ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION

2.0 BACKGROUND INFORMATION
2.1 Souris and Area Branch, PEI Wildlife Federation
2.2 Souris River Watershed
2.3 Anoxic Events / Eutrophication
2.4 Fish Kills
2.5 Bacterial Contamination / Shellfish Closures
2.6 Soil Erosion
2.7 Wetlands
2.8 Water Budget
2.9 Wellfield Protection Strategy
2.10 Current Management Status

3.0 THE WATERSHED PLANNING PROCESS

4.0 VISION STATEMENT, GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND STRATEGIES
4.1 Vision Statement
4.2 Goals, Objectives, and Strategies

5.0 IMPLEMENTATION

6.0 GLOSSARY

7.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY

The Souris River Watershed Management Plan was prepared to serve as a guide to managing natural resources while ensuring environmental, economic, and social sustainability. While it is not intended to be a technical report, this plan accurately reflects the wishes of the community revealed during of a series of workshops held during the fall and winter of 2005-06. Implementation will be ongoing and the plan will be updated as conditions change and the needs of the community evolve.

The document itself consists of five key sections. Firstly, the INTRODUCTION provides a brief history of the Souris area's reliance on the Souris River Watershed, and the importance of this relationship.

Secondly, BACKGROUND INFORMATION outlines the specific characteristics of the Souris River Watershed, the current status of the watershed from a management perspective, as well as the particular problems that it faces. Included among these are the following:

1 – Anoxic Events/Eutrophication
2 – Fish Kills
3 – Bacterial Contamination/Shellfish Closures
4 - Soil Erosion
5 – Wetland Protection
6 – Water Budget
7 – Wellfield Protection Strategy

Thirdly, WATERSHED PLANNING PROCESS details the procedure followed to compile this document and present it as an accurate reflection of the needs of the community.

Next, VISION STATEMENT, GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND STRATEGIES identifies the specific course of action that will be implemented to address the concerns of the watershed stakeholders. As the core of this document, this section details in a prioritized manner the specific methods needed to enhance the watershed.

The following Vision Statement and Goals were identified by the watershed community:

Vision Statement

"A healthy sustainable community, based on environmental, economic, and social values, with special consideration for resource-based industries including agriculture, tourism, fisheries, forestry, and aquaculture"

Goals

1 - Improve and Protect Water Quality (Ground and Surface)

2 - Restore and Protect Fish and Wildlife Habitat

3 - Preserve Sites of Environmental and Historical Significance

4 - Improve Active Living and Recreational Opportunities

5 – Advocate and Reward Stewardship

6 - Manage Watershed Resources Through Compromise and Respect

7 – Enhance Communication and Educational Opportunities

Finally, IMPLEMENTATION emphasizes the fact that the watershed planning process must be ongoing and will require continued attention. In addition, this section illustrates the need for collaboration between the community, the Watershed Management Committee, and the Municipal, Provincial, and Federal governments if watershed management is to be successful.

As an additional resource, a glossary is provided to highlight important terms contained within the document.

Souris River Watershed Management Committee

The Souris River Watershed Management Committee provided guidance throughout the watershed planning process. Committee members include Paul Campbell (President, Souris Wildlife Federation), Paul Deveau (Chairperson, Souris River Watershed Management Committee), Johnny Flynn (Vice-Chairperson, Souris River Watershed Management Committee), Fred Cheverie (Coordinator, Souris River Watershed Management Committee), Colin MacAulay, Ryan Keenan, Cameron Ross, Walter Townshend, Billy Trenholme, Paul Gallant, Tommy MacDonald, Brian Deveau, Trent MacPhee, Allan Arsenault, David MacAulay, Brian Murray (Soil and Water Technologist, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada), Dale Thompson (Eastern PEI Watershed Coordinator, Dept. of Environment, Energy, and Forestry) and Bruce Raymond (Manager, Watershed Management Section, Dept. of Environment, Energy, and Forestry).

The Souris River Watershed Management Committee acknowledges Dale Thompson, Eastern PEI Watershed Coordinator, and Bruce Raymond, Manager, Watershed Management Section (PEI Department of Environment, Energy, and Forestry) for their work during the initiation process with Paul Gallant, Past President of the Souris and Area Wildlife Branch. This led to a contract funded by the Canada-Prince Edward Island National Water Program in collaboration with the Souris and Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation. After an intensive application and interview process, the Souris River Watershed Management Committee hired Fred Cheverie as Watershed Coordinator to steer the process over the ensuing months.

Community Involvement

Special thanks to the many community members who regularly attended the watershed workshops and added their valuable input to the planning process. On average, approximately thirty-forty people representing a variety of community sectors were in attendance at these information sessions. Without this tremendous involvement, the Souris River Watershed Management Plan would not be representative of the community members needs, and thus would not serve the community properly.

Additional Contributors

MacPhee's IGA – Financial contributor
Souris Co-op – Financial contributor
Todd Dupuis – Atlantic Salmon Federation (mediator)
Shelly Cole-Arbing – Dept. of Environment, Energy, and Forestry (mediator/technical advice)
Rosie MacFarlane – Dept. of Environment, Energy, and Forestry (technical advice)
Brad Potter – Dept. of Environment, Energy, and Forestry (GIS support)
George Somers – Dept. of Environment, Energy, and Forestry (guest speaker)
Barry Thompson – Dept. of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Aquaculture (guest speaker)
Bill Glenn – Dept. of Environment, Energy, and Forestry (guest speaker)
Cindy Crane – Dept. of Environment, Energy, and Forestry (guest speaker)
Jeff Keefe – Dept. of Transportation and Public Works (guest speaker)
Jana Cheverie – Ducks Unlimited Canada (GIS support)
Sandra Jamieson – Dept. of Environment, Energy, and Forestry (GIS support)
Ron DeHaan – – Dept. of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Aquaculture (technical advice)
Town of Souris – Municipal support
Souris Holland College Center – Meeting/computer facilities
Yefang Jiang - Dept. of Environment, Energy, and Forestry (groundwater modeling)
Chris Pharo – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (Regional Ag-Land and Agforestry Manager)
Daryl Guignon – UPEI Biology Department (technical advice)
Regina Wells – West River Watershed Coordinator (technical advice)
Heather MacEwen – Wheatley River Watershed Coordinator (technical advice)
Valerie Bruce - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (Senior Market and Trade Officer)
Terry Perry – Past Watershed Coordinator, Trout River Environmental Committee
Paul Gallant – Past President, Souris and Area Branch, PEI Wildlife Federation
Ron Garnett – Airscapes {info at airscapes.ca}

Canada-Prince Edward Island National Water Program

The Canada-Prince Edward Island National Water Program (CPEINWP), delivered by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), provides initiatives that assist the agricultural community to address water concerns related to quantity and quality. The program is funded by the National Water Supply Expansion Program (NWSEP). The CPEINWP is carried out under the authority of the NWSEP and is structured specifically for P.E.I. producers. The CPEINWP has provided core funding for the watershed planning process in Souris River watershed.

PEI Watershed Management Fund

The Watershed Management Fund (WMF) of the PEI Department of Environment, Energy, and Forestry provides support to community-based organizations that are involved in the watershed planning process, with an emphasis on a holistic watershed approach. The WMF has provided direct financial assistance and technical support to the Souris River Watershed Management plan.

Watershed Plan Co-writers

This document was composed primarily by Fred Cheverie and Dale Thompson, with assistance from Garry Gregory (U.P.E.I. student). For purposes of this document acronyms are used sparingly.

Key Partners

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The people of the Souris area have had a longstanding and intimate relationship with the Souris River. Waterways of the Souris River watershed have been the building blocks of area communities, and have subsequently been incorporated into the lifestyle of the people. The river is a prominent and defining characteristic of the Souris area, and the people have developed a complex dependency on its resources.

The watershed helps to support the area in a number of ways. Environmentally, the Souris River Watershed has an immeasurable impact. Its' streams support a tremendous number of species of flora and fauna, all of which form relationships that constitute a vital ecosystem. The Souris River is an important element in this fragile balance, and all other components are dependent on its success. Economically, the river has had an impact from both contemporary and historical perspectives. Souris has a proud heritage as a shipbuilding center, a tradition that was based on the river's banks. The aquaculture industry has more recently arisen as a main dependent on the Souris River's resources, and the current problems faced by its' beneficiaries attest to the importance of the river's health. Socially, the Souris River watershed continues to be fundamental to the success of the area as a whole. Social events have long been centred on the river and its tributaries, and the recreational fishery of the area persists as a rewarding way to actively engage the outdoors. Historically, the community has had a positive relationship regarding land usage between landowners, fishermen, and hunters.

Perhaps the most pertinent, although often overlooked, manner in which the Souris River Watershed impacts the people is through groundwater. The underground reservoirs of water are the stores into which wells are tapped, and thus constitute our drinking water. The quality of this groundwater directly influences the health of those who draw on it. The majority of people in the watershed community have enjoyed predominantly clean drinking water up to date, but current trends in other regions expose the potential for dangerous contamination.

With so many facets of life directly related to the health and success of the area's water resources, it is essential that every effort be made to maintain and enhance the quality of the Souris River Watershed.

The water resources within the Souris River Watershed are interconnected. Activities that take place at any point in the watershed can impact upon the entire watershed's water quality. Given this interconnection, the only way to effectively deal with water quality issues is to plan and manage on a watershed basis.

The Souris River, like many PEI watersheds, has a history of water quality problems. These have included eutrophication and anoxic events, fish kills, bacterial contamination and shellfish closures, soil erosion, and other land use issues. The Souris and Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation (SAB) recognized that the Souris River had great potential, but was negatively impacted by past and present human activities. In late 2004, the SAB received funding from the CPEINWP to undertake watershed planning. The Stanley-Hope River watershed (Trout River Environmental Committee) and the West River watershed (Central Queens Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation) also received NWP funding; these three watersheds are considered to be "pilot" projects for watershed planning on Prince Edward Island.

It is the hope of the Souris River Watershed Management Committee (SRWMC) that the diligence put into the development of this plan will not only guide the management and enhancement of our area's natural resources, but will also serve as a template for other regions wishing to take the same initiative.

2.0 BACKGROUND INFORMATION

2.1 Souris & Area Branch, PEI Wildlife Federation

The Souris and Area Branch (SAB) of the PEI Wildlife Federation was formed in 1954 and has a membership of approximately 200 individuals. The goals of the Branch are: the protection and enhancement of fish and wildlife habitats; watershed protection and restoration; education of the public on wildlife and watershed issues; and promotion of a positive public image of consumptive wildlife uses. The SRWMC was formed in early 2005 as a sub-committee of the SAB, with the objective of steering the watershed planning process. The SRWMC has provided direction throughout the planning process to date and the group will continue to meet as required. The efforts of the SAB and the SRWMC have recently been recognized provincially through the receipt of a "Prince Edward Island Environmental Award" for 2006.

2.2 Souris River Watershed

The Souris River Watershed, located in Eastern Kings County, Prince Edward Island, consists of 5971 hectares of land and 50 kilometers of stream draining into Colville Bay. The majority of the watershed is forested, while a significant portion is considered agricultural land. Wetlands constitute only a small area of the watershed (Figure 1). For management purposes, Norris Pond, a small watershed taking in a portion of the Town of Souris and including the Town's wellfield, has been included.

The watershed includes all or a portion of the communities of Bear River, Chepstow, Gowan Brae, Harmony Junction, New Zealand, Rollo Bay, Rollo Bay West, St. Catherines, Sheep Pond, Souris East, Souris Line Road, Souris River, and Souris West, as well as the Town of Souris (Figure 2).

The watershed is a mosaic of woodlots, agricultural areas, and private residences interspersed with paved and clay roads. Resource-based industries are prominent, particularly agriculture but also including fishing, forestry, aquaculture, and tourism, and the economy is largely seasonal. The agricultural producers in the watershed are recognized as some of the most progressive on PEI as is demonstrated by their willingness to participate in nutrient management and soil conservation projects.

The Souris River is one of seven Eastern Kings watersheds included as part of a provincial stewardship strategy for fish and fish habitat on PEI. These watersheds were selected based on their relatively pristine conditions, as well as their potential for trout and salmon habitat, the presence of remnant populations of late-run salmon, and the recreational opportunities that they provide. Souris River has a healthy population of brook trout and rainbow trout that provide opportunities for fly and bait fishing. Also present is a remnant population of Atlantic salmon, as is evident from occasional catches of salmon parr and smolt.

The largest community within the watershed is the Town of Souris itself. Souris is a picturesque fishing town with a population of approximately 1300 people. Overlooking Colville Bay, it has a deep-water port and serves as a ferry terminal between P.E.I. and les Iles-des-Madeleines Islands. The town has a central water system supplied by five wells with a pumping capacity of 53,000 L/min. It has a secondary sewage treatment plant with ultraviolet disinfection capability.

Map courtesy of Dept. of Environment, Enery & Forestry

The Souris lift station on Beach Ave. was upgraded in 2004/2005. This work included upgrading of the building, capping/removal of overflow piping, and the installation of backup generation power. Prior to completion of this work, an electrical outage resulted in the potential for this lift station to overflow onto the estuary.

The town's two major employers are based on the agriculture and fishing industries. Agrawest Investments Ltd. employs approximately 100 people and operates a high volume dehydrated potato granules flour processing facility. Ocean Choice PEI, a subsidiary of Ocean Choice International Inc., employs approximately 500 people in peak season and is a major processor of lobster and other species of fish.

2.3 Anoxic Events / Eutrophication

The Souris River has a history of water quality problems related to over-enrichment. Like many watersheds on PEI, nitrate levels in groundwater are increasing. Nitrate, a compound that is water-soluble and enters the watercourse primarily through percolation, is the principal nutrient in estuarine waters. Excessive growth of sea lettuce has affected the tourism and aquaculture industries. Aesthetic problems have been created and quality of life of residents has been negatively influenced (see picture). Several anoxic events have been confirmed or suspected.

Danny Grant's stream

The application of chemical fertilizers is perhaps the main factor contributing to nutrient enrichment. Manure application within the watershed is minimal. Many farmers in the watershed already utilize nutrient management techniques, and it is expected that additional incentives will increase participation. As previously mentioned, the town's lift station (Beach Ave.) has been modified so that the possibility of untreated sewage entering the estuary has been eliminated. Despite meeting Atlantic Canadian standards, this secondary treatment procedure reduces nutrient input by just fifteen percent and has to be considered as a source of nutrient enrichment. In response to the eutrophication problems in Souris River, a water quality study was conducted in 2001 and 2002 by the (then) Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Environment. Based on data collected during this study, Souris River was considered eutrophic.

In an effort to mitigate a long-standing odor problem caused by decaying sea lettuce, an experimental infilling project was undertaken in 2003. A portion of the cove near Danny Grant's stream was infilled in hopes that sea lettuce would be lifted up on this new "salt marsh" by the rising tide. The sea lettuce would then be left behind by the falling tide and dry out, thus reducing the odor problem. This experimental project is still under evaluation.

2.4 Fish Kills

Fish kills are localized events characterized by the death of a significant number of individuals within a population. Resulting from either agricultural (and other) contamination or anoxic conditions, these events are extremely detrimental to both fish stocks and the ecology of the river system as a whole. Although records exist in other areas of Prince Edward Island, an anoxic fish kill is not known to have occurred within the Souris River Watershed.

Two pesticide related fish kills are known to have occurred in the Souris River in recent years. In July 1999, approximately one km of a tributary crossing the Manning Road on the West Branch was affected. In July 2000, a fish kill was investigated on the East Branch, which impacted upon approximately five km of stream from Harmony Junction to Gowan Brae. In both cases, run-off from nearby potato fields is believed to have been the cause of the fish kills.

Contributing factors in both incidents included: localized, intense rainfall events; a recent application of pesticides; and excessive row length in relation to the slope of the fields. In the 1999 incident, run-off from the adjacent potato field entered the stream directly with no opportunity for filtering; in 2000, run-off from the adjacent potato field was allowed to concentrate and enter the stream in a small area.

While it is possible that there have been other pesticide related fish kills over the years that went unnoticed or were not reported, fish kills have not been reported in the watershed since 2000. This is due to newly introduced legislation regulating buffer zones near watercourses, and the banning of the toxic insecticide Azinphos Methyl. In addition, a main reason for the lack of fish kills is due to the increased efforts and diligence on the part of agricultural producers. Producers continually upgrade themselves on pesticide use.

2.5 Bacterial Contamination / Shellfish Closures

As is typical of PEI estuaries, the Souris River has areas closed to shellfish harvesting due to bacterial contamination (elevated fecal coliform levels). Traditionally, the estuary had been closed from the causeway at Gowan Brae to a point approximately two km downstream and also in the area adjacent to the Town of Souris. The area upstream of Souris causeway had been open, conditional upon sampling results (Figure 3). The entire estuary was closed during the fall of 2005, and was closed again in April of 2006 as a precautionary measure based on the 2005 contamination. As of this writing, it is anticipated that the estuary will remain closed for 2006 pending further investigation. While recent tests (October 2006) indicate that the Souris River is now less contaminated, these results must be obtained consistently over a broader time frame to warrant re-opening. These closures by Environment Canada illustrate the pressing need of a watershed plan.

Souris Causeway

courtesy Dept. of Fisheries & Oceans

Testing is currently underway in an effort to determine sources of contamination. Potential sources of fecal coliform include animal waste originating from livestock operations or large concentrations of migratory birds or other wildlife and human waste originating from improperly functioning septic systems. As mentioned, the Beach Ave. lift station operated by the Town of Souris has been modified to prevent overflow of raw sewage into the estuary, eliminating this as a possible contributing factor.

2.6 Soil Erosion

Soil erosion is considered by many to be the most serious environmental problem on PEI. Sediment originating from agricultural and forestry activities, highway construction and maintenance, and other development has negatively impacted the Souris River watershed in a number of ways. Pools, ponds, and springs have been filled in, shellfish beds and trout spawning areas have been covered over, and water depth has been reduced throughout the estuary. All of these events have had detrimental effects on the wildlife that inhabit the watershed, as they disrupt normal feeding and reproductive patterns. Soil loss from agricultural areas is the primary means for phosphorous to enter watercourses. This compound binds to soil particles and is transported to watercourses during runoff events. In addition to degrading aquatic habitats, the soil quality is impacted by excessive erosion. Farmers in the watershed are among the leaders in PEI with regards to implementing soil conservation practices such as grassed waterways, terracing, farmable berms, and strip cropping (Figure 4).

Manning Road

2.7 Wetlands

The wetlands of the Souris River watershed are a critical component in the efficient functioning of our water system. Previously viewed as useless land and assigned very little practical value, it is now known that wetlands perform a number of essential functions that enable the watershed system as a whole to prosper. Wetland vegetation is capable of purifying surface water by filtering out a portion of pollutants, including nitrates, bacteria, and pesticides that enter the watercourse via runoff. In recognition of the essential role that they play, it is of utmost importance that our wetlands remain intact to combat this form of contamination.

In addition to their filtering properties, wetlands also play a significant role in regulating the flow of water throughout the watershed. The comparison of wetlands to a sponge can prove to be an apt analogy, as the wetlands act to absorb excess water released by spring thaws or heavy rains. Natural mechanisms to prevent flooding, wetlands are able to buffer otherwise excessive flows of water to more manageable levels.

The wetlands of the Souris River watershed also contribute greatly to the diversity of flora and fauna. The features characteristic of these areas offers a unique and delicate habitat that constitutes an important ecological niche (see Figure 5, page 16). Many species of plants and animals have evolved to effectively exploit this niche, and subsequently depend on the maintenance of these areas for their survival. Fish, frogs, ducks, and songbirds are all known to at least partially rely on wetlands to breed, feed, or seek refuge. A living ecosystem, wetlands help to contribute to a substantial diversity in terms of plant and animal life.

2.8 Water Budget

A groundwater flow model was developed by the Department of Environment, Energy, and Forestry in support of watershed planning for Souris River. This model can be used to predict potential impacts of future groundwater withdrawals and can be upgraded to simulate the migration of contaminants (such as nitrate) in groundwater. It will be a valuable aid in managing water resources. Overall groundwater use in the Souris watershed is 2474 m3/day (Table 1). This represents an annual consumption of 3.4 % of the total volume of renewable groundwater resources (Table 2).

Much of the groundwater extraction (utilizing 23.5% of the renewable groundwater resources in Norris Creek) occurs in the Norris Creek watershed, which supplies the Town's central water system.

Groundwater extractions usually result in stream flow reduction. Stream levels are directly correlated to the amount of water pumped out of the watershed. The model can demonstrate the stream flow reduction but cannot determine what impacts due to groundwater extractions are sustainable. What reduction level is acceptable is being studied and this is an on-going project. The Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry currently has limitations on deep water extraction.

2.9 Wellfield Protection Strategy

Recent legislation implemented by the provincial government requires all municipalities to develop a management plan to protect their water supply. As a result, the Town of Souris has secured the professional services of Conestoga Rovers Ltd. to design a feasible management strategy for their wellfield. While this plan is in the development process, a draft copy has been completed.

To function properly in a protective capacity, a wellfield strategy must incorporate several key components. Firstly, it is essential to create a knowledgeable advisory committee to supervise the implementation of the plan. To be most effective, this group should include community representatives from relevant sectors, and should maintain frequent contact with government officials. A cooperative relationship between this group and the Souris River Watershed Management Committee would be particularly beneficial, as both share a common concern for the health of water resources.
Secondly, the area surrounding the wellfield must be delineated into protection zones, a task carried out by the Dept. of Environment, Energy, and Forestry. For practical purposes, the draft composed by Conestoga Rovers Ltd. contains revisions to these zones to accommodate for natural features of the land (See Figure 6).

Thirdly, all potential contaminants within these protection zones must be identified. Included among these substances are fuels, fertilizers, and pesticides common to traditional land use. It is crucial that these possible sources of contamination be recognized to ensure the prompt and proper containment of potentially harmful pollution.

Finally, specific protection strategies to protect the Town's water resources must be formulated. Preventative measures must be taken regulate the use of toxic substances and, in the event of contamination, strict emergency procedures must be in place to resolve environmental issues.

These basic guidelines, while certainly subject to revision, provide the Town of Souris with an explicit plan of action to protect it's water supply.

2.10 Current Management Status

Although there are many problems currently facing the Souris River Watershed, it's important to maintain a balanced perspective. In comparison to many PEI watersheds, we are in an enviable position. Conditions throughout the watershed, although exhibiting some variation, are generally at a state where the application of proper management techniques can still have a significant effect. Nitrate levels in the groundwater (Figures 7 and 8), for example, are not so high as to approach dangerous levels for drinking water but could have an effect on wildlife. Implementing better soil and nutrient management techniques may effectively halt their recent increases.

Figure 7: Average Groundwater Nitrate Levels (2000-2001)

courtesy of Dept. of Environment, Energy and Forestry

The majority of the watercourses in the watershed are bordered by sufficient riparian zones, which provide suitable habitat for fish and other wildlife. The goal is to simply ensure that these riparian zones remain intact.

Air quality in the Souris River watershed and Eastern PEI is generally good.  The long-range transport of air pollution is the single largest component that contributes to poor air quality events in the watershed.  Although local emissions are minimal, transport of pollutants from nearby heavily populated and industrialized regions (eastern US, Ontario and Quebec) can result in poor air quality in PEI.

We recognize the importance of clean air.  However, considering that the majority of pollution originates elsewhere and is to a great extent beyond the scope of what can be accomplished through watershed management in Souris River, air quality was not raised as an issue that can be addressed through this management plan.

Figure 8: Average Groundwater Nitrate Levels (2000-2005)

courtesy of Dept. of Environment, Energy and Forestry

Perhaps the best feature of the Souris River Watershed is the people of the area. Community members are informed, passionate, involved, and, most importantly, willing to do what is necessary to help improve the situation. This characteristic is especially represented in the agricultural producers of the area. Recognizing the problems and taking initiative to solve them, these growers have already begun employing more responsible and environmentally sound methods. Strip cropping, terracing, and farmable berms are all ways in which area farmers have used better management practices, and it is important that this group be recognized and rewarded for these efforts and be encouraged to continue these practices. In addition, annual stream enhancement work has been a staple of the Souris Wildlife Branch. This work must continue on a regular basis to improve fish and wildlife habitat throughout the watershed.

The Souris River Watershed is not in a state of complete disrepair, but is in need of diligent enhancement, maintenance, and protection. With involvement and a willingness to change, past mistakes can be translated into future progress.

3.0 THE WATERSHED PLANNING PROCESS

Cooperation between all groups of people is essential in the formulation and implementation of an effective management plan. This plan is the result of a series of a series of community meetings and workshops held in 2005 and 2006. It reflects the vision, goals, and objectives of the watershed community (residents and all other interested parties).

January 2006

In an effort to educate and inform watershed stakeholders, a series of five information sessions were held during the fall and winter of 2005-06. These sessions covered topics that included groundwater, surface water, forestry, transportation, and agriculture. Immediately following these information sessions, a series of workshops were held in which the stakeholders identified a vision statement, goals, objectives, and management strategies for the watershed. The information presented in this plan was formally approved by the stakeholders on Dec. 13th / 2006 and is essentially a summary of those workshops.

4.0 VISION STATEMENT, GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND STRATEGIES

The following vision statement, goals, objectives, and management strategies are those of the watershed community. They form the backbone of this plan.

4.1 Vision Statement

"A healthy sustainable community, based on environmental, economic, and social values, with special consideration for resource-based industries including agriculture, tourism, fisheries, forestry, and aquaculture"

4.2 Goals, Objectives, and Strategies

For the purpose of formulating an effective and realistic management plan for the Souris River Watershed, it is necessary to prioritize the proposed strategies. Many issues are of pressing importance, and the strategies that address these problems must be implemented as soon as possible. These strategies are defined as immediate (1-3 years) in this document. Other issues, while still significant, can be addressed properly in the near future. These strategies are defined as short term (3-5 years) in this document. Finally, there are some proposed strategies that will take a period of time to apply, and these require ongoing attention. These often involve discussions with government, or are intended to be continuing projects. In this document, these strategies will be defined as long term (5-15 years).

This method of classification is intended to serve as a guideline for the management of the Souris River Watershed. All problems facing the watershed are important, and as such will be addressed as promptly and effectively as possible.

Goal 1 - Improve and Protect Water Quality (Ground and Surface) Stakeholders of the Souris River Watershed have indicated that the maintenance and enhancement of water quality is a high priority. Within 10 years we hope to have eliminated anoxic events, restored previous shellfish classifications, restored our streams to a gravel and rock substrate, eliminated red water events, and enhanced the quality of our drinking water.

Objective 1 – Determine and address sources of water quality degradation There is a need to identify sources of water quality degradation in order to effectively implement remedial measures.

Immediate Strategies (1-3 years): (1) – Identify and address sources of siltation (agriculture, transportation, forestry, development, etc.) - Conduct an annual watercourse survey to document problem areas - Prioritize sources of contamination and develop a work plan to deal with each - Work with Dept. Transportation and Public Works (TPW) to ensure monthly inspection and maintenance of clay roads and erosion control measures - Work with agricultural producers to continue implementation of BMPs in an effort to limit soil loss to sustainable levels (less than 3 tons/acre) - Work with developers and contractors to ensure that adequate erosion control measures are in place - Work with forest harvesting operations near watercourses - Inventory existing bridges and ensure that new bridges exceed minimum standards - Investigate sudden red-water events to determine and address the source of contamination (2) – Identify and address sources of bacterial contamination - Implement a freshwater and saltwater monitoring program (beginning in 2007) to determine sources of bacterial contamination -Work with landowners to implement Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) in an effort to reduce bacterial contamination - Investigate additional methods of monitoring sources of contamination (bottom sediments) in the estuary - Conduct spring and fall surveys of migratory birds (waterfowl using the estuary) in an effort to determine potential impacts on water quality - Develop a communications strategy between Environment Canada, Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry (DEEF), and stakeholders on fecal coliform data (3) – Identify and address sources of nutrient enrichment - Implement a freshwater and saltwater monitoring program to monitor nitrate levels in ponds, streams, and groundwater - Cooperate with DEEF to ensure public access to data collected in the watershed - Establish a nitrate level benchmark - Determine a reasonable long term numerical nitrate objective - Develop a strategy (using lysometers or similar technology) to determine specific sources of nitrate contamination Short Term Strategies (3-5 years): (4) – Educate the public about improperly functioning septic systems - Educate homeowners on the impact of improperly functioning septic systems - Lobby Government for incentives to assist homeowners with upgrades (5) – Identify and address dump sites - Inventory dump sites and implement a groundwater monitoring program in adjacent wells - Educate landowners on the contamination risks posed by unauthorized dump sites Long Term Strategies (5-15 years): (6) – Develop a plan (in consultation with TPW) to protect water quality - Work with TPW to ensure that non-toxic materials are used in the maintenance and/or replacement of stream crossing structures - Determine the impact of road salt storage and application on water quality (7) – Develop a plan within the aquaculture industry to reduce litter, improve aesthetics, and prevent contamination on Souris River - Meet with the Shellfish Working Committee on a semi-annual basis to discuss issues and opportunities

Objective 2 – Determine water quality trends There is a need to acquire additional data on current water quality (particularly with regards to nitrates and bacteria) in order to measure progress over the long term.

Immediate Strategies (1-3 years): (8) – Develop a water quality monitoring plan (estuary, streams, wetlands, private wells / groundwater) in consultation with government - Meet with Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry to set up a comprehensive water quality monitoring strategy Short Term Strategies (3-5 years): (9) – Advocate and encourage regular sampling of well water and lobby government for reduced cost for sample analysis - Encourage residents to have their water tested on an annual basis - Cooperate with Government to maintain a public database of Souris River sampling results - Lobby Government for reduced cost of sample analysis for all residents of watershed's with management plans Long Term Strategies (5-15 years): (10) - Disseminate information to watershed stakeholders (monitoring trends, test results, progress) on a regular basis - Provide regular updates to residents through distribution of 4 newsletters per year - Update web site (www.souriswl.ca) on a monthly basis - Host a public meeting annually to provide updates and information

Objective 3 – Enhance groundwater and surface water quality Water quality in the Souris River watershed is in need of improvement in order to achieve our goals of eliminating anoxic events, restoring previous shellfish classifications, restoring our streams to a gravel and rock substrate, eliminating red water events, and enhancing the quality of our drinking water.

Immediate Strategies (1-3 years): (11) – Encourage and promote farmers' efforts in utilizing Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) -Meet with Government to seek long-term incentives for producers to improve land stewardship - Provide regular updates on farmers efforts via quarterly newsletters - Meet with producers to discuss reducing local row crop concentration Short Term Strategies (3-5 years): (12) – Educate public on the proper disposal of household hazardous and other waste -Publish guidelines for waste disposal in newsletter annually and/or maintain link(s) to guidelines on web site (13) – Educate the public on the effective operation of septic systems - Publish guidelines for septic systems in newsletter annually and/or maintain link(s) to guidelines on web site Long Term Strategies (5-15 years): (14) – Lobby Government to improve waste disposal facilities (waste oil, paint, etc) - Arrange a meeting with Island Waste Management Corporation and Government to discuss increasing the capacity of and accessibility to waste disposal facilities (15) – Promote discussions between agricultural producers, processors, government, and the public to seek change in industry requirements that will have a positive impact on the environment

Goal 2 - Restore and Protect Fish and Wildlife Habitat Stakeholders of the Souris River watershed have indicated that restoration and protection of fish and wildlife habitat is a priority. Within 10 years we hope to have all riparian zones forested (planted), beaver management and invasive species plans in place, protected and enhanced priority habitat areas, and developed an enhanced appreciation for fish and wildlife habitat.

Objective 4 – Continue stream and riparian zone enhancement The majority of enhancement efforts to date have taken place in stream and riparian habitats. Concentrating efforts in these areas will help to achieve both water quality and wildlife habitat goals.

Immediate Strategies (1-3 years): (16) – Monitor forest harvesting activities near watercourses -Conduct bi-weekly inspections of forest harvesting operations near watercourses (17) – Support and assist the Souris and Area Branch, PEI Wildlife Federation, in securing funding for improving wildlife habitat - Submit applications to the Wildlife Conservation Fund, Watershed Management Fund, Shell Environmental Fund, Eco-Action, and others requesting a minimum of $150,000 annually (18) – Implement beaver and invasive species management plans for Souris River watershed - Meet with staff of the Forests, Fish, and Wildlife Division and have a beaver management plan in place prior to 2008 - Monitor the river annually to ensure that recommendations in the plan are being followed - Provide information on beavers (status, management, habitat) in 1 newsletter per year -Meet with representatives of Souris and Area Branch, Souris Harbour Authority, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries,and Aquaculture, DEEF and DFO to develop and implement an invasive species management plan (19) – Determine priority areas for enhancement work in consultation with government and the watershed community - Meet annually with representatives of the Souris and Area Branch, PEI Wildlife Federation, Souris Harbour Authority, and various Government and non-Government organizations to discuss enhancement opportunities and issues (20) – Initiate discussion with anglers, hunters, and trappers on future management needs - Meet with local resource users annually beginning in 2007 to discuss wildlife populations and management needs Short Term Strategies (3-5 years): (21) – Work with landowners to improve fish and wildlife habitat - Host a meeting informing watershed residents on what they can do for wildlife on their properties - Contact all landowners with properties bordering the river and provide information on the importance of riparian areas (22) - Implement a plan to inventory salmonid species and movements in consultation with government - Meet with representatives of the Souris and Area Branch, Atlantic Salmon Federation, DFO, and Forests, Fish, and Wildlife Division prior to 2008 to develop an annual monitoring program

Goal 3 - Preserve Sites of Environmental and Historical Significance Stakeholders of the Souris River watershed have indicated that sites of environmental and historical significance are important.

Objective 5 – Identify sites of environmental and historical significance There is a need to identify sites of environmental and historical importance.

Short Term Strategies (3-5 years): (23) – Conduct watershed inventory to determine significant environmental and historical sites - Make application for funding to hire a student to conduct an inventory (24) – Conduct research to consolidate existing information (library, local knowledge, etc) - Make application for funding to hire a student to conduct research

Objective 6 – Manage sites of environmental and historical significance in cooperation with landowners and the watershed community There is a need to manage these sites to ensure that they remain undisturbed.

Short Term Strategies (3-5 years): (25) - Educate the watershed community on the importance of these sites - Host a community meeting to update residents on the information collected in fulfillment of strategies 23 and 24 (26) - Provide incentives for landowners to preserve these sites - Meet with Government to discuss possible landowner incentives to encourage preservation of these sites

Goal 4 – Improve Active Living and Recreational Opportunities Stakeholders of the Souris River watershed have indicated that maintaining and encouraging a healthy lifestyle is a priority.

Objective 7 – Enhance opportunities for public access to Souris River Opportunities for public access to the river are limited.

Short Term Strategies (3-5 years): (27) – Partner with landowners to provide access (acquisition, easements, donations, and rental agreements) - Contact all landowners with properties bordering the river (tidal waters by 2009, freshwater by 2011), provide information on the importance of public access and determine interest in participating (28) – Place signage to indicate public access sites and promote courteous use - Erect signs and trail markers by 2012 on all properties where public access is permitted

Objective 8 – Encourage recreational activities that utilize opportunities offered by the watershed The watershed's potential for providing recreational activities is under-utilized.

Short Term Strategies (3-5 years): (29) – Educate public on existing opportunities - Provide recreation updates in spring and fall newsletters (30) – Coordinate efforts between government, non-government organizations and individuals in securing funding and promoting recreational activities - Set up a meeting with interested groups to discuss recreational opportunities Long Term Strategies (5-15 years):, (31) – Promote volunteerism to enhance Souris watershed - Publish regular newsletter articles on the importance of volunteers and updates on local opportunities

Objective 9 – Encourage safety while supporting active living / recreational opportunities. Safety and liability in recreational activities are issues.

Long Term Strategies (5-15 years): (32) – Educate / promote awareness on safety issues relating to recreational activities - Publish regular newsletter articles on safety (walking, running, paddling, hunting, fishing, etc) and/or maintain links to guidelines on website (33) – Develop a plan to address potential liabilities - Meet with an insurance broker and/or lawyer to discuss/determine potential liabilities

Goal 5 – Advocate and Reward Stewardship Stakeholders of the Souris River watershed have indicated that stewardship of their watershed is an essential part of watershed planning.

Objective 10 – Encourage farmers, foresters, aquaculturists and others to capitalize on programs that reward land and water stewardship. Programs do exist and resource users should be encouraged to continue to capitalize on these.

Immediate Strategies (1-3 years): (34) – Promote awareness on stewardship activities and initiatives (awards, newsletters, funding programs) - Publish regular newsletter updates on stewardship programs, activities, and awards. Long Term Strategies (5-15 years): (35) – Lobby government to develop new programs that promote and reward stewardship - Meet with Government to discuss long-term incentive programs.

Goal 6 - Manage Watershed Resources Through Compromise and Respect Stakeholders of the Souris River Watershed have indicated that it is important to recognize that everyone has an impact upon the watershed environment, we all have different priorities, and that those who make an effort to minimize their impact on the environment and their neighbors should be treated with respect.

Objective 11 – Enhance understanding of issues facing resource-based industries The understanding of resource-based issues fosters respect.

Short Term Strategies (3-5 years): (36) – Communicate current issues through public meetings, newsletters, etc - Publish a quarterly newsletter - Hold regular public meetings - Create and maintain website

Objective 12 – Provide opportunities for public consultation on proposed initiatives that may impact upon environmental quality People indicated that they wish to be made aware of issues that may affect environmental quality.

Short Term Strategies (3-5 years): (37) – Souris River Management Committee will host public meetings and disseminate information throughout the watershed - The SRWMC will organize public meetings and distribute information in response to the needs of the watershed community

Goal 7 – Enhance Communication and Educational Opportunities Stakeholders of the Souris River watershed have indicated that enhanced communication and educational opportunities are an essential component of making informed watershed management decisions.

Objective 13 – Increase environmental awareness People need to be aware of the issues before they can make informed decisions.

Immediate Strategies (1-3 years): (38) - Celebrate accomplishments - Publish a "good news story" in each newsletter and/or on the website - Hold public meetings to acknowledge accomplishments (39) – Support organizations that promote outdoor educational activities - Provide space for announcements in quarterly newsletters and/or website (40) – Educate the public on the impact of individual activities - Distribute a brochure on the impact of individual activities and/or website Short Term Strategies (3-5 years): (41) – Enhance communication between government and watershed stakeholders - Host an annual meeting on the state of the watershed (42) – Enhance environmental awareness through a series of public presentations - Host two environmental presentations annually Long Term Strategies (5-15 years): (43) – Promote farm, aquaculture, and wildlife habitat tours - Organize annual tours to provide an opportunity for residents to better understand watershed activities

5.0 IMPLEMENTATION

Watershed Planning is an ongoing process that requires a stable source of funding in order to be successful. Implementation will be ongoing indefinitely, and this plan will need to be revisited regularly as conditions change and the needs of the community evolve.

The planning process in the Souris River watershed has been very successful to this point and holds great potential for the future. The Souris River watershed community has demonstrated their willingness to adopt watershed planning and the SAB has the capacity to proceed with management plan implementation. However, without additional funding over the long term, the planning process will not be successful. It is hoped that the various potential sources of funding (Provincial Government, Federal Government, and NGO's) will recognize the importance of watershed planning and collaborate to help ensure that sufficient funds are available for Souris River and all other interested watersheds.

Although the involvement of all three levels of government is essential to the success of this management plan, it is fundamentally important that community members within the watershed actively participate in its implementation. The watershed is a natural resource that is critically important to the success of the community, and as such it is the responsibility of the people to support and protect it. The Souris River Watershed Management Committee encourages everyone to become involved and contribute to the enhancement of the community's watershed.

6.0 GLOSSARY

Anoxic - Refers to conditions in a body of water where oxygen levels are low or absent. Such conditions are detrimental to most forms of aquatic life.

Bacterial Contamination - The presence of unacceptable levels of bacteria in an estuary, resulting in the closure of the area to shellfish harvesting.

Best Management Practices (BMPs) - Management practices which serve to integrate on-farm goals for crop and/or livestock production, sustainability, and environmental quality.

Berm - A raised bank of earth used by farmers to reduce soil erosion.

Coast seepage - Groundwater discharge directly into salt water on the outer coastline.

Cropline - The boundary between row crops and cereal/forage crops in a strip cropped field.

Eutrophication - Having waters rich in mineral and organic nutrients that promote a proliferation of plant life, especially algae, which reduces the dissolved oxygen content and is detrimental to most forms of aquatic life.

Evapotranspiration - The combined process by which water is discharged to the atmosphere through evaporation from soil and surface water and transpiration by plants.

Grassed Waterway - A shallow, grassed channel used to control soil erosion where water flows through the lowest elevations in a farm field.

Groundwater - Water below the surface of the earth that serves as the only source of drinking water on P.E.I.

Nitrate - The water-soluble form of nitrogen and one of two primary limiting nutrients to aquatic productivity (the other being phosphorous). Nitrate enters groundwater primarily through percolation. It eventually returns to the surface as base flow (from springs and seeps) in our streams, and finally ends up in the estuary. Excessive nitrate levels in estuaries can, in combination with other factors, contribute to excessive growths of vegetation and anoxic conditions.

Nutrient Management - An agricultural management technique that involves applying manure and/or fertilizer at a rate that will meet crop requirements without leaving unused nutrients behind. The goal of nutrient management is to maintain crop yields, maximize cost effectiveness, and protect soil and water resources.

Nutrient Overload - Refers to excessive nutrient inputs and the conditions that develop as a result. Nutrient overload can lead to excessive growths of vegetation and anoxic conditions in ponds and estuaries.

Percolation - Drainage or seepage through a porous material.

Phosphorous - One of two primary limiting nutrients to aquatic productivity (the other being nitrogen). Unlike nitrate, phosphorous is not water-soluble. It binds to soil particles and enters surface waters with soil particles carried by run-off.

Riparian Zone - Refers to the area adjacent to a river, stream, pond, or other body of water.

Recharge - The total amount of groundwater recharge within a watershed on an annual basis.

River leakage (estuary) - Groundwater discharge directly into the estuary.

Stream leakage - Groundwater discharge directly into freshwater streams; also stream recharge directly into groundwater.

Soil Conservation - The process of implementing measures that reduce on-farm soil erosion caused by wind, water, and tillage.

Terrace - A raised bank of earth having vertical or sloping sides and a flat top.

Water Budget - The total quantity of groundwater available, usually calculated on a watershed basis. A water budget can be used to determine the potential impact of future development on water resources.

Watershed - All of the land that drains surface water and groundwater to a particular river system. Watershed boundaries are high points of land where water flows into distinct watersheds at lower elevations.

Watershed Planning - A community driven process of managing natural resources, particularly water, to ensure environmental, economic, and social sustainability.

Wellfield - An area containing more than 1 pumping well that supplies water to a public water system.

250 day travel boundary - The boundary of a specific area within which the groundwater takes 250 days to travel a specified horizontal distance, i.e. to a wellfield.

5 year travel boundary - The boundary of a specific area within which the groundwater takes 5 years to travel a specified horizontal distance, i.e. to a wellfield.

25 year travel boundary - The boundary of a specific area within which the groundwater takes 25 years to travel a specified horizontal distance, i.e. to a wellfield.

7.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Avery, Larry. Souris River Watershed Management and Work Plan. December 1994.

Crane, C.S., B.G. Raymond, D. A. Campbell, and P. K. Ward. Water Quality in the Souris River Estuary. May 2004.

Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Environment. The 2000 Souris River Fish Kill Report July 20, 2000. No Date.

Department of Technology and Environment. The 1999 Fish Kill in a Tributary of the Souris River. No Date.

Foster, Lindsay. A Fish and Fish Habitat Stewardship Strategy for Prince Edward Island Pilot Project: Eastern Kings, P.E.I. March 2005.

Jiang, Yefang. Groundwater Flow Modelling of the Souris River Watershed. June 2006.

www.flickr.com Souris & Area Branch PEI Wildlife Federation's Photos of Souris River & Area photoset

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