Bayfield Trails and Waters

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CLEANING THE LAKES STARTS WITH CLEANING THE STREAMS



2 2013 Bayfield Trails & Waters Guide www.bayfieldtrailsandwaters.ca

Given the opportunity to right our wrongs, would we? Citizens, governments at

all levels and industries around the Great Lakes are presented with that option.

Lake Huron and it’s sister lakes are under siege from human behaviour that will,

if not addressed today, threaten the health and the economy of the 45 million

people that depend on this resource.

Community groups and NGOs have long advocated for greater protection and

the remediation of these waters and their feeder streams.

The Great Lakes Guardian Community Fund is our chance to partner with the

Ontario Government in this effort. This book is a small piece of the puzzle, an

attempt to raise awareness of the issues facing our water and a tribute to the

many that have advocated for a collective approach to addressing our future.

But the question still remains. How do we as individuals become engaged in the

process of remediation and sustainability of the Great Lakes? Each of us must

move from a position of being part of the problem to being part of the solution.

As Margaret Meade said, “never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed

citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

So, if not now, when?

Ray Letheren

Environmental Chair, BRVTA

EDITORSKen Larone and Ray Letheren

PUBLISHERBayfi eld River Valley Trail Association

BOOK DESIGN Craig Sinclair, Craig Design

MAPSPaul Dotey, Paul Dotey Illustration

PRINTERGoderich Print Shop

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITSJack Pal, Photography Club of Bayfi eldGary Lloyd-Rees, Photography Club of Bayfi eldUS Army Corp of EngineersLake Huron Centre for Coastal ConservationAusable Bayfi eld Conservation AuthorityFresh Water Futures5 Gyres InstituteSteven Cooke, Carleton UniversityBayfi eld River Valley Trail AssociationJason LindseyMelody Pounder, The Breeze

ENVIRONMENTAL PARTNERSGeoff Peach, Coastal CentreKaren Alexander, Coastal CentreMari Veliz, ABCASusan Beatty, Trail AssociationKate Monk, ABCARachel Scholten, ABCASteven Cooke, Carleton UniversityRay Letheren, Trail AssociationDave Gillians, Trail AssociationRachel White, Huron StewardshipTim Cummings, ABCAMelanie Napoleon Welch, Freshwater FuturesHope Brock, ABCATony Woolley, Bayfi eld Anglers

TRAIL EXECUTUVEBarry Detenbeck, PresidentMartin Van Beek, Vice President Rosiland Westwood, Secretary/TreasurerDave Gillians, Past PresidentRoger Lewington, Fund RaisingHelen Varekamp, Membership ChairRay Letheren, Environmental ChairHeidi Martin, ProgrammingKen Larone, ProgrammingKen McKee, Clinton Representative/Hike Ontario LiasonCarol Leeming, Wildwood RepresentativeJack Pal, Margaret McBride, Jerry Selk, Directors at Large

Will we right our wrongs?








TRAIL EXECUTUVEBarry Detenbeck, PresidentMartin Van Beek, Vice PresidentRosiland Westwood, Secretary/TreasurerDave Gillians, Past PresidentRoger Lewington, Fund RaisingHelen Varekamp, Membership ChairRay Letheren, Environmental ChairHeidi Martin, ProgrammingKen Larone, ProgrammingKen McKee, Clinton Representative/Hike Ontario LiasonCarol Leeming, Wildwood RepresentativeJack Pal, Margaret McBride, Jerry Selk, Directors at Large








TRAIL EXECUTUVEBarry Detenbeck, PresidentMartin Van Beek, Vice President Rosiland Westwood, Secretary/TreasurerDave Gillians, Past PresidentRoger Lewington, Fund RaisingHelen Varekamp, Membership ChairRay Letheren, Environmental ChairHeidi Martin, ProgrammingKen Larone, ProgrammingKen McKee, Clinton Representative/Hike Ontario LiasonCarol Leeming, Wildwood RepresentativeJack Pal, Margaret McBride, Jerry Selk, Directors at Large

32013 Bayfield Trails & Waters Guidewww.bayfieldtrailsandwaters.ca

The Bayfi eld River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) was awarded a grant of

$24,750 by the Great Lakes Community Fund. The purpose of the establishment

of this fund was to engage community groups in the rehabilitation and

protection of the Great Lakes and feeder waters. BRVTA committed to 1) plant

a quantity of trees 2) provide a fully accessible mobility trail 3) create a web

site and comprehensive book that emphasizes the relationship between water

quality and the lands and communities. This guidebook is a community project

working with twenty community groups and organizations.

To celebrate water and the completion of this undertaking, the BRVTA sponsored

the Bayfi eld Water, Art and Fitness Festival. This festival was made possible

because the generosity of the Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) and the Little

Inn in Bayfi eld. Their contribution made this event a success and allowed the

BRVTA to donate 100% of the proceeds to the Alexandra Marine and General

Hospital Foundation.

The mobility trail was not possible without the contribution of time, manpower

and equipment of Gold Coast Landscaping and Lavis Contracting Company.

All these projects require a legion of volunteers. We can never adequately

express our gratitude to the 30 or 40 men and women who have contributed

tens of thousands of hours to these and other trail and community based

environmental projects. Thank you.

Will we right our wrongs? A Special Thank You

This project was made possible with the fi nancial assistance from the Ontario Government’s Great Lakes Guardian Community FundThis project was made possible with the fi nancial assistance from the Ontario Government’s Great Lakes Guardian Community FundThis project was made possible with the fi nancial assistance from the Ontario Government’s Great Lakes Guardian Community Fund

4 2013BayfieldTrails&WatersGuide www.bayfieldtrailsandwaters.ca

GREAT LAKES BASIN 06

Canada and the US agree to

protect the Great Lakes.

BAYFIELD TRAILS & WATERS 11 Trails meander through woodlands

and beside water.

SAWMILL TRAIL POSTS 22Post identify species along the

Sawmill Trail.

AUSABLE-BAYFIELD CONSERVATION 27Conservationalists understand

and monitor the watershed.

COASTAL CENTRE 34Source of Huron coastline protection

and rehabilitation.

HURON STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL 40Promote Huron eco-system

management.

Contents


FRESHWATER FUTURES 45Leaders in international remediation

of the lakes.

BAYFIELD ANGLERS 47Actively engage in fish sustainability.

FOLLOWING FISH DAY BY DAY 51Understanding the habitat and

behaviour of a fish.

TOPOGRAPHY 54Understanding the land along the trails.

BOTTLED WATER 59An unnecessary waste of limited

resources.

PLASTIC BEACHES 62 Lake waters laced with harmful

plastic particles.

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27 34

The fi ve Bayfi eld Trails were developed by 15,000 hours of volunteer work over six

years by some 40 dedicated men and women. The maintenance and sustainability

of these trails depends on your fi nancial support. Please consider a donation.

BayfieldRiverValleyTrails,Box531Bayfield,ON,N0M1G0

Thank you,

Barry Detenbeck, President (2013)

A message from theBayfi eld River Valley Trail Association

72013BayfieldTrails&WatersGuidewww.bayfieldtrailsandwaters.ca

The Great Lakes Basin

In 1982, Primo Levi wrote a novel called “If Not Now, When?” Although the issue he was describing is different than the protection of the Great Lakes, the sentiment is apt. We have reached a point in history where we must respond the ever-increasing threats to this valuable water resource or leave future generations with yet another environmental issue to resolve.

WATER LEVELSThe Great Lakes are the source of

water for some 45 million citizens in

18 million homes in two nations and

represent 20 percent of the world’s

available fresh water supply. Less

than 1 percent of this great wealth

of water is replenished on an annual

basis by rain and runoff. However, our

consumption of water from this source

far exceeds this amount. By way of

example, Chicago draws an estimated

18.8 million litres per day from the

Lake Michigan and deposits it as

wastewater into canals that empty into

the Mississippi River.

Global Warming adds to the threat

of water levels. As the earth warms,

oceans rise from polar ice melts. The

Great Lakes however, act in reverse.

At one time the ice cover on the lakes

minimized winter evaporation. Today

with minimal ice cover an elevation

in the mean summer temperatures;

evaporation is now a twelve-month

event. Factor in the events of the last

fi fty years: dredging in the St. Clair

River as well as the St. Lawrence

Seaway and there is a heightened

concern about water levels.


WATER QUALITYA substantial amount of progress

has been made by most major cities,

however, vast amounts of human

sewage are dumped into the lake.

In addition to human waste, this

cocktail includes toxic chemicals such

as cleaners readily available in retail

outlets, pesticides (reduced since

governments banned the use

of pesticides for cosmetic use) and

lawn fertilizers. Often forgotten are

the deposits of prescription drugs

that pass through the body. Trace

amounts of many drugs have been

detected in drinking water that is

drawn from the lakes.

CONSUMPTIONNorth Americans are the largest

consumers of water in the world. The

average American uses 1550 m3 per

inhabitant per year for drinking,

bathing, sanitation and cooking.

Canadians place second in consumption

at 1468, France 512.4, Australia 1149.

By comparison the UK average is 150

and the Netherlands 104.

AQUATIC LIFE The health of humans can be directly

related to the health of other species.

Like us, aquatic species require a home

with an abundant supply of nutrients.

When we discharge nutients in the

form of phosphate and nitrate laden

products into the lakes or rivers, the

end product is an excessive growth of

algae (eutrophication) that demands

oxygen. Fish species and other animals

are denied their fair share of oxygen.

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“Protectingcherished waterbodieslikethe GreatLakesisnotonly aboutenvironmentalconservation...”


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INVASIVE SPECIES AND OTHER THREATSWhile the Asian Carp’s high leaps in the

Chicago Canal may be entertaining,

their exponential growth is a serious

threat to the aquatic species of the

Great Lakes. For now, the electric

fences under water have held the

predator at bay. They have the capacity

to over-compete with native fi sh for

habitat and food.

In addition, the great lakes over the

years, have reluctantly played host to

25 species of non-native fi sh species

including the Ruffe and Sea Lamprey.

They compete for food with native

species and are responsible for the

degradation of wetlands. The lamprey

is often found sucking the life-blood

from native species.

The Great Lakes have also been

burdened with fast-growing invasive

plants such as common reed, canary

grass, purple loosestrife and the

curly pondweed.

GOOD NEWS In 1972, Canada and the United States

signed an accord, that by all accounts

was lacking in substance that was

intended to remediate and protect

the Great Lakes. In 2012 an updated

comprehensive agreement was

designed to curb pollutants and limit

the infestation of invasive species.

“Protecting cherished water bodies

like the Great Lakes is not only about

environmental conservation,” Lisa

Jackson, the administrator of the U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency,

said in a statement. “It’s also about

protecting the health of the families

— and the economies — of the local

communities that depend on those

water bodies for so much, every day.”

The new provisions set goals for

each country to address aquatic

invasive species such as the Asian

carp; curb phosphorus run-off, which

can contribute to algae blooms; and

cut toxic chemicals pollution from

Invasive silver Asian Carp

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industry and vessels. Each nation

will now need to come up with the

fi nancing and policies to implement

their “common objectives,” according

to the agreement.

In Ontario, the government took

immediate steps to engage citizens in

the process of Great Lakes protection

and remediation with the introduction

of the GREATLAKESGUARDIAN

COMMUNITYFUND. This fund,

introduced in 2012, and it is intended

to be repeated annually, provides

substantial funding to community

groups, municipalities and conservation

authorities to participate in real-time

events such as tree planting, education

and wetland rehabilitation. The

government also introduced legislation

called the Great Lakes Protection Act.

PURPOSES:

1) To protect and restore the ecological

health of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence

River Basin; and2) To create opportunities for

individuals and communities to

become involved in the protection and

restoration of the ecological health

of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence

River Basin.

3) To protect human health and well

being through the protection and

restoration of the ecological health

of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence

River Basin.

4) To protect and restore wetlands and

beaches and other coastal areas of the

Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin.

5) To protect and restore the natural

habitats and biodiversity of the Great

Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin.

6) To advance science relating to

existing and emerging stressors, such

as climate change, that improves

understanding and management of the

Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin.

7) To enrich the quality of life in

communities in the Great Lakes-

St. Lawrence River Basin through

support of environmentally sustain-

able economic opportunities,

innovation and environmentally

sustainable use of natural resources

GREAT LAKES GUARDIAN COMMUNITY FUND - BAYFIELD RIVER VALLEY TRAIL ASSOCIATION (BRVTA)In 2012, a conglomerate of 21 organi-

zations, lead by the BRVTA applied

for and received a grant of $24,750

from the Great Lakes Guardian

Community Fund. This granting body

accepted the proposal from BRVTA

that would provide for tree planting,

paving a trail for wheelchairs and

carriages in the Varna trail system.

Also, funds were included for the

development of an interactive web

site and trail and environmental guide

book. By increasing awareness of the

relationship between small streams

and adjacent lands to the quality of

the Great Lakes that individuals will

engage themselves and others in the

protection of this valuable resource,

the Great Lakes.


A DREAM IS BORNThe idea of creating Trails in Bayfi eld

had been discussed for decades and

the concept became a reality in 2006.

Over the years, residents and guests

had created ad hoc trails along the

river for fi shing and hiking much to

ire of many property owners. This,

combined with need for activities to

support recreational and economic

activity in the “shoulder season”, was

the impetus for three citizens to form

a formal organization. Their passion

for the out of doors and environmental

responsibility garnered support from

every corner of the Bayfi eld River

Watershed and the development of a

“Vision Statement” that reads, in part, :

To develop a safe and environmentally

sensitive community based hiking

trail system along the Bayfi eld River

between Bayfi eld and Clinton...

In 2008, many area organizations

stepped up to the challenge with seed

money and a willingness to offer time

and energy to the project. Historical

maps revealed that the municipality of

Bluewater had many right of ways that

ran through the woodlands that were

adjacent to the river. Once the potential

paths were identifi ed, it was apparent

that to have meaningful trails, access

to private property would be necessary.

Agreements were created to protect

the property owners rights with very

few exceptions, property owners

enthusiastically supported the project.

Tens of thousands of volunteer hours

were spent clearing paths, cutting

down trees, building boardwalks over

wetlands, building bridges and creating

signs. All of the construction on

the trails was either fashioned from

materials in woods or was hauled in on

the backs of volunteers. These same

volunteers now dedicate their time

to maintenance of the system.

This rustic bridge is made with wood from the Woodland Trail.

Bayfi eld Trails and Waters

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Cathedral forest in Woodland Trail.


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This was the fi rst trail developed. The

Woodland Trail is a medium diffi culty,

5 kilometre trail that meanders past

old churches along village roads and

then dips into the woods where it

follows old gravel pit and lumbering

roads and deer paths.

This trail has been carved out of a

beautiful woodland setting and enables

walkers and cross country runners

to enjoy the scenic beauty of tricking

streams, wide ravines, meadows and

glacial hills. This area is the natural

habitat of much wildlife. Hikers can see

deer, wild turkeys and other game.

Although the Woodland Trail is

located within the village’s boundaries,

the diversity of natural environment is

surprising. There are sections of dense

groves of cedar and mixed forests of

towering deciduous trees.

The Woodland Trail

Cathedral forest in Woodland Trail.

Mushrooms along the trail - DON’T EAT!

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DISTANCE: 5 km DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Level 3 TRAIL USE: Walking, Pets on Leashes

TRAIL SURFACE: Some paved, but natural surface in the woods

DRIVING DIRECTIONS: This trail starts in Clan Gregor Square at the heart of Bayfi eld on Highway 21

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Follow the Footsteps of the Pioneers.

Visitors to Bayfi eld are entranced by

its idyllic charm. Its tree-lined streets,

heritage buildings and village green,

are reminiscent of an English country

village. The 2 kilometres, “Heritage Trail”

is designed so that walkers are exposed

to the full menu of Bayfi eld’s charms.

The walk begins at Clan Gregor Square,

the heart of the village where generations

have come together to celebrate.

During World War 1, this is where the

local soldiers learned to march before

going overseas. Here villagers burned

Kaiser Wilhelm in effi gy. This is where

locals played sports against their rivals

from Clinton and Goderich. Each year

they pay tribute to their war veterans

on Remembrance Day and anxiously

wait for the Christmas lights to light up

the wintery darkness.

After strolling down the charming,

“Heritage” Main Street past stores

and hotels that have been catering to

visitors for more than a century, the

experience changes dramatically at the

scenic lookout at Pioneer Park.

Now instead of the idyllic charm of a

well-preserved Ontario country village,

walkers are stopped by one of the most

spectacular lake vistas in the province.

Locals boast that Pioneer Park offers

the most beautiful sunsets in the world.

During the summer the horizon is

dotted with colourful sailboats and if

your timing is right, you may see a fl ock

of seagulls chasing the commercial

fi shing fl eet as it makes its way home

to the harbour.

There are eight historical “storyboards”


The Heritage Trail

The power of the lake is self evident.

There are eight historical “storyboards” placed at points of interest along the Heritage Trail


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placed at points of interest

along the Heritage Trail.

Each tells the story of

the signifi cance of that

particular location and

features old photos

and paintings of that

exact spot.

At Pioneer Park, walkers

are directed to descend

the stairs to one of the

area’s many beautiful beaches. After

a short beachcombing walk, the most

beautiful boat harbour on the Great

Lakes gradually reveals itself. The

colourful sailboats and the sturdy

commercial fi shing boats present a

scene that artists and photographers

have captured for decades. This is

the largest recreational boat harbour

on the eastern shore of Lake Huron.

In addition to the hundreds of casual

boaters, if you look carefully, you can

spot sailors who are preparing their

boats to journey all over the world. It

will be diffi cult to tear yourself away

from the activity and excitement of

the harbour but the Heritage Trail

path has another pleasant surprise.

This 2.5 kilometre walk terminates

in Clan Gregor Square after a wooded

stroll up Mara Street Hill and a short

walk on village streets.

The Heritage TrailB

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DISTANCE: 2.4 km DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Level 1 TRAIL USE: Walking, Pets on Leashes

TRAIL SURFACE: Paved (except on beach route)

DRIVING DIRECTIONS: This trail starts in Clan Gregor Square at the heart of Bayfi eld on Highway 21 at the Main trail sign at the soutwest corner of Clan Gregor Square near the children’s playground

The power of the lake is self evident.

The Little Inn.

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MAVIS’ TRAILNamed after area community activist

Mavis Govier, this 2.5 kilometre looped

trail offers a slightly more challenging

walk to the Bayfi eld River and back. Its

terrain varies greatly at each turn. This

is a four seasons trail with such a wide

variety of landscapes that it will delight

visitors at all times of the year.

As you make your way to the tranquil

scenic lookout at the river, you will pass

through peaceful groves of pine trees,

a steep ravine that is bridged with

steps that will slow cross country ski

enthusiasts and mountain bikers and

a towering deciduous forest.


The Mavis/Taylor Trail

View of the Bayfi eld River from the trail.

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TAYLOR TRAILThe 1 kilometre Taylor Trail features

a variety of landscapes. From meander-

ing paths in a pine reforestation project

of decades past, to a deciduous tree

lined trail, joggers, fi tness enthusiasts,

cross country skiers and pet owners

will appreciate the fl at terrain and the

scents of pine and colourful meadow

grasses. Although this isn’t a strenuous

trail with hills that will get your heart

pumping fast, it is a peaceful and

tranquil stroll through a varied woodland

setting. This is a looped trail.

In 2012, as a result of a grant from the

Great Lakes Guardian Community Fund

sponsored by the Ontario Ministry of the

Environment, this trail received a hard

surface that makes it mobility accessible.

A walk along this trail can be lengthen-

ed by combining it with sections of the

Mavis’ Trail.

VARNA NATURE TRAILSPathway to the Bayfi eld River, the two

trails at the Stanley Complex in Varna,

5 kilometres east of Bayfi eld on the

Mill Road. Both trails offer relatively

easy walking, cross country skiing and

biking in a beautiful woodland setting.

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MAVIS TRAIL: DISTANCE: 2.5 km DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Level 3 TRAIL SURFACE: Natural surface

TRAIL USE: Walking, Pets on Leashes, limited cross country skiing, biking

DRIVING DIRECTIONS: These looped trails start at Stanley Recreation Complex, 1.6 kilometers west of the village of Varna on Country Rd#3

TAYLOR TRAIL: DISTANCE: 1 km DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Level 1 TRAIL SURFACE: Compacted Gravel

TRAIL USE: Walking, wheelchairs, baby strollers, Pets on Leashes, cross country skiing

DRIVING DIRECTIONS: These looped trails start at Stanley Recreation Complex, 1.6 kilometers west of the village of Varna on Country Rd#3

The Mavis/Taylor Trail

View of the Bayfi eld River from the trail.

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The Sawmill Trail can be found at the

top of Old River Road on the north

side of the Bayfi eld River. Here one

can experience the varied terrain,

the changes from fl ood plain to

coniferous forest and the telltale signs

of abundant wildlife. When the Bayfi eld

River Valley Trail Association’s fi rst

began working on the 2 Km hiking trail,

the work crew clearing the original

paths, came to learn of the important

role the Sawmill Trail area played in

the development of the community

and of romantic stories of ghosts, fi res,

fl oods and failed romance

Beside the trail entrance, a large

grove of lilac bushes indicates where

the “haunted house”, Cumner Hall,

was located. Once an imposing 3-story

building that overlooked the river

valley it had been home to the mill

owner, James Thomson’s family. After

the mid 1920’s, younger generations

only occupied it for short periods

during the summer. It became tempting

target for vandals. Rumours began that

the house was haunted and inhabited

by ghosts. It mysteriously burnt to the

ground on Christmas Eve, 1960, but

the orchards, fl ora and fauna from the

gardens remain as a reminder that this

was a very active and prosperous farm.

The path to the river is on the original

pioneer corduroy road from Bayfi eld to

Goderich that led to the fi rst crossing

point or ford in the river at a place

they called the ‘Hogsback’. It’s likely

that this was a very busy crossing

that was used for centuries before

European settlers came to this area.

It would have been a main road to

the fl int weapons and tools that were

manufactured by Native American

artisans around Kettle Point.

Information post in fern valley.

The Sawmill Trail

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As you walk on the relatively steep

hill, it’s easy to appreciate how the

pioneers carried their goods and grain

on their backs up this slope on their

way north. According to Edwin C,

Guillet in his book, ‘Early life in Upper

Canada’; “One of the Scotch fi shermen

from the Isle of Lewis (had to be a

MacLeod) who settled about the middle

of the century in Huron and Bruce

Counties once carried in a barrel on his

back 100 pounds of fl our for fourteen

miles, and when asked how he felt he

replied that he was not tired,” but she’ll

be a little pit sore apoot the back”

At the river in the shallow pools you

can see rock pattern on the bottom

of the river that are the remains of

the dam that channeled the water

to the mill.

The dam was originally built as a

combination dam/bridge against

the advice of the local settlers. As

predicted, soon after the dam/bridge

was complete, a spring fl ood destroyed

it, leaving Bayfi eld without any bridge

to the north for several years. This

failure to recognize the power of the

river was repeated several times and

this dam and subsequent bridges had

to be frequently rebuilt and repaired

after being breached in spring freshets

and fi erce storms.

Across the river on the south side

amongst the underbrush, you can

still make out the Thomson Mill ruins.

Before it was destroyed by fi re, this

combination Grist /Sawmill was the

most prosperous business in the area.

Before moving up the hill to Cumner

Hall, the Thomson family had a farm

on the fl ats right across the river

from the mill.

According to Lucy Woods Diehl, in

her August 1971 Clinton News Record

column, “ Miss Cecil McLeod recalls

Information post in fern valley.

The Sawmill Trail

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DISTANCE: 1.67 km DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Level 2 TRAIL USE: Walking, Pets on Leashes

TRAIL SURFACE: Natural Surface DRIVING DIRECTIONS: On Highway 21, just north of the Bridge in Bayfi eld, turn right on Old River Road and proceed 1/2 kilometer and turn right at Sawmill Road (the fi rst

stop sign). The trail entrance is at the end of this short cul-de-sac.

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that the dam and fl ume ceased to

operate sometime between 1898

and 1900. Her mother, Mrs. Adelaide

McLeod, once told Lucy of the frantic

efforts to save the dam in the spring

break up. She said they even dumped

loads of hay into the water to try

and prevent the pressure of water

breaking through.

After the dam broke, the current of

the river changed and began eroding

the slightly higher land on which the

brick house stood. And in the spring

freshet, the water rose so high that

the home was fl ooded. It was then

that James Thomson bought the

property on the north bank of the river

east of the old road to Goderich. At

one time when there was no bridge

people crossed on top of the dam to

the foot of this road running north

from the river.”

James Thomson’s son, Lewis didn’t

give up on the house on the fl ats.

Fall refl ection on the river.


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According to Lucy Woods Diehl; “In

1907, romance blossomed for Lewis.

There was the old brick house on the

brink of the river. So Lewis tore it down

reclaimed the pink brick and other

materials which could be salvaged and

started to build a home on a plateau

half way up the bank.

His fi ancé visited theThomson home

and she chose the site and plan. It was

probably completed in 1908. But as the

old saying goes, “There’s many a slip

twixt the cup and the lip” and Lewis

knew disappointment when she broke

the engagement. The lady died shortly

afterwards. Thus he never lived in his

house of dreams.”

That’s why the Trail Association has a

sign as you ascend; “Lewis’ Heartbreak

Hill!”

Today, walkers are surprised and

delighted that this park like setting

along the river with its rare plants and

trees is so close to the village. They

enjoy the beauty they can see all

around them but as with many other

places in Bayfi eld, there are tales to

be told and spirits all around.

THANK YOU: The Trail Association expresses its gratitude to the following land-owners that have provided access to their land: Gary Brandon, John Masse, William & Joyce Dowson, Henk and Rennie Vander Velde on the Woodland Trail and David and Susan Bender on the Sawmill Trail.

Fall refl ection on the river.

Bridge made from local cedar.


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When the Bayfield River Valley Trail

Association applied for a grant from

the Great Lakes Guardian Fund

Community, we proposed to place

information posts along the trail. The

post locations were chosen by the

Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority

water and stewardship specialists Mari

Veliz, Kate Monk and Rachel Scholten.

Susan Beatty from the Trail Association

assisted with the identification of plants.

Each post gives a brief description of

an area along the trail with particular

emphasis on the relationship to water.

The numbers on the posts related to

number in the guidebook “Bayfield Trails

and Waters”. In addition, those with

smart phones may access the trail

website using the QR code on each

post. As the web site grows, walkers

will be able to link with birds and their

songs, plant and tree identification

along with other related information.

#1 - ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Sawmill Trail is part of a series of

trails in the Bayfield Area. This Trail and

others, were developed by a dedicated

group of volunteers with financial

assistance from: The Ontario Trillium Foundation and Great Lakes Guardian Community Fund.

#2 - LOOKOUT Natural areas such as forests, wetlands,

beaches and fields have an important

role in maintaining the hydrologic cycle.

This trail will take you on a walking

journey through many different eco-

systems. You will see how each different

ecosystem contributes to the water cycle.

This is important because eventually all

surface water ends up in the lake. You’ll

also have the pleasure of viewing the

range of flora and fauna that grow

and inhabit each ecosystem type.

Posts along the Trail

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#3 - DRAIN OUTLET

ThIs drain is a link in the hydrologic

cycle that often gets forgotten. It has

just become visible as it channels the

water run-off from the hill into Bayfi eld

River. The water has come from the

upstream subdivisions, roads and

farm land at the top of the hill and will

continue through this forest and out to

the Bayfi eld River. It is diffi cult to only

manage the larger water bodies like

the Bayfi eld River. Management has

to start in the headwaters. The small

creeks and ditch drains, some of which

are underground feed into larger rivers.

These creeks and wetlands provide a

wide range of habitat for plants, animals

and microbes as well as help to slow

the water, reduce sedimentation and

fi lter out excess nutrients. The water

fl owing from the creeks, tributaries and

wetlands sometimes need to be fi ltered

and stored to provide water for our

ongoing uses and enjoyment.

#4 - FERN DELLFerns and wildfl owers grow in abundance

in this rich damp lowland shaded by

cedars and native trees. This wetland,

fed by spring snow-melt, underground

springs and groundwater, is a natural

fi lter for water draining to the Bayfi eld

River and Lake Huron. Ostrich Fern is

abundant and thrives in this rich damp

soil that is water logged in early spring.

In winter, look for the woody knobs

along the path, which are the dormant

scaly rhizomes of the Ostrich Fern

waiting to send up fi ddleheads in

spring. Other trees and wildfl owers

nearby: Willow, Cedar, Pagoda Dogwood,

Ninebark, Star-fl owered Solomon’s Seal,

Canada Anemone, Jack-in-the-pulpit,

Wild Geranium, Meadow Rue and Canada

WHY LEASH YOUR DOG?The Trail Association requests that

you leash your pet while on the trail

not solely for the comfort of other

walkers but also to protect your pet

from poison ivy, eating feces of wild

animals that could cause illness and

risk of encountering rabid animals.

Posts along the Trail

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#5 - RIVER VIEWSpring snow-melt and heavy rainfalls

add an unnatural volume of water. The

fl ood plains are important at this time

to collect this water and slowly release

it to the rivers or to recharge the

groundwater. Protecting fl ood plains

from development and disturbance will

benefi t the entire water cycle. Water

conditions, such as quantity, quality,

aquatic plant species and benthic

invertebrates are all important to

support fi sh species. Within this river

system there are many different fi sh

habitats including a cold water fi shery

providing habitat for Rainbow Trout.

The river also supports some identifi ed

Species at Risk including the Black

Redhorse. Other species that may be

spotted include Rock Bass, Smallmouth

Bass, Common Carp and several

different types of daters and minnows.

#6 - LETHEREN BENCHA watershed is an area of land that

drains to a common waterway.

Watershed planning helps to document

the natural and socio-economic

features in the landscape. The river

begins near Dublin then Seaforth and

Clinton before entering the lake. A

watershed plan has been developed

for a part of the Bayfi eld River. Issues

of concern are urban and agricultural

runoff, aggregate extraction, reduced

forest cover and urbanization.

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS INCLUDE:

• Establish and maintain natural buffers

•Install rain barrels and permeable pavement

•Create wetlands and urban rain gardens or berms to hold water during rain events

• Maintain 30 % crop residue

•Follow nutrient management plans

• Protect and manage established woodlots

#7 - CAROLINIAN ZONEThe tall tree with the distinctive light

coloured bark and smooth patches of

brown or reddish papery pieces is an

American Sycamore. It is an indicator

species for Carolinian forests in Canada

and is found only in extreme southern

Ontario and eastern United States. It

is a fast growing and long-lived tree

commonly found in lowlands and near

water edges. The sycamore grows to

be one of the tallest trees in Eastern

North America. The fl oodplain is the

river’s living space. During the winter,

ice chunks have been pushed from the

river all the way up to the banks of the

hill. When these ice chunks melt in the

spring, the water is deposited and for a

period of time, this area is a damp wetland

habitat until the spring melt has been

reabsorbed to the groundwater system

or has seeped back into the river.


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#8 - WETLAND (SWAMP)

There are four types of wetlands in

Canada; swamp, fen, marsh and bog.

“Detenbeck Swamp” is a typical swamp

in Ontario with standing trees as well

as wildfl owers and shrubs. Wetlands

are a crucial part of the natural water

fi ltration system. In 2012, it was found

that only 5.5 per cent of the Main

Bayfi eld Watershed is covered by

wetlands and therefore protection of

areas such as this one is even more

important. This swamp is critical to the

hydrologic cycle as it provides water

storage then slowly allows seepage

back into the ground to replenish

groundwater supplies. This swamp

also slows surface run-off and helps to

reduce fl ooding and erosion into the

river. The wetland fi lters sediments and

excess nutrients as well as, pollutants

out of the water. Wetlands provide

habitat for many plant and animal

species.

POISON IVYA patch of poison ivy is visible near

the bridge as you fi rst approach

the river. Contact with this plant

can cause severe irritation to both

animal and human.

The leaves alternate, with three

leafl ets sitting on a long stem.

The leafl ets are broad and the two

lateral (side) leafl ets are smaller than

the terminal (end or middle) leaf.

The middle leaf of poison ivy always

sticks out more than other leaves.

The center leaf usually (almost

always) has a small stem, whereas the

two side leaves grow directly from

the vine and do not have small stems.

The leaves tend to be a bright to

dark waxy green when viewed from

above. When viewed from underneath

they appear lighter and fuzzy. In

spring the leaves are usually a bright

green while in fall they turn red.

Avoid this plant or pay the price!

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#9 - CEDAR FORESTForests, such as this cedar forest, are

vital in retaining soils, stabilizing banks

and reducing erosion. The trees, as well

as understory vegetation reduce the

effects of wind and rain on the soils

and help to hold the soils resulting in

less sedimentation in the river and lake.

Sedimentation can cause problems

for fi sh habitat, changes in water

chemistry and could result in shallower

water systems as the sediments

deposit out which, in turn, can alter

fl ows and change the characteristics

of the water system.

Established cedar forests have a

dense crown limiting sunlight for

understory plants to grow. Cedar trees

grow best in moist soil conditions but

the roots are shallow and often will

“rise” out of the soil if there is too

much moisture. Deer often eat the

lower branches.

Ausable-Bayfi eld Conservation


WATERSHEDSBayfi eld River watersheds and trails

are located in the area of Ausable

Bayfi eld Conservation, the fi rst

of 36 conservation authorities in

Ontario. Ausable River watershed

municipalities formed the Ausable

River Conservation Authority in 1946

to deal with local fl ooding, soil erosion,

water supply, and water quality. The

jurisdiction was enlarged to include

the Bayfi eld River drainage basin in

1972 and the organization’s name

was changed to Ausable Bayfi eld

Conservation Authority (ABCA).

Ausable Bayfi eld encompasses the

drainage basins of the Ausable River,

Bayfi eld River, Parkhill Creek, and the

gullies between Bayfi eld and Grand

Bend draining directly to Lake Huron.

The 2,440-square-kilometre area of

jurisdiction is largely rural with a

population of about 45,000. The local

agency does environmental monitoring,

conservation education, watershed

stewardship, low-water and fl ood.

The 2,440-square-kilometre area

of jurisdiction is largely rural with a

population of about 45,000. The local

agency does environmental, and land

use planning, regulation, and mapping.

Environmental research and monitoring is among Ausable Bayfi eld Conservation’s work in this watershed.


CONSERVATION SERVICESAusable Bayfield Conservation Authority

(ABCA) is an independent, local, corp-

orate body established under the

Conservation Authorities Act in

Ontario. This agency is located in

Southwestern Ontario bordering

the shores of Lake Huron. Ausable

Bayfield Conservation is governed by

the Board of Directors, made up of

members named by the 12 member

municipalities.

A diverse group of people from the

watershed community met monthly for a

year to create a Conservation Strategy

to guide the conservation work of

individuals, groups, and agencies in

these local watersheds. This guiding

document, called The Path Forward,

is available online atabca.on.ca.

The group that prepared the Conser-

vation Strategy came from all walks of

life. These volunteers came up with the

organization’s logo, motto (Creating

Awareness, Taking Action), and a mission

and vision for the community’s watersheds:

MISSION Protect, improve, conserve, and restore the watershed in partnership with the community.

VISIONHealthy watersheds where our needs and the needs of the natural environment are in balance.

WHAT IS A WATERSHED?A watershed is an area of land that

drains to a common waterway,

such as a stream, wetland, or

lake. Urban and rural stormwater

runoff doesn’t follow municipal or

county boundaries. Actions we take

upstream affect people downstream.

It’s important to manage watersheds

as a whole system, ecologically.

THE BAYFIELD RIVER WATERSHEDSThe Bayfield River basin is 499 square

kilometres in size, beginning north of

Dublin and outletting at Bayfield. The

water in the Bayfield River watershed

drains through the municipalities of Huron

East, Central Huron, and Bluewater, and

into Lake Huron.

The watersheds of the Bayfield River

basin include Main Bayfield, Bannockburn,

and Bayfield Headwaters. The Bayfield

River’s main tributary is the Bannockburn

River. Trick’s Creek is also a significant

tributary as it contributes baseflow

to the Bayfield River. This baseflow is

important during periods of low rainfall

and to the local recreational fishery.

Land use is predominantly agricultural,

and total forest cover in this watershed

is approximately 11 per cent. Most of

the wooded areas generally are in the

river valleys, but are most common in

the Bayfield River valley downstream

of Clinton, and the lower reaches of

Trick’s Creek and Bannockburn River.

There is a migratory trout fishery in

the main channel of the Main Bayfield

watershed and there is a cold-water

fishery in the tributaries. There are two

bird, three reptile, one fish, two mussel,

and three plant species at risk.

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Thirty-four community members created a Conservation Strategy to protect, improve, conserve and restore our area for healthier watersheds and healthier people.


WHAT IS A COMMUNITY WATERSHED PLAN?A watershed plan lists actions to help

individuals, communities, agencies,

and governments to better manage

water and related resources, such

as soil and fish. The plan is created

with input from the local community

and agencies to protect, improve,

conserve, and restore the watershed

in partnership.

Watershed plans help us to understand

connections and how to keep soil and

nutrients on the land and to keep

sediment, pathogens and bacteria, and

chemicals out of the water.

Communities in Bayfield and area

have developed community watershed

plans to improve forest conditions,

wetland cover, and water quality.

Visit abca.on.ca for copies of

community watershed plans for the

Main Bayfield and Bayfield North

watersheds, among others.

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The Main Bayfield, Bayfield Headwaters, and Bannockburn watersheds form the Bayfield River basin, which is 499 square kilometres in area. This basin is part of the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority area which is 2,440 km2 in area.


WHAT DID THE COMMUNITY DECIDE?The Main Bayfi eld River Watershed com-

munity, in its watershed plan, set a goal

to improve the water quality and quantity

within the Bayfi eld River by reducing

total phosphorus, Escherichia coli

(E. coli) and total suspended solids (TSS)

concentrations and to increase forest

cover, wetlands, and streamside cover.

WHAT IS A WATERSHED REPORT CARD?A watershed report card takes data about

wetland cover, forest conditions, and

understand so property owners and

community groups can act to protect

soil, water, and living things.

Forest condition indicators include

percentages of forest cover, forest interior,

and streamside cover. Wetland cover is

a new indicator that is separate. Surface

water quality indicators include total

phosphorus, Escherichia coli (E. coli),

and benthic invertebrates. Groundwater

quality was also added as a new

category. Nitrate and chloride were

recommended as indicators. Visit

abca.on.ca for the full report.

WHAT DOES THE REPORT CARD SAY?Two local watersheds (Bannockburn and

Main Bayfi eld) have had measurable

improvement in the concentrations of

total phosphorus and E. coli. Compared

with the previous Ausable Bayfi eld

Watershed Report Card in 2007, in which

only one watershed met the recreational

guideline for E. coli, eight watersheds in

the Ausable Bayfi eld Conservation area

now meet this guideline, as of 2013.

However, forest conditions remain

limited in the Ausable Bayfi eld water-

sheds. Grades ranged from A to D, with

most watersheds receiving a D grade.

Wetland cover in Ausable Bayfi eld water-

sheds is also limited. Grades ranged from

B to F, with most watersheds receiving

F grades. More wetlands are needed in

strategic locations. Water quality has

remained steady for most watersheds.

Grades ranged from A to D, with the

majority of watersheds getting C grades.

Groundwater quality, throughout the

Ausable Bayfi eld area, is generally good.

Several wells, however, tend to approach

the drinking water standard for nitrate

and the guideline for chloride, and

therefore received less than an A grade.

Lake Huron is downstream of all of us. That means we can all help to create positive impacts, and reduce negative impacts, on the lake through our actions.

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We all live upstream of the lake. Communities have created watershed plans to give us ways to increase positive impacts, and reduce negative ones, to Lake Huron.

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HOW CAN YOU HELP ENHANCE WATERSHEDS?The community’s Main Bayfi eld

Watershed Plan encourages you to look

at your own property – whether home,

farm, cottage, or business – and decide

what you can do to reduce impacts on

soil, water, and living things.

Ausable Bayfi eld Conservation can

provide you with technical advice and

look for funding programs to help you

make changes. When we all take positive

steps, we can make a positive difference.

The Ausable Bayfi eld Watershed Report

Card 2013 also suggests ways you can be

part of the efforts to protect, improve,

conserve, and restore the watershed.

The Watershed Report Card recommends

that the top action to enhance the Main

Bayfi eld watershed is to identify and

implement tree planting projects and

wetland and stream restoration projects

in the Trick’s Creek watershed.

The Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family

Foundation and the Bayfi eld River Valley

Trail Association have supported local

actions, such as watershed planning,

tree planting, and erosion control

projects, in the Bayfi eld River water-

sheds. Individuals, community groups,

and agencies can help implement

these actions. Visit abca.on.ca to see

the Conservation Strategy, Watershed

Report Card, and Main Bayfi eld

Watershed Plan for ways to make

a positive difference.

This image shows principles of the Lake Huron-Georgian Bay Watershed Framework for Community Action. Visit lakehuroncommunityaction.ca.


BANNOCKBURN CONSERVATION AREAThe Bannockburn River is the main

tributary of the Bayfi eld River basin.

You are invited to enjoy the beauty of

this tributary and surrounding nature

at Bannockburn Conservation Area,

located at 76249 Bannockburn Line,

between Bayfi eld and Brucefi eld,

Ontario. From Bayfi eld or Brucefi eld

take County Road 3 and turn north at

Bannockburn Line.

Friends of the Bayfi eld River, and

Ontario and local funding partners,

have made it easier to enjoy this nature

oasis through a new professionally-

narrated audio tour that is available

free for download. The Bannockburn

Walk a Mile Trail Information Project

also created new interpretive signs,

the use of GPS, and pedomoters, and

more. Visit abca.on.ca to download

the audio tour or call Ausable Bayfi eld

Conservation for more information

such as the tour on CD, or to book GPS

or audio player or pedometer units.

Early-morning walks at Bannockburn

Conservation Area may reward you

with sightings of deer, grouse, and

numerous songbirds.

Bannockburn Conservation Area

is home to six different natural

communities: wet meadow, eastern

white cedar, deciduous forest, old

fi eld and mixed scrub, and marsh.

Hunting and motorized vehicles

are not permitted. The trail starts

with a boardwalk that is wheelchair

accessible. The popular Bannockburn

Fall Hike is held annually each autumn

and its 40th Anniversary was to be

celebrated in 2013.

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Conservation areas in Bayfi eld River watersheds include Bannockburn (above) and Clinton Conservation Area. Bannockburn CA is located between Bayfi eld and Brucefi eld. The Bannockburn River is the main tributary of the Bayfi eld River.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Most photos in this section are by Daniel Holm Photography, courtesy Rural Stormwater Management Model Project (ruralstormwater.com); Healthy Lake Huron: Clean Water, Clean Beaches (healthylakehuron.ca); and Ausable Bayfi eld Maitland Valley Drinking Water Source Protection (sourcewaterinfo.on.ca).

Ausable Bayfi eld Conservation Authority (ABCA)71108 Morrison Line, RR 3 Exeter, ON • N0M 1S5Phone: 519-235-2610 • Toll-free: 1-888-286-2610

Facsimile: 519-235-1963E-mail: [email protected] • Website: abca.on.ca


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The watersheds of the Bayfield River basin are Main Bayfield, Bannockburn, and Bayfield Headwaters. The total Bayfield River basin is 499 square kilom

etres in size.

PROJECTS YOU CAN DO:Here are projects you, your community, and local agencies can do for the watershed:

• Connect small woodlots to the forest in the Bayfield River valley.

• Create wetlands to hold water in rain events and release during dry periods.

• Plant cover crops and maintain residue cover to protect soil.

• Support local events, such as work to protect water quality and to grow the Bayfield River Valley Trail.

• Support work to earn and maintain Blue Flag for Bayfield Beach and Marina.

LINKS TO THE GREAT LAKESNo matter where you live in the watershed, you are linked to the Great Lakes. The local

actions you take make a difference for Lake Huron. lakehuroncommunityaction.ca

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Plume of effl uent enters Bayfi eld Harbour and Lake Huron from the Bayfi eld River.


Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation

RESEARCH AND EDUCATIONEstablished in 1998, the Coastal Centre

is an independent not-for-profi t,

registered charity, dedicated to the

conservation and good stewardship of

Lake Huron’s coastal ecosystems. The

Centre takes a science-based approach

to understanding lake ecosystems,

and advocating for sound approaches

to dealing with environmental issues

related to water quality, biodiversity,

coastal processes and climate change.

Governed by a volunteer Board of

Directors, and supported by a Board

of Technical Advisors (which includes

some of Ontario’s best coastal experts),

the Centre’s professional staff imple-

ments projects and programs that

encourage community involvement and

builds local capacity. Our mission is to

provide leadership and expertise, in

collaboration with partners, to achieve

a healthy Lake Huron coastal ecosystem.

The Centre works at the local level, with

municipalities, community groups, land-

owners and agencies to promote conser-

vation of the coast. Our work centres

on research, education and community

outreach. For example, the Centre’s

“Living Beaches” program works with

local schools to provide coastal studies

units in the class and on the beach.

Where possible, we engage students in

shoreline restoration activities.


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LAKE HURONLake Huron holds 3,538 cubic kilo-

metres of water, has a surface area of

59,565 square kilometres, an average

depth of 59 metres and a maximum

depth of 229 metres. It’s the second

largest of the Great Lakes by area,

and the third largest by volume.

Lake Huron has a diverse coastal

environment, with coastal wetlands,

bluffs, cobble beaches, sandy beaches

and dunes as the main ecosystems types.

In the Bayfield area, coastal bluffs are

the dominant feature, with a sandy

beach with small dunes at the base.

WATER LEVELSThe Lake Huron coastline is a very

dynamic environment, always under-

going change. Changes are largely

driven by changing water levels. Water

levels can change in the short term

(due to a storm), seasonally (summer

highs and winter lows) and over the

long term. Long term lake levels

change within a range of about two

metres. At its extreme high in 1985-86

it reached 177.5 m. (above sea level).

At its extreme low in January 2013,

it reached 175.57 m. Changing water

levels help to maintain an ecological

equilibrium, benefiting coastal

wetlands, beaches and dunes, and

general lakeshore biodiversity.

BAYFIELD AND THE BLUFFS OF LAKE HURON When we think of the Great Lakes

our minds typically conjure an image

of the massive expanses of fresh

water. Then we probably think of the

sandy beaches. Probably last on the

list of mental images are the bluff

ecosystems that occur along each of

our Great Lakes. On Lake Huron, the

bluffs that are composed of clay till

deposited by glaciers 15,000 years ago,

are restricted to the southern portion

of the lake (mainly along the shores of

Huron County).

The bluff at Bayfield measures

about 20 metres from top to bottom.

They are at their highest in Goderich

where they reach about 27 metres in

height. Coastal bluffs make up just a

small percentage of Lake Huron’s total

coastline, but influence a much greater

geographic reach. Sand that erodes

from bluff systems washes into the

lake and form the beaches that span

the shoreline. In this particular part of

the lake, sand from eroded bluffs and

ravines form the beaches that span

from Point Clark to Kettle Point.

Some areas are more prone to

erosion than others. Historical

information for this area shows that


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there are certain parts of the shoreline

that are continually eroding, other

areas that erode more slowly, and

still other areas that have wide sandy

beaches and have been stable for

many decades. Over millennia, sand

from eroded bluffs has been carried

alongshore by waves and currents and

deposited in the Grand Bend-Pinery-

Ipperwash area, forming massive dune

deposits. Those dunes have developed

into highly diverse ecosystems.

Within the last 200 years or so,

the Lake Huron watershed’s forest

dominated ecosystem was cleared for

agriculture. About the only remaining

vestige of forested land remained

along the margins of the lake. Called

the “Huron Fringe,” this forest would

remain intact until cottaging became

popular in the early 20th century.

Now the remaining coastal corridor

is gradually being fragmented into

isolated segments with unknown long-

term ecological consequences.

VALUE OF NATIVE VEGETATION The portions of these bluffs that are

actively eroding provide valuable sand

that maintains beaches. Much of the

bluff shoreline along Lake Huron is

what one might consider ‘marginally

stable.’ That means the bluffs have

evolved through the erosion process to

form mature vegetation communities,

typically including White Ash, White

Birch, Basswood, White Cedar and Maple.

This vegetation binds the soils and holds

the slope together to achieve stability.

That stability is tenuous though.

For the benefi t of our lake, we need

to recognize the enormous value of

coastal vegetation, from the incredible

biodiversity it provides, to its functions

as habitat, erosion control, fi lters

for pollutants, uptake of CO2, and

in slowing surface drainage. This

value is set to increase as we move

into an era of climate change which

is projected to modify precipitation

Tranquility - the feeling of the Lake Huron coastline.


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and temperature in the Great Lakes

region. Local research has identifi ed

that there is a trend toward increased

intensity of precipitation, but on a

localized scale, particularly in fall,

winter and spring. The research noted

“that small streams and ravines

which drain directly into Lake Huron

may be particularly vulnerable, due

to their actively eroding gullies, less

competent geology and clay-rich soils.

These areas also tend to be extensively

drained, further accentuating any

potential erosion issues by increasing

total runoff.” Recent slope failures

following heavy precipitation events

are a symptom of this changing climate

regime. Native vegetation removal

in coastal bluff areas reduces the

resiliency of our shoreline to adapt to

the onset of these changes. The need

is for investments in planting initiatives

that encourage more woody vegetation

that will provide some buffering to the

increases in storm runoff.

INVASIVE SPECIES THREATEN OUR SHORES An important emerging threat to

coastal biodiversity is the spread of

alien invasive plant species. Aquatic

invasives, like Zebra Mussels, have

gotten a lot of attention over the

years, but invasive plants have not.

Plants like Garlic Mustard (Alliaria

petiolata), and Common Reed

(Phragmites australis), have begun

spreading into coastal environments

in recent years due to changes in

the environment (development, soil

disturbance, water level changes) that

have made the conditions favourable

for these invasions to occur. The

resulting changes we are observing are

alarming. For instance, Garlic Mustard

has been spreading along the forest

fl oor of parts of the Huron Fringe

corridor. Since Garlic Mustard emits

a toxin that can stunt the growth of

the forest understory, the long term

implications for the health of the Huron

Fringe forest presents some urgency

for invasive species management.

Likewise, Common Reed has begun

to invade beaches, altering the sand

exchange regime, creating dense

monocultures, and threatening Species

at Risk along the coast.

THE FOLLOWING ENVIRONMENTAL

STRESSORS HAVE BEEN

IDENTIFIED AS CRITICAL THREATS

TO OUR SHORES:

• Climate change;

• Development and shoreline alteration;

• Invasive species;

• Water pollution.

All of these pose a threat to the

resiliency of coastal bluffs, and

some priority needs to be placed on

stewardship outreach that will provide

people with the tools and knowledge to

better protect this special ecosystem.

Coastal bluffs have gotten less

Fall in full colour.


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attention over the years – the poor

cousin to the sexy dune grassland

ecosystems or coastal wetlands. People

in Lake Huron’s coastal bluff areas

seem to be awakening to the need for

better conservation of this ecosystem,

but currently lack the information

and tools necessary to be active and

successful stewards.

The Lake Huron Centre for Coastal

Conservation has assembled a fi rst

ever toolkit for landowners and

municipalities for better stewardship of

bluff environments on Lake Huron. This

information resource promotes the

conservation of existing native plant

communities, and identifi es practices

that will maintain or enhance native

biodiversity and coastal processes.

As our lake communities adopt better

stewardship practices, the result will

be a more resilient coast as climate

change affects the region.

YOU CAN HELP

• Participate in plant restoration

projects along the shore;

• Get involved in invasive species

control programs. Learn to identify

invasive plants like Garlic Mustard

and Common Reed, then learn the

best ways to remove them

• In beach areas, protect native

dune grasses that help to hold sand

and benefi t beach quality.

• Make sure you take away what you

bring. Garbage left by beach-goers

is having an impact on our lake.

The Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation74 Hamilton St, Goderich, ON • N7A 1P9

Coastal Centre Offi ce: (226) 421-3029 • Technical Offi ce: (519) 523-4478Email: [email protected] • Website: www.lakehuron.ca

Paradise view at eventide.


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Wetland in farm fi eld with resident ducks amongst the reeds.

STEWARDSHIPStewardship is the responsible care of

our natural resources including wildlife,

water and natural areas. It requires

a balance between environmental,

economic and cultural needs. A

healthy ecosystem ensures we have

clean water, sustainable agriculture,

a home for wildlife, opportunities for

recreation, and a thriving economy.

As caretakers of our environment, we

need to continue to take on innovative

approaches to stewardship practices

that sustain and enhance natural

resources.

WHAT IS THE HURON STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL? The Huron Stewardship Council (HSC)

is a community-based, not-for-profi t

group formed in 1996 under the

Ontario Stewardship Program. We

believe in fostering a stewardship ethic

among members of the Huron

community, and we have a responsibility

to future generations to provide them

with a healthy natural ecosystem.

The mission of the HSC is “To advocate

and implement responsible ecosystem-

based management of our natural

resources, through cooperative efforts

of the Huron County community”.

Huron StewardshipBRVTA Conservation Chapter


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Our vision is a healthy natural

landscape valued by the Huron County

community. It is managed sustainably

by landowners and other partners, and

utilized in a balanced way for multiple

benefits for Huron.

WHO IS INVOLVED? Ten members participate on the HSC

as volunteers out of their personal

concern about land and resource

issues. They work cooperatively with

other organizations and individuals

in the county developing common

stewardship goals. The volunteer

members represent a diversity of

landowners and land interests in

the county, including agriculture,

education, outdoor recreation, and

nature appreciation.

WHAT DO WE DO? Work to protect and enhance our natural resources.

We believe natural ecosystem

features provide multiple benefits to

the Huron community and we should

be committed to their protection,

enhancement and restoration.

Focus: Natural Areas (particularly


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woodlands). The average forest cover

in Huron County is approximately 15

per cent, with some municipalities

as low as 6 per cent. Presence of

wetlands is very low in some areas.

Research suggests 20 to 30 per cent

forest cover and at least 10 per cent

wetland cover is needed to maintain

ecological health. Our goals are to

improve the quality of existing natural

areas and where possible, increase

the amount of natural area or linkages

between them by planting trees,

enhancing and restoring wetlands,

planting trees along waterways and

fencing livestock out of streams.

Focus: Wildlife (and Fish). Natural

areas are a key habitat and are at lower

than optimum levels. Fragmentation

and size (i.e. interior) of existing

habitat further reduce suitability.

Channelization of watercourses as well

as water quality and quantity issues

impact on quality of aquatic habitat.

We aim to create and enhance habitat

for wildlife, and maintain and restore

species diversity.

Focus: Water. The quality of water

for drinking and recreational purposes

is an important issue in Huron County.

We believe natural ecosystem features provide multiple benefi ts to the Huron community and we should be committed to their protection, enhancement and restoration.



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Low water levels are impacting on fi sh

and wildlife habitat and populations as

well as recreational activities. We aim

to maintain or improve water quality

and quantity.

EDUCATIONWe endeavour to build local abilities to

work towards ecological sustainability

by providing educational opportunities

and information, as well as promoting

awareness, knowledge and appreciation

for natural resource features.

We support several youth initiatives,

such as the Huron-Perth Agriculture

and Water Festival, and work with

partners to deliver various educational

opportunities, such as workshops (e.g.

how to grow trees from seed) and bus

tours (e.g. a woodlot management bus

tour for landowners).

PARTNERSHIPS The purpose of stewardship is to

promote partnerships among those

with common interests in natural

resources stewardship in order to

meet collective goals. Research in

social psychology shows initiatives

to promote behavioural change are

most effective when carried out at the

community level and involve direct

contact and input from people in the

community. The Huron Stewardship

Council offers an opportunity for

community input and involvement.

We can accomplish more by

fostering cooperation and networking

between interested organizations

and individuals. It is our priority

to maintain or strengthen existing

partnerships and establish new

partnerships. We support stewardship

actions, and facilitate networking,

cooperation and collaboration between

organizations and individuals with

parallel interests.

HURONVIEWThe Huronview project is an excellent

demonstration of stewardship at

work. Though a collaboration of

many community partners including

the Huron Stewardship Council,

the Ausable Bayfi eld Conservation

Authority, and Ducks Unlimited. The

project restored agricultural land

adjacent to the Bayfi eld River, owned

by the County of Huron. The area had

signifi cant fl ooding and erosion into the

nearby water bodies. The stewardship

projects on this property included

berms for wetland containment and

runoff diversion, grassed waterways,

and the retirement and reforestation

of marginal farm land. These activities

enhanced the natural corridor along

the Bayfi eld River, conserved soil and

reduced soil erosion, retired fragile or

marginal farm land, enhanced water

quality, and demonstrate stewardship

projects that could be implemented on

other properties. The wetland is home

to many plants and animals, and it is

open to the public to enjoy.

To visit the Huronview wetland off

Highway #4, south of Clinton. Drive

through the Huronview complex and

keep left to head towards the back of

the health unit (northeast parking lot).

Look for a sign about the project, and

follow the dirt road by foot between

the fi elds to the two wetlands and old

lagoon.

HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED WITH THE HURON STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL? Learn more about us and check out

our recent projects at our website:

hsc.huronstewardship.on.ca or by

e-mail at [email protected]


Lake Michigan shoreline.

FreshwaterFuturesThe Great Lakes are an international

treasure like no other in the world –

and they are at risk. Freshwater Future

contributes to a healthier planet by

ensuring the healthy future of our

waters in the Great Lakes region.

Freshwater Future is a Movement-

Builder – working on both policy and

capacity-building for the benefi t of our

waters in the Great Lakes region. We

are a regional organization with staff

in several locations and offer services

and programs in Ontario, Minnesota,

Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan,

Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York.

Freshwater Future is a unique

organization working to improve

the environment in the Great Lakes

region. Not only do we work on critical

issues like Asian carp and water

pollution, we also help hundreds of

other community and citizen efforts

by providing them critical grant

funding and professional coaching

and consulting services. Freshwater

Future sees itself as a collaborative

and entrepreneurial organization that

seeks opinions and partnerships from

diverse communities and collaborators,

values citizen knowledge and abilities

and understands the importance of our

natural environment for current and

future generations.

As the only watershed-wide organ-

ization dedicated solely to supporting


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the needs of community-based groups

and actions working to protect and

restore Great Lakes land and water

resources, we are able to help protect

and restore the Great Lakes like no

other organization. It is at the local,

community level where thousands of

decisions are made every day that

impact the health of our waters

CANADIAN SISTER TO FRESHWATER FUTURESThe Freshwater Alliance is a national

capacity building initiative that assists

Canada’s diverse non-profi t water

community in reaching goals to secure

healthy, thriving waters from coast-

to-coast-to-coast. Living waters are

essential to the health and wealth of all

our communities, our environment and

our country. In a time when increasing

pressures are threatening the health of

many of our waterways, the work of the

Alliance and its partners is paramount.

www.freshwateralliance.ca

and our communities. Freshwater

Future helps make an on-the-ground

difference through our focus on

grassroots action.

Freshwater Future also provides

critical resources—funding to

conduct protection and restoration

activities, technical assistance to

help with strategy, build capacity and

communicate stories and connections

to others doing similar work,

experts and staffed organizations

with complementary missions—to

facilitate positive change through

civic engagement and on-the-ground

activities throughout the Great Lakes

region. We support local citizen and

community group efforts, which

are critical to the long-term health

of our region.

To learn more about Freshwater

Future, services provided, taking

action to help the Great Lakes and

becoming a member, please visit

www.freshwaterfuture.org

Michigan residents on site with water specialists from Fresh Water Future.


An angler respects fi sh, their habitat and the environment.

Bayfi eld AnglersAssociation

The scope of the Bayfi eld Anglers

Association (BAA) is extensive

and interfaces with a number of

Organizations. The BAA is a not-

for-profi t group that was originally

founded in 1980. Making it is, we

believe, the oldest volunteer Hatchery

in Ontario and is located on private

land. There are approximately 49

Members. About half are active. We

are self-suffi cient and do not accept

government fi nancing.

The BAA operates from April till

October each year. Two members attend

to the Hatchery every day, 24/7. Tasks

include cleaning, vacuuming, mainten-

ance, feeding, removing dead eggs/

fi sh etc. and recording all activities

and water temperatures in a Log Book.

The hatchery consists of two large

stainless steel tanks, holding 400 and

500-gallon capacity. It is installed on a

robust deck, located in a sloping ravine.

It is roofed over and supplies are kept in

a shed. The water supply is groundwater

that we tap into via a large perforated

barrel which is piped down to the tanks.

The source is approximately 20 feet

above the tanks, thus water fl ows by

gravity. In order to provide directional

current in the tanks, Spargers are fi tted

to the tank inlets. These are pipes that

are drilled to provide jets so that a

circular current simulates the stream

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currents in the natural environment

allowing the fry to swim against it. The

jets are also sized smaller than the inlet

pipe which backs up the supply water,

providing head pressure at the jets of

approximately 20 psi. This elevates the

dissolved oxygen levels in the tank water

by 10 to 12%, to compensate for the

fact that groundwater is notoriously

low in dissolved oxygen. The Hatchery

does not have a source of electricity.

The trout eggs are spread in fl oating

trays and the tanks are closed cutting

off all light and will remain closed for two

weeks. After that daily cleaning and egg

picking ensues. This is called the Eye Up

Period. For the next three weeks the

eggs go through their hatching period

and move into their egg sack period. For

about another two weeks they self-feed

from their egg sacks and then the trays

are removed and the Spargers installed.

After this, they fi nally develop mouths

and feeding can begin. Starter food

is loaded into mechanical feeders on

short conveyor belts. The feeders are

mounted on the tops of the tanks.

Feed is laid in lines across the belt, so

that as feed is gradually dropped into

the tank providing periods for eating,

rest and digestion. Feeders have to

be reset and loaded twice per day.

This will continue until the time for

release. Keeping the fry into the fall is

ideal because the temperatures in the

receiving streams will drop and almost

match water temperature in the tanks.

A temperature difference of less than

5 degrees Celsius between the two is

ideal. Stress induced by fast movement,

noise, camera fl ash and temperature

differentials are to be avoided as they

can kill the young fi sh.

At release, the fi sh are carefully

netted and placed into clear plastic

bags, inside large coolers. Battery air

pumps are used to ensure an adequate

level of oxygen is maintained in the

bags. At the release points, water

temperature is checked again before

release. If the stream temperature is

outside the criteria, the bags will be

immersed and held until there is a

temperature balance.

The Bayfi eld Anglers Association operates theoldest fi sh hatchery in Ontario.

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THE BAA OPERATES UNDER VARIOUS LICENSES, NAMELY: 1 - Ministry of the Environment

Certifi cate of Approval. This C

of A allows us to continually take

groundwater to supply the hatchery.

In reality, we do not deplete the

groundwater. The water fl ows through

the rearing tanks, discharging back to

the surface run off that fl ows to the

River Bayfi eld. This 10-year license

requires detailed reports annually at

the conclusion of our annual activities.

2 - Ministry of Natural Resources.

Two Licenses are required. The fi rst is a

License to collect Fish for aquaculture.

This License permits us to collect

60,000 rainbow trout eggs from Nine

Mile Creek. Lifting of the fi sh, egg

collection and fertilizing is manual and

at times exhausting. The second license

gives us permission to stock fi sh. We

have identifi ed 16 locations in the

tributaries that feed the Bayfi eld River.

These tributaries exhibit adequate

characteristics that make them suitable

for the release of the fry. At that time

the fi sh are approximately 25 to 28 weeks

of age and up to 3 inches in length. The

fry will live in the tributaries for up to a

year before heading to the Lake. They

bulk up for a year before fi nally returning

to the stream. The fi sh fi rst returns

at about 2 to 3 pounds in weight, to

start their cycle of life. Therefore the

tributary must have an adequate water

capacity, including depth, overhanging

cover and stream length, (we look for

at least 1,000 meters). By keeping them

till the fall, we ensure that the bulk of

the nonresidential predators, e.g. small

mouth bass, have left for the lake. We

also try to release them as far up the

tributaries as possible. This presented

us with a problem in 2012 when we

experienced an extensive drought.

Finally, we take care not to release

the fry into streams that are home to

Brook trout.

Annual reports for both Licenses are

mandatory in order to meet terms and

conditions of each.

3 - We have also worked with

another branch of the MNR that deals

specifi cally with the restocking of Lake

Huron. Here the BAA is represented at

the Fish Management Zone. Hatchery

managers from around Ontario

meet with the MNR to help develop

strategies for future projects so that

effort can be focused on appropriate

future government funding. The BAA is

part of FMZ13.

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4 - Ausable and Bayfi eld Conservation

Authority. The ABCA assists us in water

quality. Monitoring tests takes place

every two weeks. The chemical criteria

for various elements in the tank water

are established for rainbow trout and

taken from Piper et al Aquaculture

reference manual. To this we have

added contaminants that could be

derived from fertilizers, because the

hatchery is on farmland and low levels

of nitrite, nitrate and ammonia could

cause seriously problems. We also assist

the ABCA with stream bank erosion

rectifi cation. These usually consist of

installing willow walls, which will grow

and defl ect the water fl ow at periods

of high water runoff.

5 - Additional reporting is carried out

with the statistical branch of the MNR

in reporting the numerical statistics of the

operations including eggs collected, Fry

released and the GPS locations of the

drop sites, including the annual Man-

hours of work expended by the Members.

In order to structure the BAA, we

found that it was necessary to develop

a working uniform plan that could be

used to ensure that all Members had

adequate reference points with which

to increase their knowledge. Five years

ago, we undertook a thorough research

of data, guidelines, and best business

practices. We spent hundreds of hours

sifting through masses of documents

covering all sides of aquaculture

related to a rainbow trout hatchery.

Here we tapped into the collective

knowledge of the MOE, MNR, ABCA

and other hatcheries, large and small,

around Ontario, extrapolating what we

thought we needed. This enabled us to

beg, borrow and acquire suffi cient data

to develop our goals and objectives

that includes baseline operating

principles, from stocking to release.

So, how successful are we in these

activities? On release, the fry are

too small to fi n clip. On the fi sh

return, isolating sections of stream

and utilizing electro shocking is an

acceptable method of temporarily

stunning the fi sh in order to conduct a

head count. The ABCA can undertake

this but budget cuts over the years has

put a strain on their resources. The

good news is from the local anglers.

They have found increasing numbers

of fi rst returns over the last 5 years,

even though baitfi sh levels in the Lake

remain low.

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Following FishDay by Day

Dr. Cooke electronically tracking fi sh.

MYSTERIOUSTo most, fi sh are mysterious creatures.

They live in a watery world, a world we

can only visit briefl y, and even then our

experience constrained by water clarity

or depth. We know them best from the

dinner plate, fi shing experiences, or

perhaps from watching TV shows such

as river monsters – all of which involve

taking the fi sh OUT of the water. Have

you ever considered what fi sh do on

a day to day basis, what they need to

survive and how they relate to their

surroundings?

Researchers face a variety of

challenges when studying fi sh in the

fi eld. For example, how does one follow

individual fi sh to know when and where

they move and the various habitats

that they use? Perhaps you have

seen crews walking through streams

with what looks like a Ghostbuster’s

apparatus strapped to their back –

using a tool called “electrofi shing” It

temporarily stuns the fi sh so it can be

collected, enumerated and released.

Such an approach is useful for telling

us the name of the species are present

and where they are found (e.g., in

deep pools or in shallow riffl es) . Most

biologists prefer to work so their

sampling efforts are restricted to the

summer period.

If an electrofi shing crew were to

apply a uniquely-numbered tag to a


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fi sh and release it, they would be able

to note where it had moved the next

time they were to sample, assuming

that the fi sh stuck around to be

sampled. Typically such sampling

events are separated by months or

often done annually. Using novel tools

such as radio telemetry, it is possible

to study riverine fi sh movements and

habitats use of a variety of time scales.

An individual fi sh could be tracked over

the course of a 24 hour period to look

at how habitat use varies from day to

night. Also, the fi sh could be tracked

across seasons.

Radio tags are not inexpensive

(~$250 each) they do provide

unprecedented information on fi sh.

Most of the information we have

learned about fi sh behaviour in rivers

and their requirements has come from

radio telemetry studies. Species of

economic value (e.g., sports fi sh or

commercially-harvested fi sh) tend to

be larger are well studied. Less is

known about the many other members

of a fi sh community. Radio tags are

small. We are able to tag and track

fi sh as small as about 6 inches. Some

interesting fi ndings and themes have

emerged that are relevant to fi sh living

in rivers like the Bayfi eld or other Lake

Huron tributaries.

WINTER MATTERS Telemetry has provided researchers

one of the few tools to study fi sh

in the winter, including under ice.

Traditionally the scientifi c community

had adopted the belief that in the

winter most fi sh park themselves on

the bottom and sit there until spring.

In reality, we have seen that many fi sh

experience extensive movements in

the winter – some by choice and some

by necessity. Winter ice dynamics

in the rivers of southern Ontario are

hostile if you are a fi sh. Anchor ice

which forms on the bottom of the river

has been shown to force fi sh such

as trout and carp out of preferred

habitats. And frazil ice (think of it as

small ice crystals fl owing down the

river) can make it diffi cult for fi sh to

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breathe. When water temperatures

are cold fi sh muscle does not work

as optimally as they work in warmer

temperatures. Ice is also important for

fi sh. It reconfi gures habitat by shoving

around rocks and debris, essentially

helping to clean the river. Some fi sh

like smallmouth bass move in mass

to distinct winter aggregation sites in

rivers. They move many kilometres

to descend to several winter sites.

Protecting winter habitats where fi sh

like bass aggregate is as important as

protecting spawning habitats.

CONNECTIVITY IS ESSENTIAL Fish need to be able to move between

different habitats over the course of a

day, season, year or life-time as they

need to fi nd food. Suitable habitats

for protection from predators is

important. Within their environmental

tolerance range they will need habitats

to reproduce. Anything that impedes

the ability of fi sh to move between

habitat types will reduce connectivity

in a system and can have catastrophic

consequences for fi sh populations.

Barriers to movement can be physical,

such as a dam, or be environmental,

such as thermal effl uent or degraded

habitat. When dams exist engineers

design fi sh ladders to help migratory

fi sh pass.

In the Great Lakes we are faced

with a conundrum. We do not want to

give the invasive sea lamprey access

to riverine spawning sites. Low head

dams are often used to block lamprey

with the hopes that other species with

jumping abilities will still be able to

pass. In rivers fi sh also have to pass

degraded environments such as areas

cleared of trees. There is no shade

or channelized reaches which are

hydraulically simple. Such non-physical

barriers can also reduce connectivity

by limiting fi sh movements.

HABITAT USE VARIES AMONG SPECIES AND LIFE STAGES Rivers are not uniform from one side

to the other or from the river mouth

to headwaters. Even over the scale

of several square feet, the habitat can

be diverse with rocks, woody debris,

sand, and aquatic plants all within close

proximity. Some fi sh are generalists

and are able to use a wide variety of

habitats. Others are specialists and

need very precise habitats to survive.

We usually think about fi sh habitat in

terms of gross habitat fl ow features

such as pools and riffl es or in terms of

what comprises the river bed.

Fish are exceptionally good at

identifying micro-scale differences in

fl ow, oxygen, temperature. River fi sh

are adept at partitioning habitat such

that almost all of it gets used at some

point by different species or life-stages.

Such human actions as river

dredging, power boating and the

inadvertent addition of foreign matter

into waters can dramatically impact

the quality of the fi sh habitat. Despite

man’s intervention, fi sh do survive.

Tracking transmitters implanted in fi sh.


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The Main Bayfi eld River Watershed

is generally level with gently rolling

hills along the moraines. The average

gradient of the Bayfi eld River is 2.3

metres per kilometre (Malone 2003).

The slopes in the Main Bayfi eld

watershed are less than two per

cent, with the steeper slopes more

predominant in the area between the

lake and Varna (Giancola 1983).

PHYSIOGRAPHY & GEOLOGY The Main Bayfi eld River Watershed

is dominated by Wyoming (ground)

moraine with sand plains towards

Lake Huron, and till plains towards the

east. The upper east portion of the

watershed, near Clinton, originates as

kame moraine. On the northwest of

Clinton, the Trick’s Creek Watershed

drains a portion of the Wyoming

Topography

View of stable and unstable banks along the Bayfi eld River.


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Moraine and its connected spillway

composed of a large deposit of sand

and gravel (Chapman and Putnam

1984). The Trick’s Creek watershed is

the largest area of gravel compared

to other watersheds, giving rise to the

groundwater-fed nature of this stream.

A portion of the Main Bayfield River

watershed is made up of a large valley

complex that is approximately 30

metres deep, and, at many locations,

up to 800 metres wide (Malone 2003),

which resulted from the river cutting

through the Wyoming moraine and its

connected spillway. This large valley

is home to high-level terraces, old

oxbows, and isolated meander cores,

giving the Bayfield River Valley a

striking resemblance to the Maitland

River further north (Chapman and

Putnam 1984).

BEDROCK GEOLOGY & SOILS The bedrock of the Bayfield watershed

is characteristic of the Devonian Period

of the Paleozoic Era, with the majority

of the rock groups found being shale

and limestone (Schaus 1982). The town

of Clinton, a large area around and

including the village of Bayfield, and

the spillway associated with the Trick’s

Creek tributary, are dominated by well-

drained loam soils. Poorly-drained

pockets of silty loam surround the

community of Vanastra, as well as a

section east of the town of Clinton.

Along several of the tributaries are bands

of poorly drained clay loam. There is

a distinct pattern of increasing loam

soils to the east and increasing silty

soils moving towards Lake Huron with

imperfectly draining silty loam right as

Bayfield River outlets into Lake Huron.

– Information from Main Bayfield Draft Watershed Plan (2013) unless otherwise noted.

AGGREGATESThe subsurface geology in the Trick’s

Creek watershed is dominated by gravel

deposits which provide opportunities

for groundwater discharge, and

substrate suitable for spawning trout.

Combined with the extensive forest

conditions, Trick’s Creek provides

optimal cold-water fish habitat

(Veliz 2001). Gravel deposits and

groundwater discharges are also often

associated with aggregate resources –

extraction of which is regulated by the

Ministry of Natural Resources.

A study completed in the Trick’s

Creek watershed determined that

aggregate removal potentially impacts

the temperature of the groundwater

discharging to nearby watercourses.

This can then negatively affect

temperature-sensitive species, such

as brook trout.


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Buffer strips and bank tree planting will minimize this type of erosion.


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The authors of this study suggested

that aggregate removal should not

occur within 250 metres of adjacent

watercourses since the thermal plumes

emanating from aggregate pits are

able to migrate this distance (Markle

and Schincariol 2007).

While the extraction pit in the Trick’s

Creek study was approximately 750

metres from the creek, the authors

cautioned that impacts may occur as

the extraction proceeds closer towards

the creek. As well, it is yet unknown

what the cumulative effects of several

aggregate operations within close

vicinity can have on the environment

(Markle and Schincariol 2007).

Air photos of the Trick’s Creek

watershed taken in 2010 suggest that

there is aggregate removal closer to

Trick’s Creek than the recommended

250 metre distance, however, no

ground verifi cation has taken place.

It is not known how

evapotranspiration could be affecting

fl ow rates within Trick’s Creek and

subsequently the Bayfi eld River.

– Information from Main Bayfi eld Draft Watershed Plan (2013) unless otherwise noted.

REFERENCESChapman, L.J. and D.F. Putnam. 1984.

The Physiography of Southern Ontario.

3rd Edition. Ontario Ministry of Natural

Resources. Toronto, Ontario.

Giancola, J. 1983. Soil Erosion

Study: Ausable River and Bayfi eld

River Watersheds. Technical Report

#3. Ausable Bayfi eld Conservation

Authority. Exeter, Ontario.

Malone, P. 2003. Bayfi eld River

Watershed Report. Honours Thesis,

University of Waterloo, Ontario. 68 pp.

Markle, J.M. and R.A. Schincariol.

2007. Thermal plume transport

from sand and gravel pits - Potential

thermal impacts on cool water streams.

Journal of Hydrology 338: 174-195.

Schaus, B. 1982. Water Quality and

Quantity of the Ausable Bayfi eld

Conservation Authority.

Veliz, M. 2001. Fish Habitat

Management Plan. Ausable Bayfi eld

Conservation Authority. Exeter,

Ontario. 86 pp.

A tempting overpass to be avoided.


Bottled WaterNeeds Public Review

DETERIORATING QUALITYIn recent months, the population of

Ontario and the Great Lakes Region,

have become increasingly aware of the

reduced volume and rapid deterioration

of water quality. While steps are fi nally

being taken at the provincial and

federal level to engage the population

in remediation and protection. Equally

important waters are victims of the

“out sight, out of mind” theory. These

waters are found in the aquifers

underlying most of the earth’s surface.

Drilled wells in rural regions use

aquifer water for humans and farm

animals. In recent years, a new con-

sumer of this resource has come along,

the bottled water industry. While the

waters in our aquifers may be regarded

as “common resource”, the Ontario

Ministry of the Environment (MoE) has

consistently renewed the permit for

Nestle’s to extract water to use in their

bottled water production and sale.

BILLIONS FOR BOTTLED WATERThe United Nations General Assembly

explicitly recognized the human right to

water and sanitation and acknowledged

that clean drinking water and sanitation

are essential to the realization of all

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human rights.

Nestle’s CEO, Peter Brabeck, has

stated an opposite view. This leader of

the world’s largest foodstuff industry

states in an interview that “ NGO’s

bang on about it [water] is a public

right….. it is a foodstuff like any other

and should have a market value”.

And profi t they make. According to

recent article in Canadian Perspective,

The Ontario government receives a

meager $3.71 per million litres of water

taken from the Hillsburgh aquifer. That

translates into .0000037 cents per

litre. If the average cost of a bottle of

water is $1.35, it would take 10 years to

fi ll the bottle using the price of water

in most Ontario communities. Further,

a monthly household water bill, if the

only source were bottled water, would

be near $9,000 using the price of the

cheapest bottled water.

According to Statistic Brain,

Americans spend $15 billion on bottled

water annually about 30 per cent of

the world’s total sales, 50 percent

of this is sold by Pepsi and Coca-

Cola. The net profi t for these fi rms

from water sales is over $700 million

annually.

You’ve heard it said that bottled

water is safer. This may be true in

some developing countries. It not true

in the western world. The Federal

Government is currently reviewing

standards for bottled water. At this

moment it is accurate to say that the

water in the bottle will only “do no

harm”.

The standards for tap water far

exceeds “do no harm”. In Ontario, the

standards require measurements of

78 Chemicals in addition to analysis of

78 Radiological items. Further there

Less than 5% of plastic bottles are recycled. A large proportion of the balance are found in rivers, lakes and oceans.

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are standards for E.coli (0) and total

coliforms (0). A US study reports that

22 per cent of bottled water tested

have chemical contaminates that are

above state limits.

According to Trevor Datson of Occupy

Monsanto, forty percent of the bottled

water sold world-wide is sourced from

the same taps that provide water to

homes. Occupy Monsanto also reports

that, the Dasani water brand, which is

owned by beverage giant Coca-Cola,

“is one such bottled water counterfeit,

if you will, that contains purified tap

water dressed in fancy-looking bottles.

Like many other bottled water brands,

Dasani is sold at a premium price. Many

people perceive it to be superior to tap

water, even though it actually is just

tap water.” Back in 2007, PepsiCo Inc.,

which owns the Aquafina “purified”

water brand, announced it would

begin printing the words “Public Water

Source” on its labels to ensure that

customers knew where Aquafina water

was sourced.

The cost of tap water in Huron County

is approximately 0.0005 per litre.

And then there is the bottle. It

requires 6.7 litres of water to produce

one plastic bottle, water that is then

polluted. The plastic in the bottle,

polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

comes from oil. About a ½ litre of

oil is required to make the plastic for

one bottle. Given that the USA, as

an example, uses 29 billion bottles

per year, then 1.9 trillion litres of oil is

consumed in the production of water

bottles. This is the equivalent of two or

three days of oil production in Canada.

This in the face of the world having

surpassed the point in history where

we have easy, relatively safe and cheap

access to oil.

It is estimated that the production of

900 kilos of PET produces 2700 kilos

of green-house gas emissions. It also

requires 945 watt-hours (3.4 mega

joules) of energy to make a bottle.

Of course these bottles are recycled.

Wrong. Less than 5 percent of the

water bottles, indeed any plastic

bottle, are recycled. If you have spent

any time cleaning up local rivers and

beaches you can attest to this fact.

Add this to the statistic that a plastic

bottle will take an estimate 700 years

to decompose you can understand

why jurisdictions around the world,

(Toronto, San Francisco, Liverpool,

Charlottetown, Ann Arbor, Province of

Nova Scotia to name only a few), are

either banning the sale of bottled water

on municipal properties or in the case

of Concord Mass, banning the sale of

virtually all plastic bottles.

Is it time to protect our aquifers,

the hidden resource, as well as the

Great Lakes?

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These plastic pellets were once containers. They now pose a threat to water and aquatic species suchs as fi sh, turtles and birds.


Researchers from the 5 Gyres

Institute, State University of New York

(SUNY) and University of Wisconsin-

Superior have gotten a lot of attention

on something that ordinarily doesn’t

get much attention. Plastics in the

Great Lakes. Most of us have probably

heard of the great Pacifi c garbage

patch and similar problems of plastic

pollution plaguing ocean coasts. What

about our freshwater Great Lakes?

Is this really an issue? According to

the research, more than anyone ever

thought. The US study that began last

summer, has identifi ed that plastic

pollutants circulate in pockets of the

Great Lakes at concentrations higher

than any other body of water on the

planet!

A lot of what was found included

microplastics, small pieces less than 5

millimeters wide. Coastal Centre staff

came across tiny plastic pellets on

beaches, most recently in a 2010 wash-

up. These tiny pellets littered beaches

from Sarnia to north of Kincardine.

Researchers at Western University

looked into the distribution of plastic,

including these pellets, along the shore-

lines of Lakes Huron, Erie, and St. Clair.

Data was obtained from sampling

beaches, wetland, and/or boat landings.

Initial results from this study indicate

that most plastics in the Great Lakes

are composed of polyethylene, poly-

propylene, and polyethylene terephthalate

(Google it!). Plastic pellets were found

Plastic Beaches


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primarily on the southern Canadian

beaches of Lake Huron, with the Sarnia

Beach area having the highest amount.

Downstream of Lake St. Clair and Lake

Erie, shorelines sampled contained con-

siderably less plastic than Lake Huron.

The 5 Gyres/SUNY investigation

is intended to determine the extent

and distribution of and their potential

impacts to the region. In the Spring

of 2013, a team of graduate students

in the Masters of Environmental

Sustainability at Western University

partnered with the Coastal Centre

to study the plastics issue on Lake

Huron in more detail. They produced

the report “Assessing and Mitigating

Plastic Pollution in Lake Huron”

which helped identify the scope of

the problem, local perceptions of the

problem and recommendations for

future research and public outreach.

One of the concerns is that many non-

plastic pollutants, known as persistent

organic pollutants or POPs, latch onto

plastics in the water, which could then

be consumed by aquatic life with a

variety of consequences. If plastic gets

into the food chain, it could present a

serious human health threat, according

to the study’s lead researcher.

How do we stop this from becoming

an even greater problem? Thanks to

the help of community volunteers, beach

cleanups have started to become a

regular occurrence on Lake Huron.

From Beach Associations to ‘Friends Of’

groups, to individuals, beach cleanups

help to alleviate our beaches from the

garbage left behind by thoughtless

beach goers. The Coastal Centre helps

to organize volunteers for the Great

Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, a national

effort held annually. From this work, we’ve

gathered some pretty significant figures.

Smoking related activities are con-

sistently the highest amount of garbage

collected off beaches on Lake Huron.

It includes items such as cigarettes/

cigarette filters, cigarette lighters, cigar

tips and tobacco packaging.

Second highest on the list includes

litter from items such as paper and

plastic bags, balloons, beverage bottles

/cans, caps/lids, clothing/shoes, cups/

plates, food wrappers, pull tabs, six

pack holders, straws/stirrers and toys.

A significant collection of balloons

and balloon strings are becoming an

increasing problem. Balloon strings are

significant because one of the most

notable types of impacts is wildlife

entanglement. The other is ingestion of

the material by animals. These can lead

to injury, illness, suffocation, starvation,

and even death.

We’re now faced with evidence that

plastic pollution in the Great Lakes is

greater than that in our oceans. We

should all be concerned where this is

heading. For its part, the Coastal Centre

will continue to coordinate community

beach cleanups and have our Coast

Watchers track occurrences of plastic

pollution. We’ll also be embarking on

campaigns to build education and

awareness about the issue.


The Shrinking Great Lakes

BY THE NUMBERS As coastal communities plan for sea-levelrise, these who watch the Great Lakes

note that their water levels are declining. In both places, the reason is the

same — climate change — and scientists say the trend is likely to continue.

Higher temperatures mean decreased snow cover in winter — and therefore

less springtime runoff into lakes — and greater evaporation in both the summer

and winter. The good news? Water consumption is down, despite population

gains and precipitation up.

DECLINES

576.15 feet The record low for Lake Michigan-Huron water levels, which declined 17 inches between December 2011 and December 2012. (The two lakes are hydraulically treated as one.)

1-2 feet Projected decline of all Great Lakes water levels by the end of the century under a higher emissions scenario.

13 years How long water levels on Superior and Michigan-Huron have been below long-term averages, the longest consecutive period on record.

CAUSES

EVAPORATION in all the lakes has gone up every decade since the 1960s. Lake Superior saw the greatest increase — from 21 inches of evaporation annually in the 1960s to 33 inches in the 2000s. Precipitation in the Great Lakes Basin has actually increased 4.5 inches over the last 90 years.

65 million = $1 billion How many pounds of fish per year that are harvested from the lakes, contributing more than $1 billion to the economy.

USE

43,292 million Number of gallons per day that were withdrawn from the Great Lakes basin in 2009, two-thirds of that went to the U.S.

56,914 million Number of gallons per day that were sucked out in 1993. Withdrawls have gone down even as population increased 10 percent in the eight-state region from 1990-2010.

ABOUT THE GREAT LAKES

71% Decline of average annual ice coverage on the Great Lakes, from 1973 to 2010, as air and water temperatures rose.

Winter temperatures will likely experience a greater increase than the summer months.

1.3°C Average air temperature increase from 1968 to 2002 in the Great Lakes region.

3.0°C High end of the projected average air temperature by 2050.

40 million The number of U.S. and Canadian citizens that drink water supplied by the lakes.

200 million Tons of cargo shipped every year through the Great Lakes.

95% Percent of freshwater in the U.S. contained within the Great Lakes.

27.6% How much of the national economy the Great Lakes region represents. The area has a $4 trillion annual economy.

50 km

20 mi

BAYFIELD

GrandBend

‘ This guidebook is an important step in demonstrating the relationship between land and water quality.’ — Bill Rowat, President Bayfield Historical Society

‘ Water quality is directly related to land uses. Thanks to this book for pointing out this relationship.’ — Jim Ginn, Mayor Municipality of Central Huron

‘ Ausable Bayfi eld Conservation supports the Bayfi eld River Valley Trails efforts to promote environmental awareness and action through this book.’ — Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority

www.bayfieldtrailsandwaters.ca

‘ This guidebook is an important step in demonstrating the relationship between land and water quality.’

— Bill Rowat, President Bayfield Historical Society

‘ This guidebook is an important step in demonstrating the relationship between land and water quality.’ — Bill Rowat, President Bayfield Historical Society

‘ Water quality is directly related to land uses. Thanks to this book for pointing out this relationship.’

— Jim Ginn, Mayor Municipality of Central Huron

‘ Water quality is directly related to land uses. Thanks to this book for pointing out this relationship.’ — Jim Ginn, Mayor Municipality of Central Huron

‘ Ausable Bayfi eld Conservation supports the Bayfi eld River Valley Trails efforts to promote environmental awareness and action through this book.’

— Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority

‘ Ausable Bayfi eld Conservation supports the Bayfi eld River Valley Trails efforts to promote environmental awareness and action through this book.’ — Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority

Bayfield Trails and Waters

Documents

Transcript of Bayfield Trails and Waters