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22nd Annual River
Symposium
Change is the new normal:
Identifying Environmental
Challenges and Strategies
for a Changing
St. Lawrence River / Great Lakes
Ecosystem
PROGRAM
May 5 - 6, 2015
St. Lawrence Power Development Visitor Centre
Cornwall, ON Canada
www.riverinstitute.ca
1
2015 River Symposium
Change is the New Normal: Identifying
Environmental Challenges and Strategies for a Changing St. Lawrence River
Great Lakes Ecosystem
Thank you to our Partners and Sponsors!
Partners
Sponsors
Media Partner
22nd Annual River Symposium
2
BIOGRAPHY
2015 River Symposium—St. Lawrence Power Development Visitor Centre
Special Guest Chair and Guest Speaker
Dr. Anthony Ricciardi is a professor in the Faculty of Science at McGill University, where he teaches courses on
freshwater biology, animal diversity and environmental science. He serves on the scientific committee of the Canadian Aquatic
Invasive Species Network – a national research group that assesses the risks of invasion in Canada’s lakes, rivers and coastal
waters. For over 20 years, his research has examined the ecology of the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes, with a strong
focus on the effects of invasive species.
May 5, 2015 7:00 pm Schnitzels Restaurant
Pandora’s Ballast Tank: How Invasive Species are Changing the St. Lawrence River
Biological invasion – the spread of non-native species – is transforming ecosystems worldwide. No other freshwater system contains as many non-native species, or has been invaded as frequently, as the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River basin. Over 180
non-native species have become established in the basin within the past two centuries. Collectively, these invasions have altered
biodiversity, water quality, fish habitat, productivity, and contaminant cycling, in the lakes and in the river. Most invasions have
occurred since the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway and are attributable to ballast water release from overseas shipping. Recent regulations seem to have reduced the threat of foreign ballast water, but non-native species may continue to be
introduced through poorly-regulated vectors, such as those associated with ‘live trade’ (species imported as baitfish, ornamental
garden species, aquarium pets, and food for human consumption). The spread and impact of current and future invaders are expected to be altered by climate change. For these reasons, the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River system may experience further
ecological disruptions from invaders in the coming decades.
May 6, 2015 10:30 am Ontario Power Visitor’s Centre
Microplastics in the St. Lawrence River: What are they, Where do they come from, and What is their significance?
Microplastics – polymer particles originating from the use and manufacture of household or industrial products – have long been
recognized as a global contaminant in the world’s oceans. In recent years, they have also been detected in the surface waters of
the Great Lakes and other freshwater lakes and rivers worldwide. In 2013, students from my lab at McGill University discovered
microplastics in the form of polyethylene ‘microbeads’ (less than 2 mm in diameter) widely distributed across the bottom of the St.
Lawrence River, the first time such pollutants have been found in freshwater sediments. The microbeads likely originate from a
combination of household and industrial sources. At some locations, we measured over a thousand microbeads per liter of sediment, a concentration that rivals the world’s most contaminated ocean sediments. Contrary to the assumption that floating microplastics are flushed through rivers to the sea, our study shows that rivers can act as a sink for this pollution. I will discuss the potential for microplastics to be consumed by fish and other animals, and the ecological significance of this novel contaminant in the
St. Lawrence River.
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TUESDAY, M AY 5, 2015
2015 River Symposium—St. Lawrence Power Development Visitor Centre
Main Hall
Welcome—Traditional Native Opening
Jeff Ridal, Executive Director, River Institute
9:00
New Sources Of Contamination In The Great Lakes/St. Lawrence River
Session Chair: Roxanne Razavi, St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences
9:15
Overview of the State of the St. Lawrence River 2014
Caroline Savage, Environment Canada
9:35
Endocrine-related Health Effects and Elevated Concentrations of PCBs and Mercury in Wild Fish at the St. Lawrence
River (Cornwall) Area of Concern
Marcel Pinheiro, University of Waterloo
9:55
The Effects of Diluted Bitumen (dilbit) from Canada's Oil Sands Region on Embryotoxicity in Fish - Implications for its
Transport in Vital Watersheds
Barry N. Madison, Royal Military College of Canada Peter V. Hodson, Queen’s University and Valerie S. Langlois,
Royal Military College of Canada
10:15
Stretch Break
Wetland Restoration Along The St. Lawrence River: Outcomes And Opportunities
Co-chairs & Co-Organizers: Tom Langen, Clarkson University, Michael Twiss, Clarkson University and John Farrell,
SUNY ESF, Thousand Islands Biological Station
10:20
Restoration of Northern Pike Reproductive Habitat in the Thousand Islands section of the St. Lawrence River
Brandy L. Brown, Jacob Runner, and John M. Farrell, State University of New York College of Environmental Science
and Forestry
10:40
Evaluation of Biodiversity and Water Quality Indicators of Beneficial Use Impairments in Wetlands of the Massena
(New York) Area of Concern
Kinga Stryszowska and Tom A. Langen, Clarkson University
11:00
Are Wetland Restorations Effective at Restoring Wetland-Associated Biodiversity? – A Meta-analysis
Tom A. Langen, Clarkson University, Catherine E. Benson, Lincoln Memorial University
11:20
11::40
From Biogeochemistry to Fauna: Holistic Evaluation of Habitat Enhancements in Cattail (Typha) Dominated
Coastal Wetlands
John M. Farrell, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Ceili Bachman,
Alex Looi, Matt Regan, Stewart LaPan, Myron J. Mitchell, Kimberly L. Schulz, Donald J. Leopold, James P.
Gibbs, and Sarah Fleming
Lunch
22nd Annual River Symposium
4
TUESDAY, M AY 5, 2015 - Afternoon
2015 River Symposium—St. Lawrence Power Development Visitor Centre
Main Hall
Observation Deck
Concurrent
Concurrent
Developing Long Term Phosphorus Management
Plans for Urban And Rural Communities
Session Chair: Andrew Morley, Ontario Ministry of the
Environment and Climate Change
Wetland Restoration Along The St. Lawrence River:
Outcomes And Opportunities
Co-Chairs Co-organizers: Tom Langen (Clarkson U.),
Michael Twiss (Clarkson U.), John Farrell (SUNY ESF,
Thousand islands Biological Station)
12:40
Developing a Bay of Quinte Phosphorus Reduction
Strategy
Shan Mugalingam, Lower Trent Conservation
Coastal Wetland Habitat Restoration in the St. Lawrence
River and Lake Ontario Basin: Delivery methods, Partnerships, and Lessons Learned
K. Sarah Fleming, Ducks Unlimited and J.M. Farrell, SUNYESF
1:00
Phosphorus Offsetting, a Cost-effective Alternative for
Dischargers
Ronda Boutz, South Nation Conservation
Evaluating Wetland Restoration Success in the St. Lawrence River Valley: Bio indicators and Water Quality
Brendan Carberry, T. Langen and MR Twiss, Clarkson
University
1:20
Healthy Lake Huron – Clean Waters, Clean Beaches
Initiative
Ted Briggs, Ontario Ministry of the Environment and
Climate Change
A comparison of Water Quality in Restored and Natural
Wetlands in the St Lawrence River Valley, New York
M.R. Twiss, B.J Carberry and T.A. Langen, Clarkson
University
1:40
Cropland Hydrology and its Influence on Phosphorus
Fate, Recycling, and BMP Efficacy
Kevin McKague, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food
and Rural Affairs, Dr. Merrin Macrae, University of
Waterloo
Linking the Moses Saunders Dam to Wetland Tributaries in
the St. Lawrence River
Alexander Looi, Kimberly L. Schulz, John M. Farrell,
Charles Kroll, and Ceili Bachman, SUNY-ESF
2:00
Ontario East Alternative Land Use Services - Working
with Farmers and Ranchers to Increase Natures Benefits on their Land
Brandon Jacobs, Ontario East Alternative Land Use
Services (ALUS) Inc.
Factors Influencing Valuation of Wetland Preservation: A
Preliminary Analysis
Rick Welsh, Syracuse University, Michaele Webb,
Sayuri Heinl
2:20
Break
Break
22nd Annual River Symposium
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TUESDAY, M AY 5, 2015 - afternoon
2015 River Symposium—St. Lawrence Power Development Visitor Centre
Main Hall
Fish Species At Risk In Ontario: Current Research And Recovery Activities
Session Chairs: Brian Hickey and Matt Windle, St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences
2:40
Update on the Fisheries in the Ontario Waters of Lake St. Francis
Colin Lake, Jim Hoyle, Alastair Mathers, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
3:00
Use of Hydrodynamic Modeling and Habitat Suitability Indices to Predict Lake Sturgeon Spawning Habitat in the
Spanish River, Ontario
Hatry C, Kilgour BW, Kilgour & Associates Ltd., Davies M, MacDonald N, Coldwater Consulting Ltd, Portt CB, C.
Portt and Associates, Hunt C, Vale Canada Ltd and Semeniuk S., Domtar Inc.
3:20
Using Habitat Suitability Models to Predict Critical American Eel (Anguilla rostrata) Habitat in Lake St. Francis,
Ontario
Matthew J.S. Windle and Kirstie Delage, St. Lawrence River Institute
3:40
Stretch Break
Nuisance Plants And Algae: Engaging Citizen Science/Community Involvement In A Solution
Session Chairs: Jesse C. Vermaire, Carleton University and Kaitlin M. Brady, Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
3:50
Science to Stewardship- the Evolution of the People, Aquatic Plants and Health Lakes Project
Kaitlin Brady, Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, Michael Yee, and Sarah MacLeod-Neilson
4:10
Diatoms and Chrysophyte Cysts as Indicators of Water Quality Change in White Lake, Eastern Ontario, Canada
Kathryn Sweet and Jesse C Vermaire, Carleton University
4:30
Water Quality Changes in Lakes of the Rideau and Mississippi River Watersheds Over the Last ~150 years
Alexandre V. Crew, Emily J. Barrie, and Jesse C. Vermaire, Carleton University
4:50
Understanding the Algal Communities of the Tributaries of Lake St. Francis Through Intensive Sampling and the Help
of Citizen Scientists
Mackenzie Waller, Queen’s University, Brian Cummings and Andrew Bramburger
5:10
Is There Support for Negative Effects of the Invasive Aquatic Plant Eurasian Watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) on
Native Aquatic Plant Communities?
Simon Grafe, University of Ottawa
5:30
Symposium Day Ends
5:45 to
7:00 pm
7:00 pm
Evening Social (Buffet) ~ Schnitzels European Flavours Restaurant followed by
Guest Speaker:
Dr. Anthony Ricciardi, Associate Professor, McGill University
Pandora’s Ballast Tank:
How Invasive Species are Changing the St. Lawrence River
22nd Annual River Symposium
6
Dr. Paul Helm
Ministry of Environment &
Climate Change
Dr. Anthony Ricciardi
McGill University
Free of Charge
*
All Welcome * No Registration
8:30 am
Tours of Visitor Centre
9:00 am
Interactive Science & Nature
Displays and Exhibits
10:30 am Panel Discussion with Guest
Speakers Dr. Anthony Ricciardi
and Dr. Paul Helm with Dr. Jeff
Ridal on Microplastics in the St.
Lawrence River
Media Partner
Sponsors:
Wednesday, MAY
6
th
St. Lawrence Power Development
Visitor Centre in Cornwall
2500 B Second St. West
ABSTRACTS
2015 River Symposium—St. Lawrence Power Development Visitor Centre
HEALTHY LAKE HURON – CLEAN WATERS, CLEAN BEACHES INITIATIVE
Briggs, Ted
2) Preparing for Our Future: Delisting Areas of Concern,
Chaired by Kristin
Geater, Remedial
Action Plan
Program Officer,
Provincial and federal government
agencies,
municipalities,
conservation
authorities, health units and
other local organizations have
a unique
partnership
in an effort
to reduce nuisance algae and
Greatformed
Lakes Areas
of Concern
Section, Environment
Canada.
beach postings along Ontario’s Lake Huron shoreline. The Healthy Lake Huron – Clean Waters, Clean
Beaches initiative focuses on actions to improve water quality and promote safe clean beaches from
Land-Water
Interface:
The importance
natural and
Sarnia to Tobermory. 3)
The
partners are
working together
to ensureofavailable
resources are targeted at
priority areas and to support
the
efforts
of
communities
and
groups
working
anthropogenic inputs to nearshore water quality. on local water quality
improvement projects. Five watersheds were identified as priority areas for action, and each has
Co-Chairs: Andy Bramburger, St. Lawrence River Institute
developed an implementation strategy to target key projects in those areas. Work is underway to
and Chris
Critoph,
Regionerosion
Conservation
Authority.
implement a variety of remedial
actions
fromRaisin
reducing
from fields
and along creek banks during
storms and spring melts 4)
to Assessing
improving septic
systems.
Other key
aspectsfor
of the
the project has included the
Risks and
Emergency
Response
development of long term monitoring sites in each watershed to collect flow and water quality data as well
Great Lakes – St. Lawrence River ecosystems and
as the development of a Rural Stormwater Management Model which has been developed through the
project to further help identify priority other
actions.
Freshwater Ecosystems
Co-Chairs: Jerome Marty, WSP Canada Inc.,
Ted Briggs
Great Lakes AdvisorPeter Hodson, Queen’s University and Sandra Lawn, Lawn Consulting.
Ontario Ministry of the Environment
and Climate Habitats,
Change Species at Risk
5) Safeguarding
Southwestern Region
and Biodiversity: Success Stories and Current Challenges.
733 Exeter Road
Chair: Brian Hickey, St. Lawrence River Institute
London, Ontario N6E 1L3
E-mail:[email protected]
Thursday,May 8, 2014
Tel: 519-873-5064
9:00 am to 10:30 pm
MUNICIPAL STORM WATER CONTROL AND
EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS
PHOSPHORUS OFFSETTING, A COST-EFFECTIVE ALTERNATIVE FOR DISCHARGERS
Boutz, Ronda
The South Nation River (SNR) watershed has
a regulated
water quality trading program. Waste water
Panel
Discussiondischargers must control all phosphorus (P) loadings into receiving waters, since the SNR exceeds the
Water Risk
and
Liability
Climate
Changesources (NPS).
0.03 mg/l regulatory guidelines
for P.
Over
90% of in
theLight
P loadof
comes
from non-point
The 16 wastewater lagoons in the watershed
discharge
their
effluent
at
peak flows. It is not always
10:45 am to 12:00
technically feasible, physically possible, or socially desirable (because of costs) to meet the 100% P
Breakout Group- Defining Risk
reduction through advanced treatment.
South Nation Conservation’s Total Phosphorus
Management
1:00
to 2:30 pm (TPM) Program, allows dischargers to offset
increased P loads by controlling P from non-point sources (NPS) using best management practices.
Discussion-Tools
for Minimizing
Risk
Since NPS projects to reduce P Panel
are paid
for by the discharger
that contributes
P, the TPM program is a
2:30 - 3:30
pmP credits from rural landowners.
true credit trading program, with dischargers required
to buy
The amount of P credits that need to be bought depends on two factors. The first is the amount of P that
Breakout Discussion- Tools for Resiliency
the discharger contributes. The second is the offset ratio required by regulation. In theory, a discharger
needs to reduce P from non-point sources equivalent to the amount they contribute (i.e. a 1:1 ratio).
However, an offset ration of 4:1 is mandated
in the SNR
watershed. That is, 4 kg of P must be removed
Conference
Coordinator,
from non-point sources for every 1 kg of P that the discharger contributes.
Christina Collard, [email protected]
613-936-6620 ext 222
7
Ronda Boutz
Team Lead, Communications & Outreach
South Nation Conservation
SCIENCE TO STEWARDSHIP- SCIENCE TO STEWARDSHIP- THE EVOLUTION OF THE PEOPLE,
AQUATIC PLANTS AND HEALTH LAKES PROJECT
Brady, Kaitlin, Michael Yee, and Sarah MacLeod-Neilson
People, Aquatic Plants and Healthy Lakes: Finding the Balance in Eastern Ontario's Lake Country Project
was formed by a collaborative of organizations to address local concerns that were raised about
increased algae and aquatic plant growth. In 2010, algal blooms were sampled to determine the species
of algae that were blooming and why this was occurring. This research indicated that primarily green
algae was found but that future research was needed in order to determine causes of their increased
growth. In order to gage a good understanding of the public's concern regarding algae and aquatic plant
growth a survey was conducted. These survey results indicated that lake and river users were noticing
increased growth and would like research to be completed to understand why it is occurring. From this
information the collaborative group was formed, and applied to the Ontario Trillium Foundation to conduct
research and education on algae and aquatic plants in Eastern Ontario. This initiative was successful and
the project is starting its second and final year. Through this project 20 sediment cores were sampled and
macrophyte mapping was conducted to gain an understanding of the influence that total phosphorus,
invasive species and climate change have had on these lake ecosystems. Knowledge from this research
will help guide stewardship actions that can be taken on our local lakes and rivers. After the completion of
this project, the collaborative group will continue to find additional funding and resources to put towards
important research on lakes and rivers and to apply this knowledge to maintain watershed health.
Kaitlin Brady
Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
EVALUATING WETLAND RESTORATION SUCCESS IN THE ST. LAWRENCE RIVER VALLEY:
BIOINDICATORS AND WATER QUALITY
Carberry, Brendan, Dr. Tom A. Langen, and Dr. Michael R. Twiss
The St. Lawrence River valley contains widespread potential for wetland restoration and preservation,
especially through the creation of public-private partnership wetland easements. Although hundreds of
easements exist in the region, variations in construction, hydrology, and connectivity, as well as logistical
challenges in long term monitoring make it difficult to define and measure restoration success. This study
focuses on 50 wetland restoration projects constructed through public-private partnerships with the
National Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Ducks Unlimited, along
with 18 natural reference wetlands. At each site we conducted biodiversity surveys using biotic indicators
including turtles, frogs, fish, birds, and plants. Each site was then sampled for water quality analysis
including algal and bacterial community composition, pH and alkalinity, and nutrient analysis. The results
of these surveys are being used as ranking criteria to evaluate wetland restoration success and quantify
environmental benefits of wetlands. The outputs of this study will be used to provide recommended
practices to guide agencies in wetland restoration sites and partners and in project monitoring.
Institute for a Sustainable Environment
Brendan Carberry
Clarkson University
8
Box 5805
Potsdam, NY 13676
Tel: 518 586 4436
E-mail: [email protected]
RESTORATION OF NORTHERN PIKE REPRODUCTIVE HABITAT IN THE THOUSAND
ISLANDS SECTION OF THE ST. LAWRENCE RIVER
Brown, Brandy L., Jacob Runner, and John M. Farrell
Restoration efforts of Northern Pike habitat in the Thousand Islands has focused on re-establishing
connectivity to remaining coastal wetland spawning habitat that has been negatively impacted by the
invasive cattail, Typha x. glauca and the suppression of water level fluctuations. Spawning marshes,
excavated channels, and spawning pools are three techniques that were used and evaluated since 2002.
Fish usage and density of emigrating age-0 Northern Pike was compared among the three restoration
techniques. Restored channels and pools attracted both spawning and resident fishes and captured
numerous age-0 Northern Pike, indicating successful reproductive function. Surveys indicate spawning
marshes have not reached expected juvenile production despite a positive habitat response, likely due in
part to changes in adult spring migrations. Recent habitat improvement however, continues, and it is
anticipated that Northern Pike populations will benefit from these projects at the local level. System-wide
population responses may require a larger scale intervention, such as changes to water levels
management policy. Specific project successes, challenges, and lessons learned from a restoration and
management perspective will be highlighted and discussed.
John M. Farrell
State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry
1 Forestry Dr.
Syracuse, NY 13210
Tel: (315) 470-6990
E-mail: [email protected]
FROM BIOGEOCHEMISTRY TO FAUNA: HOLISTIC EVALUATION OF HABITAT ENHANCEMENTS IN
CATTAIL (TYPHA) DOMINATED COASTAL WETLANDS.
John M. Farrell, Ceili Bachman, Alex Looi, Matt Regan, Stewart LaPan, Myron J. Mitchell, Kimberly
L. Schulz, Donald J. Leopold, James P. Gibbs, and Sarah Fleming* State University of New York
College of Environmental Science and Forestry, 1 Forestry Dr. Syracuse, NY 13210, (315 4706990), [email protected]; *Ducks Unlimited Inc.
An intensive and holistic monitoring study was completed to evaluate outcomes and provide baseline
data for coastal wetlands habitat restoration in the upper St. Lawrence River. The project included
water-control structures designed to expand the hydropattern and excavated spawning pools to enhance
connectivity in invasive cattail dominated wetlands. This evaluation was holistic as it considered seasonal
biogeochemical processes and nutrient dynamics and included experiments and field data linkages to
lower trophic levels including algae and zooplankton. In addition, more traditional plant community
responses were evaluated using analyses of plant community structure along wetland elevation gradients
and on post-restoration habitat mounds. Faunal responses to the projects were examined including
herpetofauna, avifauna, muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus), and fish, including reproduction of the restoration
target species, Northern Pike (Esox lucius). We present an overview of the range of studies completed
for this wetland habitat, its modification, and early indications of the efficacy of the restoration
performance. Because of the wetland sensitivity to hydrology, the approach will also help guide
9
understanding of International Joint Commission (IJC) water-level regulation policy effects on coastal
marsh ecology.
COASTAL WETLAND HABITAT RESTORATION IN THE ST. LAWRENCE RIVER AND LAKE
ONTARIO BASIN: DELIVERY METHODS, PARTNERSHIPS, AND LESSONS LEARNED
Fleming, K. Sarah, and J. M. Farrell
Research has demonstrated that the natural processes of the coastal freshwater marshes and nearby
tributaries of Lake Ontario have been altered by water level stabilization and changes in land use and
climate. These changes and lack of water level fluctuation have caused environmental damage to critical
spawning habitat for the region’s fishery resources and reduced the diversity of wetland-dependent
wildlife. Following St. Lawrence and Lake Ontario water level regulation in 1960, coastal marshes have
increasingly been dominated by invasive dense cattail mats that have limited value for spawning fish and
wetland-dependent wildlife, including northern pike and marsh birds, respectively. Ducks Unlimited, Inc.
(DU) and a diversity of conservation partners, funded through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
(GLRI), are advancing coastal wetland restoration projects in the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario
watershed. Projects include restoration of potholes and channels in dense cattail to connect to marsh and
lake habitats, habitat mounds to increase plant diversity, and installation of fish ladders. Pre- and postmonitoring suggests improved fish and wildlife habitats in coastal wetlands and their tributaries with the
increased connectivity to open lake and riverine habitats. Through strong conservation partnerships, DU
helps deliver science-based, solution-oriented conservation for waterfowl, wildlife, and people. Since
2010, DU has networked with a diversity of stakeholders with similar holistic approaches to conserving
Great Lakes coastal marshes and we will discuss how our partnerships ensured successful project
delivery, as well as what lessons were learned through our delivery methodology
K. Sarah Fleming
Ducks Unlimited, Inc.
6631 Reeves Road
Jordan, NY 13080
Tel: (315) 689-0179
E-mail: [email protected]
USE OF HYDRODYNAMIC MOELING AND HABITAT SUITABILITY INDICES TO PREDICT LAKE
STURGEON SPAWNING HABITAT IN THE SPANISH RIVER, ONTARIO
Hatry C, Kilgour BW, Davies M, MacDonald N, Portt CB, Hunt C, Semeniuk S
Lake Sturgeon aggregate at the base of Espanola Falls of the Spanish River during spawning periods.
Hydro generation at Espanola Falls, and additional upstream power stations have been thought to pose
significant risks to Lake Sturgeon. A TELEMAC hydrodynamic model was calibrated for the river system
under two flow regimes, then used to estimate water depth and flow velocities for the receiving
environment downstream of Espanola Falls for the sturgeon spawning periods in each year from 2001 to
2011. Hydrodynamics were modeled for four operational scenarios (flow regimes) that included: (1)
existing conditions (i.e., modest peaking); (2) smoothed peaking; (3) run-of-river; and (4) naturalized flow
regime. The hydrodynamic model results were then used as input to a spawning habitat suitability model
that considered flow velocities, water depth and substrate texture, and predicted conditions for pixels of
~6 m2 in size. The model also considers water temperature, the timing of spawning, and the likelihood
that eggs will go dry because of variations in water elevations. A combination of egg mats and radio
10
telemetry confirmed that the plunge pool beneath Espanola Falls is used by Lake Sturgeon as a
spawning ground validating the hydrodynamic modelling results.
C. Hatry
Kilgour & Associates Ltd.
Ottawa, Ontario
ONTARIO EAST ALTERNATIVE LAND USE SERVICES - WORKING WITH FARMERS AND
RANCHERS TO INCREASE NATURES BENEFITS ON THEIR LAND
Jacobs, Brendan
Ontario East Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) Inc. is a community based, farmer led and delivered
program with the simple goal of creating a healthy environment that sustains agriculture, wildlife, and
natural spaces for all Canadians. ALUS recognizes and endeavors to augment the key role farmers and
ranchers play as land stewards by increasing nature’s benefits through the naturalization of marginal and
fragile areas, currently under production. In exchange for these benefits the farmer receives an annual
payment per acre enrolled in the ALUS program. The ALUS process is not prescriptive, which allows for
greater flexibility when it comes to project design and the establishment of wetlands, buffers, pollinator
habitat, wildlife structures, and tree planting. A number of these projects types are geared to improving
water quality at a local and watershed level through the reduction of nutrient inputs and sedimentation.
Brendan Jacobs
Program Coordinator
Ontario East Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) Inc.
UPDATE ON THE FISHERIES IN THE ONTARIO WATERS OF LAKE ST. FRANCIS
Colin Lake, Jim Hoyle, Alastair Mathers
Abstract:
An update on the fish community of Lake St. Francis, using information from various assessment
programs, including gill netting and angler surveys.
Fish community assessment netting provides a measure of health for several species. The 2014 survey
suggests the yellow perch are relatively abundant overall, however the large fish preferred by anglers
have declined. Populations of walleye and smallmouth bass appear to be thriving, while northern pike are
declining.
Data from both the recreational and commercial fisheries will be presented as well, focusing particularly
on Yellow Perch – a species that supports a regionally-important fishery.
Updates on management activities in Lake St. Francis and the St. Lawrence River will be given, including
the Lake St. Francis Fisheries Management Plan (FMP) and the St. Lawrence River Fish Community
Objectives (FCOs).
Colin Lake
Lead Planning Biologist
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
Lake Ontario Management Unit
11
Glenora Fisheries Station
Picton ON K0K 2T0
613.476.3850
[email protected]
ARE WETLAND RESTORATIONS EFFECTIVE
BIODIVERSITY? – A META-ANALYSIS
AT
RESTORING
WETLAND-ASSOCIATED
Langen, Tom A., and Catherine E. Benson,
More than 200 wetland restoration projects have been completed in the St. Lawrence River Valley,
restored with a goal of returning to the landscape wetlands that were lost due to past land-use practices,
mainly drainage for agriculture. Wetland restorations are intended to provide the same ecosystem
services as natural wetlands, and habitat for the same community of wetland-associated plants and
animals. As a complement to our study comparing wetland associated-biodiversity between natural and
restored wetlands within the St. Lawrence Valley of New York State, we conducted a formal metaanalysis of all accessible research that compared biodiversity indicators of wetland quality between
restored and reference natural wetlands. We found that, in aggregate, most studies have results similar to
ours in the St. Lawrence Valley: there is no difference between wetland restorations and matched natural
wetlands in terms of the species richness, abundance, and composition of wetland-associated
biodiversity. We conclude that restoration programs are generally worthwhile for restoring to landscapes
wetlands lost to agriculture or other land-uses.
Tom A. Langen
Clarkson University
E-mail: [email protected]
LINKING THE MOSES SAUNDERS DAM TO WETLAND TRIBUTARIES IN THE ST. LAWRENCE
RIVER
Looi , Alexander, Kimberly L. Schulz, John M. Farrell, Charles Kroll, and Ceili Bachman.
The Moses Saunders Dam (MSD) strongly influences the water levels and volume of the St. Lawrence
River and Lake Ontario. The MSD also impacts water levels in connected drowned river mouth wetland
ecosystems that reside in tributaries of the St. Lawrence River. Consequently, ecosystem processes in
these wetlands such as nutrient concentration, productivity, and composition of the biota are influenced
by the MSD. Three pairs of wetland sites had hourly water levels measured between 2012 and 2013.
Each pair had one unregulated and one regulated tributary. Regulated tributaries contained a flow control
structure that removed influence of the MSD. These data were compared with water level data taken
from the Alexandria Bay NOAA water level gauging station (ABAN 6) in the St. Lawrence River closest to
our study sites. Linear regression was used to describe the relationship between St. Lawrence River level
and our wetland sites. A watershed model (GWLF) was used to simulate water flow into the wetlands.
Finally, historic water levels of the wetland sites were simulated to hindcast past conditions and prior to
the MSD, water levels on the St. Lawrence experienced greater fluctuations. We examine the
hydrodynamic linkages between Alexandria Bay and those of tributary wetlands to examine potential
impacts of water levels regulation.
Alexander Looi
State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry
12
1 Forestry Dr.
Syracuse, NY 13210
E-mail: [email protected]
THE EFFECTS OF DILUTED BITUMEN (DILBIT) FROM CANADA'S OIL SANDS REGION ON
EMBRYOTOXICITY IN FISH - IMPLICATIONS FOR ITS TRANSPORT IN VITAL WATERSHEDS.
Madison, Barry N., Peter V. Hodson, and Valerie S. Langlois
Water is our most precious biological resource at a time when oil is Canada's most valued economic
resource. This dichotomy is central to current and future political debate, on a local and global scale. One
central question to this discussion is what are the long-term implications of oil sands products on our
freshwater supply? Examination of the biological cost of these products must be performed in order to
make appropriate decisions that affect both long-term environmental and fiscal policies. Though work has
assessed the toxic effects of oil sands products on fish and aquatic life in general, little has been done to
characterize the sensitivity to earlier sedentary life stages of fish species, e.g., embryos, to the impacts of
potential oil spills near major watersheds where dilbit is nationally transported, including those along
future routes (e.g., Northern Gateway). Our work on the impact of dilbit exposure on developing fish has
revealed novel physicochemical and toxicological attributes of this product as it sits poised for export to
international markets via major shipping routes. Initial efforts with model fish species are identifying
relevant biomarkers of dilbit exposure to allow the future assessment of which Canadian species will most
likely be affected by potential spills
Barry N. Madison
Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Department
Royal Military College of Canada
CROPLAND HYDROLOGY AND ITS INFLUENCE ON PHOSPHORUS FATE, RECYCLING, AND BMP
EFFICACY
McKague, Kevin, Dr. Merrin Macrae
Phosphorus, whether in particulate or dissolved form, moves with agricultural drainage waters. Field
sites on operating commercial farms within the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence River basin have been
instrumented and monitored year-around to gain an improved understanding of how and when water and
phosphorus leave a farm field. Both tile drainage flows and overland runoff flows are being monitored for
water quantity and quality. Field management activities are also being recorded. Seasonal and annual
loadings of phosphorus in drainage waters can be calculated and compared against phosphorus inputs,
phosphorus losses attributed to crop removal, and the soil’s inherent phosphorus supply. With
instrumented sites in place, the ability to evaluate the impact of phosphorus recycling strategies such as
manure application to cropland can be assessed. Best practices promoted to minimize sediment and
phosphorus loss can also be evaluated as they are implemented in the course of producing crops on the
monitored fields. Key observations to-date are summarized.
Results from a separate study which used a modelling approach to assess the impact of individual field
practices at a rural watershed outlet are also presented. Shortcomings in existing rural water quality
modelling tools are discussed as are the challenges in formulating policy to address phosphorus losses in
agricultural drainage waters.
Kevin McKague
P Eng., CPESC
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Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Woodstock, ON N4T 1W2
DEVELOPING A BAY OF QUINTE PHOSPHORUS REDUCTION STRATEGY
Mugalingam, Shan
One of the main environmental issues with the Bay of Quinte has been the impacts associated with
excess nutrient loadings, particularly phosphorus. In aquatic ecosystems like the Bay of Quinte, the ability
of phosphorus to promote rapid primary production causes a variety of eutrophication related problems.
Since the 1970s, there have been significant reductions in the amount of phosphorus entering the Bay
from both point sources, such as sewage treatment plants, and non-point sources, such as urban and
rural run-off. Despite the gains, the Bay continues to experience the effects of eutrophication and recent
assessments suggest that sediment phosphorus re-flux mediated through zebra mussels and macrophyte
beds is maintaining the phosphorus levels in the Bay at a relatively steady level. The development of a
long-term Phosphorous Reduction Strategy for the Bay of Quinte is one of the remaining key activities to
be undertaken in order to delist this Great Lakes Area of Concern. The goal of the Strategy is to restore
and maintain the Bay to a healthy and sustainable condition for the long term by reducing the risk of
harmful algae blooms, while maintaining the sustainable fisheries in the bay. The Strategy will also need
to off-set the effect of the sediment phosphorus re-flux on the phosphorus levels of the Bay. This talk will
explore the steps taken to establish phosphorus loading targets for the Bay and the issues that will need
to be considered in the development of a Phosphorous Reduction Strategy.
Mugalingam, Shan
Lower Trent Conservation
ENDOCRINE-RELATED HEALTH EFFECTS AND ELEVATED CONCENTRATIONS OF PCBS AND
MERCURY IN WILD FISH AT THE ST. LAWRENCE RIVER (CORNWALL) AREA OF CONCERN
Pinheiro, M.D.O., Simmons, D.B.D., Villella, M. 2, Park, B.J., Tetreau lt, G. R., Muir, D.C.G., McMaster,
M.E., Hewitt, L.M., Parrott, J.L., Brown, S.B., Sherry, J.P.
The extent that historical sources of mercury and PCBs continue to influence wild fish health in the Area
of Concern (AOC) was assessed by means of various endocrine and reproductive endpoints. Yellow
Perch (Perca flavescens) and Brown Bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus) were sampled in 2004-5 within the
AOC, at Cornwall and downstream at Gray’s Creek, and compared to fish sampled upstream at
Morrisburg, ON. Body burden analysis combined with biomarkers of exposure indicated that fish
contained low but significant levels of mercury and PCBs, resulting in subtle effects on health.
Particularly, female Brown Bullhead showed signs of reproductive impacts, with reduced levels of plasma
sex steroid and vitellogenin protein. Metabolic health was also affected in these fish, as determined by
biometric measurements, biomarkers, and histological measurements indicative of thyroid function.
Although the original industrial sources of mercury and PCBs no longer operate within the AOC, the
continued impacts of historical contaminants such as PCBs and mercury points to the need for
continuing, long-term assessments of fish health in the Cornwall AOC.
M.D.O. Pinheiro
Department of Biology
University of Waterloo
Waterloo, Ontario
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OVERVIEW OF THE STATE OF THE ST. LAWRENCE RIVER 2014
Savage, Caroline
For the third time (2003, 2008, 2014) the Working Group on the State of the St. Lawrence has met the
challenge of establishing an overview of the state of the St. Lawrence as part of the Canada–Québec
Agreement under the St. Lawrence Plan, also known as the St. Lawrence Action Plan 2011–2026. To
accomplish this task, the group used the findings of many scientists (19 indicators on water, biological
resources and sediments) from the organizations involved in implementing the State of the St. Lawrence
Monitoring Program. In 2014, the river’s bill of health presents a fragile balance. Most indicators remain
moderate. Following the reintroduction of the Striped Bass, we are seeing significant progress in the
natural reproduction, growth, and distribution of this species in the river. Overall, however, the St.
Lawrence remains relatively vulnerable. The Beluga Whale and Northern Gannet populations have
experienced significant degradation. Several changes have been observed in the ecosystem of the upper
estuary, the lower estuary and the Gulf.
Caroline Savage M.sc.
Environnement Canada
105 McGill, 7th floor
Montreal, Quebec H2Y 2E7
E-mail: [email protected]
Tel: (514) 496-1565
Fax : (514) 496-2676
EVALUATION OF BIODIVERSITY AND WATER QUALITY INDICATORS OF BENEFICIAL USE
IMPAIRMENTS IN WETLANDS OF THE MASSENA (NEW YORK) AREA OF CONCERN
Stryszowska, Kinga and Tom A. Langen
The natural wetlands along the St. Lawrence River in New York have been impacted by major habitat
alteration and contamination that occurred as a consequence of the St. Lawrence Seaway Project and
historical industrial development. For this reason, the sector of the St. Lawrence River near Massena New
York and Cornwall, Ontario has been designated as a bi-national, environmental Area of Concern (AOC).
In recent years, various environmental restoration and remediation projects have been implemented in
the area; however, there is a recognized information gap as to whether these environmental mitigation
projects have been successful in restoring the beneficial use impairments (BUIs) identified for the AOC.
We have been funded by the St. Lawrence River Research and Education Fund (SLRREF) to evaluate
wetland habitat quality by surveying five biological indicators (birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, plants) and
fourteen indicators of water quality (e.g. oxygen, nutrients, turbidity, phytoplankton) within a
representative sample of wetlands in the Massena AOC and a comparable set of reference wetlands form
outside the AOC. Results indicate that overall wetland habitat quality in the Massena AOC does not differ
from that of reference wetlands with respect to water quality and diversity of wildlife. However, we found
that reference wetlands outside the AOC are larger while wetlands in the Massena AOC are covered by a
higher percentage of invasive plant species. We concluded that the Remedial Action Plan implemented in
Massena has been successful at reducing the extent of wetland impairment and restoring wetland habitat.
Kinga Stryszowska
Department of Environmental Science and Engineering
15
Clarkson University
Box 5805, Potsdam, NY 13676
Tel: 917-558-3874
E-mail: [email protected]
A COMPARISON OF WATER QUALITY IN RESTORED AND NATURAL WETLANDS IN THE ST
LAWRENCE RIVER VALLEY, NEW YORK
Twiss ,M.R. B.J. Carberry T.A. Langen
The ecological functioning of a wetland can be influenced by inherent water quality. We sampled 46
restored and 17 natural wetlands over a 33 day period (DOY 204-237, 2014) to determine if there is a
difference in water quality between these two sets of wetlands that were also assessed for ecological
function. Grab surface water samples were collected with a pole from each wetland, and processed that
day.
All statistical analyses were conducted using a t-test on untransformed data, with two-tailed
distributions and assuming normal variance. No significant difference between Natural and Restored
wetlands were detected for CDOM, turbidity, phytoplankton community composition, nitrate, total
chlorophyll-a*, chloride*, or sulfate*, although the last three variables (*) show a trend of greater
concentrations in restored wetlands. Natural wetlands had 30% greater FC concentrations. Natural
wetlands (pH 6.70) were 3.3 times more acidic than restored wetlands (pH 7.22), calculated by comparing
{H+} of lab pH. Accordingly, natural wetlands had 1.5-times lower alkalinity and specific conductivity.
Thus, it appears that restored wetlands have greater concentrations of solutes in them, which might
reflect a closer connection to terrestrial habitats, in particular marine clays. With respect to the more
acidic natural wetlands, perhaps wetlands that were in naturally acidic areas had acidic low quality soils
and were thus avoided by farmers due to poor soil condition. Hence, these are the wetlands that remain
in a natural state. Therefore, a different water quality should be expected between a restored wetland
and natural wetlands in this region.
Michael Twiss
Department of Biology
Clarkson University
Potsdam, NY, 13699, USA
UNDERSTANDING THE ALGAL COMMUNITIES OF THE TRIBUTARIES OF LAKE ST. FRANCIS
THROUH INTENSIVE SAMPLING AND THE HELP OF CITIZEN SCIENTISTS
Waller, M. E. Cumming, B. F. and Bramburger, A. J.
In recent years, occurrences of nuisance algae have been reported in the watershed and nearshore area
of Lake St. Francis, a fluvial portion of the St. Lawrence River near Cornwall, Ontario. These nuisance
algae blooms have been known to include potentially hazardous cyanobacteria (blue-green algae)
species. There is a concern that algal blooms are occurring more frequently and that adverse impacts to
wildlife, human activities and public health could occur. However, there is a general lack of information on
the location, frequency and types of algal occurrences in this part of Eastern Ontario. My research seeks
to address this lack of information through intensive sampling in order to create the information that is
necessary to document the occurrence of nuisance/harmful algal blooms and their associated
environmental conditions. Analysis of this data will allow possible causative factors (e.g. land use,
weather and water quality) to be identified. The sampling network was also expanded and sampling
frequency increased through the help of citizen scientists, their input into the detection of bloom events
will be assessed.
MacKenzie Waller
School of Environmental Studies
Queen’s University
116 Barrie Street
16
Kingston, Ontario, Canada K7L 3J9
E-mail: [email protected]
FACTORS INFLUENCING VALUATION OF WETLAND PRESERVATION: A PRELIMINARY
ANALYSIS
Welsh, Rick, Michaele Webb, Sayuri Heinl
There is growing interest on behalf of policy makers and environmental groups in wetland preservation on
privately held lands. There are a number of federal programs which fund wetland improvements in return
for participation in such programs by private landowners and establishment of conservation easements.
There is a dearth of information on the effectiveness of such programs in a number of important areas. In
addition, there is little research on whether participation in the programs, net of other variables, influences
participants’ attitudes about the importance of wetlands. Using a survey of 35 landowner participants and
24 neighbors of preserved and improved wetlands we find that participation in the program is not a
significant predictor of valuing wetlands. Important predictors were membership in an environmental or
conservation group and how neighbors and participants utilized wetlands.
Rick Welsh
Syracuse University
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