A Local Relaxation Approach for the Siting of Electrical Substations
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SITE INVESTIGATION REPORT Windsor Solar Project
November 2014
Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report
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Table of Contents
Page
1. Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1
2. The Proponent ................................................................................................................................. 4
3. Project Location ............................................................................................................................... 5
4. Results of Records Review ............................................................................................................... 8
5. Site Investigation Purpose ............................................................................................................... 9
6. Site Investigation Methodology ..................................................................................................... 10
6.1 Ecological Land Classification ............................................................................................ 11
6.2 Wetland Boundary Delineation ........................................................................................ 12
6.3 Woodland Boundary Delineation ..................................................................................... 12
6.4 Wildlife Habitat Identification Survey ............................................................................... 12
6.4.1 Incidental Wildlife Surveys................................................................................... 13
6.5 Name and Qualifications of Site Investigators .................................................................. 13
7. Site Investigation Results ............................................................................................................... 14
7.1 Site Investigation Dates, Times, Duration, and Weather Conditions ............................... 14
7.2 Natural Features ............................................................................................................... 15
7.2.1 Ecological Land Classification Results .................................................................. 15
7.2.2 Wetlands .............................................................................................................. 17
7.2.3 Woodlands ........................................................................................................... 17
7.2.4 Wildlife Habitat .................................................................................................... 19
8. Summary of Amendments to the Records Review ........................................................................ 45
9. Conclusions .................................................................................................................................... 48
10. References ..................................................................................................................................... 51
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List of Figures
Figure 1: General Location of Windsor Solar Project in Ontario .................................................................. 3
Figure 2: Project Location ............................................................................................................................. 6
Figure 3: Natural Heritage Assessment Records Review Mapping ............................................................... 7
Figure 4: Ecological Land Classification ....................................................................................................... 17
Figure 5: Wetlands, Woodlands and Wildlife Habitat ................................................................................ 18
Figure 6: Site Investigation .......................................................................................................................... 46
List of Tables
Table 1: Summary of Natural Heritage Assessment Records Review Determination .................................. 8
Table 2: Overview of Methods Employed During the Site Investigation of Natural Features.................... 11
Table 3: Name and Qualifications of Site Investigator................................................................................ 13
Table 4: Site Investigation Dates, Times, Duration and Weather Conditions ............................................. 15
Table 5: Description of ELC Communities Documented within 300 m of the Windsor Solar Project ........ 15
Table 6: Candidate Wildlife Habitat in the Project Location and Surrounding 50 m based on Records
Review and Site Investigation ..................................................................................................................... 20
Table 7: Summary of Amendments to the Records Review ....................................................................... 47
Table 8: Identified Natural Features within 50 m of the Project Location ................................................. 49
List of Appendices
Appendix A: Field Notes
Appendix B: Site Photographs
Appendix C: Species
Appendix C1: Species Tables
Table C1-1: Vascular Plant Bryophyte Species Identified as Potentially Occurring in the General Area of the Project Location Table C1-2: Wildlife Species Identified as Potentially Occurring in the General Area of the Project Location Appendix C2: Species Codes
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1. INTRODUCTION
Windsor Solar LP proposes to develop a solar facility with a maximum name plate capacity of
50 megawatts alternating current (MWac), located on the Windsor International Airport property in the
City of Windsor, Ontario. The Windsor International Airport is owned by the City of Windsor and
operated by Your Quick Gateway (Windsor) Inc. (YQG). The renewable energy facility will be known as
the Windsor Solar Project (the “Project”).
Windsor Solar LP has initiated the Project with the Ontario Power Authority. The Project will require
approval under Ontario Regulation 359/09 (O. Reg. 359/09) – Renewable Energy Approval (REA) under
Part V.0.1 of the Ontario Environmental Protection Act.
Ontario Regulation 359/09 requires that all renewable energy projects conduct a site investigation for all
natural heritage features that fall within the Project Location or the prescribed setback area (REA
Section 26). This Natural Heritage Assessment (NHA) Site Investigation Report was completed in partial
fulfillment of the regulatory requirements for the REA process (as detailed in Table 1). All known natural
features within the Project Location and prescribed setback area have been outlined in the NHA Records
Review Report for this Project. These reports will be submitted to the Ministry of Natural Resources and
Forestry (MNRF) for review and comment, as required in Ontario Regulation 359/09. Discussion of
Species at Risk, fish habitat and other information needs, as outlined in the MNRF’s Approval and
Permitting Requirements Document (APRD) for Renewable Energy (MNRF 2009), are discussed in
separate reports, under direction from the MNRF and in compliance with the REA and other applicable
legislation.
Table 1: Checklist for Requirements under O. Reg. 359/09 – Natural Heritage Assessment – Site Investigation
Required Documentation Location in Report
A site investigation in accordance with the Table in section 26 of O. Reg. 359/09 was conducted, either by visiting the site or by an alternative investigation of the site, for the purpose of determining:
(a) whether the results of the analysis summarized in the “records review” report are correct or require correction, and identifying any required corrections;
Table 7: Summary of
Amendments to the Records
Review
(b) whether any additional natural features exist, other than those that were identified in the “records review” report
Table 7: Summary of
Amendments to the Records
Review
(c) the boundaries, located within 50 or 120 metres of the Project Location, of any natural feature that was identified in the records review or the site investigation; and
Figure 6: Site Investigation
(d) the distance from the Project Location to the boundaries determined under clause (c).
Figure 6: Site Investigation
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Required Documentation Location in Report
A report was prepared and submitted to the Ministry of Natural Resources that sets out the following:
(a) A summary of any corrections to the “records review” report and the determinations made as a result of conducting the site investigation.
Table 7: Summary of
Amendments to the Records
Review
(b) Information establishing the type of each natural feature identified in the records review and in the site investigation.
Section 7, Site Investigation
Results
(c) A map showing,
i. the boundaries located within 50 or 120 metres of the Project Location, of any natural feature that was identified in the records review or the site investigation,
ii. the location and type of each natural feature identified in relation to the Project Location, and
iii. the distance from the Project Location to the boundaries determined under clause 1 (d) above.
Figure 6: Site Investigation
(d) A summary of methods used to make observations for the purposes of the site investigation.
Section 6, Site Investigation
Methodology
(e) The name and qualifications of any person conducting the site investigation.
Section 6.5, Name and
Qualifications of Site Investigators
(f) If investigation was conducted by visiting the site:
i. The dates and times of the beginning and completion of the site investigation,
ii. The duration of the site investigation,
iii. The weather conditions during the site investigation, and
iv. Field notes kept by the person conducting the site investigation.
Section 7.1, Site Investigation Dates, Times, Duration, and Weather Conditions
Appendix A
(g) If an alternative investigation of the site was conducted:
i. The dates of the generation of the data used in the site investigation, and
ii. An explanation of why the person who conducted the alternative investigation determined that it was not reasonable to conduct the site investigation by visiting the site.
N/A
_̂Project Location
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FIGURE 1GENERAL PROJECT LOCATION
0 10 205 km ²MAP DRAWING INFORMATION:DATA PROVIDED BY MNRMAP CREATED BY: GMMAP CHECKED BY: MBMAP PROJECTION: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 17N
FILE LOCATION: I:\GIS\149152 - Samsung Windsor\mxd\PDR
PROJECT: 149152STATUS: DRAFTDATE: 9/22/2014
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2. THE PROPONENT
Windsor Solar LP is coordinating and managing the approvals process for the Project. Windsor Solar LP is
located at 2050 Derry Road, 2nd Floor, Mississauga, ON, L5N 0B9 (1-866-236-5040). Dillon Consulting
Limited (Dillon) has been retained by Windsor Solar LP to prepare the REA application for the Project.
The contact at Dillon is:
Full Name of Company: Dillon Consulting Limited
Prime Contact: Bruce McAllister, Project Manager
Address: 10 Fifth Street South, Chatham, Ontario, N7M 4V4
Telephone: (519) 354-7802 x3314
Fax: (519) 354-2050
Email: [email protected]
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3. PROJECT LOCATION
The proposed Class 3 Solar Facility is to be located within the YQG, Windsor International Airport
property, in the City of Windsor. The overall optioned lands available for development consist of
approximately 175 hectares (432 acres) and the proposed Project Location is generally bounded by
Rhodes Drive to the north, Division Road to the south, Lauzon Parkway to the east, and Walker Road to
the west. Of the optioned lands, approximately 128.3 hectares (317 acres) will be occupied by
components to make up the Project. The geographic coordinates of the centroid of the proposed Project
Location are as follows:
Latitude: 42° 16’ 43.07” N
Longitude: 82° 56’ 9.56” W
Figure 1 shows the general location of the Project in Southwestern Ontario. The Project Location is
defined in Ontario Regulation 359/09 to be “a part of land and all or part of any building or structure in,
on or over which a person is engaging in or proposes to engage in the Project”. The Project Location as
currently shown on Figure 2 identifies the maximum buildable area and will be further refined around
the project components in the final reports. Figure 2 includes 50 m, 120 m and 300 m setbacks from the
Project Location. Each setback distance is applicable to various components of the REA process. The 300
m setback is shown in the mapping for reference in the Construction Plan Report and other required REA
reports only. Where space is shown between the fencelines and the Project Location boundary, this has
been reserved to accommodate areas of operational flexibility for the Project (ex. stormwater measures,
temporary laydown areas, etc.). Setback development prohibitions for solar facilities are outlined in Part
V, Sections 37 and 38 of Ontario Regulation 359/09 (revised in November 2012).
Project components, including solar modules and electrical facilities such as inverters, transformers,
substations and electrical lines, will be located on Windsor International Airport lands owned by the City
of Windsor and operated by YQG. The results of the analysis and determinations made in the records
review regarding known natural features are mapped on Figure 3. The planned solar facility will occur
on lands designated as “Airport”, and “Future Employment Area” by the City of Windsor Official Plan
(2013; see Appendix A1).
&,
#*
E C ROW EXPRESSWAY
E C ROW EXPRESSWAY
COUNTY ROAD 42
LAU
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PARKW
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RHODES DRIVE
NORTH SERVICE ROAD EAST
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NC
ESS
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AD
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JEFFERSON
BO
ULEVA
RD
JEFFERSON
RD.
PILETTE RD
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OTIN
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AN
GE RD
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LAU
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ROA
D
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ERO
AD
SOUTH
TWIN OAKS DRIVE
SERVICE ROAD SOUTH
WINDSOR SOLAR PROJECT
FIGURE 2PROJECT LOCATION
0 100 200 30050 m ²MAP DRAWING INFORMATION:DATA PROVIDED BY MNRMAP CREATED BY: GMMAP CHECKED BY: JPMAP PROJECTION: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 17N
FILE LOCATION: I:\GIS\149152 - Samsung Windsor\mxd\Records Review\
PROJECT: 149152STATUS: DRAFTDATE: 11/13/2014
1:10,000
_̂ Project Location
U.S.A.
LAKE ERIE
LAKE ST. CLAIR
WINDSORCHATHAM
SARNIA
LONDON
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Access Road
Solar Panel Row
#* Communication Tower
&, Point of Common Coupling
Fence
Operations & Maintenance Building
MV Station
Substation Transformer
Substation Yard
Temporary Laydown Area
Railway
Permanent / Intermittent Stream
Ephemeral Stream
Project Location
Project Location 50 m Setback
Project Location 120 m Setback
Project Location 300 m Setback
Parcel Boundary
Windsor Airport Swamps (ER 23)
Rivard Drain
L ittle
River
McGill Drain
Rusette Drain
Branch of Rusette Drain
Lappan Drain
Rusette Drain
M
cGill Drain
Lappan Drain
Windsor Airport Swamps (ER 23)
E C ROW EXPRESSWAY
E C ROW EXPRESSWAY
COUNTY ROAD 42
LAUZON
PARKWAY
CON
CES
SIO
N R
OA
D 1
0
RHODES DRIVE
NORTH SERVICE ROAD EAST
CON
CESS
ION
RO
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9
WINDSOR SOLAR PROJECT
FIGURE 3RECORDS REVIEW
0 100 200 30050 m ²MAP DRAWING INFORMATION:DATA PROVIDED BY MNR
MAP CREATED BY: GMMAP CHECKED BY: JPMAP PROJECTION: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 17N
FILE LOCATION: I:\GIS\149152 - Samsung Windsor\mxd\Records Review\
PROJECT: 149152
STATUS: DRAFT
DATE: 8/19/2014
1:10,500
_̂ Project Location
U.S.A.
LAKE ERIE
LAKE ST. CLAIR
WINDSORCHATHAM
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Freeway
Arterial Road
Collector Road
Minor Road
Ramp
Railway
Permanent / Intermittent Stream
Ephemeral Stream
Project Location
Project Location 50 m Setback
Project Location 120 m Setback
Project Location 300 m Setback
Parcel Boundary
Provincially Significant Wetland
Woodland (Airport Woodlands Environmentally Significant Area #39)
Pond
Jefferson Woodlot
Shooting Range Woodlot
East Perimeter Woods
St. Louis Woods
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4. RESULTS OF RECORDS REVIEW
As shown on Figure 3, a records review was completed according to Section 25 of Ontario Regulation
359/09. A summary of the determinations made during the records review is outlined in Table 2.
Table 2: Summary of Natural Heritage Assessment Records Review Determination
Natural Feature ID Source of Information
Evaluation Status Distance Relative to Project Location
Carried Forward to Site
Investigation? Y/N
Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves
No known features identified within the Project Location or adjacent lands within 120 m N
ANSI, Life Science
No known features identified within the Project Location or adjacent lands within 120 m N
ANSI, Earth Science
No known features identified within the Project Location or adjacent lands within 120 m N
Wetlands
Unevaluated Southern Wetlands
LIO Mapping Unevaluated None within 120 m Y
Windsor Airport Swamps
LIO Mapping Provincially Significant Wetland
Within 120 m of the Project Location
Y
Woodlands
Airport Woodlands LIO Mapping Previously evaluated as Significant
Within 120 m of the Project Location
Y
Wildlife Habitat
Seasonal Concentration Areas
No known features identified within the Project Location or adjacent lands within 120 m Y
Rare Vegetation Communities
No known features identified within the Project Location or adjacent lands within 120 m Y
Specialised Wildlife Habitat
No known features identified within the Project Location or adjacent lands within 120 m Y
Habitat of Species of Conservation Concern
No known features identified within the Project Location or adjacent lands within 120 m; Species with the potential to occur in the general area are identified in Appendix C1.
Y
Animal Movement Corridors
No known features identified within the Project Location or adjacent lands within 120 m Y
Provincial Plan Areas
None applicable to the Project Location or setback areas N
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5. SITE INVESTIGATION PURPOSE
This site investigation report was completed to analyze the accuracy of the determinations made in
the records review. It is consistent with Section 26 of Ontario Regulation 359/09, which states that a
person who proposes to engage in a [solar] renewable energy Project shall ensure that a physical
investigation of the air, land and water within 50 m of the Project Location is conducted for the
purpose of determining:
Whether the results of the analysis summarized in the report prepared under subsection 25
(3) [NHA Records Review Report] are correct or require correction, and identifying any
required corrections;
Whether any additional natural features exist, other than those that were identified in the
report prepared under subsection 25 (3) [NHA Records Review Report];
The boundaries, located within 50 m of the Project Location, of any natural feature that was
identified in the records review or the site investigation; and,
The distance from the Project Location to the boundaries [of the natural feature].
Species at Risk listed under the federal Species at Risk Act and provincial Endangered Species Act, 2007,
with the potential to interact with the Project Location and/or adjacent lands, are being considered in
consultation with the appropriate agency. Reporting related to the protection of Species at Risk is being
provided to the appropriate agency under separate cover.
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6. SITE INVESTIGATION METHODOLOGY
Based on analysis of the resources and records searched in the NHA Records Review Report, the
determinations made with respect to natural features were the subject of multiple site investigations of
the Project Location. These site investigations were also conducted to identify natural features not
identified during the records review. Where possible, site investigations focused on those areas within
50 m of Project components.
Table 3 outlines the method and/or procedure followed in order to determine the presence, absence
and/or extent of a natural feature in the Project Location or 50 m setback. An outline of these methods
is provided in greater detail in Sections 6.1 to 6.4.
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Table 3: Overview of Methods Employed During the Site Investigation of Natural Features
Feature
Source of Information/Data
Co
nsu
ltat
ion
/
Re
cord
s
Re
vie
w
ELC
We
tlan
d
De
line
atio
n
Wild
life
Hab
itat
Map
pin
g
Inci
de
nta
l
Ve
geta
tio
n/
Wild
life
Surv
ey
Wetlands
Woodlands
Wildlife Habitat
6.1 Ecological Land Classification
During field investigations, vegetation was characterized using the Ecological Land Classification
System (ELC) for Southern Ontario (Lee et al. 1998). Where present, vegetation community
boundaries were determined through the review of aerial photography, and then further
refined through on-site field studies. Field studies involved identifying the dominant species for
each vegetation cover type based on visual estimates of species abundances. The ELC system
methodology recommends that a vegetation community be a minimum of 0.5 ha in size before
it is defined.
Vegetation communities have been mapped on aerial photography according to ELC
nomenclature to graphically represent the specific spatial pattern in the vegetation cover
according to species composition, physiognomy, and physical site characteristics. ELC
information was used to identify treed communities. Areas of anthropogenic uses such as
agriculture and urban land uses were also mapped to provide a complete account of existing
conditions within the Project Location. Where site access was restricted, classification of
vegetation communities was completed to the ecosite level, using air photo interpretation.
Soil profiles for ELC involved the examination of a 120 cm hand auger soil profiles. This allowed
for the description of soil texture and site moisture characteristics which influence plant
distributions and the resulting vegetation communities. Other physical traits such as
topography and slope aspect were also noted within each community.
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6.2 Wetland Boundary Delineation
Wetlands found within the Project Location are required to be surveyed using protocols outlined
in the Southern Manual of the Ontario Wetland Evaluation System (MNRF 2002) and are to be
carried out by a MNRF certified evaluator. Wetlands within the 50 m setback area may be
assumed provincially significant and assessed using Appendix C of the Natural Heritage
Assessment Guide for Renewable Energy Projects (MNRF 2012). Applicable wetland boundaries
within 50 m of the Project Location, or in close proximity to this setback, were delineated on
accessible lands using the tracking function of a GPS unit. The wetland boundaries were
delineated by following wetland indicator species and determining where vegetation consisted
of 50 percent wetland species and 50 percent upland species in accordance with the Ontario
Wetland Evaluation System Southern Manual (MNRF 2013). Wetlands were then classified
according to the dominant vegetation form.
6.3 Woodland Boundary Delineation
As detailed in the NHA Records Review Report, a search and analysis of the records and
resources identified woodlands previously evaluated as significant within 120 m of the Project
Location. The focus of the woodlands site investigation was to document the boundaries of
woodland features identified during the records review and to determine if additional woodland
features were present. Although these woodlands were previously reported to be evaluated as
significant by other sources (City of Windsor 2008), should the woodlands fall within 50 m of the
Project Location they will be evaluated using the evaluation criteria required by the MNRF and
outlined in the Natural Heritage Assessment Guide for Renewable Energy Projects (MNRF 2012).
The woodland boundary was delineated along the edge of the drip-line. Woodlands that were
separated by more than 20 m are considered to be separate woodlands. Woodland interior was
determined by applying a 100 m buffer from the woodland edge and calculating the area. If a
woodland was determined to be within 50 m of the Project Location, information about the
attributes and composition of the woodlands will be summarized from data collected and
recorded in the field during ELC assessment.
6.4 Wildlife Habitat Identification Survey
The potential presence of wildlife habitat in the Project Location and adjacent lands, applicable
to Eco-region 7E, was assessed using the criteria outlined in Sections 4 – 7 and Appendix M, N,
and Q of the Significant Wildlife Habitat Technical Guide (MNRF 2000) and the associated Eco-
region Criteria Schedule (MNRF 2012). This included further characterization of the Project
Location and lands within 50 m for the presence of necessary habitat structure (e.g. permanent
open water for green frogs, etc.) as well as habitat of appropriate size, shape and structure (e.g.
interior forest) reasonably required for candidate significant wildlife habitat to occur; as well as
further investigation of ELC communities correlating to wildlife habitat listed in the Significant
Wildlife Habitat 7E Ecoregion Criterion Schedule (MNR 2012) to determine any candidate
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significant wildlife habitat. Criteria pertaining to each individual habitat type which were used in
identification of candidate significant wildlife habitat are provided in Table 7 in Section 7.2.4.
6.4.1 Incidental Wildlife Surveys
Incidental observations of vegetation, birds, herpetozoa, mammal and invertebrate species
were recorded during all phases of fieldwork to assist in the identification of candidate wildlife
habitat within the Project Location and 50 m setback.
6.5 Name and Qualifications of Site Investigators
The names and qualifications of all site investigators are outlined in Table 4 below. All site
investigators listed below have been involved with the Project since the initiation of this work
and have been involved in numerous renewable energy projects that are seeking or have
approval under Ontario Regulation 359/09.
Table 4: Name and Qualifications of Site Investigator
Name: Richard Baxter
Degrees and Professional
Designations:
B.Sc. (Resource Management- Fish and Wildlife), University of Northern British Columbia (2007)
Fish and Wildlife Technician Diploma, Sir Sandford Fleming College (2001)
ISA Certified Arborist (member- Ontario Chapter)
Affiliated with Ontario Field Ornithologists, Ontario Field Botanists, and Ontario Nature
Years of Experience 13 (over 30 renewable energy projects)
Project Role: ELC
Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat Surveys
Wetland Delineation
Incidental Wildlife Observations
Certifications: Ecological Land Classification for Southern Ontario (2009)
Ontario Wetland Evaluation System Certification (2011)
MNRF Bat Maternity Colony Training (2012)
MNRF Renewable Energy Approvals Natural Heritage Process Workshop (2011)
MNRF Wind Energy and Bats Seminar (2010)
Butternut Health Assessor Certification (2014)
Affiliated with Ontario Field Ornithologists, Ontario Field Botanists, and Ontario Nature
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7. SITE INVESTIGATION RESULTS
In addition to assessing if the results of the NHA Records Review Report were correct or required
amendments, information relating to each natural feature within the Project Location and surrounding
50 m was collected, including the type, attributes, composition and function of the features. Site
investigation information presented in the sections below details the presence, absence or non-
detection of natural features, species and habitat identified during the records review as well as the
potential for additional natural features. All field notes from the site investigation work are included in
Appendix A.
7.1 Site Investigation Dates, Times, Duration, and Weather Conditions
As outlined in Table 5, site investigations of the Project Location were undertaken over a period of 3 months. The details of each site investigation completed in accordance with REA Section 26(3) are provided in Table 5 and should be read concurrently with Table 4.
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Table 5: Site Investigation Dates, Times, Duration and Weather Conditions
Date (2014)
Survey Type
Site
Inve
stig
ato
r
Star
t Ti
me
Du
rati
on
(h
ou
rs)
Weather Conditions (Field Observations)
Weather Conditions (EC* Station)
Air
Te
mp
. (oC
)
Win
d
(Be
aufo
rt S
cale
)
Clo
ud
Co
ver
(%)
Ave
rage
Air
Tem
p. (
oC
)
Win
d S
pe
ed
/
Dir
ect
ion
)
Pre
cip
itat
ion
(mm
)
April 29 Survey for Candidate Wildlife Habitat attributes, Incidental Wildlife
RB 13:15 2 15 2-3 80 15.3 61/14 19.2
May 16 ELC/ Botanical, Incidental Wildlife
RB 18:30 1 16 2-3 80 7.7 <31 0.8
June 14 Incidental Breeding Bird Survey #1
RB 05:40 2 12 1 0 16.6 32/33 0.0
June 25 Incidental Breeding Bird Survey #2, ELC/ Botanical, Wetland Boundary Delineation
RB 08:30 11.25 20-25 2-3 50-100
21.8 <31 0.0
August 20 ELC/ Botanical, Incidental Wildlife
RB 10:30 2 30 1 100 23.3 39/26 1.6
Total Duration of Field Work 18.25 hours
*Closest Environment Canada (EC) Weather Station is at the Windsor International Airport. All EC Data refers to daily values; n/a
indicates the information was not available from an Environment Canada weather station from the date/time of field work.
7.2 Natural Features
Based on the site investigation results, the presence of natural features is documented below.
Figure 4 displays the results of the ELC survey within 50 m of the Project Location and is the
basis for determining the type of natural feature present and its boundaries.
7.2.1 Ecological Land Classification Results
The major land use within the Project Location consists of annual row crops with a small area
of manicured grass in the southwest corner. A total of five main natural vegetation
communities were observed within 300 m of the Project Location. The location, type and
boundaries of natural features located within 300 m of the Project Location (as required by
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the Construction Plan Report) are delineated in Figure 4. None of the vegetation communities
documented in the Project Location or surrounding 50 m are considered rare in Ontario.
Table 6 outlines the communities documented during the 2014 ELC surveys. The results of
this work were used to further confirm the extent of natural features within the Project
Location and surrounding 50 m. Field notes are attached in Appendix A.
Rivard Drain
McGill Drain
Lappan Drain
Rusette Drain
Branch of Ruset te Drain
L appan Drain
M
cGillDrain
McGill Drain
Rusette Drain
4(202.34 ha)
4(148.57 ha)
4(79.9 ha)
6(21.49 ha)
4(19.28 ha)
5(8.78 ha)
2(2.97 ha)
3(2.19 ha)
7(0.87 ha)
1(0.6 ha)
E C ROW EXPRESSWAY
E C ROW EXPRESSWAY
COUNTY ROAD 42
LAU
ZON
PARKW
AY
RHODES DRIVE
NORTH SERVICE ROAD EAST
CO
NC
ESS
ION
RO
AD
9
Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, i-cubed, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping,Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community
WINDSOR SOLAR PROJECT
FIGURE 4ECOLOGICAL LAND CLASSIFICATION
0 100 200 30050 m ²MAP DRAWING INFORMATION:DATA PROVIDED BY MNR
MAP CREATED BY: GMMAP CHECKED BY: JPMAP PROJECTION: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 17N
FILE LOCATION: I:\GIS\149152 - Samsung Windsor\mxd\Site Investigation\
PROJECT: 149152STATUS: DRAFTDATE: 10/17/2014
1:10,000
Project Location
Project Location 50 m Setback
Project Location 120 m Setback
Project Location 300 m Setback
Railway
Municipal Drain/Stream
Ephemeral Stream
Naturalized Vegetation
1. MEF: Forb Meadow
2. MEMM4: Fresh-Moist Mixed Meadow
3. MG: Manicured Grass
4. OAGM1: Annual Row Crop
5. SWDM3-3: Swamp Maple Mineral Deciduous Swamp
6. SWDM4-2: White Elm Mineral Deciduous Swamp
7. THDM5: Fresh-Moist Deciduous Thicket
Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report
P a g e | 15
Table 6: Description of ELC Communities Documented within 300 m of the Windsor Solar Project
First Approximation Second Approximation
ELC Code
Classification ELC Code Classification Soils Size (ha)
Vegetation Comments
SWD4-2 White Elm Mineral Deciduous Swamp
SWDM4-2 White Elm Mineral Deciduous Swamp
Clay; Moisture: 6 21.49 This deciduous swamp community contains abundant White Elm (Ulmus americana) and Freeman’s Maple (Acer X freemanii), with occasional Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa) and rare occurrences of Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides ssp. deltoides), Pin Oak (Quercus palustris), and Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata) in the canopy. Manitoba Maple (Acer negundo) and Green Ash are present in the understory.
Shrub and vine species present include Red-berried Elderberry (Sambucus racemosa var. pubens), Grey Dogwood (Cornus racemosa), Climbing Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans ssp. negundo), Riverbank Grape (Vitis riparia) and Wild Black Currant (Ribes americana).
Herbaceous species present include Fox Sedge (Carex vulpinoidea), Fowl Manna Grass (Glyceria striata), Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis), Bebb’s Sedge (Carex bebbii), Curled Dock (Rumex crispus), Ladies Thumb (Persicaria maculosa) and Touch-me-not (Impatiens sp.).
Within 266 m of Project Location (See Figure 4).
See Photo 1 in Appendix B.
N/A N/A THDM5 Fresh-Moist Deciduous Thicket
Clay; Moisture: 6 0.87 This deciduous thicket community contains abundant tall-shrub sized Downy Hawthorn (Crataegus mollis) and Manitoba Maple.
Other shrub and vine species present include Riverbank Grape, Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), Grey dogwood, Thicket Creeper (Parthenocissus inserta) and Climbing Poison Ivy.
Herbaceous species present include White Avens (Geum canadense), Broad-leaved Enchanter’s Nightshade (Circaea canadensis ssp. canadensis), Virginia Knotweed (Persicaria virginiana) and Violets (Viola sp.).
Within 266 m of Project Location (See Figure 4).
See Photo 2 in Appendix B.
SWD3-3 Swamp Maple Mineral Deciduous Swamp
SWDM3-3 Swamp Maple Mineral Deciduous Swamp
Clay; Moisture: 6 8.78
This deciduous swamp community contains abundant Freeman’s Maple in the canopy and sub-canopy. Other canopy tree species present include occasional Bur Oak and rare occurrences of Green Ash, White Elm, Shagbark Hickory, American Basswood (Tilia americana), and Eastern Cottonwood.
Shrub and vine species present include Downy Hawthorn, Climbing Poison Ivy, Grey Dogwood, Red Raspberry, Red Elderberry, Prickly Ash and Climbing Prairie Rose.
Herbaceous species present include Touch-me-not, Virginia Knotweed, Lakebank Sedge (Carex lacustris), White Avens, Bittersweet Nightshade (Solanum dulcamara) and Sensitive Fern.
Within 55 m of Project Location (See Figure 4).
See Photo 3 in Appendix B.
Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report
P a g e | 16
First Approximation Second Approximation
ELC Code
Classification ELC Code Classification Soils Size (ha)
Vegetation Comments
CUM1-1 Dry-Moist Oldfield Meadow
MEMM4 Fresh-Moist Mixed Meadow
N/A 2.97 This mixed meadow community is typical of disturbed sites and contains a mix of forb and grass species including Common Barnyard Grass (Echinochloa crus-galli), Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), Common Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum ssp. sylvestris) Common Reed (Phragmites australis ssp. australis), Grass-leaved Goldenrod (Euthamia graminifolia), and Giant Foxtail (Setaria faberi). Rare occurrences of Giant Ironweed (Vernonia gigantea) were observed in this community.
Within >0 m of Project Location (See Figure 4; immediately adjacent).
See Photo 4 in Appendix B.
CUM1-1 Dry-Moist Oldfield Meadow
MEF Forb Meadow (within Manicured Grass)
N/A 0.6 This forb dominated meadow community occurs on piled topsoil within a flat area of manicured grass. Species present are typical of recently disturbed sites and include Wild Carrot (Daucus carota), Common Reed, Bird-foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense), Chicory (Cichorium intybus), Common Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis), Prickly Lettuce (Lactuca serriola), Lamb’s Quarters (Chenopodium album var. album) and Lady’s Thumb.
Within 103 m of Project Location (See Figure 4). The area of manicured grass extends slightly into the defined Project Location. The Forb Meadow is not within the Project Location.
See Photo 5 in Appendix B.
N/A Annual Row Crop OAGM1 Annual Row Crop N/A 202.34 No natural vegetation is associated with this community, only cultivated crops species (soybean). The majority of the Project Location is comprised of Annual Row Crops (See Figure 4).
See Photo 6 in Appendix B.
N/A N/A N/A Naturalized Vegetation (Drainage Ditch)
N/A >0.5 ha The drains running through the Project Location are bordered with naturalized shrubby vegetation. This community is very small in size and therefore was not characterized using ELC codes. Where applicable, areas associated with the natural vegetation along the drainage ditches was considered during the delineation of candidate wildlife habitat (see Table 7 and Figure 5).
See Photo 7 in Appendix B.
Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report
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P a g e | 17
7.2.2 Wetlands
As detailed in the NHA Records Review Report, a search and analysis of the records and
resources outlined identified one provincially significant wetland complex within 120 m of the
Project Location (see Figure 3).
The focus of the wetlands site investigation was to determine the boundaries of wetland
features as presented in Figure 3 and to determine if any additional southern wetlands were
identified. Where wetland features were identified using ELC (Figure 4 and Table 6),
delineation of the communities was undertaken using OWES protocol. The boundaries of all
wetlands identified are shown on Figure 5.
No southern wetlands were identified in the Project Location or within the surrounding 50 m.
7.2.3 Woodlands
As detailed in the NHA Records Review Report, a search and analysis of the records and
resources identified woodlands within 120 m of the Project Location. These woodlands are
part of the Airport Woodlands Environmentally Significant Area #39 and have been previously
evaluated as significant. The focus of the woodlands site investigation was to document the
boundaries of woodland features identified during the records review (Figure 3) and to
determine if additional woodland features were present.
The Jefferson Woodlot is the woodland nearest the Project Location at 55 m (Figure 5).
Therefore, no woodlands were found to occur within the Project Location or the surrounding
50 m.
Rivard Drain
Little
River
McGill Drain
Rusette Drain
Lappan Drain
Branch of Rusette Drain
Rusette Drain
McGill
Drain
Lappan Drain
Windsor Airport Swamps (ER 23)
E C ROW EXPRESSWAY
E C ROW EXPRESSWAY
COUNTY ROAD 42
LAU
ZON
PARKW
AY
RHODES DRIVE
NORTH SERVICE ROAD EAST
CO
NC
ESS
ION
RO
AD
9
JEFFERSON
RD.
PILETTE RD
.
SHO
OTIN
G R
AN
GE RD
.
LAU
ZON
ROA
D
M UN ICH COURT
SERVICE ROAD SOUTH
TWIN OAKS DRIVE
SERVICE
ROA
DSOUTH
WINDSOR SOLAR PROJECT
FIGURE 5WOODLANDS, WETLANDS ANDWILDLIFE HABITAT
0 100 200 30050 m ²MAP DRAWING INFORMATION:DATA PROVIDED BY MNR
MAP CREATED BY: GMMAP CHECKED BY: JPMAP PROJECTION: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 17N
FILE LOCATION: I:\GIS\149152 - Samsung Windsor\mxd\Site Investigation\
PROJECT: 149152STATUS: DRAFTDATE: 10/17/2014
1:10,000
Jefferson Woodlot
East Perimeter Woods
Project Location
Project Location 50 m Setback
Project Location 120 m Setback
Project Location 300 m Setback
Railway
Municipal Drain/Stream
Ephemeral Stream
Candidate Giant Ironweed Habitat
Wetland
Woodland
Candidate Climbing Prairie Rose Habitat/Candidate Giant Ironweed HabitatCandidate Colonially-Nesting Bird Breeding Habitat (Ground)for Brewer's Blackbird
Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report
P a g e | 19
P a g e | 19
7.2.4 Wildlife Habitat
An overall review of known wildlife habitat that has been identified in the area of the Project
Location was completed in the NHA Records Review Report. The records review information has
been augmented by the results of the site investigation work. The information collected during
the site investigation was assessed in consideration of the habitat criteria outlined in Sections 4
to 7 and Appendix M, N, and Q of the Significant Wildlife Habitat Technical Guide (MNRF 2000)
and associated Eco-region Criteria Schedule for wildlife habitat applicable to Ecoregion 7E
(MNRF 2012). Based on this information, determinations about candidate significant wildlife
habitat in the area surrounding the Project Location were made. Table 7 outlines wildlife habitat
applicable to Ecoregion 7E and summarizes if it is relevant to the Project Location and/or
adjacent area(s). The boundaries and location of each candidate significant wildlife habitat is
described in Table 7 and mapped on Figure 5.
Species of Conservation Concern were identified according to the definition provided in the
Significant Wildlife Habitat Technical Guide (MNRF 2000). Therefore, species listed in Appendix
C with an SRANK of S1, S2 or S3, Special Concern in Ontario or have a status of Threatened or
Endangered federally (but not provincially), denote Species of Conservation Concern. Species of
Conservation Concern with the potential to occur in the general area of the Project Location are
discussed in Table 7 below. Where appropriate, they are discussed in the relevant wildlife
habitat type. Reporting related to the protection of Ontario’s Endangered and Threatened
Species at Risk is being provided to the appropriate agency under separate cover.
Of the wildlife habitat reviewed during the site investigation work, three candidate significant
wildlife habitats were identified: Habitat for Climbing Prairie Rose; Habitat for Giant Ironweed;
and, Colonially Nesting Bird Breeding Habitat (Ground) for Brewer’s Blackbird. Candidate
wildlife habitats are mapped on Figure 5.
Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report
P a g e | 20
Table 7: Candidate Wildlife Habitat in the Project Location and Surrounding 50 m based on Records Review and Site Investigation
Wildlife
Habitat Definition of Habitat
1
Habitat Composition:
Attributes, Condition and
Function
Photo Record
(Appendix B)
Location Status
Rationale for Status
Project
Components
within
50 m
Distance
to Nearest
Project
Component
(m)
Wit
hin
Pro
ject
Loca
tio
n
Wit
hin
50
m o
f
Pro
ject
Lo
cati
on
No
t A
pp
licab
le
Can
did
ate
Pre
vio
usl
y
Eval
uat
ed
Sign
ific
ant
Ge
ne
raliz
ed
Can
did
ate
Sign
ific
ant
Wild
life
Hab
itat
*
Seasonal Concentration Areas
Waterfowl
Stopover and
Staging Areas
(Terrestrial)
Fields with sheet water or fields utilized by Tundra
Swan during Spring. Fields flooding during spring melt
and run-off which provide invertebrate foraging
habitat for migrating waterfowl. Can be found in any
Meadow (ME) or Thicket (TH) that are maintained
through anthropogenic disturbances (i.e., planting or
agriculture, clearing, recreation, soil movement,
grazing or mowing). Agricultural fields with waste
grains are commonly used by waterfowl, these are not
considered SWH.
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- The Project Location has a network of drains
indicating that the area does not drain quickly.
The Project Location is comprised of almost
entirely agricultural fields, and is not located
within the Long Point, Rondeau, Lake St. Clair,
Grand Bend, or Point Pelee areas. There is a
2.97 ha MEMM4 community directly adjacent to
the Project Location within a railway corridor;
however, due to the location and shape of the
polygon, as well as the fact that the entire area
is drained, this would not likely support a
Waterfowl Stopover and Staging Area. Project
Location
n/a n/a
Waterfowl
Stopover and
Staging Areas
(Aquatic)
Ponds, marshes, lakes, bays, coastal inlets and
watercourses used during migration can be significant
wildlife habitat for local and migrant waterfowl
populations during migration. Sewage treatment ponds
and storm water ponds do not qualify as a significant
wildlife habitat; however, a reservoir managed as a
large wetland or pond/lake does qualify. These
habitats have an abundant food supply (mostly aquatic
invertebrates and vegetation in shallow water). Can
be found in the following community types: Meadow
Marsh (MAM), Shallow Marsh (MAS), Shallow Aquatic
(SA), and Deciduous Swamp (SWD).
Species of Conservation Concern:
Canvasback
Redhead
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- The Project Location and 50 m setback area is
almost entirely agricultural and therefore does
not contain any SWD or MAM communities.
Additionally, no Important Bird Areas (IBAs)
were identified within more than 3 km of the
Project Location.
n/a n/a
Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report
P a g e | 21
Wildlife
Habitat Definition of Habitat
1
Habitat Composition:
Attributes, Condition and
Function
Photo Record
(Appendix B)
Location Status
Rationale for Status
Project
Components
within
50 m
Distance
to Nearest
Project
Component
(m)
Wit
hin
Pro
ject
Loca
tio
n
Wit
hin
50
m o
f
Pro
ject
Lo
cati
on
No
t A
pp
licab
le
Can
did
ate
Pre
vio
usl
y
Eval
uat
ed
Sign
ific
ant
Ge
ne
raliz
ed
Can
did
ate
Sign
ific
ant
Wild
life
Hab
itat
*
Shorebird
Migratory
Stopover and
Staging Areas
Shorelines of lakes, rivers and wetlands, including
beach areas, bars and seasonally flooded, muddy and
un-vegetated shoreline habitats. Great Lakes coastal
shorelines, including groynes and other form of armour
rock lakeshores, are extremely important for migratory
shorebirds in May to mid-June and early July to
October. Sewage treatment ponds and storm water
ponds do not qualify as a significant wildlife habitat.
Can be found within the following ELC habitat types:
Meadow Marsh (MAM), Sand Dune (SD), Beach Bar
(BB).
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- The Project Location and 50 m setback area is
almost entirely agricultural and does not contain
any MAM, SD, or BB communities.
n/a n/a
Raptor
Wintering
Area
The habitat provides a combination of fields and
woodlands that provide roosting, foraging and resting
habitats for wintering raptors. Least disturbed sites,
idle/fallow or lightly grazed field/meadow habitats
with adjacent woodlands may be considered significant
wildlife habitat. Habitat includes any Forest (FO), in
addition to one of the following Community Types:
Meadow (CUM), Thicket (CUT), Savannah (CUS),
Woodland (CUW) (<60% cover). Raptor wintering sites
need to be >20 ha.
Species of Conservation Concern:
Short-eared Owl
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- The Project Location and 50 m setback area is
almost entirely agricultural and does not contain
any forest communities. There are two small
patches of meadow within 50 m of the Project
Location, but they are not adjacent to
woodlands and would therefore not provide
suitable habitat for raptor wintering (>20 ha).
Project Location
n/a
n/a
Bat
Hibernacula
Hibernacula may be found in abandoned mines,
underground foundations, karsts, or one of the
following ELC communities: Crevice (CCR) or Cave
(CCA). SWH does not include buildings. The locations
of bat hibernacula are relatively poorly known.
Species of Conservation Concern:
Eastern Tri-coloured Bat
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- The Project Location and 50 m setback area is
almost entirely agricultural and does not contain
any CCR or CCA communities.
n/a n/a
Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report
P a g e | 22
Wildlife
Habitat Definition of Habitat
1
Habitat Composition:
Attributes, Condition and
Function
Photo Record
(Appendix B)
Location Status
Rationale for Status
Project
Components
within
50 m
Distance
to Nearest
Project
Component
(m)
Wit
hin
Pro
ject
Loca
tio
n
Wit
hin
50
m o
f
Pro
ject
Lo
cati
on
No
t A
pp
licab
le
Can
did
ate
Pre
vio
usl
y
Eval
uat
ed
Sign
ific
ant
Ge
ne
raliz
ed
Can
did
ate
Sign
ific
ant
Wild
life
Hab
itat
*
Bat Maternity
Colonies
Maternity colonies can be found in tree cavities,
vegetation and often in buildings; however, buildings
are not considered significant wildlife habitat.
Maternity roosts are not found in caves and mines in
Ontario. This habitat is associated with any of the
following Community Types: Deciduous Forest (FOD),
Mixed Forest (FOM), that have ≥10/ha wildlife trees
≥25 cm diameter at breast height (dbh). Female bats
prefer wildlife tree (snags) in early stages of decay,
class 1-3 or class 1 or 2.
Species of Conservation Concern:
Eastern Tri-coloured Bat
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- The Project Location and 50 m setback area is
almost entirely agricultural and does not contain
any forest communities.
n/a
n/a
Bat Migratory
Stopover Area
Long distance migratory bats typically migrate during
late summer and early fall from summer breeding
habitats throughout Ontario to southern wintering
areas. Their annual fall migrations concentrate these
species of bats at stopover areas. The location and
characteristics of stopover habitats are generally
unknown.
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- Based on MNRF direction, criteria to assess this
habitat type has not been developed and
therefore this habitat type will not be assessed
as significant wildlife habitat at this time.
n/a n/a
Turtle
Wintering
Areas
For most turtles, wintering areas are in the same
general areas as their core habitat. Over-wintering
sites are permanent water bodies, large wetlands, and
bogs and fens with adequate dissolved oxygen. Water
has to be deep enough not to freeze and have soft
mud substrates. These habitats are found in the
following Community Types: Swamp (SW), Marsh (MA),
Open Water (OA), Shallow Water (SA), Open Fen (FEO),
Open Bog (BOO).
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- The Project Location and 50 m setback area is
almost entirely agricultural and does not contain
any SW, MA, OA, SA, FEO, or BOO communities.
n/a n/a
Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report
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Wildlife
Habitat Definition of Habitat
1
Habitat Composition:
Attributes, Condition and
Function
Photo Record
(Appendix B)
Location Status
Rationale for Status
Project
Components
within
50 m
Distance
to Nearest
Project
Component
(m)
Wit
hin
Pro
ject
Loca
tio
n
Wit
hin
50
m o
f
Pro
ject
Lo
cati
on
No
t A
pp
licab
le
Can
did
ate
Pre
vio
usl
y
Eval
uat
ed
Sign
ific
ant
Ge
ne
raliz
ed
Can
did
ate
Sign
ific
ant
Wild
life
Hab
itat
*
Snake
Hibernaculum
Hibernation occurs in sites located below frost lines in
burrows, rock crevices, broken and fissured rock,
wetlands such as conifer or shrub swamps and swales,
poor fens, or depressions in bedrock terrain with
sparse trees or shrubs with sphagnum moss or sedge
hummock ground cover. Wetlands can also be
important over-wintering habitat in conifer or shrub
swamps and swales, poor fens, or depressions in
bedrock terrain with sparse trees or shrubs with
sphagnum moss or sedge hummock ground cover. The
following Community Types may be directly related to
snake hibernacula: Talus (TA), Rock Barren (RB),
Crevice (CCR), Cave (CCA), and Alvar (RBOA1, RBSA1,
RBTA1).
Species of Conservation Concern:
Eastern Milksnake
Eastern Ribbonsnake
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- The Project Location and 50 m setback area is
almost entirely agricultural and does not contain
any TA, RB, CCR, CCA, or alvar communities.
Further, no features that could be used as snake
hibernaculum (i.e., rock piles, old foundations,
etc.) were observed during site investigation.
n/a n/a
Colonially
Nesting Bird
Breeding
Habitat (Bank
and Cliff)
Any site or area with eroding banks, sandy hills, borrow
pits, steep slopes, sand piles, cliff faces, bridge
abutments, silos, or barns found in any of the following
Community Types: Meadow (ME), Thicket (TH),
Savannah (SV), Bluff (BL), Cliff (CL).
This does not include man-made structures (bridges or
buildings), licensed/permitted mineral aggregate
operation, or recently (within the last 2 years)
disturbed soil areas, such as berm, embankments, and
soil or aggregate stockpiles.
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- Meadow communities which may be associated
with this habitat are present within 50 m of the
Project Location, however eroding banks, sandy
hills, borrow pits, steep slopes, sand piles, or
cliff faces which would support the presence of
these species were not observed within the
Project Location or 50 m setback area.
n/a n/a
Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report
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Wildlife
Habitat Definition of Habitat
1
Habitat Composition:
Attributes, Condition and
Function
Photo Record
(Appendix B)
Location Status
Rationale for Status
Project
Components
within
50 m
Distance
to Nearest
Project
Component
(m)
Wit
hin
Pro
ject
Loca
tio
n
Wit
hin
50
m o
f
Pro
ject
Lo
cati
on
No
t A
pp
licab
le
Can
did
ate
Pre
vio
usl
y
Eval
uat
ed
Sign
ific
ant
Ge
ne
raliz
ed
Can
did
ate
Sign
ific
ant
Wild
life
Hab
itat
*
Colonially
Nesting Bird
Breeding
Habitat
(Tree/Shrubs)
Nests in live or dead standing trees in wetlands, lakes,
islands and peninsulas. Shrubs and occasionally
emergent vegetation may also be used. Most nests in
trees are 11 to 15 m from ground, near the top of tree.
This habitat can be found in any of the following
community types: Mixed swamp (SWM); deciduous
swamp (SWD), coniferous swamp (SWC).
Species of Conservation Concern:
Black-crowned Night Heron
Great Egret
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- The Project Location and 50 m setback area is
almost entirely agricultural and does not contain
any swamp or fen communities.
n/a n/a
Colonially
Nesting Bird
Breeding
Habitat
(Ground)
Nesting colonies of gulls and terns on islands or
peninsulas associated with open water or in marshy
areas. Brewer’s Blackbird colonies are found loosely
on the ground in low bushes in close proximity to
streams and irrigation ditches within farmlands. Any
rocky island or peninsula within a lake or large river, in
close proximity to watercourses in open fields or
pastures with scattered trees or shrubs found in any of
the following Community Types: Meadow Marsh
(MAM), Shallow Marsh (MAS), Meadow (ME), Thicket
(TH), Savannah (SV).
Species of Conservation Concern:
Great Black-backed Gull
Little Gull
Caspian Tern
Forster’s Tern
Brewer’s Blackbird
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- The Project Location and 50 m setback area is
almost entirely agricultural and no MAM, MAS,
or SV communities were observed within the
Project Location or 50 m setback. There are two
small patches of ME within 50 m of the Project
Location, but they are not adjacent to any of the
drains. However, due to the fact that there are
drains running through the Project Location and
area within 50 m with vegetation and shrubs
present along the banks, Colonially Nesting Bird
Habitat (Ground) may be present for Brewer’s
Blackbird.
Perimeter
fence
Solar
panels
Access
roads
0
Migratory
Butterfly
Stopover
Areas
A butterfly stopover area will be a minimum of 10
hectares in size with a combination of field and forest
habitat present, and will be located within 5 km of Lake
Ontario and Lake Erie.
Species of Conservation Concern:
Monarch
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- The Project is not located within 5 km of Lake
Ontario or Lake Erie.
n/a n/a
Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report
P a g e | 25
Wildlife
Habitat Definition of Habitat
1
Habitat Composition:
Attributes, Condition and
Function
Photo Record
(Appendix B)
Location Status
Rationale for Status
Project
Components
within
50 m
Distance
to Nearest
Project
Component
(m)
Wit
hin
Pro
ject
Loca
tio
n
Wit
hin
50
m o
f
Pro
ject
Lo
cati
on
No
t A
pp
licab
le
Can
did
ate
Pre
vio
usl
y
Eval
uat
ed
Sign
ific
ant
Ge
ne
raliz
ed
Can
did
ate
Sign
ific
ant
Wild
life
Hab
itat
*
Landbird
Migratory
Stopover
Areas
Woodlots greater than 10 hectares in size and within 5
km of Lake Ontario and Lake Erie are important for
migrating landbirds.
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- The Project is not located within 5 km of Lake
Ontario or Lake Erie.
n/a n/a
Deer Winter
Congregation
Areas
Within Ecoregion 7E, deer are not constrained by snow
depth; however deer will annually congregate in large
numbers in suitable woodlands to avoid the impacts of
winter conditions. These include woodlands >100 ha in
size or >50 ha in size if woodlands are rare in the
planning area.
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- Planning authorities are advised to rely on
MNRF advice for locations and significance of
Deer Winter Congregation Areas as deer
management is an MNRF responsibility.
However, any woodland >50 ha would be
considered significant for this habitat type. Since
no woodlands are located within 50 m of the
Project Location, no Deer Winter Congregation
Areas were identified in the Project Location or
50 m setback area.
n/a n/a
Rare Vegetation Communities
Cliffs and
Talus Slopes
A cliff is vertical to near vertical bedrock that is greater
than 3 m in height. A talus slope is rock rubble at the
base of a cliff made up of coarse rocky debris. Talus
Slopes are associated with the following ELC
communities: TAO (Open Talus), TAS (Shrub Talus),
TAT (Treed Talus).
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- ELC studies did not identify talus slopes within
the Project Location or 50 m setback.
n/a n/a
Sand Barren Sand barrens typically are exposed sand, generally
sparsely vegetated, and caused by lack of moisture,
periodic fires and erosion. This habitat is associated
with any of the following Community Types: SBO1
(Open Sand Barren Ecosite), SBS1 (Shrub Sand Barren
Ecosite), SBT1 (Treed Sand Barren Ecosite). The site
must not be dominated by exotic or introduced
species (<50% vegetative cover exotics). Tree cover is
always < 60%.
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- ELC studies did not identify sand barrens within
the Project Location or 50 m setback.
n/a n/a
Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report
P a g e | 26
Wildlife
Habitat Definition of Habitat
1
Habitat Composition:
Attributes, Condition and
Function
Photo Record
(Appendix B)
Location Status
Rationale for Status
Project
Components
within
50 m
Distance
to Nearest
Project
Component
(m)
Wit
hin
Pro
ject
Loca
tio
n
Wit
hin
50
m o
f
Pro
ject
Lo
cati
on
No
t A
pp
licab
le
Can
did
ate
Pre
vio
usl
y
Eval
uat
ed
Sign
ific
ant
Ge
ne
raliz
ed
Can
did
ate
Sign
ific
ant
Wild
life
Hab
itat
*
Alvar An alvar is typically a level, mostly unfractured
calcareous bedrock feature with a mosaic of rock
pavements and bedrock overlain by a thin veneer of
soil. The hydrology of alvars is complex, with
alternating periods of inundation and drought.
This habitat is associated with any of the following ELC
communities: ALO1(Open Alvar Rock Barren Ecosite),
ALS1 (Alvar Shrub Rock Barren Ecosite), ALT1 (Treed
Alvar Rock Barren Ecosite), FOC1 (Dry Pine Calcareous
Shallow Coniferous Forest Ecosite), FOC2 (Dry Cedar
Calcareous Shallow Coniferous Forest Ecosite), CUM2
(Bedrock Cultural Meadow Ecosite), CUS2 (Bedrock
Cultural Savannah Ecosite), CUT2-1 (Common Juniper
Cultural Alvar Thicket Type), CUW2 (Bedrock Cultural
Woodland Ecosite) that are >0.5 ha in size.
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- ELC studies did not identify alvars within the
Project Location or 50 m setback.
n/a n/a
Old Growth
Forest
Old Growth Forests are characterized by heavy
mortality or turnover of over-storey trees resulting in a
mosaic of gaps that encourage development of a
multi-layered canopy and an abundance of snags and
downed woody debris. Stands ≥30 ha with at least 10
ha interior assuming 100 m buffer at edge of forest,
and are associated with the following Community
Types: FOD (Deciduous Forest), FOM (Mixed Forest),
FOC (Coniferous Forest). The stand will have
experienced no recognizable forestry activities.
Forests with a wide range of tree sizes, uneven canopy
and canopy gaps, abundant fallen logs in varying states
of decomposition, trees in older age classes (often 50-
140 years+).
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- ELC studies did not identify old growth forests
within the Project Location or 50 m setback.
n/a n/a
Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report
P a g e | 27
Wildlife
Habitat Definition of Habitat
1
Habitat Composition:
Attributes, Condition and
Function
Photo Record
(Appendix B)
Location Status
Rationale for Status
Project
Components
within
50 m
Distance
to Nearest
Project
Component
(m)
Wit
hin
Pro
ject
Loca
tio
n
Wit
hin
50
m o
f
Pro
ject
Lo
cati
on
No
t A
pp
licab
le
Can
did
ate
Pre
vio
usl
y
Eval
uat
ed
Sign
ific
ant
Ge
ne
raliz
ed
Can
did
ate
Sign
ific
ant
Wild
life
Hab
itat
*
Savannah A Savannah is a tallgrass prairie habitat that has tree
cover between 25-60%, and are associated with the
following ELC communities: TPS1 (Dry-Fresh Tallgrass
Mixed Savannah Ecosite), TPS2 (Fresh-Moist Tallgrass
Deciduous Savannah Ecosite), TPW1 (Dry-Fresh Black
Oak Tallgrass Deciduous Woodland Ecosite), TPW2
(Fresh-Moist Tallgrass Deciduous Woodland Ecosite),
CUS2 (Bedrock Cultural Savannah Ecosite). These
communities must be restored or natural and must not
be dominated by exotic or introduced species (<50%
vegetative cover exotics).
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- ELC studies did not identify savannahs within
the Project Location or 50 m setback.
n/a n/a
Tallgrass
Prairie
A tallgrass prairie has ground cover dominated by
prairie grasses. An open tallgrass prairie habitat has
less than 25% tree cover. This habitat is associated
with the following communities: TPO1 (Dry Tallgrass
Prairie Ecosite), TPO2 (Fresh-Moist Tallgrass Prairie
Ecosite). These communities must be restored or
natural.
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- ELC studies did not identify tallgrass prairies
within the Project Location or 50 m setback.
n/a n/a
Other Rare
Vegetation
Communities
May include beaches, fens, forests, marshes, barrens,
dunes and swamps. Provincially rare S1, S2 and S3
vegetation communities are listed in Appendix M of
the Significant Wildlife Habitat Technical Guide (MNRF
2000). Woodlands with >60% forest cover, containing
regionally/locally or provincially rare tree species or
tree associations.
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- ELC studies did not identify any rare vegetation
communities, as defined in the Significant
Wildlife Habitat Technical Guide, within the
Project Location or 50 m setback. Further,
woodlands containing rare tree species or tree
associations were not observed.
n/a n/a
Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report
P a g e | 28
Wildlife
Habitat Definition of Habitat
1
Habitat Composition:
Attributes, Condition and
Function
Photo Record
(Appendix B)
Location Status
Rationale for Status
Project
Components
within
50 m
Distance
to Nearest
Project
Component
(m)
Wit
hin
Pro
ject
Loca
tio
n
Wit
hin
50
m o
f
Pro
ject
Lo
cati
on
No
t A
pp
licab
le
Can
did
ate
Pre
vio
usl
y
Eval
uat
ed
Sign
ific
ant
Ge
ne
raliz
ed
Can
did
ate
Sign
ific
ant
Wild
life
Hab
itat
*
Specialised Habitat for Wildlife
Waterfowl
Nesting Area
Upland habitats of any kind located adjacent to (≤ 50
m) any wetland or the following wetland Community
Types: Meadow Marsh (MAM), Shallow Marsh (MAS),
Shallow Aquatic (SA), Bedrock Thicket (RBS), Mineral
Thicket Swamp (SWT), or Mineral Deciduous Swamp
(SWD). The upland areas should be at least 50 m wide.
Wetland is >0.5 ha or cluster of 3 or more smaller
wetlands within 50 m of each other where waterfowl
nesting occurs. Wood ducks and hooded mergansers
utilize large diameter trees (>40 cm dbh) in woodlands
for cavity nest sites.
Species of Conservation Concern:
Redhead
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or
50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- The Project Location and setback area is almost
entirely agricultural; there are no MAM, MAS,
SA, RBS, SWT, or SWD communities present.
n/a n/a
Bald Eagle
and Osprey
Nesting,
Foraging and
Perching
Habitat
Nests are associated with lakes, ponds, rivers or
wetlands along forested shorelines, islands or on
structures over water. Osprey nests are usually at the
top of a tree whereas Bald Eagle nests are typically in
super canopy trees in a notch within the tree’s
canopy. Nests located on man-made structures are
not included as significant wildlife habitat. Forest
(FO), or Swamp (SW) that are immediately adjacent to
rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands should be
considered.
Species of Conservation Concern:
Bald Eagle
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- The Project Location and 50 m setback area is
almost entirely agricultural; there are no FO or
SW communities present. No Bald Eagle or
Osprey nests were observed during field
investigations.
n/a n/a
Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report
P a g e | 29
Wildlife
Habitat Definition of Habitat
1
Habitat Composition:
Attributes, Condition and
Function
Photo Record
(Appendix B)
Location Status
Rationale for Status
Project
Components
within
50 m
Distance
to Nearest
Project
Component
(m)
Wit
hin
Pro
ject
Loca
tio
n
Wit
hin
50
m o
f
Pro
ject
Lo
cati
on
No
t A
pp
licab
le
Can
did
ate
Pre
vio
usl
y
Eval
uat
ed
Sign
ific
ant
Ge
ne
raliz
ed
Can
did
ate
Sign
ific
ant
Wild
life
Hab
itat
*
Woodland
Raptor Nesting
Habitat
Stick nests found in a variety of intermediate-aged to
mature conifer, deciduous or mixed forests within
tops or crotches of trees. Species such as Cooper’s
Hawk nest along forest edges sometimes on
peninsulas or small off-shore islands. In disturbed
sites, nests may be used again or a new nest will be in
close proximity to the old nest. Can be found in the
following ELC communities: Forest (FO), Treed
Swamp (SW), Coniferous Plantation (CUP3/TAGM1)
that are >30 ha with >10 ha of interior habitat
(interior habitat having a 200 m buffer of surrounding
woodland and/or forest).
Species of Conservation Concern:
Red-shouldered Hawk
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- Woodland communities were not present within
50 m of the Project Location.
n/a n/a
Turtle Nesting
Areas
For an area to function as a turtle nesting area, it must
provide sand and gravel that turtles are able to dig in
and are located in open, sunny areas. Nesting areas
on the sides of municipal or provincial road
embankments and shoulders are not significant
wildlife habitat. Sand and gravel beaches adjacent to
undisturbed shallow weedy areas of marshes, lakes
and rivers are most frequently used. Exposed mineral
soil (sand or gravel) areas <100 m from or within the
following Community Types: Mineral or Organic
Meadow Marsh (MAM or MAO), Shallow Marsh
(MAS), Shallow Aquatic (SA), Open Bog (BOO), Open
Fen (FEO).
Species of Conservation Concern:
Northern Map Turtle
Snapping Turtle
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- The Project Location is entirely agricultural;
there are no MAM, MAO, MAS, SA, BOO, or FEO
communities’ present. Further, no exposed
mineral soils suitable for nesting were observed
during site investigations within the Project
Location and 50 m setback, so suitable habitat is
not present.
However, during the field visits, a snapping
turtle was observed within the 50 m setback.
Mitigation measures to minimize impacts on
wildlife in the general area of the project will be
included under Best Management Practices in
the Environmental Impact Study Report.
n/a n/a
Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report
P a g e | 30
Wildlife
Habitat Definition of Habitat
1
Habitat Composition:
Attributes, Condition and
Function
Photo Record
(Appendix B)
Location Status
Rationale for Status
Project
Components
within
50 m
Distance
to Nearest
Project
Component
(m)
Wit
hin
Pro
ject
Loca
tio
n
Wit
hin
50
m o
f
Pro
ject
Lo
cati
on
No
t A
pp
licab
le
Can
did
ate
Pre
vio
usl
y
Eval
uat
ed
Sign
ific
ant
Ge
ne
raliz
ed
Can
did
ate
Sign
ific
ant
Wild
life
Hab
itat
*
Seeps and
Springs
Seeps and springs are areas where ground water
comes to the surface, often in forested headwater
areas. Any forested area (with <25% meadow, field, or
pasture) within the headwaters of a stream or river
system may have seeps or springs. Presence of a site
with 2 or more seeps/springs should be considered
SWH.
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- Seeps and springs were not identified within the
Project Location or 50 m setback area during
site investigations.
n/a n/a
Amphibian
Breeding
Habitat
(Wetland)
Wetlands and pools isolated from woodlands with
presence of shrubs, logs available for calling, foraging,
and escape/concealment from predators. Bullfrogs
require permanent water bodies with an abundance
of emergent vegetation. Associated with any of the
following ELC communities: Swamp (SW), Marsh
(MA), Fen (FE), Bog (BO), Open Water (OA), Shallow
Aquatic (SA), including vernal pools, that are >500 m2
or 25 m in diameter, and located >120 m from
woodlands.
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- The Project Location and 50 m setback area is
almost entirely agricultural; there are no SW,
MA, FE, BO, OA, or SA communities present.
n/a n/a
Amphibian
Breeding
Habitat
(Woodland)
The presence of a wetland, lake or pond within or
adjacent to (within 120 m) a woodland that contains
permanent ponds or contains water in most years
until mid-July are most likely to be used as breeding
habitat.
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- The Project Location and 50 m setback area is
almost entirely agricultural and there are no
FOC, FOM, FOD, SWC, SWM, or SWD
communities present.
n/a n/a
Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report
P a g e | 31
Wildlife
Habitat Definition of Habitat
1
Habitat Composition:
Attributes, Condition and
Function
Photo Record
(Appendix B)
Location Status
Rationale for Status
Project
Components
within
50 m
Distance
to Nearest
Project
Component
(m)
Wit
hin
Pro
ject
Loca
tio
n
Wit
hin
50
m o
f
Pro
ject
Lo
cati
on
No
t A
pp
licab
le
Can
did
ate
Pre
vio
usl
y
Eval
uat
ed
Sign
ific
ant
Ge
ne
raliz
ed
Can
did
ate
Sign
ific
ant
Wild
life
Hab
itat
*
Habitat of Species of Conservation Concern
Marsh
Breeding Bird
Habitat
This habitat includes all wetlands as long as there is
shallow water with emergent aquatic vegetation
present. For Green Heron, habitat is at the edge of
water such as sluggish stream, ponds and marshes
sheltered by shrubs and trees. Less frequently it may
be found in upland shrubs or forest a considerable
distance from water. The following ELC communities
should be considered: Meadow Marsh (MAM),
Shallow Aquatic (SA), Open Bog (BOO), Open Fen
(FEO), or for Green Heron: SW (Swamp), MA (Marsh)
and Meadow (ME).
Species of Conservation Concern:
Black Tern
Wilson’s Phalarope
Yellow-headed Blackbird
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- The Project Location and 50 m setback area is
almost entirely agricultural, there are no MAM,
SA, BOO, or FEO communities present. There are
two small patches of ME within 50 m of the
Project Location but they are not associated
with any wetlands, streams, or open water.
Further, there were no incidental observations
of marsh bird species during site investigations.
n/a n/a
Woodland
Area-sensitive
Bird Breeding
Habitat
Habitats where interior forest breeding birds are
breeding in forest stands or woodlots >30 ha (forest
interior is defined as at least 200 m from the forest
edge). These include any of the following Community
Types: Forest (FO), Treed Swamp (SW) that are mature
(>60 years old).
Species of Conservation Concern:
Hooded Warbler
Canada Warbler
Eastern Wood-pewee
Wood Thrush
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- Although hooded warblers were observed
during breeding bird surveys, no suitable habitat
exists within the Project Location or 50 m
setback. There are no woodlands present within
50 m of the Project Location as the Project
Location is entirely within an agricultural field.
n/a n/a
Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report
P a g e | 32
Wildlife
Habitat Definition of Habitat
1
Habitat Composition:
Attributes, Condition and
Function
Photo Record
(Appendix B)
Location Status
Rationale for Status
Project
Components
within
50 m
Distance
to Nearest
Project
Component
(m)
Wit
hin
Pro
ject
Loca
tio
n
Wit
hin
50
m o
f
Pro
ject
Lo
cati
on
No
t A
pp
licab
le
Can
did
ate
Pre
vio
usl
y
Eval
uat
ed
Sign
ific
ant
Ge
ne
raliz
ed
Can
did
ate
Sign
ific
ant
Wild
life
Hab
itat
*
Open Country
Bird Breeding
Habitat
Large grassland areas (including natural and cultural
fields and meadows) are important to support
grassland breeding bird species. Grassland areas > 30
ha, and do not include Class 1 or Class 2 agricultural
lands. Habitat does not include fields with row-
cropping or intensive hay or livestock pasturing in the
last 5 years. This habitat can be found in Meadows
(ME).
Species of Conservation Concern:
Short-eared Owl
Western Meadowlark
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- Large grasslands >30 ha, active hay fields, or
livestock pasturing were not observed within
the Project Location or 50 m setback. The
Project Location and setback area is almost
entirely agricultural (row crop). There are two
small patches of ME (both <3 ha in size) within
the 50 m setback, but these are not large
enough to support this type of habitat.
n/a n/a
Shrub/Early
Successional
Bird Breeding
Habitat
Oldfield areas succeeding to shrub and thicket
habitats >10 ha, that are not Class 1 or Class 2
agricultural lands, with no row-cropping or intensive
hay or livestock pasturing in the last 5 years. This
habitat can be found in Thickets (TH) and Savannahs
(SV).
Species of Conservation Concern:
White-eyed Vireo
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- Thicket communities >10 ha, hay fields, or
livestock pasturing were not observed within
the Project Location or 50 m setback. The
Project Location and setback area is almost
entirely agricultural (row crop).
n/a n/a
Terrestrial
Crayfish
This species constructs burrows in marshes, mudflats,
and meadows. The ground cannot be too moist and
the burrows can often be found far from water.
Meadow (ME) and edges of Meadow Marshes (MAM)
and Shallow marshes (MAS) (no minimum size)
identified should be surveyed for terrestrial crayfish.
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- Meadow Marshes and Shallow Marshes were
not observed within the Project Location or 50
m setback. Crayfish chimneys were observed in
woodland and wetland communities during site
investigations, but these features do not occur
within the Project Location or 50 m setback.
n/a n/a
Habitat of Species of Conservation Concern
American
Lotus
American Lotus is an emergent aquatic plant that
grows in lakes, ponds, swamps, marshes, and areas
subject to periods of flooding. Blooming period occurs
June through September. 1
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- No wetlands or other areas of open water were
observed within the Project Location or 50 m
setback. Further, this species was not noted
during ELC surveys.
n/a n/a
Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report
P a g e | 33
Wildlife
Habitat Definition of Habitat
1
Habitat Composition:
Attributes, Condition and
Function
Photo Record
(Appendix B)
Location Status
Rationale for Status
Project
Components
within
50 m
Distance
to Nearest
Project
Component
(m)
Wit
hin
Pro
ject
Loca
tio
n
Wit
hin
50
m o
f
Pro
ject
Lo
cati
on
No
t A
pp
licab
le
Can
did
ate
Pre
vio
usl
y
Eval
uat
ed
Sign
ific
ant
Ge
ne
raliz
ed
Can
did
ate
Sign
ific
ant
Wild
life
Hab
itat
*
Biennial Gaura Biennial Gaura is a biennial plant that is found in
prairie habitats, meadows in wooded areas, as well as
dry, rocky habitats, and deserts. This species prefers
disturbed areas where there is reduced competition
from other plants. Bloom mid-summer to mid-
autumn. 2
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- Since the Project Location is entirely agricultural
there are no prairie habitats, or wooded areas
present. There were mixed meadow
communities observed within 50 m of the
Project Location; however, this species was not
observed during ELC surveys.
n/a n/a
Bowman’s
Root
This species is a perennial plant that grows best in
moist, well-drained soils, in woodlands and rocky
areas in sheltered areas of partial sun. Blooming
period is April to June.1
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- The Project area is entirely open with no
woodlands or shady areas. Further, this species
was not observed during ELC surveys.
n/a n/a
Bush’s
Hawthorn
This species can be found along forest edges, in
prairies, meadows, and fields, in areas of sun or
partial shade. Blooms in May.14
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- There are no forest edges or prairie habitats
located within the Project Location or 50 m
setback. There were mixed meadow
communities observed within 50 m of the
Project Location; however, this species was not
observed during ELC surveys.
n/a n/a
Climbing
Prairie Rose
The Climbing Prairie Rose is typically found in open
habitats with moist heavy clay to clay-loam soils such
as old fields, abandoned agricultural land, as well as
prairie remnants and shrub thickets. This rose depends
on areas being kept open by periodic fire or other
disturbances. Blooming season for this species is late
June through July. 3
Potential habitat occurs
along road allowance to the
west of the Project
Location. Where the access
road intersects with internal
roads on Airport property
will be within the candidate
habitat.
8 --- --- --- Habitat for this species was observed along
roadside ditches and drains within the Project
Location and 50 m setback.
Perimeter
fence
Solar
panels
Access
roads
0
Commons’
Panicgrass
Commons’ Panicgrass is typically found in dry, sandy
habitat on coastal plains and in sand barrens. It can
also be found on dry pine-oak woods in sites with
moderate disturbance. Sandy areas along roadsides
with power line cuts may provide habitat for this
species. Bloom May through July.4
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- The Project Location and 50 m setback area is
almost entirely agricultural and does not provide
habitat for this species. Further, this species was
not noted during ELC surveys.
n/a n/a
Compass Plant This species inhabits prairies, savannahs, and railroad
corridors. It prefers full sun and moist to slightly dry
conditions. Blooming period is mid-summer.2
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- There are no prairie or savannah habitats or
railroad corridors located within the Project
Location or 50 m setback. Further, this species
was not noted during ELC surveys.
n/a n/a
Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report
P a g e | 34
Wildlife
Habitat Definition of Habitat
1
Habitat Composition:
Attributes, Condition and
Function
Photo Record
(Appendix B)
Location Status
Rationale for Status
Project
Components
within
50 m
Distance
to Nearest
Project
Component
(m)
Wit
hin
Pro
ject
Loca
tio
n
Wit
hin
50
m o
f
Pro
ject
Lo
cati
on
No
t A
pp
licab
le
Can
did
ate
Pre
vio
usl
y
Eval
uat
ed
Sign
ific
ant
Ge
ne
raliz
ed
Can
did
ate
Sign
ific
ant
Wild
life
Hab
itat
*
Cross-leaved
Milkwort
Habitat of Cross-leaved Milkwort includes moist sand
prairies, shrub prairies, sandy Black Oak savannahs,
and edges of sandy marshes. Blooming period occurs
mid-summer to early fall. 2
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- No prairie, savannah, or marsh habitats are
present within the Project Location or 50 m
setback. Further, this species was not noted
during ELC surveys.
n/a n/a
Crowned
Beggarticks
This species inhabits wet areas including swamps,
marshes, wet fields, and shores with access to
sunlight. Blooming season is August to October.5
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- No wetlands or shorelines were observed within
the Project Location or 50 m setback. Further,
this species was not noted during ELC surveys.
n/a n/a
Culver’s-root Culver’s root is a perennial herb that grows in moist
prairies, in openings and edges of woodlands,
thickets, savannahs, and stream banks. The blooming
period is early to late summer.2
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- No prairies, woodlands, thickets, savannahs are
present within the Project Location or 50 m
setback. There are stream banks present along
drains within 50 m of the Project Location;
however, this species was not noted during ELC
surveys in these areas.
n/a n/a
Giant
Ironweed
Giant Ironweed is a species of prairies and other
grasslands, old fields, roadsides, savannahs,
woodlands, swamps, and seeps and springs. It is
especially common in overgrazed pastures. Bloom late
summer to early fall.1
Potential habitat occurs
throughout the area within
50 m of the Project
Location. Where the access
road intersects with internal
roads on Airport property
will be within the candidate
habitat.
9 --- --- --- Habitat for this species was observed along
roadside ditches and drains within the Project
Location and 50 m setback.
Perimeter
fence
Solar
panels
Access
roads
0
Gray-headed
Coneflower
This species is a perennial herb that grows in moist or
dry habitat in prairies, on the margins of woods,
thickets, and on roadsides. Bloom May through
September.1
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- No prairies, woodlands, or thickets are present
within the Project Location or 50 m setback. This
species was not noted during ELC surveys along
roadsides.
n/a n/a
Great Water
Dock
Great Water Dock is found on open shores and in
marshes, wet meadows and floating mat fens,
sometimes rooted in shallow water. The flowers
bloom mid-summer.10
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- There are no wetlands, or areas of open water
within the Project Location or 50 m setback.
Further, this species was not noted during ELC
surveys.
n/a n/a
Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report
P a g e | 35
Wildlife
Habitat Definition of Habitat
1
Habitat Composition:
Attributes, Condition and
Function
Photo Record
(Appendix B)
Location Status
Rationale for Status
Project
Components
within
50 m
Distance
to Nearest
Project
Component
(m)
Wit
hin
Pro
ject
Loca
tio
n
Wit
hin
50
m o
f
Pro
ject
Lo
cati
on
No
t A
pp
licab
le
Can
did
ate
Pre
vio
usl
y
Eval
uat
ed
Sign
ific
ant
Ge
ne
raliz
ed
Can
did
ate
Sign
ific
ant
Wild
life
Hab
itat
*
Green Cornet
Milkweed
Habitat for Green Cornet Milkweed includes openings
in uplands forests that are rocky or sandy, prairies,
barrens, sand dunes, and abandoned fields. Blooming
period early summer.1
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- There are no upland forests, prairies, barrens, or
sand dunes within the Project Location or 50 m
setback. Since the Project is located entirely on
an active agricultural field, habitat for this
species is not present. Further, this species was
not noted during ELC surveys.
n/a n/a
Green Dragon The Green Dragon grows in somewhat wet to wet
deciduous forests along stream, particularly maple
forest and forest dominated by Red Ash and White Elm
trees. This species bloom in May and June. 3
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- Since the Project is located entirely on an active
agricultural field, habitat for this species is not
present. There are no forests within the Project
Location or 50 m setback. Further, this species
was not noted during ELC surveys.
n/a n/a
Hairy-fruited
Sedge Habitat of this species includes soggy thickets, wet
prairies, prairie swales, fens, sedge meadows, low-
areas along streams, calcareous seeps, and roadside
ditches. The blooming period occurs during summer.2
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- Preferred habitat for this species does not occur
within the Project Location or within the 50 m
setback. Further, this species was not noted
during ELC surveys.
n/a n/a
Hazel Dodder Hazel Dodder is found in sandy lake margins, wet
areas, mud flats, and moist fields. Bloom mid-summer
to early fall.6
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- Since the Project is located entirely on an active
agricultural field, habitat for this species is not
present. Further, this species was not noted
during ELC surveys.
n/a n/a
Heavy Sedge Heavy Sedge is found on damp or drying prairies,
open woodlands, disturbed meadows, savannahs,
swales, and roadside ditches. It is most abundant on
limestone or chalk soils. The short blooming period
occurs late spring. 2
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- There are no prairies, woodlands, or savannahs
located within the Project Location or 50 m
setback. There were swales, mixed meadow,
and ditches observed within 50 m of the Project
Location; however, this species was not
observed during ELC surveys in those areas.
n/a n/a
Hoary Tick-
trefoil
Hoary Tick-trefoil can be found in shady areas with
well drained or dry soils. Blooming period is the
month of August.7
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- Since the Project is located entirely on an active
agricultural field, with no shady areas, habitat
for this species is not present. Further, this
species was not noted during ELC surveys.
n/a n/a
Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report
P a g e | 36
Wildlife
Habitat Definition of Habitat
1
Habitat Composition:
Attributes, Condition and
Function
Photo Record
(Appendix B)
Location Status
Rationale for Status
Project
Components
within
50 m
Distance
to Nearest
Project
Component
(m)
Wit
hin
Pro
ject
Loca
tio
n
Wit
hin
50
m o
f
Pro
ject
Lo
cati
on
No
t A
pp
licab
le
Can
did
ate
Pre
vio
usl
y
Eval
uat
ed
Sign
ific
ant
Ge
ne
raliz
ed
Can
did
ate
Sign
ific
ant
Wild
life
Hab
itat
*
Illinois
Greenbrier
Habitat of this species includes riverside thickets and
low wooded areas and blooms from May to June.13
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- Preferred habitat for this species does not occur
within the Project Location or 50 m setback.
Further, this species was not noted during ELC
surveys.
n/a n/a
Large Yellow
Pond Lily
This species is found in lakes, ponds, and quiet stream
and rivers.10
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- No wetlands were observed within the Project
Location or 50 m setback. Drains within 50 m of
the Project Location do contain open water;
however, this species was not noted during ELC
surveys in those areas.
n/a n/a
Le Conte’s
Violet
This species inhabits river or stream floodplains,
forests, meadows and fields, shorelines, swamps and
wetland margins.15
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- There are no floodplains, forests, shorelines,
swamps, or wetland communities located within
the Project Location or 50 m setback. Further,
this species was not noted during ELC surveys.
n/a n/a
Long-spined
Hawthorn
This species occurs in disturbed habitats, along forest
edges, meadows and fields, and in shrub lands or
thickets.15
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- There are no shrubs or thickets located within
the Project Location or 50 m setback. There
were mixed meadow communities observed
within 50 m of the Project Location; however,
this species was not observed during ELC
surveys.
n/a n/a
Lowland
Brittle Fern
This species is found in shady areas of woodlands on
normal to moist soils. This species is spring
ephemeral.8
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- The Project area is entirely open with no
woodlands or shady areas. Further, this species
was not observed during ELC surveys.
n/a n/a
Missouri
Ironweed Missouri Ironweed occurs in prairies, openings and
edges of woodlands, swamps, seeps, shorelines,
overgrazed pastures, vacant lots, and along railroads.
The blooming period occurs from late summer to
early fall.2
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- Preferred habitat of this species does not occur
within the Project Location or 50 m setback.
There were mixed meadow communities
observed within 50 m of the Project Location;
however, this species was not observed during
ELC surveys.
n/a n/a
Nodding Wild
Onion
Nodding Wild onion is a perennial plant that grows in
dry woods, on rock outcroppings, and in prairies.
Nodding Wild Onion is normally found in high-quality
natural areas. Bloom mid-summer.2
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- There are no woodland or prairie habitats
located within the Project Location or 50 m
setback. Further, this species was not observed
during ELC surveys.
n/a n/a
Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report
P a g e | 37
Wildlife
Habitat Definition of Habitat
1
Habitat Composition:
Attributes, Condition and
Function
Photo Record
(Appendix B)
Location Status
Rationale for Status
Project
Components
within
50 m
Distance
to Nearest
Project
Component
(m)
Wit
hin
Pro
ject
Loca
tio
n
Wit
hin
50
m o
f
Pro
ject
Lo
cati
on
No
t A
pp
licab
le
Can
did
ate
Pre
vio
usl
y
Eval
uat
ed
Sign
ific
ant
Ge
ne
raliz
ed
Can
did
ate
Sign
ific
ant
Wild
life
Hab
itat
*
Prairie
Milkweed
Habitat of the Prairie Milkweed includes prairies,
moist meadows along rivers or near woodlands,
thickets, and roadside ditches. Prairie Milkweed is an
indicator of average to high quality prairies. Blooming
occurs early-mid-summer.2
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- There are no prairies, moist meadow, or thicket
habitats present within the Project Location or
50 m setback. Since the Project is located
entirely on an active agricultural field, habitat
for this species is not present. There were
roadside ditches observed within 50 m of the
Project Location; however, this species was not
observed during ELC surveys.
n/a n/a
Prairie
Rosinweed
Prairie Rosinweed can be found in prairies, rocky
woodlands, woodland borders, and old fields.
Blooming occurs mid-summer to fall.2
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- Since the Project is located entirely on an active
agricultural field, habitat for this species is not
present. Further, no Prairie Rosinweed was
noted during ELC surveys.
n/a n/a
Prairie Straw
Sedge
This species is found in fens and moist to wet
calcareous meadows and prairies. Blooming occurs
late May to early June.7
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- Since the Project is located entirely on an active
agricultural field, habitat for this species is not
present. Further, no Prairie Straw Sedge was
noted during ELC surveys.
n/a n/a
Pumpkin Ash Pumpkin Ash occurs in low, open, wet sites. Flowering
occurs in the early spring.9
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- Since the Project is located entirely on an active
agricultural field, habitat for this species is not
present. Further, this species was not observed
during ELC surveys.
n/a n/a
Riddell’s
Goldenrod
Riddell’s Goldenrod prefers open tallgrass prairie
habitat with moist to wet calcium-rich soils. In Ontario,
it also occurs in roadside ditches and along railway
right-of-ways.3
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- No prairie habitat is present within the Project
Location or 50 m setback. There were roadside
ditches observed within 50 m of the Project
Location; however, this species was not
observed during ELC surveys.
n/a n/a
Sessile-leaved
Tick-trefoil
Habitat for this species includes prairies, savannahs,
rocky open woodlands, and roadside embankments.
Blooming period is mid-late summer.2
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- There are no prairies, savannahs, or woodlands
present within the Project Location or 50 m
setback. This species was not observed during
ELC surveys.
n/a n/a
Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report
P a g e | 38
Wildlife
Habitat Definition of Habitat
1
Habitat Composition:
Attributes, Condition and
Function
Photo Record
(Appendix B)
Location Status
Rationale for Status
Project
Components
within
50 m
Distance
to Nearest
Project
Component
(m)
Wit
hin
Pro
ject
Loca
tio
n
Wit
hin
50
m o
f
Pro
ject
Lo
cati
on
No
t A
pp
licab
le
Can
did
ate
Pre
vio
usl
y
Eval
uat
ed
Sign
ific
ant
Ge
ne
raliz
ed
Can
did
ate
Sign
ific
ant
Wild
life
Hab
itat
*
Shellbark
Hickory
Can be found on moist to wet sites, usually on flooded
plains. Flowers in spring.9
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- Since the Project is located entirely on an active
agricultural field, habitat for this species is not
present. Further, no Shellbark Hickory was
noted during ELC surveys.
n/a n/a
Shumard Oak Shumard Oaks prefer moist soils, and can grow close to
water and in swampy areas. It typically grows in
deciduous forest or along fencerows.3
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- Since the Project is located entirely on an active
agricultural field, habitat for this species is not
present. Further, no Shumard Oaks were noted
during ELC surveys.
n/a n/a
Squarrose
Sedge
Squarrose Sedge is found in wet areas of woodlands,
prairies, swamps, sedge meadows, and gravelly seeps.
It usually occurs in shaded or partially shaded areas of
wetland. Blooming occurs late spring to mid-summer.2
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- The Project area is entirely open with no
wetlands or areas of wet woodlands or shady
areas. Further, this species was not observed
during ELC surveys.
n/a n/a
Stiff Cowbane Stiff cowbane is found in wet habitats including
meadows, prairies, fields, swamps, and marshes, and
requires partial shade. Bloom late summer to early
fall.1
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- There are no wet habitats or shady areas within
the Project Location or 50 m setback. Since the
Project is located entirely on an active
agricultural field, habitat for this species is not
present. Further, this species was not noted
during ELC surveys.
n/a n/a
Stiff-leaved
Goldenrod
Habitat of Stiff-leaved Goldenrod includes prairies,
thickets, savannahs, abandoned fields, and open areas
along railroads. Bloom late summer to fall.2
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- Since the Project is located entirely on an active
agricultural field, habitat for this species is not
present. Further, no Stiff-leaved Goldenrod was
noted during ELC surveys.
n/a n/a
Swamp
Agrimony
Swamp Agrimony is found in floodplain woodlands,
swamps, soggy thickets, gravelly seeps, prairies, and
roadside ditches. It prefers full sun to light shade. The
blooming period occurs from mid to late summer.2
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- Since the Project is located entirely on an active
agricultural field, and no woodlands, prairies,
thickets, swamps, or seeps are present, habitat
for this species is not present. Further, no
Swamp Agrimony was noted during ELC surveys.
n/a n/a
Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report
P a g e | 39
Wildlife
Habitat Definition of Habitat
1
Habitat Composition:
Attributes, Condition and
Function
Photo Record
(Appendix B)
Location Status
Rationale for Status
Project
Components
within
50 m
Distance
to Nearest
Project
Component
(m)
Wit
hin
Pro
ject
Loca
tio
n
Wit
hin
50
m o
f
Pro
ject
Lo
cati
on
No
t A
pp
licab
le
Can
did
ate
Pre
vio
usl
y
Eval
uat
ed
Sign
ific
ant
Ge
ne
raliz
ed
Can
did
ate
Sign
ific
ant
Wild
life
Hab
itat
*
Swamp Rose-
mallow
In Ontario, Swamp Rose-mallow is restricted to
shoreline marshes, in the Carolinian and Great Lakes -
St. Lawrence forest regions, associated with lakes Erie,
Ontario or St. Clair.
Swamp Rose-mallow is most commonly found in deep-
water cattail marshes and in meadow marshes. It
reaches its greatest numbers in dyked wetlands, where
competition from other plants is controlled and the
open habitat is maintained by periodic flooding. It is
also found in open wet woods, thickets, spoil banks,
and drainage ditches. 3
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- No wetlands, or wet woodland, or thicket
habitats are present within the Project Location
or 50 m setback. Since the Project is located
entirely on an active agricultural field, habitat
for this species is not present. Drainage ditches
are located within 50 m of the Project Location;
however, this species was not noted during ELC
surveys in those areas.
n/a n/a
Tall Boneset This species occurs in prairies, savannahs, thickets,
openings in upland forests, dry banks of lakes,
pastures, abandoned fields, fence rows, vacant lots,
and areas along railroads. The species prefers full or
partial sun. The blooming period occurs from late
summer to early fall.2
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- None of the preferred habitat types for this
species occur within the Project Location and 50
m setback. Further, this species was not
observed during ELC surveys.
n/a n/a
Tall Tickseed Tall Tickseed grows in open areas of woodlands, along
roadsides, and in damp prairies in partial shade. The
blooming period for this species is July through
September.1
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- There are no woodlands, damp prairies, or
shady areas present within the Project Location
or 50 m setback. Further, this species was not
observed during ELC surveys.
n/a n/a
Thyme-leaved
Pinweed
Habitats of this species include sand prairies, openings
and edges of sandy oak woodlands, sandy oak
savannahs, rocky bluffs and cliffs, partially wooded
sand dunes, and edges of sandy marshes. Blooms
during the late summer.2
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- Since the Project is located entirely on an active
agricultural field, habitat for this species is not
present. Further, no Thyme-leaved Pinweed was
noted during ELC surveys.
n/a n/a
Winged
Loosestrife
Winged Loosestrife habitats include moist prairies,
marshes, fens, borders of water bodies, drainage
ditches, and low-lying areas around railroads. Bloom
mid-late summer.2
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- There are no moist prairies, wetlands, or water
bodies present within the Project Location or 50
m setback. Drainage ditches are present within
50 m of the Project Location; however, no
Winged Loosestrife was noted during ELC
surveys in those areas.
n/a n/a
Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report
P a g e | 40
Wildlife
Habitat Definition of Habitat
1
Habitat Composition:
Attributes, Condition and
Function
Photo Record
(Appendix B)
Location Status
Rationale for Status
Project
Components
within
50 m
Distance
to Nearest
Project
Component
(m)
Wit
hin
Pro
ject
Loca
tio
n
Wit
hin
50
m o
f
Pro
ject
Lo
cati
on
No
t A
pp
licab
le
Can
did
ate
Pre
vio
usl
y
Eval
uat
ed
Sign
ific
ant
Ge
ne
raliz
ed
Can
did
ate
Sign
ific
ant
Wild
life
Hab
itat
*
Wing-stem Wing-stem is found in moist prairies, moist meadows
near rivers and woodlands, thickets, savannahs,
shaded seeps, pastures, abandoned fields, and
roadside ditches. The blooming period occurs from
late summer to early fall.2
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- Since the Project is located entirely on an active
agricultural field, habitat for this species is not
present. Further, no Wing-stem was noted
during ELC surveys.
n/a n/a
Common
Nighthawk
Traditional Common Nighthawk habitat consists of
open areas with little to no ground vegetation, such as
logged or burned-over areas, forest clearings, rock
barrens, peat bogs, lakeshores, and mine tailings.
Although the species also nests in cultivated fields,
orchards, urban parks, mine tailings and along gravel
roads and railways, they tend to occupy natural sites.3
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- Since the Project is located entirely on an active
agricultural field, habitat for this species is not
present. Additionally, this species was not
observed field surveys.
n/a n/a
Peregrine
Falcon
Peregrine Falcons usually nest on tall, steep cliff ledges
close to large bodies of water. Although most people
associate Peregrine Falcons with rugged wilderness,
some of these birds have adapted well to city life.
Urban peregrines raise their young on ledges of tall
buildings, even in busy downtown areas. Cities offer
peregrines a good year-round supply of pigeons and
starlings to feed on.3
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- Since the Project is located entirely on an active
agricultural field, habitat for this species is not
present. Additionally, no Peregrine Falcons were
observed during site investigations.
n/a n/a
Redheaded
Woodpecker
The Red-headed Woodpecker lives in open woodland
and woodland edges, and is often found in parks, golf
courses and cemeteries. These areas typically have
many dead trees, which the bird uses for nesting and
perching.3
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- Since the Project is located entirely on an active
agricultural field, habitat for this species is not
present. There are no woodlands within the
Project Location or the 50 m setback.
n/a n/a
Wood Thrush The Wood Thrush lives in mature deciduous and mixed
forests. They seek moist stands of trees with well-
developed undergrowth and tall trees for singing
perches.3
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback. n/a --- --- --- --- ---
Wood Thrush has been categorized under
Woodland Area Sensitive Bird Breeding Habitat.
n/a n/a
Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report
P a g e | 41
Wildlife
Habitat Definition of Habitat
1
Habitat Composition:
Attributes, Condition and
Function
Photo Record
(Appendix B)
Location Status
Rationale for Status
Project
Components
within
50 m
Distance
to Nearest
Project
Component
(m)
Wit
hin
Pro
ject
Loca
tio
n
Wit
hin
50
m o
f
Pro
ject
Lo
cati
on
No
t A
pp
licab
le
Can
did
ate
Pre
vio
usl
y
Eval
uat
ed
Sign
ific
ant
Ge
ne
raliz
ed
Can
did
ate
Sign
ific
ant
Wild
life
Hab
itat
*
Snapping
Turtle
Snapping Turtles prefer shallow waters so they can
hide under the soft mud and leaf litter, with only their
noses exposed for breathing. During the nesting
season, from early to mid-summer, females travel
overland in search of a suitable nesting site, usually
gravelly or sandy areas along streams. 3
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- ---
This species has been considered under Turtle
Nesting Habitat and Turtle Overwintering Areas.
Although no suitable nesting habitat was found
within the Project Location or surrounding 50 m,
since one individual was observed, Best
Management Practices will be included in the
EIS report to protect any incidental turtles
during construction activities.
Black Dash Habitat includes boggy marshes, wet meadows, and
marshy stream banks.11
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- There are no wetland areas or meadows present
within the Project Location or 50 m setback.
Since the Project is located entirely on an active
agricultural field, habitat for this species is not
present.
n/a n/a
Blue-tipped
Dancer
This species occurs in stream, rivers, and swamps.
Usually perches on the ground.12
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- There are no wetland areas, or stream or rivers
present within the Project Location or 50 m
setback. There are agricultural drains within the
50 m setback, however, as they carry run-off
water from agricultural and industrial areas,
they would not provide suitable habitat.
n/a n/a
Common
Sootywing
Habitat includes open or disturbed areas such as
landfills, vacant lots, gardens, roadsides, fields, and
pastures. Females lay single eggs on host plant leaves.
Host plants include lambsquarters, amaranths, and
cockscomb.11
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- Since the Project is located entirely on an active
agricultural field, habitat for this species is not
present. Further, none of the caterpillar host
species were indicated during ELC surveys.
n/a n/a
Dion Skipper The Dion Skipper occurs in swamps, open marshes,
and bogs.11
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- No wetland areas are present within the Project
Location or 50 m setback. Since the Project is
located entirely on an active agricultural field,
habitat for this species is not present.
n/a n/a
Double-striped
Bluet
Habitat for this species occurs in permanent and semi-
permanent ponds, lakes, reservoirs, and slow portions
of stream and rivers.12
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- No open water features (ponds, lakes, rivers
etc.) are present within the Project Location or
within the 50 m setback. There are agricultural
drains within the 50 m setback, however, as
they carry run-off water from agricultural and
industrial areas, they would not provide suitable
habitat.
n/a n/a
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Wildlife
Habitat Definition of Habitat
1
Habitat Composition:
Attributes, Condition and
Function
Photo Record
(Appendix B)
Location Status
Rationale for Status
Project
Components
within
50 m
Distance
to Nearest
Project
Component
(m)
Wit
hin
Pro
ject
Loca
tio
n
Wit
hin
50
m o
f
Pro
ject
Lo
cati
on
No
t A
pp
licab
le
Can
did
ate
Pre
vio
usl
y
Eval
uat
ed
Sign
ific
ant
Ge
ne
raliz
ed
Can
did
ate
Sign
ific
ant
Wild
life
Hab
itat
*
Duke’s Skipper Occurs in shaded swamps, or partially shaded marshes
or ditches.11
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- No wetlands or shady areas are present as the
Project Location is entirely within an active
agricultural field. No habitat is present within
the Project Location or 50 m setback.
n/a n/a
Elusive
Clubtail
Breeds in large, warm water, stream and occur along
open river channels, perching in trees.12
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- No open water features (open river channels,
large streams etc.) or wooded areas are present
within the Project Location or within the
surrounding 50 m. There are agricultural drains
within the 50 m setback, however, as they carry
run-off water from agricultural and industrial
areas, they would not provide suitable habitat.
n/a n/a
Giant
Swallowtail
Habitat includes deciduous forests and citrus
orchards.11
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- Since the Project is located entirely on an active
agricultural field, habitat for this species is not
present. There are no woodlands within the
Project Location or the 50 m setback.
n/a n/a
Hackberry
Emperor
Occurs in open woodlands and forest edges wherever
Hackberry trees occur.11
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- Since the Project is located entirely on an active
agricultural field, habitat for this species is not
present. There are no woodlands within the
Project Location or the 50 m setback and no
Hackberry trees were observed during field
investigations.
n/a n/a
Monarch In Canada, Monarchs are most abundant in southern
Ontario and Quebec where milkweed plants and
breeding habitat are widespread. During late summer
and fall, Monarchs from Ontario migrate to central
Mexico where they spend the winter months. During
migration, groups of Monarchs numbering in the
thousands can be seen along the north shores of Lake
Ontario and Lake Erie.
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- Monarch Butterfly has been considered under
Migratory Butterfly Stopover Habitat. Further,
the Project Location and 50 m setback area did
not contain an abundance of milkweed that
would support habitat for this species.
n/a n/a
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Wildlife
Habitat Definition of Habitat
1
Habitat Composition:
Attributes, Condition and
Function
Photo Record
(Appendix B)
Location Status
Rationale for Status
Project
Components
within
50 m
Distance
to Nearest
Project
Component
(m)
Wit
hin
Pro
ject
Loca
tio
n
Wit
hin
50
m o
f
Pro
ject
Lo
cati
on
No
t A
pp
licab
le
Can
did
ate
Pre
vio
usl
y
Eval
uat
ed
Sign
ific
ant
Ge
ne
raliz
ed
Can
did
ate
Sign
ific
ant
Wild
life
Hab
itat
*
Mottled
Darner
This species prefers marshes and bogs with open
water, coastal plain ponds, small lakes, and bays of
larger lakes.8
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- No marshes, bogs, or areas of open water are
present within the Project Location or 50 m
setback. There are agricultural drains within the
50 m setback, however, as they carry run-off
water from agricultural and industrial areas,
they would not provide suitable habitat for this
species.
n/a n/a
Pronghorn
Clubtail
Habitat for this species includes ponds, lakes, and
slow-moving areas of stream.12
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- No open water features (ponds, lakes, rivers
etc.) are present within the Project Location or
within the 50 m setback. There are agricultural
drains within the 50 m setback, however, as
they carry run-off water from agricultural and
industrial areas, they would not provide suitable
habitat.
n/a n/a
River Bluet The River Bluet is restricted to streams and rivers.
They prefer slow streams and small rivers mostly in
open country, but having a riparian component. These
habitat types are often associated with outflow of
warm springs.15
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- There are no streams or rivers present within
the Project Location or 50 m setback. There are
agricultural drains within the 50 m setback,
however, as they carry run-off water from
agricultural and industrial areas, they would not
provide suitable habitat.
n/a n/a
Royal River
Cruiser
Occurs along large stream and rivers.12 Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- No open water features (large rivers, large
streams etc.) or wooded areas are present
within the Project Location or within the 50 m
setback. There are agricultural drains within the
50 m setback; however, as they carry run-off
water from agricultural and industrial areas,
they would not provide suitable habitat.
n/a n/a
Sleepy
Duskywing
This species is found in oak or oak-pine scrub habitats,
or on barrens with well-drained soils.11
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- Since the Project is located entirely on an active
agricultural field, habitat for this species is not
present.
n/a n/a
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Wildlife
Habitat Definition of Habitat
1
Habitat Composition:
Attributes, Condition and
Function
Photo Record
(Appendix B)
Location Status
Rationale for Status
Project
Components
within
50 m
Distance
to Nearest
Project
Component
(m)
Wit
hin
Pro
ject
Loca
tio
n
Wit
hin
50
m o
f
Pro
ject
Lo
cati
on
No
t A
pp
licab
le
Can
did
ate
Pre
vio
usl
y
Eval
uat
ed
Sign
ific
ant
Ge
ne
raliz
ed
Can
did
ate
Sign
ific
ant
Wild
life
Hab
itat
*
Southern
Cloudywing
Habitat includes open, scrubby areas, dry meadows,
burned areas, dry prairies, and hydro corridors.11
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- There are no scrub areas or prairies within the
Project Location or 50 m setback. Since the
Project is located entirely on an active
agricultural field, habitat for this species is not
present.
n/a n/a
Unicorn
Clubtail
This species can be found in ponds and sluggish
streams with little vegetation. Their flight period is
late June.7
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- There are no ponds located within the Project
Location or 50 m setback. There are agricultural
drains within the 50 m setback, however, as
they carry run-off water from agricultural and
industrial areas, they would not provide suitable
habitat.
n/a n/a
Animal Movement Corridors
Amphibians
Corridors are determined based on the identification of
significant breeding habitat for amphibians.
Movement corridors between breeding habitat and
summer habitat must be determined when amphibian
breeding habitat is confirmed as significant wildlife
habitat. Corridors may be found in all ecosites
associated with water. Corridors should be at least 200
m wide with gaps <20 m, and, if following riparian
area, with at least 15 m of vegetation on both sides of
waterway.
Potential habitat does not
exist within the Project
Location or 50 m setback.
n/a --- --- --- --- --- This type of habitat is not present with the
Project Location or 50 m setback. No wetland
areas or areas of open water are present and
the closest wetland is >50 m from the Project
Location. In the absence of significant
amphibian breeding habitat, amphibian
movement corridors are not defined.
n/a n/a
1Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center-Database;
2Illinois Wildflowers;
3MNR Species at Risk Website;
4Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife;
5Minnesota Wildflowers;
6University of Michigan;
7Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources;
8iNaturalist.org;
9Trees of Ontario;
10Wetland Plants of Ontario;
11Butterflies and Moths of North America;
12BugGuide.net;
13Royal Ontario Museum;
14Evergreen-Native Plant Database;
15New England Wildflower Society.
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8. SUMMARY OF AMENDMENTS TO THE RECORDS REVIEW
Based on the results of the site investigations, the boundaries and extent of all natural features were
confirmed and/or refined. From a comparison of the features identified during the records review and
the observations made during the site investigation, there are amendments required with respect to the
natural features determined to exist within the Project Location and 50 m setback. These amendments
apply to the addition of Candidate Significant Wildlife habitat for Climbing Prairie Rose and Giant
Ironweed, and Candidate Colonially - Nesting Bird Habitat (Ground) for Brewer’s Blackbird. These
amendments have been made to the mapping prepared during the records review (Figure 3) and the
revised boundaries of natural features based on site investigation work are shown on Figure 6.
On the west side of the Project Location, both candidate Climbing Prairie Rose and Giant Ironweed
habitats occur within an existing narrow roadside ditch within the Project Location boundary. Figure 6
shows these features as adjacent to one another within the agricultural field; however they are depicted
that way for location only, as they exist in the area covered by the Project Location boundary, and would
all be overlapping. Table 8 identifies any necessary corrections to the determinations made during the
records review for natural features located within 50 m of the Project Location.
Rivard Drain
L ittl
eRiv
er
McGill Drain
Rusette Drain
Lappan Drain
Branch of Rusette Drain
McGill Drain
M
cGill
Drain
Rusette Drain
Lappan Drain
Windsor Airport Swamps (ER 23)
E C ROW EXPRESSWAY
E C ROW EXPRESSWAY
COUNTY ROAD 42
LAU
ZON
PARKW
AY
RHODES DRIVE
NORTH SERVICE ROAD EAST
CO
NC
ESS
ION
RO
AD
9
JEFFERSON
RD.
PILETTE RD
.
SHO
OTIN
G R
AN
GE RD
.
LAU
ZON
ROA
D
M UN ICH COURT
SERVICE ROAD SOUTH
TWIN OAKS DRIVE
SERVICE
ROA
DSO
UTH
WINDSOR SOLAR PROJECT
FIGURE 6SITE INVESTIGATION
0 100 200 30050 m ²MAP DRAWING INFORMATION:DATA PROVIDED BY MNR
MAP CREATED BY: GMMAP CHECKED BY: JPMAP PROJECTION: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 17N
FILE LOCATION: I:\GIS\149152 - Samsung Windsor\mxd\Site Investigation\
PROJECT: 149152STATUS: DRAFTDATE: 10/17/2014
1:10,000
55 m
56 m
266 m
East Perimeter Woods
Jefferson Woodlot
Project Location
Project Location 50 m Setback
Project Location 120 m Setback
Project Location 300 m Setback
Railway
Municipal Drain/Stream
Ephemeral Stream
Candidate Giant Ironweed Habitat
Wetland
Woodland
Candidate Climbing Prairie Rose Habitat/Candidate Giant Ironweed HabitatCandidate Colonially-Nesting Bird Breeding Habitat (Ground)for Brewer's Blackbird
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Table 8: Summary of Amendments to the Records Review
Natural Feature ID Identified During
Records Review?
Amendment to
Records Review
Required?
Source of
Information for
Amendment
Change in Distance
Relative to Project
Location?
Summary of Amendments
Wetlands
Windsor Airport Swamps Yes No LIO Mapping No None. No wetlands are present within the Project Location or 50 m
setback. This feature will not be carried forward to the Evaluation of
Significance.
Woodlands
Airport Woodlands Yes No LIO Mapping No None. No woodlands are present within the Project Location or 50 m
setback. This feature will not be carried forward to the Evaluation of
Significance.
Wildlife Habitat
Seasonal Concentration Areas
Colonially- Nesting Bird Habitat (Ground) for Brewer’s Blackbird No Yes Site Investigation Yes Addition of Candidate Significant Wildlife Habitat for Colonial Nesting
Bird Habitat (Ground) for Brewer’s Blackbird within the Project Location
and 50 m setback. This feature will be carried forward to the Evaluation
of Significance.
Rare Vegetation Communities
None identified within the Project Location or adjacent lands within 50 metres
Specialised Wildlife Habitat
None identified within the Project Location or adjacent lands within 50 metres
Habitat of Species of Conservation Concern
Climbing Prairie Rose Habitat No Yes Site Investigation Yes Addition of Candidate Significant Wildlife Habitat for Climbing Prairie
Rose habitat located within the Project Location and 50 m setback. This
feature will be carried forward to the Evaluation of Significance.
Giant Ironweed No Yes Site Investigation Yes Addition of Candidate Significant Wildlife Habitat for Giant Ironweed
habitat located within the Project Location and 50 m setback. This
feature will be carried forward to the Evaluation of Significance.
Animal Movement Corridors
None identified within the Project Location or adjacent lands within 50 m
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9. CONCLUSIONS
This report is intended to fulfill requirements for the NHA Site Investigation Report under Ontario
Regulation 359/09. Based on the results of the site investigations, this report identified the accuracy
of the records review, the addition of any previously unidentified natural features, the boundaries of
natural features located within 50 m of the Project Location, and the distance of natural features from
the Project Location (Figure 7).
This NHA Site Investigation Report is the second report in a series that will fulfill the natural heritage
assessment component of the REA process. Site investigations were carried out based on the results
of a completed records review as well as consultation with the MNRF. Applicable natural features
identified as being within 50 metres of a Project component will require an evaluation of significance
based on information confirmed during the records review, site investigation and in consultation with
appropriate agencies (REA Section 27). The natural features applicable to the Project are Candidate
Climbing Prairie Rose Habitat, Candidate Giant Ironweed Habitat, and Candidate Colonially-Nesting
Bird Habitat (Ground) for Brewer’s Blackbird (Table 9) and will be evaluated in the NHA Evaluation of
Significance Report.
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Table 9: Identified Natural Features within 50 m of the Project Location
Natural Feature ID
Feature in Relation to
Project Location
Evaluation of Significance Status
Wit
hin
Wit
hin
Pre
scri
be
d
Setb
ack
Re
qu
ire
s
Eval
uat
ion
Pre
vio
usl
y
Eval
uat
ed
Eval
uat
ion
no
t
Re
qu
ire
d*
Wetlands
Windsor Airport Swamps No No n/a. Features not within 50 m
Woodlands
Airport Woodlands No No n/a. Features not within 50 m
Candidate Significant Wildlife Habitat
Seasonal Concentration Areas
Colonially- Nesting Bird Habitat (Ground) for Brewer’s Blackbird Yes Yes Yes No n/a
Rare Vegetation Communities
None identified within the Project Location or prescribed setback.
Specialised Wildlife Habitat
None identified within the Project Location or prescribed setback.
Habitat of Species of Conservation Concern
Climbing Prairie Rose Habitat Yes Yes Yes No n/a
Giant Ironweed Habitat Yes Yes Yes No n/a
Animal Movement Corridors
None identified within the Project Location or prescribed setback.
Generalized Candidate Significant Wildlife Habitat
None identified within the Project Location or prescribed setback.
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*an evaluation would not be required if the natural feature is located entirely within the 50 metre setback, it is being treated as significant (i.e., studies to evaluate significance will be done pre-construction), or it is assumed significant (i.e., studies to verify provincial significance will not be undertaken or wildlife habitat has been deemed largely unimpacted by the development of a solar facility)
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10. REFERENCES
BirdLife International. Important Bird Areas. http://www.bsc-eoc.org/iba/site.jsp?siteID=ON152&lang=EN. Accessed April 2014. Bird Studies Canada. 2010. Christmas Bird Count. Data from 2012.
http://netapp.audubon.org/CBCObservation/CurrentYear/ResultsByCount.aspx. Accessed April 2014.
Cadman, M., Sutherland, D., Beck, G., Lepage, D., Couturier, A. 2005. Atlas of the Breeding Birds of
Ontario: Second Atlas (2001-2005). Bird Studies Canada, Environment Canada, Ontario Field Ornithologists, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, and Ontario Nature. http://www.birdsontario.org/atlas/index.jsp. Accessed April 2014.
City of Windsor. Official Plan and Schedules. 2013. City of Windsor. Ojibway Nature Centre. Last updated November 2013.
http://www.ojibway.ca/index.htm. Accessed April 2014. City of Windsor. June 2008. Update to the Candidate Natural Heritage System (CNHS) Inventory. 235 pp. Dobbyn, J. 1994. Atlas of the Mammals of Ontario. Federation of Ontario Naturalists, Don Mills. Environment Canada. Species at Risk Public Registry. http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca.
Accessed April 2014. Henson, B.L., and Brodribb, K.E. 2005. Great Lakes Conservation Blueprint for Terrestrial Biodiversity:
Volume 2: Ecodistrict Summaries. 344pp.
Lee, H.T., W.D. Bakowsky, J. Riley, J. Bowles, M. Puddister, P. Uhlig and S. McMurray. 1998. Ecological Land Classification for Southern Ontario: First Approximation and Its Application. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Southcentral Science Section, Science Development and Transfer Branch. SCSS Field Guide FG-02.
McCormick Rankin Corporation. August 2013. Lauzon Parkway Improvements Class EA Study. Appendix F Part A- Natural Environment- Existing Conditions. 44 pp.
Ontario Nature. Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas (Updated 2013).
http://www.ontarionature.org/protect/species/reptiles_and_amphibians/index.php. Accessed April 2014.
Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas. 2001. Guide for Participants. Atlas Management Board, Federation of
Ontario Naturalists, Don Mills. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Crown Land Use Policy Atlas. http://crownlanduseatlas.mnr.gov.on.ca/clupa.html. Accessed April 2014.
Windsor Solar Project Natural Heritage Assessment Site Investigation Report
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Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Land Information Ontario.
http://www.giscoeapp.lrc.gov.on.ca/web/MNR/NHLUPS/NaturalHeritage/Viewer/Viewer.html. Accessed April 2014.
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. March 2010. Natural Heritage Reference Manual for Natural
Heritage Policies of the Provincial Policy Statement, 2005. Second Edition. Toronto: Queen’s Printer for Ontario. 248pp.
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Natural Heritage Information Centre Database.
http://nhic.mnr.gov.on.ca/. Accessed April 2014. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. The Species at Risk in Ontario (SARO) List. http://www.e-
laws.gov.on.ca/html/regs/english/elaws_regs_080230_e.htm. Accessed April 2014. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2012. Significant Wildlife Habitat Ecoregion 7E Criterion
Schedule. 37 pp. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2012. Natural Heritage Assessment Guide for Renewable Energy
Projects. Second Edition. 109pp. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2013. Ontario Wetland Evaluation System Southern Manual.
3rd Edition. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2000. Significant Wildlife Habitat Technical Guide. 151pp. Ontario Nature. Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas 2010 (Updated 2013).
http://www.ontarionature.org/protect/species/reptiles_and_amphibians/index.php. Accessed April 2014.
Toronto Entomologists Association. Ontario Butterfly Atlas Online (Updated 2013).
http://www.ontarioinsects.org/atlas_online.htm. Accessed April 2014.