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Issue #7 August 2007 Souris River Watershed Committee Co-ordinator: Fred Cheverie Funding Partner: Souris & Area Branch of The PEI Wildlife Federation Shell Environmental Fund Tree Swallow Nest Box Project Tree swallows play an important role in Island ecosystems and communities. Through their feeding habits, this species functions to regulate insect populations. As primary components of the tree swallow diet, mosquitoes and other insect pests are kept at manageable levels. In addition, the species features a vibrant coloration that is a welcome sight for both nature enthusiasts and casual observers. Despite these attributes, recent deforestation and development activities have resulted in a drastic decline in suitable nesting habitat. As cavity nesters, tree swallows require holes in trees to raise their young. The destruction of proper trees has thus put increased pressure on this vulnerable species. To help offset this loss, the Souris and Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation, with funding from the Shell Environmental Fund, initiated a Tree Swallow Nest Box Project in early June. Tree Swallows are known to readily accept man made nest boxes to construct their nests. As part of this venture, rough lumber was pre-cut according to a design and taken to area schools. Students were given a presentation about the Tree Swallow species, and then had the opportunity to assemble and take home their own nest box. The project was a tremendous success, as the students thoroughly enjoyed the chance to help area wildlife. There are many nest boxes still available to anyone interested in installing one, with priority going to area seniors. For more information, contact Fred Cheverie at 969-0819 or Garry Gregory at 208-0041.
The Souris Wildlife Branch encourages everyone to participate in this endeavour and share their outdoor experiences with other nature enthusiasts from our area. Many quality entries have already been submitted, and the Souris Wildlife Branch is excited to see more breathtaking photos in the weeks to come. Stream Enhancement Progress Report: Summer 2007
While last year's work results were tremendous, an excessive workload meant that some major systems went untouched. As such, these rivers were considered high priorities this summer. The North Lake Creek system, which is known to feature strong salmon runs, has received extensive work this summer. The entirety of the main stream, from the Baltic Rd. to the Salmon Hole, has been assessed and all major obstructions have been removed. In addition, the Alder Brook, which is a major tributary of the North Lake Creek, has received similar attention. To improve public access to this pristine system, a walking trail has been established along these same areas of the river. The Priest Pond system has also been the recipient of significant enhancement efforts this summer. We are presently awaiting the Dept. Transportation and Public Works to modify or remove some existing structures that are impeding fish passage. Naufrage, Souris, and Fortune Rivers have received extensive maintenance to supplement work done in previous years. Planning is underway to initiate enhancement efforts on the Cow and Hay Rivers, to at least secure fish passage in key parts of these systems. P.E.I. Ecological Goods and Services Pilot Project The Souris and Area Wildlife Branch is administering an Ecological Goods and Services pilot project involving the Found River and Souris River watersheds. The project in the Found River watershed is being coordinated by the Trout River Environmental Committee Inc. Funding for this project is being provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Advancing Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food Program. The objective of this project is to evaluate methods of compensating farmers for farm management practices that attempt to correct and prevent environmental problems associated with agricultural production. Specifically, agricultural producers in both the Founds River and Souris River watersheds will be provided with financial incentives to integrate practices that reduce the impact of such processes as nutrient over-enrichment, soil erosion, and pesticide application. This Ecological Goods and Services land management package includes: - per acre financial incentives for land using erosion control structures, hedgerows and grassed headlands not required by buffer zone legislation; - per acre financial incentives for retirement of the most sensitive high-sloped land from annual crop production and land along watercourses to enhance the existing regulated buffer zone; - property tax incentives; - exclusion of environmentally sensitive land from allowable land holding limits; - payments for performance-based pesticide risk reduction; - per acre financial incentives to either encourage a combination of eliminating fall mouldboard tillage prior to the potato production year and establishing winter cover after potato harvest, or farming under a management system that creates a positive trend in soil organic matter levels; - a financial incentive to maintain fences along watercourse to exclude cattle access. The expected results of these practices include improved water quality and biodiversity within the Founds River and Souris River Watersheds. The Trout River Environmental Committee Inc., and the Souris and Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation recognize the harsh economic conditions that face farmers and the importance of maximizing farm yield to gain even a modest profit. Involvement in this Environmental Goods and Services Pilot Project provides all producers within the two watersheds an opportunity to become more environmentally responsible in their operations without incurring the financial burden. This method of compensation rewards farmers for making environmentally sound decisions that influence the quality of life of all area residents. The initiation of this project, its implementation and results, will be examined upon its completion and will contribute to the development of a national policy for agricultural production. Good News Story
These plans are designed to reduce the amount of chemical fertilizers (nitrates, phosphates) applied to fields while maintaining a profitable crop yield. Currently, there are five Nutrient Management sites in operation, with the program having been adopted by Kevin MacAulay, Paul and Colin MacAulay Farms, Rollo Bay Holdings, and Lily Pond Farms. These operations should be congratulated for recognizing the growing problem of elevated nitrate levels in drinking water, and for taking steps to reduce their contributions to these increases. P.E.I. Public Water Data
Farm Tour 2007 On July 31st, the Eastern Kings area was host to the Federation of Agriculture's annual Farm Day Tour. This year's event highlighted the benefits of Environmental Farm Planning, and included stops at operations featuring environmentally responsible farming practices. With financial and in-kind support from the Souris and Area Wildlife Branch, this tour gave farmers from around PEI the opportunity to view some of the many examples of sustainable and innovative farming methods present in our area.As this year's recipient of the Gilbert R. Clements Award for Excellence in Environmental Farm Planning, the Townshend Potato Company was an obvious choice to begin the tour.
Coordinators Comments - Fred Cheverie
As coordinator of the Souris River Watershed Committee, I am pleased to report that activities have been running relatively smoothly this year. However, as in other years, we are experiencing drastic funding shortages, which limits our effectiveness. If anyone wishes to make a donation to our group, please make cheques payable to: Souris and Area Wildlife Branch, c/o Brian Deveau, Box 692, Souris, P.E.I., Canada C0A 2B0. All support is greatly appreciated. Souris & Area Branch - President Paul Campbell's Comments
While ring-necks certainly warrant our assistance, another species is becoming an increasing hindrance to our work. In recent years, the beaver population has increased significantly, and the impacted territory has expanded as a result. Beavers, although deserving of their own designated habitat, are known to negatively impact fish passage by greatly obstructing stream flow. This situation will require close monitoring and increased cooperation between our organization and government departments. Souris River Management Committee - Chairman Paul Deveau
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the producers of the Souris River Watershed for their participation in the PEI Ecological Goods and Services Pilot Project. This is yet another prime example of our residents being proactive instead of reactive with regards to environmental issues. Erica MacIsaac, our watershed agrologist, should be recognized for her diligent work on this project. Erica has been able to establish a successful working relationship with area producers based on her passion for and knowledge of farming. Finally, I would like to welcome Waldron Leard to our organization. As webmaster of our website, Waldron will play an active and important role in documenting and organizing our activities.  Copyright Souris Branch of the P.E.I. Wildlife Federation All pictures appearing on this site or its associated flickr account are the property of the photographers and the Souris & Area Branch of the P.E.I. Wildlife Federation. |
This summer is proving to be very productive in terms of work completed. The enhancement crew has worked extremely hard, and the results have been praiseworthy. Along with the crew, I would like to thank the general public and all involved landowners for their continued patience, cooperation, and support. A recurring issue in our area has been the hours of operation of the Island Waste Watch facility in Dingwell's Mills. Having the facility open for six days a week during the summer/fall months would greatly assist organizations, local businesses, and individuals. If you share this view and would like to see a change, please contact IWMC toll free at 1-888-280-8111 to plead your case.
Part of our organization's mandate is to enhance wildlife populations and maintain diversity in our area. In an attempt to resurrect a depleted species, the Souris Wildlife Branch has obtained a brood stock of 45 ring-necked pheasants from Nova Scotia. From this stock, it is expected that approximately 100 additional pheasants will be produced this year. It is hoped that this effort will assist greatly in the recovery of ring-necked populations in our area.
This edition of our newsletter marks a change in format, as we will now be included as an essential part of the Eastern Kings Enhancement Newsletter. This decision makes economic sense while maintaining quality of content. Most importantly, this arrangement ensures that we can maintain broad readership in a publication that ties in the whole community.