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Hamilton-Halton Watershed Stewardship Program
Begun in 1994 and still on-going this program has priorities
of fish and wildlife habitat rehabilitation, rural non-point
source control, education and communications. This watershed-wide
program is supported by corporate, agencies organizations and
private landowners
This support is the foundation upon which the Bay Area Restoration
Council (BARC) initiated the Hamilton Harbour Watershed Stewardship
Project (HHWSP) together with the Hamilton Region Conservation
Authority and Conservation Halton in 1994. The responsibility
for this single watershed crosses many boundaries. For example,
it covers 5 federal electoral ridings, showing the incredible
cooperation and support of those caring for the 'water that we
walk on' i.e. their watershed.
BEFORE AFTER
 
The stewardship agreements in the harbour watershed cover over
6,500 hectares (ha) of land, which includes 120 kilometres (km)
of riparian habitat and 2,900 ha of significant wetland and upland
habitat in the Spencer and Grindstone Creek subwatersheds. Since
1994, over 3,000 urban and rural landowners have shared information
about their individual roles in the protection and enhancement
of locally significant wetlands, uplands and riparian areas of
the harbour watershed. Over 350 landowners have made verbal
agreements to consider the affects of their land management practices
on the health of the harbour watershed. Another 900 or more landowners
are conservation-minded.
By the end of 2002, 219 landowners had become involved in various
rehabilitation projects which include establishing riparian buffers,
enhancing wetland and upland habitat, fencing cattle from creeks,
constructing manure storage facilities, and controlling erosion
in the Hamilton Harbour Watershed. Landowners receive technical,
financial and volunteer assistance to implement these projects,
and sign 10 year management agreements.
Over 12 km of riparian habitat and almost 46 ha of upland and
wetland habitat have been rehabilitated. The planting of indigenous
species of vegetation and bioengineering is promoted and implemented.
In some cases, plant stock has been provided by BARC's Classroom
Nursery Program or through plant rescues. Almost 1,600 volunteers
(not including landowners) have participated in planting projects
since 1996, and this is expected to continue. Current projects
under negotiation could result in an additional 10 km of riparian
habitat and 37 ha of upland and wetland being restored, as well
as additional projects to address non-point source pollution
in the near future.
In 1999, the Hamilton Region Conservation Authority and Conservation
Halton signed a memorandum of agreement to expand stewardship
activities to watersheds outside the Hamilton Harbour Watershed.
The watersheds include Bronte Creek, Fifty Creek and Stoney Creek
watersheds.
- By February 13, 2003:
- Over 3,800 volunteer hours have been devoted since 1994
- Over 38,000 trees and shrubs have been planted
- Over 11,000 herbaceous species have been planted
- 40 Youth have been employed through the HHWSP
The ongoing development and implementation of strategies, like
watershed studies, source protection planning, and natural heritage
strategies continue to involve partnerships with organizations
including BARC. Landowners and the community are all involved
in protection, rehabilitation and monitoring activities in watersheds
of Hamilton-Wentworth and Halton Regions beyond 2005.
The HHWSP received National recognition by Wildlife Habitat
Canada's Countryside Canada Stewardship Award Program. See Hamilton
Region Conservation Authority www.hamrca.on.ca/
ACTIVITY 1
On an Ontario map, locate the watershed of the Hamilton Region
CA.
- What is the total area of the watershed?
- Name the major groups that support
this program.
- List at least 5 differences seen between before and after
photographs.
- 4.Examine the priorities stated and, using the photographs,
state how these are being met.
ACTIVITY 2 - Research:
Locate the Conservation Authority for your area and find out
if a similar program is underway.
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