastures. Females lay single eggs on host plant leaves.

Host plants include lambsquarters, amaranths, and

cockscomb.11

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- Since the Project is located entirely on an active

agricultural field, habitat for this species is not

present. Further, none of the caterpillar host

species were indicated during ELC surveys.

n/a n/a

Dion Skipper The Dion Skipper occurs in swamps, open marshes,

and bogs.11

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- No wetland areas are present within the Project

Location or 50 m setback. Since the Project is

located entirely on an active agricultural field,

habitat for this species is not present.

n/a n/a

Double-striped

Bluet

Habitat for this species occurs in permanent and semi-

permanent ponds, lakes, reservoirs, and slow portions

of stream and rivers.12

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- No open water features (ponds, lakes, rivers

etc.) are present within the Project Location or

within the 50 m setback. There are agricultural

drains within the 50 m setback, however, as

they carry run-off water from agricultural and

industrial areas, they would not provide suitable

habitat.

n/a n/a

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Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report

P a g e | 42

Wildlife

Habitat Definition of Habitat

1

Habitat Composition:

Attributes, Condition and

Function

Photo Record

(Appendix B)

Location Status

Rationale for Status

Project

Components

within

50 m

Distance

to Nearest

Project

Component

(m)

Wit

hin

Pro

ject

Loca

tio

n

Wit

hin

50

m o

f

Pro

ject

Lo

cati

on

No

t A

pp

licab

le

Can

did

ate

Pre

vio

usl

y

Eval

uat

ed

Sign

ific

ant

Ge

ne

raliz

ed

Can

did

ate

Sign

ific

ant

Wild

life

Hab

itat

*

Duke’s Skipper Occurs in shaded swamps, or partially shaded marshes

or ditches.11

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- No wetlands or shady areas are present as the

Project Location is entirely within an active

agricultural field. No habitat is present within

the Project Location or 50 m setback.

n/a n/a

Elusive

Clubtail

Breeds in large, warm water, stream and occur along

open river channels, perching in trees.12

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- No open water features (open river channels,

large streams etc.) or wooded areas are present

within the Project Location or within the

surrounding 50 m. There are agricultural drains

within the 50 m setback, however, as they carry

run-off water from agricultural and industrial

areas, they would not provide suitable habitat.

n/a n/a

Giant

Swallowtail

Habitat includes deciduous forests and citrus

orchards.11

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- Since the Project is located entirely on an active

agricultural field, habitat for this species is not

present. There are no woodlands within the

Project Location or the 50 m setback.

n/a n/a

Hackberry

Emperor

Occurs in open woodlands and forest edges wherever

Hackberry trees occur.11

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- Since the Project is located entirely on an active

agricultural field, habitat for this species is not

present. There are no woodlands within the

Project Location or the 50 m setback and no

Hackberry trees were observed during field

investigations.

n/a n/a

Monarch In Canada, Monarchs are most abundant in southern

Ontario and Quebec where milkweed plants and

breeding habitat are widespread. During late summer

and fall, Monarchs from Ontario migrate to central

Mexico where they spend the winter months. During

migration, groups of Monarchs numbering in the

thousands can be seen along the north shores of Lake

Ontario and Lake Erie.

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- Monarch Butterfly has been considered under

Migratory Butterfly Stopover Habitat. Further,

the Project Location and 50 m setback area did

not contain an abundance of milkweed that

would support habitat for this species.

n/a n/a

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Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report

P a g e | 43

Wildlife

Habitat Definition of Habitat

1

Habitat Composition:

Attributes, Condition and

Function

Photo Record

(Appendix B)

Location Status

Rationale for Status

Project

Components

within

50 m

Distance

to Nearest

Project

Component

(m)

Wit

hin

Pro

ject

Loca

tio

n

Wit

hin

50

m o

f

Pro

ject

Lo

cati

on

No

t A

pp

licab

le

Can

did

ate

Pre

vio

usl

y

Eval

uat

ed

Sign

ific

ant

Ge

ne

raliz

ed

Can

did

ate

Sign

ific

ant

Wild

life

Hab

itat

*

Mottled

Darner

This species prefers marshes and bogs with open

water, coastal plain ponds, small lakes, and bays of

larger lakes.8

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- No marshes, bogs, or areas of open water are

present within the Project Location or 50 m

setback. There are agricultural drains within the

50 m setback, however, as they carry run-off

water from agricultural and industrial areas,

they would not provide suitable habitat for this

species.

n/a n/a

Pronghorn

Clubtail

Habitat for this species includes ponds, lakes, and

slow-moving areas of stream.12

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- No open water features (ponds, lakes, rivers

etc.) are present within the Project Location or

within the 50 m setback. There are agricultural

drains within the 50 m setback, however, as

they carry run-off water from agricultural and

industrial areas, they would not provide suitable

habitat.

n/a n/a

River Bluet The River Bluet is restricted to streams and rivers.

They prefer slow streams and small rivers mostly in

open country, but having a riparian component. These

habitat types are often associated with outflow of

warm springs.15

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- There are no streams or rivers present within

the Project Location or 50 m setback. There are

agricultural drains within the 50 m setback,

however, as they carry run-off water from

agricultural and industrial areas, they would not

provide suitable habitat.

n/a n/a

Royal River

Cruiser

Occurs along large stream and rivers.12 Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- No open water features (large rivers, large

streams etc.) or wooded areas are present

within the Project Location or within the 50 m

setback. There are agricultural drains within the

50 m setback; however, as they carry run-off

water from agricultural and industrial areas,

they would not provide suitable habitat.

n/a n/a

Sleepy

Duskywing

This species is found in oak or oak-pine scrub habitats,

or on barrens with well-drained soils.11

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- Since the Project is located entirely on an active

agricultural field, habitat for this species is not

present.

n/a n/a

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Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report

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Wildlife

Habitat Definition of Habitat

1

Habitat Composition:

Attributes, Condition and

Function

Photo Record

(Appendix B)

Location Status

Rationale for Status

Project

Components

within

50 m

Distance

to Nearest

Project

Component

(m)

Wit

hin

Pro

ject

Loca

tio

n

Wit

hin

50

m o

f

Pro

ject

Lo

cati

on

No

t A

pp

licab

le

Can

did

ate

Pre

vio

usl

y

Eval

uat

ed

Sign

ific

ant

Ge

ne

raliz

ed

Can

did

ate

Sign

ific

ant

Wild

life

Hab

itat

*

Southern

Cloudywing

Habitat includes open, scrubby areas, dry meadows,

burned areas, dry prairies, and hydro corridors.11

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- There are no scrub areas or prairies within the

Project Location or 50 m setback. Since the

Project is located entirely on an active

agricultural field, habitat for this species is not

present.

n/a n/a

Unicorn

Clubtail

This species can be found in ponds and sluggish

streams with little vegetation. Their flight period is

late June.7

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- There are no ponds located within the Project

Location or 50 m setback. There are agricultural

drains within the 50 m setback, however, as

they carry run-off water from agricultural and

industrial areas, they would not provide suitable

habitat.

n/a n/a

Animal Movement Corridors

Amphibians

Corridors are determined based on the identification of

significant breeding habitat for amphibians.

Movement corridors between breeding habitat and

summer habitat must be determined when amphibian

breeding habitat is confirmed as significant wildlife

habitat. Corridors may be found in all ecosites

associated with water. Corridors should be at least 200

m wide with gaps <20 m, and, if following riparian

area, with at least 15 m of vegetation on both sides of

waterway.

Potential habitat does not

exist within the Project

Location or 50 m setback.

n/a --- --- --- --- --- This type of habitat is not present with the

Project Location or 50 m setback. No wetland

areas or areas of open water are present and

the closest wetland is >50 m from the Project

Location. In the absence of significant

amphibian breeding habitat, amphibian

movement corridors are not defined.

n/a n/a

1Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center-Database;

2Illinois Wildflowers;

3MNR Species at Risk Website;

4Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife;

5Minnesota Wildflowers;

6University of Michigan;

7Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources;

8iNaturalist.org;

9Trees of Ontario;

10Wetland Plants of Ontario;

11Butterflies and Moths of North America;

12BugGuide.net;

13Royal Ontario Museum;

14Evergreen-Native Plant Database;

15New England Wildflower Society.

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8. SUMMARY OF AMENDMENTS TO THE RECORDS REVIEW

Based on the results of the site investigations, the boundaries and extent of all natural features were

confirmed and/or refined. From a comparison of the features identified during the records review and

the observations made during the site investigation, there are amendments required with respect to the

natural features determined to exist within the Project Location and 50 m setback. These amendments

apply to the addition of Candidate Significant Wildlife habitat for Climbing Prairie Rose and Giant

Ironweed, and Candidate Colonially - Nesting Bird Habitat (Ground) for Brewer’s Blackbird. These

amendments have been made to the mapping prepared during the records review (Figure 3) and the

revised boundaries of natural features based on site investigation work are shown on Figure 6.

On the west side of the Project Location, both candidate Climbing Prairie Rose and Giant Ironweed

habitats occur within an existing narrow roadside ditch within the Project Location boundary. Figure 6

shows these features as adjacent to one another within the agricultural field; however they are depicted

that way for location only, as they exist in the area covered by the Project Location boundary, and would

all be overlapping. Table 8 identifies any necessary corrections to the determinations made during the

records review for natural features located within 50 m of the Project Location.

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Rivard Drain

L ittl

eRiv

er

McGill Drain

Rusette Drain

Lappan Drain

Branch of Rusette Drain

McGill Drain

M

cGill

Drain

Rusette Drain

Lappan Drain

Windsor Airport Swamps (ER 23)

E C ROW EXPRESSWAY

E C ROW EXPRESSWAY

COUNTY ROAD 42

LAU

ZON

PARKW

AY

RHODES DRIVE

NORTH SERVICE ROAD EAST

CO

NC

ESS

ION

RO

AD

9

JEFFERSON

RD.

PILETTE RD

.

SHO

OTIN

G R

AN

GE RD

.

LAU

ZON

ROA

D

M UN ICH COURT

SERVICE ROAD SOUTH

TWIN OAKS DRIVE

SERVICE

ROA

DSO

UTH

WINDSOR SOLAR PROJECT

FIGURE 6SITE INVESTIGATION

0 100 200 30050 m ²MAP DRAWING INFORMATION:DATA PROVIDED BY MNR

MAP CREATED BY: GMMAP CHECKED BY: JPMAP PROJECTION: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 17N

FILE LOCATION: I:\GIS\149152 - Samsung Windsor\mxd\Site Investigation\

PROJECT: 149152STATUS: DRAFTDATE: 10/17/2014

1:10,000

55 m

56 m

266 m

East Perimeter Woods

Jefferson Woodlot

Project Location

Project Location 50 m Setback

Project Location 120 m Setback

Project Location 300 m Setback

Railway

Municipal Drain/Stream

Ephemeral Stream

Candidate Giant Ironweed Habitat

Wetland

Woodland

Candidate Climbing Prairie Rose Habitat/Candidate Giant Ironweed HabitatCandidate Colonially-Nesting Bird Breeding Habitat (Ground)for Brewer's Blackbird

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Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report

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Table 8: Summary of Amendments to the Records Review

Natural Feature ID Identified During

Records Review?

Amendment to

Records Review

Required?

Source of

Information for

Amendment

Change in Distance

Relative to Project

Location?

Summary of Amendments

Wetlands

Windsor Airport Swamps Yes No LIO Mapping No None. No wetlands are present within the Project Location or 50 m

setback. This feature will not be carried forward to the Evaluation of

Significance.

Woodlands

Airport Woodlands Yes No LIO Mapping No None. No woodlands are present within the Project Location or 50 m

setback. This feature will not be carried forward to the Evaluation of

Significance.

Wildlife Habitat

Seasonal Concentration Areas

Colonially- Nesting Bird Habitat (Ground) for Brewer’s Blackbird No Yes Site Investigation Yes Addition of Candidate Significant Wildlife Habitat for Colonial Nesting

Bird Habitat (Ground) for Brewer’s Blackbird within the Project Location

and 50 m setback. This feature will be carried forward to the Evaluation

of Significance.

Rare Vegetation Communities

None identified within the Project Location or adjacent lands within 50 metres

Specialised Wildlife Habitat

None identified within the Project Location or adjacent lands within 50 metres

Habitat of Species of Conservation Concern

Climbing Prairie Rose Habitat No Yes Site Investigation Yes Addition of Candidate Significant Wildlife Habitat for Climbing Prairie

Rose habitat located within the Project Location and 50 m setback. This

feature will be carried forward to the Evaluation of Significance.

Giant Ironweed No Yes Site Investigation Yes Addition of Candidate Significant Wildlife Habitat for Giant Ironweed

habitat located within the Project Location and 50 m setback. This

feature will be carried forward to the Evaluation of Significance.

Animal Movement Corridors

None identified within the Project Location or adjacent lands within 50 m

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9. CONCLUSIONS

This report is intended to fulfill requirements for the NHA Site Investigation Report under Ontario

Regulation 359/09. Based on the results of the site investigations, this report identified the accuracy

of the records review, the addition of any previously unidentified natural features, the boundaries of

natural features located within 50 m of the Project Location, and the distance of natural features from

the Project Location (Figure 7).

This NHA Site Investigation Report is the second report in a series that will fulfill the natural heritage

assessment component of the REA process. Site investigations were carried out based on the results

of a completed records review as well as consultation with the MNRF. Applicable natural features

identified as being within 50 metres of a Project component will require an evaluation of significance

based on information confirmed during the records review, site investigation and in consultation with

appropriate agencies (REA Section 27). The natural features applicable to the Project are Candidate

Climbing Prairie Rose Habitat, Candidate Giant Ironweed Habitat, and Candidate Colonially-Nesting

Bird Habitat (Ground) for Brewer’s Blackbird (Table 9) and will be evaluated in the NHA Evaluation of

Significance Report.

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Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report

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Table 9: Identified Natural Features within 50 m of the Project Location

Natural Feature ID

Feature in Relation to

Project Location

Evaluation of Significance Status

Wit

hin

Wit

hin

Pre

scri

be

d

Setb

ack

Re

qu

ire

s

Eval

uat

ion

Pre

vio

usl

y

Eval

uat

ed

Eval

uat

ion

no

t

Re

qu

ire

d*

Wetlands

Windsor Airport Swamps No No n/a. Features not within 50 m

Woodlands

Airport Woodlands No No n/a. Features not within 50 m

Candidate Significant Wildlife Habitat

Seasonal Concentration Areas

Colonially- Nesting Bird Habitat (Ground) for Brewer’s Blackbird Yes Yes Yes No n/a

Rare Vegetation Communities

None identified within the Project Location or prescribed setback.

Specialised Wildlife Habitat

None identified within the Project Location or prescribed setback.

Habitat of Species of Conservation Concern

Climbing Prairie Rose Habitat Yes Yes Yes No n/a

Giant Ironweed Habitat Yes Yes Yes No n/a

Animal Movement Corridors

None identified within the Project Location or prescribed setback.

Generalized Candidate Significant Wildlife Habitat

None identified within the Project Location or prescribed setback.

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*an evaluation would not be required if the natural feature is located entirely within the 50 metre setback, it is being treated as significant (i.e., studies to evaluate significance will be done pre-construction), or it is assumed significant (i.e., studies to verify provincial significance will not be undertaken or wildlife habitat has been deemed largely unimpacted by the development of a solar facility)

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10. REFERENCES

BirdLife International. Important Bird Areas. http://www.bsc-eoc.org/iba/site.jsp?siteID=ON152&lang=EN. Accessed April 2014. Bird Studies Canada. 2010. Christmas Bird Count. Data from 2012.

http://netapp.audubon.org/CBCObservation/CurrentYear/ResultsByCount.aspx. Accessed April 2014.

Cadman, M., Sutherland, D., Beck, G., Lepage, D., Couturier, A. 2005. Atlas of the Breeding Birds of

Ontario: Second Atlas (2001-2005). Bird Studies Canada, Environment Canada, Ontario Field Ornithologists, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, and Ontario Nature. http://www.birdsontario.org/atlas/index.jsp. Accessed April 2014.

City of Windsor. Official Plan and Schedules. 2013. City of Windsor. Ojibway Nature Centre. Last updated November 2013.

http://www.ojibway.ca/index.htm. Accessed April 2014. City of Windsor. June 2008. Update to the Candidate Natural Heritage System (CNHS) Inventory. 235 pp. Dobbyn, J. 1994. Atlas of the Mammals of Ontario. Federation of Ontario Naturalists, Don Mills. Environment Canada. Species at Risk Public Registry. http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca.

Accessed April 2014. Henson, B.L., and Brodribb, K.E. 2005. Great Lakes Conservation Blueprint for Terrestrial Biodiversity:

Volume 2: Ecodistrict Summaries. 344pp.

Lee, H.T., W.D. Bakowsky, J. Riley, J. Bowles, M. Puddister, P. Uhlig and S. McMurray. 1998. Ecological Land Classification for Southern Ontario: First Approximation and Its Application. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Southcentral Science Section, Science Development and Transfer Branch. SCSS Field Guide FG-02.

McCormick Rankin Corporation. August 2013. Lauzon Parkway Improvements Class EA Study. Appendix F Part A- Natural Environment- Existing Conditions. 44 pp.

Ontario Nature. Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas (Updated 2013).

http://www.ontarionature.org/protect/species/reptiles_and_amphibians/index.php. Accessed April 2014.

Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas. 2001. Guide for Participants. Atlas Management Board, Federation of

Ontario Naturalists, Don Mills. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Crown Land Use Policy Atlas. http://crownlanduseatlas.mnr.gov.on.ca/clupa.html. Accessed April 2014.

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Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Land Information Ontario.

http://www.giscoeapp.lrc.gov.on.ca/web/MNR/NHLUPS/NaturalHeritage/Viewer/Viewer.html. Accessed April 2014.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. March 2010. Natural Heritage Reference Manual for Natural

Heritage Policies of the Provincial Policy Statement, 2005. Second Edition. Toronto: Queen’s Printer for Ontario. 248pp.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Natural Heritage Information Centre Database.

http://nhic.mnr.gov.on.ca/. Accessed April 2014. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. The Species at Risk in Ontario (SARO) List. http://www.e-

laws.gov.on.ca/html/regs/english/elaws_regs_080230_e.htm. Accessed April 2014. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2012. Significant Wildlife Habitat Ecoregion 7E Criterion

Schedule. 37 pp. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2012. Natural Heritage Assessment Guide for Renewable Energy

Projects. Second Edition. 109pp. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2013. Ontario Wetland Evaluation System Southern Manual.

3rd Edition. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2000. Significant Wildlife Habitat Technical Guide. 151pp. Ontario Nature. Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas 2010 (Updated 2013).

http://www.ontarionature.org/protect/species/reptiles_and_amphibians/index.php. Accessed April 2014.

Toronto Entomologists Association. Ontario Butterfly Atlas Online (Updated 2013).

http://www.ontarioinsects.org/atlas_online.htm. Accessed April 2014.